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Winter
In the short days of December, the snowy winter mountains and the fjords are dressed in deep blue, as if seen through blue glass. In late winter, the generous, warming rays from the sun turn the landscape white and the sea sapphire blue.
Cold winter facts
- Troms enjoys the best northern lights frequency in the world
- Temperatures are surprisingly mild, considering the latitude
- From late November to mid January, the sun is below the horizon, and Troms is in the grip of the Polar Night
- Snow lasts into May, providing a sunny late Winter, perfect for activities
Winter fun!
Dark winter
From late November to January, the sun stays away from Troms. Fortunately, dawn and dusk last a long time up here on top of the planet. In the middle of the day we have quite a lot of light. At midday the southern sky is ablaze like an untimely sunset, and one hour later the snowy landscape is bathed in a glass-like, transparent blue. But for 20 hours a day it's pitch dark, and time to enjoy the great indoors; a vibrant cultural scene, nightlife and good food. But outdoor we can still go crosscountry skiing in floodlit ski tracks and go searching for the Northern Lights.
Bright winter
From February onwards the sun gets a grip, and the days grow longer. The weather is also more stable. This is the time to get out into the white winter landscape. Dog sledding between the birches, snowmobile on frozen lakes and cross country skiing to the nearest viewpoint. The most advanced, though, go for off-piste skiing; spending hours climbing a summit, and then 15-20 minutes rushing down to the fjord. The season lasts until the midnight sun shines in late May.
Not as cold as you think
Troms benefits from the tepid waters of the Golf Stream. The temperatures are occasionally above freezing, even in January. Along the coast, temperatures seldom drop below -10C/15F In deep inland valleys, temperatures occasionally drop well below -30C/-25F, but this doesn't happen every year. From March on, the temperatures are on the rise. In April, the daytime temperatures are typically well above freezing, but frost strikes back hard at night.
Snølandet Troms
Troms is full of snow, and we discuss the theme constantly. The first snowfall is typically in the inland, but towards the end of the winter, there is more snow on the coast. Occasionally, the snow depht in Tromsø is up to 2 metres/7feet, while the reindeer along the eastern border easily can dig through the fluffy powder snow to reach the moss. Off-piste skiers love the Troms snow; a solid base of packed snow is covered by excellent powder snow. In the mountains, skiing lasts until early June, and the most fanatical skiers watch the Midnight Sun while skiing.
Mysteries of the night sky
A light-footed dance, curtains flickering, rolling smoke and organ pipes shooting out: the shapes of the Northern Lights are endless. The unearthly green colour, with a hint of pink and violet, makes you question your eyesight.