I could start the article by telling you how amazing Tromsø is as a Northern Lights destination and why you should absolutely visit. Instead, I will cut to the chase and answer your burning question: When’s the best time for Northern Lights in Tromso (or Lofoten, or northern Norway, for that matter)?
Is it September? February? Maybe during the polar night in December? The truth is that in Tromso, there’s no single “best” month for the Northern Lights in terms of weather or likelihood of seeing the aurora.
It really depends on what else you want to do besides chasing the aurora borealis. So, in this article, we’ll walk you through the weather, available tours, and the pros and cons of visiting Tromso at different times of the year.
👉 If you’re looking for the best Northern Lights tours in Tromsø, check out our recommendations based on tour size, budget, and activity level here: The Best Northern Lights Tours in Tromsø.
📷 The headline image in this article was taken by Oli Jennings from Northbound.
There’s no single “best” month for viewing the Northern Lights in Tromso because the factors influencing aurora sightings—weather and aurora activity—are variable and unpredictable.
Yes, the weather does play a major role. If you plan to stay in Tromsø and just watch the sky from your Airbnb, the number of cloudy or rainy days would indeed matter.
However, the weather in Tromsø, like much of northern Norway, is highly changeable. Statistics might show average data over the years, but they don’t guarantee what you’ll experience during your stay. For example, it rained a lot last September, but the previous September was almost rain-free.
When you book a Northern Lights tour, they cover the whole region around Tromsø, from the coastal areas of Ringvassøya and Kvaløya to the inland regions of Skibotn and Kilpisjärvi. This is a huge area with many microclimates, meaning that while it might be cloudy in one location, it could be clear in another. That’s why it doesn’t make much sense to rely on weather statistics for Tromsø.
Key Takeaway: Weather patterns are unpredictable. Just because statistics show that a certain month has fewer cloudy days doesn’t mean you’ll have clear skies every night during your visit.
Aurora activity is affected by solar winds, which are influenced by the Sun’s activity and can fluctuate unpredictably. While there are periods, like the equinoxes, when aurora activity tends to increase, the Northern Lights in Tromso can be visible during any month of the aurora season (September to early April).
However, the Kp index is not very significant when it comes to viewing the Northern Lights in Tromso. Tromsø is located directly under the auroral oval, a region where the Northern Lights are regularly visible.
Because of this prime location, you can see the Northern Lights even when the Kp index is as low as 0-1. So, while geomagnetic storms can make the auroras more intense or visible further south, in Tromsø, even minimal geomagnetic activity can still produce stunning auroral displays.
Key Takeaway: Aurora activity can be high even on nights when the Kp index is low, and conversely, a high Kp index doesn’t guarantee a spectacular display.
Now that we’ve established there’s no single “best” month to see the Northern Lights in Tromsø, there are definitely some months you’ll want to avoid. The absolute worst time to plan your aurora adventure is from the end of April through August.
➡ Midnight Sun (May to Mid-July): During these months, Tromsø experiences the Midnight Sun, meaning the sun never sets. So, forget about seeing the aurora during these bright, endless days.
➡ Late July to August: While the Midnight Sun starts to fade, the nights are still too short and not nearly dark enough for good Northern Lights viewing. You might catch a faint glimpse of auroras towards the end of August, but it’s far from ideal.
➡ Mid-April: You can catch glimpses of the aurora until mid-April, but it’s the same situation as at the end of August—the nights are getting lighter, so while you might see the Northern Lights, you lose valuable hours of darkness when the aurora could have been visible during the darker months.
The key takeaway: The worst months to see the Northern Lights in Tromsø are from May through August due to the Midnight Sun and light nights, making viewing the aurora impossible.
Discover the best northern lights tours in Tromsø.
Before I get into the month-by-month overview, let me quickly share some insider tips on maximizing your chances of seeing the Northern Lights in Tromsø (or Lofoten, or anywhere in northern Norway, really).
👉 Planning your trip? Make sure you know how to dress for the Arctic conditions. Here’s what to pack for Northern Norway in winter: How to Dress and What to Pack for Northern Norway in Winter.
