Tromsø in September: Things to Do, Seasonal Tips, & More!

Are you looking to visit Tromsø in September this year?

This guide will cover the best things to do, what to expect (especially when it comes to weather!), and some travel tips to help you have the most memorable shoulder-season trip!

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!)
Arctic fjord cruise (you often get to see wildlife on this boat trip!)

🛌 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!

September in Tromsø can be a bit unpredictable, weather-wise, but it still offers an array of activities that keep you busy and allow you to get a taste of several seasons at once!

Tromsø Weather in September

In September, the average temperature ranges from 3°C to 8°C (37.4°F to 46.4°F). This means you won’t have to worry about freezing temperatures just yet!

September is the first month (after the summer) when Tromsø typically experiences snow. The average monthly snowfall can be up to 2.9 cm (1.1 inches). The average monthly rainfall at this time of year is around 89 mm (3.5 inches).

While precipitation levels can seem a little low at the start of September, beware that it tends to pick up immensely toward the end of the month!

Fun Things to Do in Tromsø in September

1. Look out for the northern lights.

The northern lights can be spotted in Tromsø between September and early April. While you can spot the northern lights during this time of the year, please do note that it is the month with the highest rainfall, so that can impact the clear skies.

Temperatures are pretty mild at this time of year (for Northern Norway), so you won’t have to endure freezing temperatures while out at night if you sign yourself up for a northern lights tour, on the other hand!

While I think shoulder season is a great time for viewing the northern lights, do give yourself a bit of extra time in case you run into cloudy weather.

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

2. Enjoy SMAK.

Those visiting Tromsø in September can enjoy SMAK, a Northern Norwegian food festival. It was established in 2013 to raise awareness of the culinary professions and promote local foods and traditional cooking methods.

SMAK takes place every year and attracts around 70,000 visitors. There are approximately 85 individual exhibitors so you can easily purchase various local products.

3. Go hiking on one of Tromsø’s trails.

The Tromsø region is a great destination for hiking with many trails being located on the city’s doorstep. Popular hikes in the area include Hillesøytoppen, Brosmetinden, and Trehørningen, all of which offer striking views.

Walking around Telegrafbukta is an easier stroll

A bonus of hiking at this time of year is the colorful foliage, where you can appreciate red, orange, and yellow hues.

4. Head out on a fjord cruise with Brim Explorer.

This Arctic Fjord cruise runs between February and October. It lasts for 4-5 hours and offers you the chance to spot a variety of marine life and other wildlife, including white-tailed sea eagles and reindeer.

Brim Explorer offers a silent fjord tour (the boat is eco-friendly) and you will get a chance to see the beautiful scenery, make a stop to enjoy some cod liver oil (‘tran’ in Norwegian), and even watch footage from an underwater drone!

It is a great activity to do in September and will give you a chance to see autumn setting in throughout this part of Northern Norway.

>> Click here to check fjord cruise rates and availability

5. Enjoy TIFF Junior (Tromsø International Film Festival).

If you’re planning to visit Tromsø in September, then you can head to TIFF Junior, the children’s version of Tromsø International Film Festival.

The festival was established in 2013 and takes place every year. Families can enjoy a variety of live-action and animation films making it a great day out!

6. Visit the museums in Tromsø.

There are some fantastic museums in Tromsø. Some of these include the Polar Museum, the Perspective Museum, the Arctic Museum of Norway, and the Troll Museum.

Each one has something unique to offer but the Polar Museum tends to be the most popular (it’s my favorite), as its exhibitions detail polar expeditions and cultural history.

If you have your sights set on visiting many of the museums in Tromsø, do consider getting a Tromsø Pass. It will allow you access to all of the museums as well as Fjellheisen and a few other attractions around the city.

7. Spend a morning on Vulkana.

One of my favorite newer experiences in Tromsø is Vulkana, an Arctic Spa located right at the main harbor (in front of Full Steam and the Polar Museum).

This sauna and spa takes place on what was a former fishing vessel (called the MS Vulkana). You can book a time slot on their website, show up, and enjoy the luxuries of the boat for a few hours. It is truly a luxurious experience.

Vulkana Spa also offers evening dinners and boat cruises from the fjord.

What to Pack for September in Tromsø

As the weather is relatively mild compared to other months in Tromsø, you won’t need lots of winter gear.

A thick coat and warm sweater will be enough to keep you warm, although you’ll need to wrap up more during the evenings. Those who feel the cold may also want to pack a hat, gloves, and scarf. A good-quality pair of hiking boots/sneakers are a must.

Tips for Visiting Tromsø in September

Here are a few quick tips for visiting Tromsø in early fall:

Be aware that winter sports won’t be available at this time of year as there’s not been enough snowfall (or any at all).
September is a great time for landscape photographers, as the surrounding landscapes are often transformed with orange, red, and yellow hues.
Outdoor activities are popular at this time of year including hiking and kayaking, so make the most of September’s mild temperatures and long daylight hours.

Tromsø in September FAQ

Can you see the northern lights in Tromsø in September?

The northern lights can be seen in Tromsø between September and early April.

Tromsø tends to get a bit more rain in autumn than during the spring months, for example, so give yourself some time in case the weather doesn’t play nice! If this happens, it is good to have more time to see the northern lights.

Will there be snow in Tromsø in September?

Tromsø sometimes experiences snow in September. The average monthly snowfall can be up to 2.9 cm (1.1 inches) which isn’t nearly enough for winter sports to start.

How many hours of daylight does Tromsø get in September?

At the start of September, you can expect between 14-15 hours of daylight in Tromsø. Towards the end of the month, this shortens to around 11.5 hours.

Where to Stay in Tromsø

Arctic Homes Tromsø Residence (Luxury)

Those after a luxury experience should check out Arctic Homes. This 3-bedroom apartment sleeps up to 9 people making it a great option for large families and groups.

The property boasts two bathrooms, a spacious lounge area, a sun terrace, and an equipped kitchen. You’ll also get striking mountain and sea views!

Clarion Hotel The Edge (Mid-range)

Clarion Hotel The Edge is a more affordable option. This property is in a great location and the rooms are spacious and modern. Some also offer fantastic views of Tromsø.

On-site facilities at this hotel include a fitness center, rooftop bar, restaurant, and living room bar. You’ll also have breakfast included and there’s free WiFi.

Comfort Hotel Xpress Tromsø (Budget)

Comfort Hotel Xpress Tromsø is one of the most affordable hotels in the city. It’s in a great location for exploring Tromsø too, with many attractions within walking distance.

There are 192 hotel rooms on-site and a 24-hour lobby shop so you can pick up various drinks and snacks. The rooms sleep 2 to 3 people, making this place great for couples!

Visiting Tromsø in September is a fantastic choice, but please remember that it is not the high season and some experiences will not have started just yet.