Things to do in Tromso in May

When is your trip?

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Looking for a different month?

Overview

May is a less popular time to visit Tromso. The weather is usually cold with a gentle breeze, with temperatures ranging from 34—43°F (1—6°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Tromso during this time. Some of our top recommendations: go on a cultural tour of Tromso, visit the Polaria Arctic Aquarium, visit the Tromso Botanical Garden, 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 May trip to Tromso. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to May. 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 May. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout May, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

Visiting Tromso? See our Tromso Trip Planner.
I'll never travel to Tromso without this trip planner again
Learn more
Don't take our word for it
Slide 1 of 6

Best events and things to do in Tromso in May

Top experiences in May
Go on a cultural tour of Tromso
May is a great time to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Tromso. You can join a guided tour of the city and visit some of the unique cultural attractions such as the Polar Museum, the Tromso Museum, and the historic wooden houses in the city center. You can learn about the history of the Arctic explorers, the indigenous Sami people, and the traditional Norwegian way of life. It's a great way to gain a deeper understanding of the unique cultural tapestry of Tromso while enjoying some fascinating and educational experiences.
Visit the Polaria Arctic Aquarium
The Polaria Arctic Aquarium is a unique attraction in Tromso that is definitely worth a visit in May. You can learn about the diverse marine life that inhabits the Arctic waters, and even see some of the creatures up close in the aquarium's tanks. In May, you can also catch special events and exhibitions that focus on the unique environmental challenges facing the Arctic region. It's a great way to gain a deeper understanding of the delicate balance of the Arctic ecosystem while having fun and learning something new.
Visit the Tromso Botanical Garden
The Tromso Botanical Garden is a hidden gem in the city that is especially beautiful in May. You can explore the diverse collection of plants from the Arctic and other regions, and enjoy the colorful displays of flowers and blossoms that come to life in the spring. The garden is a peaceful and serene oasis in the heart of the city, and you can also learn about the unique adaptations of Arctic plants to the harsh climate. It's a great way to relax and connect with nature while experiencing a different side of Tromso.
Go on a fishing trip in the fjords
May is a great time to go fishing in the fjords around Tromso, as the waters are teeming with life. You can join a guided fishing trip and try your hand at catching some of the local fish such as cod, halibut, and haddock. It's a unique and exciting way to experience the natural beauty of the Arctic, and you might even get to enjoy a delicious seafood meal made from your catch. Whether you're an experienced angler or a beginner, a fishing trip in the fjords is a fun and memorable experience.
Go on a midnight sun cruise
In May, Tromso experiences the phenomenon of the midnight sun, where the sun never sets and the sky remains bright throughout the night. One of the best ways to experience this unique event is by going on a midnight sun cruise. You can enjoy stunning views of the fjords and mountains bathed in the golden glow of the sun, and even spot some wildlife such as seals and seabirds. It's a truly magical experience that you won't find anywhere else in the world.
Go hiking in the mountains
May is a great time to go hiking in the mountains around Tromso, as the snow has started to melt and the trails are more accessible. You can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding fjords and valleys, and even spot some of the local wildlife such as reindeer and ptarmigan. The fresh mountain air and peaceful surroundings make for a rejuvenating and unique outdoor experience that will give you a new perspective on the natural beauty of the Arctic.
Go dog sledding in the midnight sun
May is one of the last months of the year when you can still go dog sledding in Tromso. This is a truly unique experience, as you can enjoy the thrill of gliding through the Arctic wilderness under the never-setting sun. You'll be surrounded by stunning landscapes and have the chance to interact with the friendly and hardworking sled dogs. It's an unforgettable adventure that will give you a taste of traditional Arctic life.
I'll never travel to Tromso without this trip planner again
Learn more
Holidays in Tromso in May
May
  • Labor Day (May 1)
  • Liberation Day (May 8)
  • 17 May Constitution Day (May 17)
  • Ascension Day (May 29)
Other notable holidays
I'll never travel to Tromso without this trip planner again
Learn more

Weather in Tromso in May

Temperatures on an average day in Tromso in May

The average temperature in Tromso in May for a typical day ranges from a high of 43°F (6°C) to a low of 34°F (1°C). Some would describe it as cold with a gentle breeze.

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 May based on historical data.

Visiting Tromso? See our Tromso Trip Planner.

Historical temperature average in May
43°F
highs
34°F
lows

General weather summary

Cold with a gentle breeze
Feels like
27%
Chance of rain
0.108 in
Amount
11.4 mph
Wind speed
82%
Humidity
21.9 hrs
Daylight length
2:31 AM
Sunrise
10:53 PM
Sunset
37%
Cloud cover
Jacket
What to wear
What to wear in May
With an average high of 43°F (6°C) and a low of 34°F (1°C), it generally feels cold with a gentle breeze. There might also be a small chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something warm like a jacket
I'll never travel to Tromso without this trip planner again
Learn more

Best attractions for Tromso in May

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Tromso has to offer for travelers in May, 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 May.
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
(999)
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:

Planning a trip to Tromso?
Save all the best places to visit with WanderlogDownload the travel planning app everyone's been raving about
  • Itinerary + map in one view
  • Live collaboration
  • Auto-import hotels and reservations
  • Optimize your route
  • Offline access on mobile
  • Optimize your route
  • See time and distance between all your places
Learn more
Get the iOS app from the App Store
Get the Android app from Google Play