Things to do in Tromso in January

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Overview

January is a great time to visit Tromso. The weather is usually freezing cold and breezy, with temperatures ranging from 15—23°F (-10—-5°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Tromso during this time. Some of our top recommendations: take a scenic drive along the Arctic Coastal Route, visit the Tromso Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden, attend the Tromso International Film Festival (TIFF), and more!

Tromso has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your January trip to Tromso. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to January. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Tromso in January. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout January, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Don't take our word for it
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Best events and things to do in Tromso in January

Top experiences in January
Take a scenic drive along the Arctic Coastal Route
January in Tromso offers the opportunity to take a scenic drive along the stunning Arctic Coastal Route, where you can marvel at the breathtaking winter landscapes and coastal views. The route takes you past snow-covered mountains, frozen fjords, and picturesque fishing villages, providing ample opportunities for photography and sightseeing. Whether you're driving yourself or joining a guided tour, a scenic drive along the Arctic Coastal Route is a memorable and unique experience in January.
Visit the Tromso Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden
January is a great time to visit the Tromso Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden, where you can explore a unique collection of plants and flowers that thrive in the Arctic climate. Despite the cold temperatures, the garden is home to a diverse array of flora, including rare and endangered species that have adapted to the harsh conditions. A visit to the botanic garden in January offers a fascinating and educational experience that showcases the resilience and beauty of Arctic plant life.
Attend the Tromso International Film Festival (TIFF)
January in Tromso is the perfect time to attend the Tromso International Film Festival (TIFF), which showcases a diverse selection of international and Norwegian films. The festival offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of cinema, with screenings, discussions, and special events that celebrate the art of filmmaking. Whether you're a film enthusiast or simply looking for a cultural experience, attending TIFF in January is a great way to engage
Experience the Sami culture and traditions at a reindeer farm
January is the perfect time to immerse yourself in the rich Sami culture and traditions at a traditional reindeer farm in Tromso. Guided tours allow you to learn about the indigenous Sami people, their way of life, and their deep connection to the reindeer. You can participate in activities such as reindeer sledding, feeding the animals, and enjoying a traditional Sami meal, providing a unique and authentic cultural experience that is only available in January.
Take a guided snowmobile tour through the Arctic wilderness
January in Tromso offers the perfect conditions for a thrilling snowmobile adventure through the Arctic wilderness. Guided tours take you through snow-covered forests, across frozen lakes, and up snowy peaks, allowing you to experience the stunning natural beauty of the region in an exhilarating way. Whether you're a seasoned snowmobiler or a first-timer, a guided snowmobile tour in Tromso is an unforgettable experience that is unique to the winter months.
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Take a snowshoeing excursion to explore the Arctic wilderness
Snowshoeing in Tromso in January offers the opportunity to explore the pristine Arctic wilderness in a unique and immersive way. Guided snowshoeing excursions take you through snow-covered forests, across frozen lakes, and up snowy peaks, allowing you to experience the stunning natural beauty of the region up close. With the added bonus of potential wildlife sightings and panoramic views, snowshoeing in Tromso is a must-do activity for nature lovers.
Try ice fishing in the fjords
January is the ideal time to try your hand at ice fishing in the fjords surrounding Tromso. This traditional Norwegian activity allows you to drill a hole in the thick ice, drop your line, and wait for a bite while surrounded by the serene beauty of the frozen landscape. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a complete beginner, ice fishing in Tromso offers a peaceful and rewarding experience that is unique to the winter months.
Go on a whale watching tour in the Arctic waters
January is prime whale watching season in Tromso, with the chance to spot majestic humpback and killer whales in their natural habitat. Joining a whale watching tour allows you to venture out into the Arctic waters, where you can witness these incredible creatures breaching and playing in the icy seas. The thrill of seeing these magnificent animals in the wild is an experience that is truly unique to January in Tromso.
Go dog sledding under the Northern Lights
January in Tromso is the perfect time to experience the magic of dog sledding under the Northern Lights. This unique experience allows you to witness the breathtaking natural phenomenon while being pulled through the snowy landscape by a team of energetic and friendly huskies. The combination of the stunning aurora borealis and the exhilarating ride through the Arctic wilderness is truly unforgettable.
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Holidays in Tromso in January
January
  • New Year's Day (January 1)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Tromso in January

Temperatures on an average day in Tromso in January

The average temperature in Tromso in January for a typical day ranges from a high of 23°F (-5°C) to a low of 15°F (-10°C). Some would describe it as freezing cold and breezy.

