If you’re planning a winter adventure in Tromsø, in Northern Norway, you may be wondering: “Do I have enough daylight in Tromsø, in December, to proper whale watch?” The short answer is yes, you do!
December in Tromsø falls right in the middle of the polar night, a period when the sun does not rise above the horizon. Still, despite the absence of direct sunlight, you can absolutely enjoy unforgettable whale-watching experiences. In fact, December is one of the best months of the year to see orcas and humpback whales in the region.
In this article, we’ll explain how the polar night works, why whales gather near Tromsø in winter, and the differences between the various whale-watching tours offered by Best Arctic, including Silent Whale Watching, Whale Safari Skjervøy by Rigid Inflatable Boat (departure from Skjervøy), Whale Safari with Guarantee from Tromsø, and the MS Gabriele whale-watching tour.
What is the Polar Night in Tromsø?
Tromsø lies well above the Arctic Circle, and from late November until mid-January, it experiences polar night. This is a time when the sun never rises. However, this doesn’t mean complete darkness 24/7. Instead, the city enjoys hours of blue twilight, known locally as the “blue hour“, when the sky displays soft shades of blue, indigo, purple, and pink. Snow-covered mountains and the reflective surface of the fjords amplify the ambient light, creating atmospheric conditions that are beautiful, unique, misterious and breathtaking.
During the middle of the day, the sky often brightens enough for enough visibility. This natural twilight is more than sufficient to observe the dramatic movements of humpback whales and orcas as they feed on herring in the fjords north of Tromsø.
Why winter Is whale season in Tromsø?
While the sun disappears in December, the whales have already arrived by then (from October/ November). From late October to mid-January, large schools of herring migrate into the fjords around Skjervøy. Humpback whales and orcas follow this food source closely, making northern Norway one of the world’s top whale-watching destinations during winter.
The lack of sunlight doesn’t affect whale activity. In fact, the winter waters and low-angle Arctic twilight can make whale sightings exceptionally dramatic. Many guests find the experience even more magical during polar night conditions.
Whale-watching tours with Best Arctic: Which one should you choose?
Best Arctic offers several high-quality whale-watching experiences departing from Tromsø or directly from the fjords. Each tour has unique advantages depending on whether you prefer comfort, speed, sustainability, or guaranteed sightings.
Below are the key differences to helping you choose the right adventure.
Best for:
- Eco-conscious travelers
- Photographers
- Those seeking a peaceful, comfortable experience
This tour is conducted on a quiet, hybrid-electric catamaran that can switch to silent mode near the whales. This minimizes disturbance and creates an intimate, respectful encounter with wildlife.
Why choose it:
- Extremely comfortable indoor lounges
- Stable platform for photography
- Environmentally friendly technology
- Large panoramic windows for viewing even during twilight
Silent Whale Watching is ideal if you want to settle into a warm cabin, enjoy the scenery, and approach whales with minimal noise.
- Whale Safari Skjervøy by Rigid Inflatable Boat (departure from Skjervøy)
Best for:
- Adventure-seekers
- Guests who want the most immersive, close-to-the-water experience
- Those comfortable with cold-weather outdoor clothing
RIB boats (rigid inflatable boats) are fast, agile, and thrilling, allowing you to reach whale locations quickly and maneuver close to the action while respecting wildlife regulations. You’ll be provided with professional Arctic flotation suits for warmth and safety.
Why choose it:
- Most adventurous option
- Fast access to whale hotspots
- Great for capturing dynamic, close-up whale interactions
This is the best choice if you want an adrenaline-filled wildlife encounter and don’t mind breathing the Arctic cold. Mind that this tour doesn’t leave from Tromsø, but from Skjervøy. Therefore, you need to book the Arctic Route winter bus route between Tromsø and Skjervøy to reach the departure location of this tour (book well ahead of time to guarantee your place in the bus).
Best for:
- Travelers who prioritize sightings
- Those who want the best possible success rate from Tromsø
This tour includes a whale-sighting guarantee, meaning that if whales are not spotted, you’ll be offered another tour free of charge. It’s one of the most reliable options for maximizing your chances, as the crew monitors whale activity daily.
Why choose it:
- Peace of mind with guaranteed sightings
- Extended range to reach active feeding areas
- Full-day experience combining comfort and adventure
If seeing whales is your top priority, this is likely the best match.
Best for:
- Guests who enjoy classic, spacious boat experiences
- Families or groups
- Those wanting fresh air on open decks
MS Gabriele is a traditional, well-equipped boat known for its comfort and excellent viewing decks. With both indoor heated areas and large outdoor spaces, it offers a balanced whale-watching experience suitable for all ages.
Why choose it:
- Comfortable, relaxed atmosphere
- Plenty of room for everyone
- Ideal for scenic fjord cruising
This tour provides a more traditional and leisurely whale-watching journey.
Even though December in Tromsø is defined by the polar night, it remains one of the peak months for whale watching. The Arctic twilight provides enough natural light for excellent visibility, and the dramatic winter landscape makes the experience even more memorable.
Whether you prefer a quiet eco-friendly cruise, a high-speed RIB adventure, a guaranteed-sighting tour, or a traditional fjord voyage, Best Arctic offers a whale-watching adventure perfectly suited to your style.