➡ This is honestly the best advice you’ll get. Seeing the Northern Lights in Tromsø is all about finding clear skies. But here’s the deal—the coastal areas of northern Norway (Tromso, Senja, Lofoten) like to attract clouds. Low-pressure systems that bring clouds and rain can stick around for days.
➡ Pro Tip: Stay long enough to ride out those cloudy days. The longer you stay, the better your chances of catching a break when the skies clear up and the Northern Lights come out to play. I recommend staying in northern Norway for at least 5 to 7 nights.
➡ Alternative Locations: I know Tromsø can be pretty expensive during the Northern Lights season, but you can also consider other great spots like Alta, Senja, Vesterålen, Lofoten, Narvik, or Bodø. These places offer fantastic aurora viewing opportunities, too, and they might be easier on the wallet while still giving you a great chance to see the lights.
👉 Planning to stay in Tromsø? Don’t miss out on the best accommodations. We’ve got you covered with our top recommendations: Best Hotels in Tromsø—most of which we’ve personally tried!
You can definitely get lucky and see the Northern Lights right in Tromsø city. But, you can also get unlucky and end up spending a lot of money on flight tickets and accommodation, only to sit under a cloudy sky for days and see nothing.
If I were paying for flights and a stay in northern Norway with the dream of seeing the Northern Lights, I wouldn’t regret spending a bit extra to maximize my chances of seeing them.
I could write a whole article about the benefits of guided tours, but let me highlight a few key points.
➡ Understanding the Weather Forecast: Most people have no idea how to read a weather forecast, especially in Arctic conditions. Guides do this for a living—they’ll take you to the spots with the highest chances of clear skies.
➡ Recognizing the Aurora: Remember that the aurora isn’t always as bright and green as it looks in photos. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been out photographing the Northern Lights, and people have asked if I’m just waiting and hoping to see them. Nope, I wasn’t waiting—they were literally there! Sure, they were faint, but they were visible. People only started to go “oooo” and “wow” when I showed them the green glow on my camera screen.
Sometimes, spotting those more subtle displays takes a trained eye (or a good guide). Moreover, the guides have an in-depth understanding of space weather and can often predict when a solar event might occur.
➡ Driving in Winter Can Be Dangerous: The last reason is probably the most important one. Most people who come to northern Norway have no idea what it’s like to drive on snow and ice-covered roads—especially narrow ones with no streetlights. Now, throw in that they’re often more focused on looking up at the sky, hoping to catch a glimpse of the aurora than on the road in front of them, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster.
Here in Lofoten, the locals are becoming increasingly nervous about driving in the winter because of tourists who end up driving in the middle of the road, on the wrong side, or, even worse, parking in the middle of the road at night with their lights off and tripods set up right there. The situation in Tromsø is pretty similar.
If you’re not experienced in driving in these winter conditions, you’re not only putting yourself at risk but also endangering others. Think thrice before you decide to rent a car and chase the Northern Lights on your own.
I highly recommend leaving the driving to skilled local drivers on a Northern Lights tour. Trust me, it’s safer, and you’ll have a much more enjoyable experience without the stress of navigating icy roads in the dark.
👉 If you’re looking for the best Northern Lights tours in Tromsø, check out our recommendations based on tour size, budget, and activity level here: The Best Northern Lights Tours in Tromsø.
Now that we’ve established that booking a Northern Lights tour is a smart move, let me push you a bit further and suggest booking more than one aurora chase. I know it’s not cheap, but if your budget can stretch, here’s why it’s a good idea.
➡ Every night is different. One night, the sky might be full of dancing lights, while another night, the aurora might just be a faint glow on the horizon. Sometimes, you’ll have a clear view, and other times, you’ll only catch glimpses of the lights between the clouds. The colors can change too—sometimes you’ll see greens, but other times there might be hints of red or even blue.
➡ You might get lucky on your first tour and see spectacular northern lights, or you might only see them briefly through the clouds. That’s why, if I were you, I’d book at least two tours to increase your chances. The more nights you’re out there, the better your odds of catching something truly amazing.
👉 If you’re looking for the best Northern Lights tours in Tromsø, check out our recommendations based on tour size, budget, and activity level here: The Best Northern Lights Tours in Tromsø.