For comparison, the hottest month in Tromso, July, has days with highs of 59°F (15°C) and lows of 47°F (8°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 23°F (-5°C) and lows of 15°F (-10°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Tromso in January based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in January
23°F
highs
15°F
lows

General weather summary

Freezing cold and breezy
Feels like
29%
Chance of rain
0.112 in
Amount
15.5 mph
Wind speed
89%
Humidity
1.5 hrs
Daylight length
10:22 AM
Sunrise
1:32 PM
Sunset
30%
Cloud cover
Thick winter coat with gloves
What to wear
What to wear in January
With an average high of 23°F (-5°C) and a low of 15°F (-10°C), it generally feels freezing cold and breezy. There might also be a small chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something toasty like a thick winter coat with gloves
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Best attractions for Tromso in January

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Tromso has to offer for travelers in January, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Tromso that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Tromso for January.
Arctic Cathedral
1. Arctic Cathedral
4.3
(6668)
Cathedral
Sights & Landmarks
Imposing church constructed from concrete & aluminum in the 1960s, with a striking glass facade.
Polaria
2. Polaria
4.1
(4962)
Aquarium
Nature & Parks
Striking arctic aquarium housed in a building modeled on ice floes, with seals & a panoramic cinema.
The Polar Museum
3. The Polar Museum
4.4
(3698)
History museum
Museums
University museum with scientific, cultural & archaeological exhibits related to the Tromsø area.
Visit Tromsø
4. Visit Tromsø
4.4
(995)
Tourist information center
Visitor center
Fjord Tours Tromsø
5. Fjord Tours Tromsø
4.0
(4)
Sightseeing tour agency
Nature & Parks
Tromsø Cathedral
6. Tromsø Cathedral
4.4
(945)
Cathedral
Sights & Landmarks
Protestant place of worship built in 1861 & unusually constructed using chiefly wood.
The Arctic University Museum of Norway
7. The Arctic University Museum of Norway
4.4
(1392)
Museum
Specialty Museums
Museum established in 1872 featuring science & cultural exhibits, including ones related to Norway.
Arctic–Alpine Botanic Garden
8. Arctic–Alpine Botanic Garden
4.6
(992)
Botanical garden
Nature & Parks
University campus garden with native & global plants, plus colorful flowers in spring & summer.
Northern Norwegian Art Museum
9. Northern Norwegian Art Museum
4.2
(427)
Art museum
Museums
Modest museum displaying classic & modern works by Nordic artists in a range of media.
Perspective Museum
10. Perspective Museum
4.4
(326)
Museum
Art Museums
Housed in a neoclassical estate, this museum features photography on the diversity of Tromsø.
Mack distribusjon AS
11. Mack distribusjon AS
4.3
(9)
Brewery
Food & Drink
Northern Norwegian science center
12. Northern Norwegian science center
4.5
(348)
Science museum
Museums
Science center with many interactive exhibits, including a planetarium with a Northern Lights show.
Tromsø Bridge
13. Tromsø Bridge
4.5
(251)
Bridge
Sights & Landmarks
Landmark cantilever bridge opened in 1960, with views of the Arctic Cathedral & distant mountains.
Grøtfjorden
14. Grøtfjorden
Nature & Parks
Bodies of Water
Tromsø City Library and Archive
15. Tromsø City Library and Archive
4.8
(207)
Public library
Libraries
Tromsø Railstation
16. Tromsø Railstation
4.2
(790)
Pub
Sights & Landmarks

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Tromso?

Get inspired for your trip to Tromso with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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