Tromsø in February: What’s On, Best Activities, & Tips

Heading to Tromsø in February this year and looking for some travel tips and the best things to do? This guide has you covered!

February in Tromsø is an epic time to visit and probably my favorite winter month in the city!

While the city is still busy, it is edging toward spring and the skies start clearing a bit by the end of the month, allowing for better northern lights opportunities and weather.

In this guide, I will cover what to expect on a February trip to Tromsø. I’ll detail the top things to do, which tours are unavailable, what to wear, travel tips, and some weather information that is important to know before your trip.

Did I miss anything? Let me know if you have any comments or things to add – thanks!

February Weather in Tromsø

It’s still very cold in Tromso at this time of year, with temperatures typically staying below freezing. You can expect average temperatures of between -6°C to -1°C (21.2°F to 30.2°F), although it does start to warm up toward the end of February.

In terms of snowfall, average levels range from 32.5 cm to 44.3 cm (12.7 inches to 17.4 inches). Levels are higher at the start of February and decrease as March starts to creep in.

You can also expect cloud cover, but it starts improving toward the end of February.

Best Things to Do in Tromsø in February

1. Chase the northern lights.

I assume you came to Tromsø to do just that, right? February is a great time to see them and while it is not as good as March tends to be (and the weather can play nasty sometimes), it is still the season and there are plenty of opportunities.

If it is your first time looking out for the aurora, I do recommend a northern lights tour. A guide will take you and a small group out of the city into the wilderness and away from light pollution. This will give you the ultimate chance to see them. They will also search for areas of clear skies (which are necessary for viewing). Snacks and warm drinks are included.

This tour with Arctic GM offers a 100% guarantee and is a top-rated northern lights tour. It is a bit pricier than others, but worth the cost. If you’re looking for a slightly cheaper option, consider this aurora tour from Arctic Breeze (about $50 cheaper).

A few places you can head to for viewing without a tour are Prestvannet, Telegrafbukta, and Storsteinen. Just be aware that Fjellheisen, the cable car that takes you to Storsteinen, is often really crowded in the evenings and the wait may be long.

2. Check Out the Arctic Cathedral.

The Arctic Cathedral is one of Tromso’s most popular attractions and it’s not hard to see why! This iconic landmark has been around since the 1960s and is known for its gorgeous exterior.

The building was designed by Jan Inge Hovig and is made up of 11 huge triangles. These triangles are made of white concrete and were inspired by the shape of Arctic winter ice, although they also represent the 11 apostles.

The interior of the Arctic Cathedral is just as beautiful with its huge stained-glass window, breathtaking chandelier, and large organ.

You can visit the inside of the cathedral from 11am until 5pm and on Wednesdays from 2pm until 5pm and Sundays from 1pm until 5pm). The church is actively working.

3. Experience the Sami National Day (and Sami Week).

Sami National Day takes place February 6 and Sami Week takes place around it (runs from February 3-9, 2025 this year). This was one of my favorite experiences in Tromsø and one I think is worth checking out when there in February!

The city has a lot of exhibitions and celebrations and you can do everything from watching Sami films at the cinema, taking a Sami language course, seeing reindeer racing, and watching lasso competitions.

There are lectures, concerts, and a lot of other activities. Do note that you may need tickets for certain events (can usually purchase them on the spot but beware that they get crowded).

You can learn about Sami Week and other events here.

4. Go to the Northern Lights Festival.

The Northern Lights Festival is one of the best things to do in February in Tromsø. This 10-day music festival starts at the end of January and runs into February (this year it mostly falls in January with dates of January 23 to February 1, 2025).

The festival started in 1988 and over the years, has become a huge music event in the city. Although the festival focuses on classical music, it also offers a variety of other musical genres so there’s something for everyone.

Both established and upcoming artists take place in this festival, so it’s a great opportunity to admire the local talent. Just make sure you book tickets in advance.

5. Take a ride up the mountain on Fjellheisen Cable Car.

Although a popular activity at any time of year, don’t miss out on riding the Fjellheisen Cable Car during your visit in February.

From Solliveien in Tromsdalen, you’ll head up to Storsteinen which is located at
421 meters (1,381 feet) above sea level. The journey takes just four minutes and you’ll be treated to breathtaking city views.

While some people go up there for the aurora, I prefer to go during the day because daylight has come back and you can see how beautiful the city looks!

6. Visit the Tromsø Ice Domes snowpark.

Tromsø Ice Domes opens in December and visiting on your February trip is one of my top recommendations!

Located around 95km away from Tromsø in the Tamok Valley, this snow park was once an ice hotel that is now just taking day visitors where you’ll get to explore gorgeous ice sculptures, snow mazes, and more! The theme and designs change annually and they bring in artists to create the masterpieces.

You can easily get to the Tromsø Ice Domes from the city center with an arranged tour out there. This is how I did it and recommend it!

7. Rejuvenate yourself at MS Vulkana Spa.

One of my favorite experiences in Tromsø is the Vulkana Arctic Spa – so much so that I even wrote an entire guide about my time there (and how you can also visit). This former fishing vessel regains a new life as a spa, sauna, zen room, and more.

You can book a timeslot and head there for a couple of hours to relax in between your busy activity schedule. February is a great time to head there as the boat starts doing some trips away during March and April as it takes people from Europe out ski touring (since the snow is on its way out in mainland Europe).

Activities It Is Too Late For

Sadly, whale watching ends in January, so that is no longer an option for visitors. While you can not get up to Skjervøy to see the whales from Tromsø anymore, you can take a fjord cruise that will get you out on the water.

What to Pack for February in Tromsø

February is very cold and I recommend taking the warmest clothing and gear you have. Be sure to pack base layers and good boots. Here are a few things I advise taking with you:

• Heavy parka (I like ones that are a bit longer as they keep your thighs warm as well)
• Mittens or gloves (I prefer mittens as they are warmer)
• Snowboots and wool socks
• Wool sweater
• Thermals (I love Kari Traa’s base layers)
• Mobile power bank (many phones drain in power with colder weather)
• Wool hat (I like ones from Haddock, a Henningsvær brand – you can purchase at Intersport in Tromsø if you want to wait until you get there)

If you are coming from somewhere warmer like India, Australia, or even parts of the US and this is your only winter trip planned, you might want to consider renting clothing! Tromsø Outdoor offers some Arctic clothing packages that you can rent for around $50/day. This is a great deal if you’re there for just a few days!

However, if you forgot something and want to purchase it in Tromsø, Intersport is located off of Storgata and should have whatever you didn’t bring.

Tips for Visiting Tromsø in February

➡️ It is a good idea to spend 3-4 days minimum in Tromsø if your budget allows for it. And be sure to book your northern lights tour on the first night of your trip (so you can rebook if you don’t get lucky enough to see them).

➡️ I wouldn’t recommend driving if you have no experience with the snow. If you are skilled with driving in the snow, you can rent a car and head to beautiful places like Senja, Ovre Dividal National Park, or Sommarøy.

➡️ Accommodation is super expensive in Tromsø – so book ahead as far as you can to ensure availability. I would not recommend Airbnb as it is creating problems for the locals. I also recommend booking tours far in advance. I had issues getting on a dog-sledding tour on my last trip because I didn’t listen to my own advice!

Tromsø in February FAQ

Is February a good time to visit Tromsø?

February is a great time to visit Tromso, as you’ll experience sunny days and longer daylight hours. It’s also a fantastic time of year to spot the northern lights if the skies are clear (better toward the end of the month).

The Northern Lights Festival and Sami National Day also take place at this time of year, and there are plenty of awesome winter activities on offer including ice fishing, dog-sledding, snowmobiling, and more.

Can you see the northern lights in Tromsø in February?

The aurora is visible in Tromsø from September until early April, so you can certainly see them in February. However, the sky needs to be clear, and light pollution can hinder weaker activity.

If you’ve never seen the northern lights, I suggest taking a tour.

What time does it get dark in Tromsø in February?

Although the sun sets later than in January, it still sets early in February. You can expect the sun to go down between 2:30 pm – 3 pm at the start of the month.

Towards the end of February, sunset typically occurs between 4 pm – 4:45 pm. This will give you more daylight hours to explore the city.

How many hours of daylight does Tromsø get in February?

The days get noticeably longer in February compared to January. At the start of February, you can expect between 5-6 hours of daylight.

Towards the end of the month, you’ll typically encounter between 8-9 hours of daylight, as the sun rises earlier and sets later.

Where to Stay in Tromsø

Arctic Homes Tromsø Residence (Luxury)

Arctic Homes is one of the most luxurious properties in Tromsø. This spacious apartment sleeps up to 9 and is great for those who want more space!

With three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a well-equipped kitchen, a spacious lounge, and a sun terrace, it has everything you could need. The views are breathtaking too.

Clarion Hotel The Edge (Mid-range)

Clarion Hotel The Edge is a popular hotel in Tromsø. It’s set in a great location and offers modern rooms, many of which feature fantastic city views.

If you stay here, you’ll benefit from the hotel’s incredible facilities. These include a rooftop bar, restaurant, fitness center, and living room bar. Breakfast is also included.

Comfort Hotel Xpress Tromsø (Budget)

Those on a budget should check out Comfort Hotel Xpress Tromsø. This hotel offers some of the cheapest rooms in the city and is in a great location for sightseeing.

There are 192 rooms to choose from and these sleep 2-3 people making it a great option for couples. There’s also a 24-hour lobby shop which has drinks and snacks.

Do you have any questions about booking a February trip to Tromsø? Let me know below if so!

More Month-by-Month Guides

• Tromsø in January
• Tromsø in March
• Tromsø in September
• Tromsø in October
• Tromsø in November
• Tromsø in December

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