1. Meet the Norwegian people
  2. Polar night season in Tromsø

Polar night season in Tromsø

If you’re wondering when to plan your visit to Tromsø, often referred to as the Paris of the North, you might be curious about Polar Night Season. From when it is, to what to expect and things you should pack, this post will cover everything you need to know about Norway’s incredibly magical Polar Night season.
Written by
The Fjord Tours team
3 min readUpdated: Aug 27, 2026
Panoramic winter view of Tromsø harbor with boats, snow-capped mountains, Arctic Cathedral, and reflected city lights.

What Is It and When Is It?

Polar Night Season happens every year in Tromsø. It begins on November 27th and lasts until January 15th. However, due to the high mountain ranges around the city, it actually gets dark beginning November 21st until about January 21st. During this time, the sun does not rise at all. There is a subtle twilight light from about 9 AM to 2 PM, but otherwise, the city is dark. While this may sound a bit dreary, Tromsø locals actually report lower levels of wintertime depression than expected which may be related to a more positive wintertime mindset.
Snowy city at dusk with lit bridge and colorful houses.

Polar Night Weather

Typically, the first snowfall of the season happens in September or October, however, in recent years, this has been delayed. It’s good to keep this in mind if you are booking activities that require snow. Dogsledding and skiing are both popular activities in Tromsø, but if they are booked too early in the season, there might not be enough snow and you risk having your reservation canceled.
A person in a blue jacket and red beanie stands with a sled dog while another person prepares another dog for the sled in a snowy landscape.
It doesn’t get as cold in Norway’s Arctic as it does in neighboring Finland. This is due to the warmer breeze coming off of the Atlantic. However, you’ll still want to come prepared with plenty of warm layers if you’re visiting Tromsø in the winter. Tourists should bring a thermal base layer, a comfortable mid-layer and a warm, water-resistant shell. You’ll also want to have a number of cold-weather accessories to choose from including a hat, mittens, a scarf, and warm, waterproof footwear, and socks.
Group pointing joyfully at bright green aurora.

Polar Night Activities

There will be no shortage of activities available to visitors in Tromsø during the Polar Night Season. Many people travel in the hopes of catching a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis. For your best shot, consider booking a tour guide to help you locate these stunning lights for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Perhaps you are looking to get out on the water during your time in Tromsø. If so, you’ll be able to choose from a wide variety of activities including tours of the fjords as well as whale watching. Both orcas and humpback whales can be spotted off the shores of Tromsø from October to January before they head south for the winter.
Close-up of whale’s tail emerging from the water, droplets splashing, calm ocean in the background.
If you prefer to stay dry on the mainland, there’s plenty to do there as well. From dogsledding to hiking to ski touring you’ll be able to find an adventure that suits you. If you’re looking for something more low-key, consider taking a walk around the city to visit the shops and cafes. Or, book some time at a local spa to escape the cold.
There is no question that visiting Tromsø during the Polar Night Season is a magical and unique experience. In no time, you’ll see why Tromsø is so often called the Paris of the North.
Inspired to visit Norway in the winter season? Check out our winter tours in Norway.

Top things to do in Tromsø

Discover the Arctic's most breathtaking experiences in Tromsø, from the dancing Northern Lights to thrilling winter adventures. Book your activities today to secure your spot during peak season.
Whale safari boat sailing through pink Arctic twilight toward snow-covered mountains near Tromsø Norway
Whale and Arctic Wildlife Safari in Tromsø
Tromsø
No available price
23 October - 31 January
A person in warm clothing pets two sled dogs in the snow, with a husky standing attentively and a tan dog calmly standing.
Dog sledding in Tromsø
Multiple locations • 7 hr
No available price
1 December - 31 March
Large catamaran with passengers sails past snowy peaks in cold waters.
Silent whale watching cruise in Tromsø
Tromsø • 9 hr
No available price
16 October - 31 January
Guided snowmobile safari through Lyngen Alps forest trails from Tromsø. Winter adventure in Norwegian wilderness.
Snowmobile safari in Tromsø
Tromsø • 7 hr
No available price
10 December - 31 March
A couple stands on the ship's deck, watching the Northern Lights over the mountains, with city lights reflected in the water.
Electric Northern Lights cruise
Tromsø • 3 hr
No available price
1 November - 2 April
A ship under the Northern Lights, floating on calm Arctic waters.
Overnight Northern Lights and Whale Safari Expedition
Multiple locations • 1 day
No available price
2 November - 31 January
People in yellow vests watch the green Northern Lights over a snowy landscape with a lake and mountains in the background.
Aurora safari minibus in Tromsø
Tromsø • 7 hr
No available price
1 September - 15 April
Woman in yellow beanie takes photo from boat deck with snowy mountains behind.
Arctic fjord cruise in Tromsø
Tromsø • 4 hr
No available price
1 September - 2 April
Group of five friends in winter jackets standing under green Northern Lights, sharing a moment of awe.
Aurora safari camp in Tromsø
Tromsø • 7 hr
No available price
17 October - 22 March
People on boat raise arms watching northern lights.
Northern Lights cuisine cruise in Tromsø
Tromsø • 3 hr
No available price
11 September - 3 April
People on the Northern lights cruise in Tromsø take photos of the Northern Lights dancing above them.
Northern Lights cruise in Tromsø
Tromsø
No available price
23 October - 31 March
Comfortable catamaran for whale watching and Arctic wildlife tours in Tromsø fjords.
Arctic Fjord Cruise from Tromsø
Tromsø
No available price
1 February - 31 March
Romantic winter scene with couple under Northern Lights, one proposing on knee in snow-covered landscape.
Northern Lights chase in Tromsø
Tromsø • 7 hr
No available price
1 December - 31 March
See all activities in Tromsø

Life in the arctic

Mother polar bear with two cubs on ice, bathed in soft golden light, creating serene, peaceful atmosphere.

Animals in the arctic

It should come as no surprise that the Arctic region is one of the toughest places on earth for wildlife to live. Humans have been able to adapt fairly well to living in this part of the world due to the ability to wear clothing and reside in heated structures throughout the majority of the winter. However, for the animals that are forced to stay outside and venture through the Norwegian fjords and other areas of the Arctic, the climate is much more inhospitable.

Small town covered in snow at night, warm-lit houses, streetlights casting soft glow, with snowy mountain range in background.

The Arctic Circle

Sitting at Earth’s most northerly latitudes, you can think of the Arctic as the planet’s hat. The main focus of this area is, of course, the North Pole, however there is so much more to it than that. Surrounding the North Pole is the Arctic Circle which stretches out into different countries, forming a line around the top of the Earth. Let’s take a closer look at this fascinating part of the world.

Person with red hair photographs misty Sognefjord landscape from boat.

Arctic photography

It’s no secret that the raw, untouched beauty of the Arctic has inspired many photographers over the years. A Google search of ‘Arctic photography’ will reveal thousands of stunning photographs from professional and amateur travel photographers.

Svalbard - the blue hour

Norwegian arctic art

It’s hard not to be inspired by the breathtaking landscape in Norway. This is especially the case in the arctic regions of Northern Norway where the scenery is particularly spellbinding. It should therefore come as no surprise that there is also a thriving art scene in the Northern country.