Tromsø in May
In May, Tromsø averages 7°C (45°F) during the day and 1°C (34°F) at night, with around 9 days of rain (40 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cold — pack winter layers. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate.
May in Tromsø is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How May compares to the rest of the year in Tromsø
May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Tromsø (5th of 12) and one of the driest months (12th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 2°C above the annual average (5°C). May runs 5°C warmer than April (2°C) and warms a further 5°C into June (12°C).
May sunrise & sunset in Tromsø
Times shown for Tromsø local time (Europe/Oslo), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Tromsø — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Tromsø's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Tromsø in May
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 May's tier (Shoulder) and Tromsø's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May in Tromsø
Tromsø is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Sun & mosquito risk — May 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.
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 May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Tromsø in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Tromsø in May?
In May, Tromsø averages a high of 7°C (45°F) and a low of 1°C (34°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in Tromsø in May?
May sees occasional rain in Tromsø, with about 9 rainy days on average and roughly 1 snow days.
Is May a good time to visit Tromsø?
May is cold. 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 May?
Pack heavy winter layers, a coat, hat and gloves. See the full May packing list for Tromsø for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.