In the not so unluckily event of a snowstorm in Tromsø, there are still many things you can do to still seize the day.
As a local guide, I would recommend you a list of “must see”, but still touristy, places as well as off-the-beaten-path hidden gems. Usually though, it is still safe to spend some time outside, as long as you are in the city center, a little walk from one place to the other won’t kill you!
TROMSØ 69°39N
weather IN TROMSØ: COASTAL ARCTIC MADNESS
Tromsø is a beautiful, little island deep inside the arctic circle. This is a city of extremes. In winter we experience the polar night and in summer the midnight sun. This region changes drastically throughout the year and each month is unique on its own. If you are visiting us in winter time, then you should expect to witness the northern lights, or meet the reindeer and the Sámi. Most importantly though, you need to take into account that it is dark, like very dark. It is also relatively cold. I recommend you embrace this concept: "cold doesn't exist, it's just in your head". In summer instead the sun never sets. It's always daytime. This is the perfect opportunity to fully enjoy Northern Norways's truly unique nature. Hiking, camping, sea kayak, sailing, you name it. If you are an active person, summer in Tromsø is definitely worth it.
Winter in Tromsø can be relatively mild, compared at least to where we go for our northern lights safaris. The little island of Tromsø (Tromsøya, for the locals) comfortably lies between Tromsdalen and Kvaløya. They shield us from heavier winds. The coldest night recorded in Tromsø touched -15.2°C (4.6°F), whereas in Skibotn -28.6°C (-19.5°F). Nonetheless, don't forget that Tromsø is an island very close to the Norwegian Sea. As such, it is cloudy between 75 and 80% of our nights in the city centre. For this reason as a northern lights guide, I spend most of my nights in other beautiful, natural places, where we see crisp stars and the dancing northern lights. Also, it is often very, very snowy here. Don't forget to dress accordingly. In Northern Norway they say:"there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing".
"Det finnes ikke dårlig vær, bare dårlige klær"
Summer in the Arctic means that there is no darkness: we get 24 hours straight of daylight. The fjords reflect the sun rays at midnight. In this period I love photographic journeys around these arctic shores and in the mountains. In spring temperatures oscillate between 0°C (32°F) and 12°C (54°F), summers peak at 25°C (77°F). Sommarøya, Kvaløya, the many fjords, inlets, pure arctic waters. All the natural places an explorer desires.