Now, I can’t emphasize this enough: Northern Lights tours (and other popular activities like dog sledding) sell out fast. And I mean really fast—especially the good ones. You don’t want to wait until the last minute only to arrive in Tromsø and find out everything’s booked solid.
If you plan to visit during the high season—especially around Christmas and New Year’s—you’ll regret not booking your tours in advance. However, we’re also hearing from tour providers in Tromsø that their ‘low season’ in September and October is also filling up quickly.
Most Northern Lights tours offer a flexible cancellation policy, often allowing you to cancel up to 24 hours before departure.
Some people think they’ve got the Northern Lights all figured out, so they cancel their tour when Tromsø’s weather looks cloudy, when the Kp index is low, or when they’ve already seen the lights earlier in their trip.
Okay, I’ll give you the third reason—maybe. You might think you’re done if you’ve already seen the lights. But, as I’ve said before, every night is different. Even after seeing the Northern Lights hundreds of times, I’m still in awe of each new display. So, you might still be missing out on something amazing.
Now, the first two reasons? Completely off-base. First, if a reputable Northern Lights tour company thinks your chances are low, they’ll cancel the tour themselves. If they didn’t cancel, they believe you’ve got a shot, so there’s no reason for you to pull the plug. They’ll also cancel if it’s dangerous to proceed with the tour, such as when there’s a risk of avalanches or landslides—hazards you might not even be aware of if you’re planning to chase the lights on your own.
Secondly, and this one really gets misunderstood, the Kp index doesn’t matter as much in Tromsø. You can have an incredible Northern Lights show even when the Kp index is between 0-1! So don’t let a low Kp index or a bit of cloud cover scare you off—if the tour’s still on, trust that they know what they’re doing.
Are you planning to travel to Tromsø in Winter?
Normally, I’d stick the FAQ at the end of the article, but since I have a sneaking suspicion that nobody actually reads that far, I’m going to answer the most-asked questions from our Tromsø Northern Lights Q&A group right here.
Oli from Northbound answers: The weather in Tromsø and the surrounding areas is incredibly changeable, and forecasts can often be inaccurate, even from one day to the next. So, it’s generally not a good idea to plan your tour around the weather forecast alone.
It’s also important to consider where your weather forecast is coming from—most likely, it’s just for the city of Tromsø. However, Northern Lights tour companies review multiple weather models before each trip to determine where the best viewing conditions might be. Some nights that might be close to Tromsø, but on other nights, they may need to drive for hours, sometimes even into Finland, to find clear skies.
Conditions may also change while you’re already moving, and the guides may need to adjust the plan accordingly. Trust that the tour operators are doing everything possible to give you the best possible experience, regardless of the forecast.
Nico from Arctic Photo Guide answers: Definitely! The snow-covered landscape creates very bright surroundings, making your photos look like they were taken in daylight with higher dynamic range, better shadows, and more contrast.
Remember that if the Northern Lights are faint, they might be a bit harder to see with the naked eye compared to a fully dark sky (like during a new moon). Still, a faint aurora remains faint no matter the moon phase or sky brightness—it will not suddenly become spectacular just because of a new moon.
Nico from Arctic Photo Guide answers: It depends on when you visit in March. Until mid-March, it’s absolutely still prime time for Aurora viewing. However, as you get into late March, you start losing hours of darkness in the evening as the sun sets later and later, which means fewer hours of potential auroral activity.
That said, we still see the lights quite easily until early April; it’s just that the tours start later and end later in the evening/night. The auroras usually occur between 6 pm and 2 am, but the exact timing is unpredictable—there’s no set pattern. By late March, it doesn’t get fully dark until around 10-10:30 pm, so you lose about half of the potential viewing time. But even then, we still see the Northern Lights almost every night.
The same points mentioned above about March can also be applied to the first half of September.
Nico from Arctic Photo Guide answers: I totally get how frustrating it is to spend money and not see the Northern Lights, but it’s important to remember that tour operators still have operating costs—paying employees, fuel, food, and other fixed expenses.
The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and there’s no guarantee you’ll see them. Sometimes, we find clear skies, but the aurora doesn’t show up, or the forecasts are wrong, and it’s cloudy instead of clear. Running a business based on such unpredictable factors is complicated and a bit risky.
