Tromsø in October
October is the wettest month of the Tromsø winter, and the days lose more than four hours of light. The northern lights are back, but snow in town is not guaranteed.
October is a month of transition in Tromsø. At the start of the month the sun is up for about eleven hours, at the end for less than seven. The evenings are long and dark enough for the northern lights, and the first whale trips leave towards Skjervøy in the second half of the month. Snow is the uncertain part: it can come and go in town for weeks.
Light and darkness
| Date | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|
| 1 October | 06:58 | 18:06 |
| 15 October | 07:54 | 17:03 |
| 31 October | 08:05 | 14:48 |
By the end of the month the sun sets before three in the afternoon, and the aurora can appear from early evening. Visit Tromsø gives the most active hours as about 20:00 to 02:00.
Weather and snow
The long-term average for October is 3.1 °C at the MET Norway station in town, and with about 127 mm of precipitation it is the wettest month from October to April. Rain and sleet are common. In winter 2025/26 the first snow fell on 20 October and melted again. Weather changes quickly here, and conditions differ between the city, the coast and the inland valleys. Wear waterproof layers rather than heavy winter clothing, and bring a warm layer for evenings outside.
What runs in October
- Northern lights tours run throughout the month. With rain clouds over the coast, a tour that can drive inland or towards Finland has better odds.
- Whale watching starts. The core season is November to January, but some boats begin earlier: the first bookable date on Brim Explorer’s 2026 calendar was 14 October.
- Dog sledding on snow usually starts in November. Before that, some kennels offer rides with wheeled carts.
- The reindeer camp of Tromsø Arctic Reindeer opens for the season on 31 October.
- Studded tyres are allowed in Troms from 16 October, which matters if you hire a car.
Without snow, October is a good month for the city: the Fjellheisen cable car, Polaria and the museums, and day trips along the coast of Kvaløya.
Is October a good time to visit?
For the northern lights and fewer crowds, yes. For snow activities, it is too early. If huskies and snowmobiles are the main reason for your trip, look at December or later. Our overview of the best time to visit compares all winter months.
Tours that run in October
Snow activities mostly start later. These trips do not depend on snow.
Northern lights · Northern Lights Safari Tromso
Northern lights bus tour with camp stop
Evening bus tour with a camp stop. In October the nights are already long enough for the aurora.
- Duration About 6 hours
- ✓ Free cancellation
Whale watching · Brim Explorer
Whale watching on a hybrid-electric catamaran
A full day on a hybrid-electric catamaran. Its first bookable date in 2026 was 14 October.
- Duration 7–9 hours
Day trip · Hello Tromsø
Grøtfjord and Rekvik on Kvaløya
A day on the outer coast of Kvaløya, with stops chosen by the light.
- Duration 5 hours
- Meeting point Quality Hotel Grand, Storgata 44
- ✓ Free cancellation
In town · Farout AS
Fjellheisen tickets with van transfer
The cable car up to 421 metres, with a van from the centre.
- Duration 3 hours
- Meeting point Next to Tromsø Cathedral
- ✓ Free cancellation
Reindeer · Tromsø Arctic Reindeer
Reindeer sledding and feeding with a Sámi guide
The reindeer camp opens on 31 October for the 2026/27 season.
- Duration 4 hours
- Meeting point Prostneset bus terminal
- ✓ 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 there snow in Tromsø in October?
Sometimes, but it rarely lasts. In winter 2025/26 the first snow fell on 20 October, melted again, and a lasting snow cover only arrived on 9 November.
Can you see the northern lights in Tromsø in October?
Yes. Visit Tromsø gives the aurora season as late August to early April, and by October the evenings are long and dark. Clouds are the main obstacle, as October is the wettest month of the winter.
Is October too early for whale watching?
The core season runs from November to January. Some boats start earlier: in 2026 the first catamaran trip could be booked for 14 October. Check the dates of your tour.
Can I go dog sledding in October?
Not on snow near the coast. Dog sledding on snow usually starts in November, and before the snow arrives some kennels run tours with wheeled carts.
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.
