Tromsø weather in December
“A quiet, cold month. Beautiful for those who prefer it that way.”
Roughly 16 rainy days across the month, on average.
In december, Tromsø settles into its cold, contemplative stillness. The city keeps a different pulse than in summer or midwinter, and travellers who arrive with the right expectations are rewarded.
Days average around -2°C (29°F), cooling to -6°C after sunset. Expect meaningful rain — some 16 wet days across the month. Pack accordingly and let the weather choose your afternoons. Daylight is short — the mornings arrive slowly and the evenings settle in early.
These figures are climatological averages, drawn from a decade of daily records via the Open-Meteo Archive — not a forecast. But they are honest, and they are the sort of thing a good travel guide ought to tell you before you book the flight.
What to pack for Tromsø in December
- •A properly warm coat — not a fashion piece
- •A compact travel umbrella — one you'll actually carry
- •A merino base layer for the cold evenings
- •Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes
- •A small daypack that won't look like a tourist beacon
What to pack for Tromsø in December
- →Merino wool base layerAmazon · shop this
- →Insulated puffer jacketAmazon · shop this
- →Thermal glovesAmazon · shop this
- →Packable rain jacketAmazon · shop this
- →Compact travel umbrellaAmazon · shop this
- →Waterproof dry bagAmazon · shop this
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Tromsø in December — FAQ
Q01Is December a good time to visit Tromsø?
Is December a good time to visit Tromsø?
It is a challenging month — you may want to consider another time of year. In December, Tromsø averages a high of -2°C (29°F) and a low of -6°C (20°F), with 114mm of rainfall across roughly 16 rainy days.
Q02What is the average temperature in Tromsø in December?
What is the average temperature in Tromsø in December?
The average high temperature in Tromsø during December is -2°C (29°F), with an average low of -6°C (20°F). These figures are averaged from 11 complete years of daily records (2015–2025, Open-Meteo Archive).
Q03How many rainy days does Tromsø have in December?
How many rainy days does Tromsø have in December?
Tromsø averages approximately 16 rainy days in December, with a total monthly rainfall of about 114mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days.
Q04What should I pack for Tromsø in December?
What should I pack for Tromsø in December?
For Tromsø in December, pack a warm winter coat, a merino base layer for evenings, a compact umbrella or waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on 11 complete years of weather averages for this specific month.
Q05How crowded is Tromsø in December?
How crowded is Tromsø in December?
Tourist crowds in Tromsø during December are typically low — winter is off-season, meaning quiet streets and better hotel deals. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely.