Tromsø in January: What to Expect & Best Things to Do

Planning a trip to Tromsø in January and curious about what to expect and do when there? This guide should help!

January in Tromsø is still pretty busy but it is a great place to visit if you want to enjoy a true winter wonderland! Whale watching is still available, as is every other tour. It is the only month where you truly have access to everything available, making it a prime time to visit Norway’s Arctic capital.

Quick Tromsø Travel Guide

If you’re traveling to Tromsø last minute, ensure you have lodging and tours booked ahead of time (as much as you can)! Below are some of my top picks:

🐋 Best tours and activities from Tromsø:

Best northern lights tour from Tromsø (my favorite aurora tour in Tromsø!)
Reindeer feeding and Sami experience (most popular Sami tour; great for kids)
Whale-watching tour from Tromsø (last month for whale watching!)

🛌 Top hotels and lodging in Tromsø:

Clarion ‘The Edge’ (Tromsø’s most beautiful hotel – on the sea!)
Thon Hotel Tromsø (I’ve stayed here twice and recommend it!)
Radisson Blu (many tours leave from here – by the harbor)

🍲 Popular places to eat in Tromsø: Fiskekompaniet, Bardus Bistro, RUDA, Smørtorget, Størhus, Full Steam

✈️ Want to get from the airport to Tromsø hassle-free? Find the best airport transfer option here!

In this guide, I detail the best things to do in Tromsø in January, a few travel tips for the season, and information about what to expect regarding the weather.

If you have any questions about taking a January trip to Tromsø, let me know in the comments. Thanks!

January Weather in Tromsø

In January, the average temperature ranges from -6C to -2C (21.2F to 28.4F), so it will typically stay below freezing. However, the days will start to brighten up in mid-January, as the sun finally starts to rise again after the Polar Night Season.

Tourists in line at Raketten for a hotdog.

The average monthly snowfall ranges from 37 cm to 44.4 cm (14.5 inches to 17.4 inches), with levels seeing quite an increase compared to December.

As with the majority of winter months in Tromso, you can expect plenty of cloud cover in January, so it can be very overcast, which can make northern lights hunting unpredictable.

Best Things to Do Tromsø in January

1. Go hunting for the northern lights.

The northern lights season starts in Tromsø in September and runs through April, so January is one of the optimal months to see the aurora. While it is possible to see it, the weather is not always the most cooperative, so I suggest joining a tour!

Seeing the northern lights in the city — And sometimes you can see the aurora in the city!

Joining an aurora tour will maximize your chances of seeing it because it takes you out of the city to a couple of spots (the guides will try to find clear skies) where you can try to see it!

If you stay in the city, the light pollution can be annoying, and you’re waiting for clouds to clear. With a tour, you try to find those clear spots!

❄️ GOOD TO KNOW: The northern lights tour I suggest here offers a 30% discount on a second tour if you don’t get to see the aurora on your tour. This is a big deal – especially during January when it can be fairly cloudy.

If you are unable to join a tour but want to see them in Tromsø (weather permitting), try heading to Fjellheisen or Telegrafbukta.

>> Click here to check northern lights tour rates and availability

2. Mark the end of Tromsø’s whale watching season.

One of the best things to do in Tromsø in January is join a whale watching tour!

Tromsø’s whale watching season runs from November to the end of January and you are unable to go after as the whales leave Skjervøy. This is why I highly recommend going in January if you’re traveling there!

The trip I recommend is a silent catamaran with Brim Explorer. The tour is all day, so be sure not to plan anything else during that day!

>> Click here to check whale-watching rates and availability

3. Watch or take part in The Polar Night Marathon.

The Polar Night Marathon is one of the world’s coolest running events, as the sun doesn’t rise above the horizon at the start of January (it takes place on January 4, 2025 this year). Therefore, you’ll be running in the dark, and you might even get to see the aurora overhead.

The Polar Night Marathon is the largest winter race in Norway and attracts around 2000 runners from across the world. There are four different races; 5 km, 10 km, a half-marathon, and the Ishavskraft marathon.

If you don’t choose to participate, it’s a great event to watch as a spectator too, as you can watch people cross the finish line and cheer them on!

4. Celebrate the return of the sun.

January marks the end of the Polar Night Season when the sun will rise again. Not only will you experience more daylight (which is better for sightseeing), but you can also celebrate with the locals.

When the sun reappears in January (around January 15 but it starts to really get lighter around January 21), everyone celebrates by drinking hot chocolate and eating delicious solboller (sun buns).

These Norwegian sweet buns consist of a ‘sun of custard’, and are a rite of passage for when the Polar Night ends. You can find more information on Visit Norway.

You can find solboller all over Tromsø throughout the month, but if you want to have one at my favorite cafe, check out Smørtorget. I also love Vervet Bakeri.

5. Attend the Tromsø Film Festival.

The Tromsø International Film Festival is another cool event that takes place in January (January 13-19, 2025 this season). This festival has been running since 1991 and is set outdoors in the city’s main square, thanks to the dark polar nights.

The Tromsø International Film Festival hosts various documentaries and short films, along with special screenings so there’s a lot to see. This makes it a very important event when it comes to Norway’s film industry!

If you want to attend, I’d suggest booking your tickets in advance as this festival is popular. There’s also a free screening if you’re a student.

6. Take a day trip to Tromsø Ice Domes.

Located around a 1.5-hour drive from the city, you’ll find the Tromsø Ice Domes. This awesome snow and ice park is open from December to April, and January marks the first month that it is open the entire time.

There is plenty to do at the Ice Domes but you will need to book a lot of the tours separately. If you want to visit for the day, you can book an excursion from Tromsø (this is what I did).

Do note that the Tromsø Ice Domes used to be an ice complex with a hotel. It has axed that idea (which I think is great) and built a snowpark instead. I have not seen the new place as 2024-2025 is the first season it is opening as such.

>> Click here to check rates and availability for a Tromsø Ice Domes trip

7. Check out the Northern Lights Festival.

The Northern Lights Festival is an awesome music event that starts at the end of January and then runs into February (January 23 – February 1, 2025 are this season’s dates).

The festival runs for 10 days and has been around since 1988. It focuses heavily on classical music although there are various other musical genres too, so there’s something for everyone. No wonder it’s such a big hit for travelers and locals alike.

If you attend this festival, you can admire both established and upcoming artists. However, it’s a popular event so you’ll need to book your tickets in advance.

What to Pack for January in Tromsø

January is cold and I recommend packing the warmest gear you have – including base layers! A few things I recommend bringing are:

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)

A few of the things I recommend taking to Tromsø!

Tips for Visiting Tromsø in January

January is the last month for whale-watching in Northern Norway, so if this activity is a must, it’s best to visit at the start of January or even mid-month.
The Polar Night comes to an end in mid-January, so you’ll benefit from having more daylight hours, which is perfect for sightseeing (and photographing on tours).
Due to the variety of events that take place in January, affordable accommodation can sell out quickly, so you’ll want to book in advance. This also goes for all tours – especially reindeer farms and dog-sledding (the two that sell out first and are unable to increase capacity).
If you’re timing your visit around specific events such as the Northern Lights Festival, book tickets in advance to ensure you secure a spot.

Tromsø in January FAQ

Is January a good time to visit Tromso?

By mid-January the days are starting to brighten, making it a great time to visit Tromso. The Polar Night also ends in late January, so you’ll have more daylight hours.

Darker skies starting to lighten up in Tromsø in January.

There are some great events on at this time of year too including the Polar Night Marathon, the Tromsø International Film Festival, and the Northern Lights Festival.

How much daylight does Tromso get in January?

The sun starts to rise again during mid-January, although you’ll still have minimum daylight hours. Instead, Tromso experiences subtle twilight light (or polar light).

Towards the end of January, the sun rises between 9:30 am – 10 am and typically sets before 2:30 pm. This gives you between 4-5 hours of daylight.

Can you see the northern lights in Tromso in January?

If you travel to Tromso between September and early April, then you’ve always got a chance of spotting the northern lights.

Even when aurora activity is low, you can spot the northern lights in Tromso, thanks to the city’s location along the Aurora Oval.

However, it all depends on cloud coverage. And January isn’t the best month (March is), so plan enough days in Tromsø to maximize your chances. I have seen them plenty during this time of the year, so I hope you will too!

How many days in Tromso is enough?

You’ll want to spend at least 3-4 days in Tromso as the city has a lot to offer, thanks to its variety of winter activities and northern lights viewing opportunities.

The Tromsø Ice Domes are a great day trip from the city. — The Tromsø Ice Domes are a great day trip from the city

If you have the time, 4-5 days is preferable. This will give you more time to explore the surrounding area, head out on a whale-watching trip, and visit the city’s top attractions. It will also maximize your chances of seeing the aurora!

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.

Clarion - The Edge (at night) — Clarion – The Edge (at night)

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.

Visiting Tromsø in January is a great option, but be sure to book ahead as it is still extremely busy then! If you have questions about your trip, please feel free to reach out.