Tromsø in December
In December, Tromsø averages -1°C (30°F) during the day and -5°C (23°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 15 days of the month see precipitation (85 mm total).
Off-peakConditions are deeply cold — proper winter gear is essential. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear. Snowfall occurs on roughly 11 days.
December is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Tromsø. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.
How December compares to the rest of the year in Tromsø
December is one of the coolest months in Tromsø (10th of 12) and one of the wettest months (3rd of 12). Daytime temperature runs 6°C below the annual average (5°C). December runs 2°C cooler than November (1°C) and cools 1°C in January (-2°C).
December daylight in Tromsø
At 70° N latitude, Tromsø experiences polar night — no direct sunlight in mid-December.
📅 When to book — Tromsø in December
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (Off-peak) and Tromsø's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — December in Tromsø
This is off-peak for Tromsø — the lowest prices of the year and the fewest crowds, but with real trade-offs: some restaurants, hotels, and beach businesses may close for the season; weather conditions can make outdoor activities unpredictable; and a handful of seasonal sights run reduced hours or close entirely. Great if you prefer a quiet local rhythm and don't mind the climate giving you reasons to choose indoor activities.
Why this tier: challenging tourism weather Christmas / New Year travel surge
Sun & mosquito risk — December in Tromsø
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
❄️ Snowy — Tromsø in December
Gear: Frequent snowfall. Waterproof boots and a real insulated coat are essential — not a fashion peacoat.
Tromsø in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -2°C / 28°F | -7°C / 19°F | 80 mm | 15 | 12 |
| February | -2°C / 28°F | -7°C / 19°F | 65 mm | 13 | 10 |
| March | -1°C / 30°F | -6°C / 21°F | 65 mm | 12 | 8 |
| April | 2°C / 36°F | -3°C / 27°F | 50 mm | 10 | 4 |
| May | 7°C / 45°F | 1°C / 34°F | 40 mm | 9 | 1 |
| June | 12°C / 54°F | 5°C / 41°F | 55 mm | 10 | 0 |
| July | 16°C / 61°F | 9°C / 48°F | 75 mm | 11 | 0 |
| August | 15°C / 59°F | 9°C / 48°F | 80 mm | 12 | 0 |
| September | 10°C / 50°F | 5°C / 41°F | 90 mm | 12 | 1 |
| October | 4°C / 39°F | 0°C / 32°F | 115 mm | 15 | 3 |
| November | 1°C / 34°F | -3°C / 27°F | 90 mm | 14 | 8 |
| December | -1°C / 30°F | -5°C / 23°F | 85 mm | 15 | 11 |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Tromsø in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Tromsø in December?
In December, Tromsø averages a high of -1°C (30°F) and a low of -5°C (23°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in Tromsø in December?
December is quite rainy in Tromsø, with about 15 rainy days on average and roughly 11 snow days.
Is December a good time to visit Tromsø?
December is cold but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cold weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Tromsø in December?
Pack heavy winter layers, a coat, hat and gloves, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Tromsø for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.