When to go · Tromsø
Tromsø in May
Good month. Outside the best window (Sep–Mar for auroras; Jun–Jul for midnight sun; Feb–Mar for whales and snow). Across Norway: Fruit blossom in Hardanger, 17 May celebrations; mountain roads still closed early in the month.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Good
- Temperature
- 9°C48°F / 2°C36°F
- average high / low
- Rain days
- 8
- Crowds
- Medium
- Norway overall
- Prices
- Medium
- Norway overall
Verdict
Outside the best window (Sep–Mar for auroras; Jun–Jul for midnight sun; Feb–Mar for whales and snow). Across Norway: Fruit blossom in Hardanger, 17 May celebrations; mountain roads still closed early in the month.
Weather in May
- TromsøHighs around 9 °C, lows around 2 °C, rain on about 8 daysHighs around 48 °F, lows around 36 °F, rain on about 8 days
- Arctic north, Norway · Tromsø, Lofoten, Senja, Alta, North Capecool
Warmer than its latitude thanks to the Gulf Stream. Polar night in Tromsø about 27 Nov – 15 Jan, midnight sun about 20 May – 22 July; North Cape about 14 May – 29 July. Aurora season September–March.
Festivals and holidays
Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.
Constitution Day big impact
17 May · Norway
Children's parades, national costumes, everything closed; Whit Monday also falls on 17 May in 2027.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · Norway overall
- Medium
- Prices · Norway overall
- Medium
Norway overall: Fruit blossom in Hardanger, 17 May celebrations; mountain roads still closed early in the month.
What to pack
- A warm coat, hat and gloves for mornings and evenings
- Layers: a fleece or light jacket