We see the lights on a very high percentage of our tours—around 90%—but that success is spread unevenly. We might have four nights of incredible displays or four nights of terrible weather. You just never know.
The only companies that can “afford” to offer free or heavily discounted second tours are the ones with huge capacity and empty seats to fill. They simply couldn’t offer that if they were fully booked all the time. For example, I only take a maximum of six guests at a time. If I’m already booked out for the following days, there’s just no way I can offer last-minute spots for a free second chance. It’s just not possible.
Wondering what else to do in Tromsø in winter?
I apologize in advance to those of you who read the whole article because I’ll be repeating this under every single month: No statistical data suggests that one month is better than another for Northern Lights viewing in Tromso.
But honestly, given its length, I think only a few will read the entire article. I assume most people will click on the month they’re interested in, so I will repeat myself a bit. Bear with me.
Is September a good month for Northern Lights in Tromsø?
Daylight: September marks the return of longer nights in Tromsø, making it the first real opportunity to catch the Northern Lights after the summer’s endless days.
Weather: The weather in September is a bit of a wildcard. September 2023 was unusually rainy, while September 2022 was unusually dry—so who knows what you’ll get? But one thing’s for sure: you’ll have beautiful autumn colors and milder temps, and September is a great month for hiking.
Comparison to Other Months: September is your go-to if you want to avoid the freezing cold but still catch the aurora. It’s also warm enough for various outdoor activities.
Available Activities: September is perfect for hiking, sightseeing, fishing, and boat trips in the fjords. While some activities like whale watching, dog sledding, and reindeer farm visits aren’t available, there’s still plenty to keep you outdoors.
Key Takeaway: September is a photographer’s dream—autumn colors by day and the Northern Lights by night. It’s warm enough for hiking and camping, and there are fewer tourists. However, traditional winter activities are not yet available.
👉 If you’re looking for the best Northern Lights tours in Tromsø, check out our recommendations based on tour size, budget, and activity level here: The Best Northern Lights Tours in Tromsø.
Is October a good month for Northern Lights in Tromsø?
Daylight: By October, the days are getting noticeably shorter in Tromsø. On October 15th, you’ll get daylight from about 07:56 to 17:01. But don’t think it’s pitch dark at 17:02—you’ve still got about two hours before the sky gets dark enough to see the stars (astronomical twilight).
Weather: October’s weather is as unpredictable as ever. October 2023, for example, was surprisingly beautiful, with less rain than usual, while the year before, it felt like it rained non-stop. So, it’s a bit of a coin flip.
One thing you can count on is that you’ll likely see the first snow of the season dusting the mountaintops at some point in October. Personally, I love this time of year—it’s super photogenic with the contrast of late autumn colors in the lowlands and snow-capped peaks.
Comparison to Other Months: It’s getting colder, but not quite winter cold yet. The snow doesn’t usually stick around. If you’re planning on hiking, you might want to bring some microspikes—it can get frosty and slippery up in the mountains. Besides, there aren’t many tourists around, so prices are lower, and you’ll have the trails mostly to yourself.
Available Activities: October is still good for hiking and road trips. As for winter activities like dog sledding and reindeer visits—they’re still on hold until the snow really sets in.
Key Takeaway: October is perfect if you’re after longer nights for aurora viewing and love that mix of autumn and early winter vibes. It’s cool but still great for hiking and outdoor adventures, with the added bonus of fewer tourists and lower prices. Just don’t expect to be sledding with huskies or petting reindeer just yet!
👉 If you’re looking for the best Northern Lights tours in Tromsø, check out our recommendations based on tour size, budget, and activity level here: The Best Northern Lights Tours in Tromsø.
Is November a good month for Northern Lights in Tromsø?
Daylight: By mid-November, daylight is getting seriously scarce in Tromsø. On November 15th, you’ll have daylight from about 09:28 to 13:28, with twilight stretching out before and after those hours. It doesn’t get fully dark until around 16:23 when the stars and, hopefully, the Northern Lights start to come out.
Weather: November is when things start to freeze up. Average temperatures usually drop below zero, so it tends to stick around when it snows. However, just like everything in Tromsø, this can be a bit of a gamble. In 2022, for example, November was pretty much snow-free, which delayed the start of the dog sledding season until December. While you might expect a lot of rain and snow this month, the last couple of years have surprised us with plenty of clear nights—perfect for aurora hunting.
Comparison to Other Months: November marks the real start of winter in Tromsø. The snow usually stays on the ground, giving the place that true winter wonderland feel. It’s colder than October, but that also means more winter activities are starting up. The downside? More activities mean more tourists, and that can push prices up. That said, November might be one of the best months to combine Northern Lights watching with a whale safari, thanks to the “extended” daylight hours compared to December and January.
Available Activities: November is when Tromsø’s winter season kicks off. The reindeer farms open as the herds come down from the mountains, and dog sledding begins—though if there’s not enough snow, you might be riding on wheeled carts instead of sleds. The whale-watching season also starts, with the whales migrating to the fjords around the beginning of the month. Just be aware that if snow levels are low, some self-driving dog sledding tours might be switched to guided tours for safety.
Key Takeaway: November is the month when Tromsø fully transitions into winter mode. You’ve got more activities available—reindeer visits, dog sledding, and whale watching—but with that comes more tourists and higher prices. The good news? The snow usually sticks, and the chances of seeing the Northern Lights are high, especially with those long, dark nights.
👉 If you’re looking for the best Northern Lights tours in Tromsø, check out our recommendations based on tour size, budget, and activity level here: The Best Northern Lights Tours in Tromsø.
👉 For more tips on how to make the most of your time in Tromsø, including things to do during the winter, check out our ultimate guide: Best Things to Do in Tromsø in Winter.
Is December a good month for Northern Lights in Tromsø?
Daylight: Starting at the end of November (November 27, to be exact), Tromsø enters the Polar Night period, where the sun doesn’t rise above the horizon. But don’t imagine total darkness all day long—if the skies are clear, you’ll experience stunning, prolonged periods of dawn and twilight that last for about 4 to 5 hours, filling the sky with beautiful pastel hues of pink and violet.
Weather: December in Tromsø is full-on winter. The temperatures stay below freezing, and snow usually blankets the landscape. It’s cold, sure, but it’s also the perfect setting for the season’s activities. Just dress properly!
Comparison to Other Months: December is colder and darker than November, but it’s also packed with more activities and has a certain holiday vibe. With Polar Night in full swing, you get to experience how it feels when the Sun doesn’t rise above the horizon. December is also peak tourist season, so expect high prices and more crowds, especially around Christmas and New Year’s.
Available Activities: December is when the winter activities really kick off. Snowmobiling and the Tromsø Ice Domes in Tamok Valley (opening December 10, 2024) start their season. Whale watching is still in full swing—don’t worry about the darkness; the boats leave Tromsø early in the morning while it’s still dark, and by the time you reach Skjervøy, there will be enough light to spot the whales, even though the sun remains below the horizon.
Key Takeaway: December is Tromsø at its wintery best. The Polar Night brings extended darkness perfect for aurora hunting, while the pastel skies are magical during twilight hours. It’s also the peak season for winter activities like snowmobiling, visiting the Tromsø Ice Domes, and whale watching.
But be warned—lots of people flock to Tromsø for Christmas, so prices for accommodation and activities skyrocket. Book everything early, like yesterday, if possible! Also, if you dream of a charming Christmas market, manage your expectations—Tromsø’s version might not be what you’re hoping for.
👉 If you’re looking for the best Northern Lights tours in Tromsø, check out our recommendations based on tour size, budget, and activity level here: The Best Northern Lights Tours in Tromsø.
👉 For more tips on how to make the most of your time in Tromsø, including things to do during the winter, check out our ultimate guide: Best Things to Do in Tromsø in Winter.
Is January a good month for Northern Lights in Tromsø?
Daylight: January 15th is a special day in Tromsø—it’s the first time the sun peaks above the horizon after the long Polar Night. However, because Tromsø is surrounded by tall mountains, it takes another week before the city actually sees the sun. Every year on January 21st (or the closest school day afterward), locals celebrate the sun’s return with a tradition known as “Soldagen,” where people gather to drink hot chocolate, eat buns, and watch the sun reappear.
