Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Tromsø in January
This is the coldest month in Tromsø: highs average 25°F (-4°C) and lows 15°F (-9°C), with about 4.2 in (106 mm) of rain or snow.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 34/100, 7th of 12.
- Avg high
- 25°F (-4°C)
- Avg low
- 15°F (-9°C)
- Rain or snow
- 4.2 in (106 mm)
- Humidity
- 96%
- Cloud cover
- 83%
- Daylight
- ~0 h 00 min
- Comfort score
- 34/100 · Tough
What January feels like
Real cold sets in, with afternoon highs around 25°F (-4°C).
Average lows of 15°F (-9°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
About 4.2 in (106 mm) of rain or snow falls in the month, and with temperatures averaging below freezing, much of it may come as snow.
Skies are often grey, with average cloud cover around 83%.
Daylight is short, roughly 0 h 00 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around January
January sits mid-table; the best months are July & August.
- Shortest days of the year, about 0 h 00 min of daylight.
- Comfort holds steady from December (32 → 34/100).
- January sits inside the Late Nov – Mar window our Lofoten & Tromsø route recommends.
What to pack for January
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 15°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 4.2 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Tromsø in January
Cold days call for a roof: these picks favor sit-down and indoor stops, plus a few for drier spells.
Ølhallen
Tromsø's oldest pub, opened in 1928 at the Mack brewery, pouring dozens of taps beside a stuffed polar bear.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 25°F.
Fiskekompaniet
Harbourside seafood restaurant serving Arctic cod, king crab and seasonal skrei.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
Arctic Cathedral
Tromsdalen's 1965 triangular church, lit from within at night, with a huge glass mosaic on its east wall.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 25°F.
Tromsø Cathedral
One of Norway's largest wooden churches, built in 1861 in the middle of the pedestrian centre.
Why now A way to spend part of a cold day out of the wind.
Polaria
Arctic aquarium in a building shaped like toppled ice floes, with bearded seals and polar-region exhibits.
Nearby in January
- Svolvær in January~146 mi · highs 35°F, 4.8 in rain · 6°C (10°F) warmer by day, wetter
- Reine in January~189 mi · highs 38°F, 4.2 in rain · 7°C (13°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Saariselkä in January~226 mi · highs 13°F, 1.5 in rain or snow · 7°C (12°F) cooler by day, drier
- Rovaniemi in January~279 mi · highs 15°F, 1.9 in rain or snow · 5°C (10°F) cooler by day, drier
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~231 m to Tromsø's ~18 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Tromsø in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Tromsø?
It's middling, scoring 34/100. The best months are July & August, at up to 73. Expect highs of 25°F (-4°C) and 4.2 in (106 mm) of rain or snow. January is inside the Late Nov – Mar window our Lofoten & Tromsø route recommends.
How cold is Tromsø in January?
Average highs are 25°F (-4°C) and average lows 15°F (-9°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Tromsø in January?
Some: about 4.2 in (106 mm) of rain or snow falls across January on average, the 4th-driest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 53.0 in (1347 mm).
What should I pack for Tromsø in January?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 15°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 4.2 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Routes in season in January
- Lofoten & Tromsø Late Nov – Mar
Planning Tromsø in January?
Share this January plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.