Tromsø in January
In January, Tromsø averages -2°C (28°F) during the day and -7°C (19°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 15 days of the month see precipitation (80 mm total).
Off-peakConditions are deeply cold — proper winter gear is essential. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear. Snowfall occurs on roughly 12 days.
January is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Tromsø. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.
How January compares to the rest of the year in Tromsø
January is one of the coolest months in Tromsø (11th of 12) and one of the wettest months (1st of 12). Daytime temperature runs 7°C below the annual average (5°C). January runs 1°C cooler than December (-1°C) and stays flat into February.
January sunrise & sunset in Tromsø
Times shown for Tromsø local time (Europe/Oslo), calculated for the 15th of January. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Tromsø — January
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of January, in Tromsø's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Tromsø in January
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 January's tier (Off-peak) and Tromsø's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — January 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
Sun & mosquito risk — January 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.
❄️❄️ Heavy snow season — Tromsø in January
Gear: Expect deep snow on most days. Waterproof boots, insulated jacket, base layers, and traction (microspikes for icy sidewalks).
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 January weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Tromsø in January →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Tromsø in January?
In January, Tromsø averages a high of -2°C (28°F) and a low of -7°C (19°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in Tromsø in January?
January is quite rainy in Tromsø, with about 15 rainy days on average and roughly 12 snow days.
Is January a good time to visit Tromsø?
January 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 January?
Pack heavy winter layers, a coat, hat and gloves, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full January packing list for Tromsø for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.