Weather: January is deep winter in Tromsø, with plenty of snow and cold temperatures.
Activities: The end of January marks the end of the whale watching season, so if you’re hoping to see the whales, January is your last chance. Otherwise, it’s a great time for Northern Lights chasing, as the long, dark nights provide perfect conditions. Winter activities like dog sledding, snowmobiling, and reindeer farm visiting are all in full swing.
Key Takeaway: The first half of January in Tromsø is a bit quieter, with fewer tourists and a slight drop in prices after the busy Christmas and New Year’s rush. It’s your last chance to go on a whale safari before the season wraps up at the end of the month. Around mid-January, the city comes alive with the annual Tromsø International Film Festival. January is also a great time to experience the local “Sun Day” celebration around January 21st, where locals gather to welcome back the sun with hot chocolate and buns.
👉 If you’re looking for the best Northern Lights tours in Tromsø, check out our recommendations based on tour size, budget, and activity level here: The Best Northern Lights Tours in Tromsø.
👉 For more tips on how to make the most of your time in Tromsø, including things to do during the winter, check out our ultimate guide: Best Things to Do in Tromsø in Winter.
Is February a good month for Northern Lights in Tromsø?
Daylight: By February, the sun is back, and the days are steadily getting longer. On February 15th, you’ll have daylight from 08:17 to 15:40, with another two hours of twilight before the stars come out. This makes February perfect for enjoying both daytime activities and the Northern Lights at night.
Weather: February is peak winter in Tromsø, bringing plenty of snow and cold, crisp days. It’s an ideal time for snowshoeing, with enough daylight to explore the snowy landscapes while still leaving plenty of darkness for aurora hunting in the evening.
Comparison to Other Months: February is the height of the winter season, making it one of the best months for those looking to experience Tromsø in winter. The longer days compared to December and January give you more time to enjoy outdoor activities, while the nights are still long enough for Northern Lights viewing.
Available Activities: February is prime time for all sorts of winter activities. Snowshoeing, dog sledding, and reindeer sledding are all in full swing, and with plenty of daylight, you’ll have time to do it all. The Sami Week festival also takes place this month, celebrating Sami culture with events like the Norwegian championship in lassoing and reindeer racing right down the main street of Tromsø.
Key Takeaway: February offers the best of both worlds: longer days for winter activities and dark nights for Northern Lights viewing. It’s a great time to experience Tromsø in its full winter glory, with plenty to do and see, but make sure to book your activities early due to the high demand!
👉 If you’re looking for the best Northern Lights tours in Tromsø, check out our recommendations based on tour size, budget, and activity level here: The Best Northern Lights Tours in Tromsø.
👉 For more tips on how to make the most of your time in Tromsø, including things to do during the winter, check out our ultimate guide: Best Things to Do in Tromsø in Winter.
Is March a good time for Northern Lights in Tromsø?
Daylight: March brings plenty of daylight to Tromsø, with the days growing longer. By mid-March, you can expect around 12 hours of daylight, which gives you plenty of time to enjoy outdoor activities while still having dark enough skies in the evening for viewing the Northern Lights.
Weather: March is still a deep winter in Tromsø, with plenty of snow on the ground and cold, crisp weather. The longer days mean more time to get out and enjoy snowy activities, and while the temperatures might start to warm slightly, it’s still very much winter. Don’t let the equinox fool you into thinking spring is arriving—this is northern Norway, where winter and snow hang on well into May.
Comparison to Other Months: March stands out because of the equinox, which is said to increase solar activity and, in turn, boost Northern Lights activity. The extended daylight and snowy landscapes make March perfect for winter sports while still providing plenty of chances to see the Northern Lights at night.
Available Activities: March is a fantastic month for snowy activities like snowshoeing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and randonee skiing. With longer days, you’ll have plenty of daylight to make the most of these winter sports. And while March might technically mark the beginning of spring elsewhere, in Tromsø, it’s still all about winter adventures.
Key Takeaway: March offers a unique mix of long days and snowy landscapes, perfect for winter sports enthusiasts.
