Tromsø in February
February is the coldest month in Tromsø and one of the snowiest. The days grow by more than four hours, and the calendar is full: Sámi Week, the reindeer races and a music festival.
February is winter at its fullest in Tromsø. It is the coldest month on average and the snow is usually deep, but the light returns fast: on 1 February the sun is up for about five hours, on the last day for more than nine. Sámi Week, the reindeer races and the Northern Lights Festival fill the calendar, and the daytime fjord boats start sailing again.
Light and darkness
| Date | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|
| 1 February | 09:25 | 14:31 |
| 15 February | 08:16 | 15:41 |
| 28 February | 07:15 | 16:39 |
The combination of snow and low sun makes the light bright from mid-February. One snowshoe operator asks guests to bring sunglasses and sun cream from that point. The nights are still long enough for the northern lights, from early evening until morning.
Weather and snow
The average temperature in February is −3.3 °C, the lowest of the year at the station in town, with about 97 mm of precipitation. In winter 2025/26 the snow depth at the station peaked at 105 cm on 23 February. Take warm mittens and a spare pair of socks on every trip outside town.
What runs in February
- All snow activities are in their main season: husky sledding, reindeer sledding, snowmobiling and snowshoeing.
- The fjord sightseeing boats return. Rødne’s panorama catamaran runs in February and March, and Brim Explorer’s cruises start again in February.
- The whale season is usually over by now.
- Ice fishing on the frozen fjords continues until the end of March.
Events in February
Sámi Week runs from 31 January to 7 February 2027, around the Sámi National Day on 6 February. It ends with the Norwegian championship in reindeer racing in the city centre, which draws thousands of spectators, and includes lasso throwing, concerts and a traditional market. The Northern Lights Festival, the oldest festival in Tromsø, celebrates its 40th edition from 11 to 20 February 2027 with classical, jazz and family concerts. Book accommodation early for these weeks. More about Sámi traditions is on our page on Sámi culture and reindeer.
Is February a good time to visit?
For snow activities with daylight, February and March are the best months. It is the coldest time of the year, though, so pack for it with the help of our page on what to wear.
Tours for February
Snow and daylight together, and the fjord boats are running again.
Husky sledding · Arctic Adventure Tours AS
Drive your own husky team on Kvaløya
Self-drive husky sledding on Kvaløya, now with daylight for the landscape.
- Duration 4 hours
- Meeting point Scandic Ishavshotel, city centre
- ✓ Free cancellation
Fjord cruise · Rødne Fjord Cruise
Fjord cruise on a panorama catamaran
A daytime fjord cruise on a panorama catamaran, running in February and March.
- Duration 3.5 hours
- Meeting point Nerstrandkaia, city centre
- ✓ Free cancellation
Fjord cruise · Brim Explorer
Silent fjord cruise with a shore landing
A quiet fjord cruise with a short landing, back from February.
- Duration 4 hours
- ✓ Free cancellation
Snowmobile · Camp Troll
Snowmobile safari in the Lyngen Alps
Snowmobiling in the Lyngen Alps with bus and ferry from Tromsø.
- Duration Full day, about 8 hours
- Meeting point Prostneset, 08:30
- ✓ Free cancellation
Reindeer · Tromsø Arctic Reindeer
Reindeer sledding and feeding with a Sámi guide
Reindeer sledding and feeding, fitting for the weeks around the Sámi National Day.
- Duration 4 hours
- Meeting point Prostneset bus terminal
- ✓ Free cancellation
Fishing · Norwegian Fjord Explorer Lines
King crab cruise with lunch from the catch
A cruise to haul king crab pots, with crab for lunch.
- Duration 4.5 hours
- Meeting point On board MS Tromsø, 09:30
- ✓ Free cancellation
Prices and ratings in these cards come straight from the booking platform and are shown in euros per person. If you book through them we earn a commission, and your price stays the same.
Questions travellers ask
Is February a good time for the northern lights in Tromsø?
Yes. The nights are still long, and the aurora season lasts until early April. As always, you need a clear sky.
When is the reindeer race in Tromsø?
The Norwegian reindeer racing championship ends Sámi Week, which runs from 31 January to 7 February 2027. The exact day for 2027 had not been published when we checked. Visit Tromsø says the race usually takes place on the Sunday at the end of the week.
How cold is Tromsø in February?
February is the coldest month in town, with a long-term average of −3.3 °C. Inland and on tours it can be much colder.
Do I need sunglasses in February?
From mid-February, yes. Snow and returning sun are bright, and some tour operators ask you to bring sunglasses and sun cream.
Where these facts come from
Dates, opening hours and rules change. We checked these pages in November 2026; the official source has the final word.