👉 If you’re looking for the best Northern Lights tours in Tromsø, check out our recommendations based on tour size, budget, and activity level here: The Best Northern Lights Tours in Tromsø.
👉 For more tips on how to make the most of your time in Tromsø, including things to do during the winter, check out our ultimate guide: Best Things to Do in Tromsø in Winter.
Is April a good month for Northern Lights in Tromsø?
April is generally not the best month to see the Northern Lights in Tromsø. By April, the nights are getting much shorter, and the extended daylight makes it harder to spot the aurora.
While catching the Northern Lights in early April is still possible, the opportunities are significantly reduced as the month progresses. Additionally, many Northern Lights tour companies wrap up their season by the end of March or early April.
Daylight: By April, the days in Tromsø are getting significantly longer, with daylight dominating most of the day. While this means the end of the prime Northern Lights season, you might still catch a glimpse of the aurora in the early days of April, though chases start later due to the limited darkness.
Weather: Despite what the calendar says, April in Tromsø is still very much winter. The snow sticks around. However, during early April, most of the organized winter activities, like dog sledding and reindeer farm visits, have wrapped up for the season.
Comparison to Other Months: April is a transitional month in Tromsø. While the long days are fantastic for outdoor adventures, they also mean fewer opportunities for Northern Lights viewing. Some Northern Lights tour companies call it a day at the end of March, though a few continue chasing into early April.
Available Activities: While April signals the end of many winter activities, like dog sledding or reindeer farm visits, it’s still a great time for skiing.
Key Takeaway: April is a month of change in Tromsø. The days are long, and winter sports are still in full swing, but the Northern Lights season is winding down. While you can still enjoy the snowy landscapes and maybe catch the last auroras of the season, be prepared for limited activities as winter wraps up. And if you’re visiting during Easter, expect closed shops.
👉 If you’re looking for the best Northern Lights tours in Tromsø, check out our recommendations based on tour size, budget, and activity level here: The Best Northern Lights Tours in Tromsø.
👉 For more tips on how to make the most of your time in Tromsø, including things to do during the winter, check out our ultimate guide: Best Things to Do in Tromsø in Winter.
Alright, there you have it. If you have read the whole article, you’ve figured out that in Tromso, there’s no single month better than the others for Aurora viewing. Sure, you could research weather patterns in Tromsø, count up how many cloudy nights occur each month, and analyze Northern Lights statistics like the Kp index, CMEs, solar flares, etc.
Or you could just trust us when we say that in Tromsø, the Kp index isn’t something you need to stress about—the Northern Lights can be visible even with a low index. And not just visible—they can put on quite a show!
Also, don’t worry too much about how many nights are cloudy in Tromsø. The Northern Lights tours don’t just stick around in Tromsø. When it’s cloudy inland, they head to the coast; when it’s cloudy on the coast, they head inland. If it’s looking cloudy everywhere, they’ll drive to Finland, and if even Finland doesn’t look promising, they’ll cancel the tour.
So, don’t waste time figuring out all the data for the weather and aurora forecast. Just book your flight tickets, accommodation, and Northern Lights tours, and you’re all set! Just make sure you plan to visit between September and early April.
👉 Need help planning your trip? Our ultimate guide to Tromsø in winter is packed with tips to ensure you have an amazing experience: Ultimate Guide to Tromsø in Winter.
Thanks for sticking with me through this insanely long article about the best times to see the Northern Lights in Tromsø! We hope you found the information helpful and that it gets you excited about your trip to northern Norway. We’d love to hear your thoughts, so feel free to share your experiences or any questions you might have about visiting Tromsø in the winter. Have you seen the Northern Lights? Got tips or stories to share? Drop a comment below!
Safe travels and happy Aurora chasing!
Radka and Ivar 💚
Hi! We are Ivar & Radka, an international couple who runs the Guide to Lofoten. We met in Trondheim and lived together in western Norway, Narvik and Tromsø. At the moment we call western Lofoten our home. We hope our page will make it easier for you to explore the beautiful places that made us chose Norway for our home.
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Hi! We are Ivar & Radka, an international couple who runs the Guide to Lofoten.
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