Tromsø transforms into a magical winter wonderland in February. The soft Arctic daylight meets dark starlit nights that create perfect conditions for both daytime adventures and Northern Lights viewing. The sun is back since end of January and the weather stays around -4°C (25°F) with snow depths between 30 to 60 cm – just right for winter activities. Find out what kind of tours you can do in Tromsø during the month of February.
The sun graces Tromsø’s skies for about 10 hours, from 7 AM to 5 PM. The city celebrates the Sami National holiday on February 6th with great enthusiasm. You can jump into exciting winter activities like dog sledding, snowmobiling, reindeer tours, ice fishing, cross-country and snowshoeing, among many others. On top of that, the city buzzes with energy during the Northern Lights Festival and Sami Week celebrations. These popular events draw lots of visitors, so booking your trip early makes sense.
February weather and daylight in Tromsø
Winter strengthens its hold on Tromsø during February. The weather patterns and changing daylight conditions create a unique Arctic atmosphere.
Average temperatures and snowfall
Daytime temperatures typically reach -4.3°C (24.3°F), while nights cool down to -9.1°C (15.6°F). The coldest February nights can drop to -12.8°C (9°F). The Gulf Stream helps prevent temperatures from falling even lower.
Snow covers the city steadily with 390mm (15.35 inches) accumulating across roughly 16 days of the month. February 2025 represents winter’s peak, and snow depth reaches 127 cm by February 20. The air maintains 85% relative humidity, which creates perfect conditions to preserve snow.
Daylight hours and sun position
The returning of the sun brings longer days. Each day adds about 9 minutes and 30 seconds of extra daylight. Early February sees sunrise at 9:22 AM and sunset at 2:33 PM, giving about 5 hours of daylight. The month ends with much more natural light – sunrise happens at 7:13 AM and sunset at 4:41 PM, providing over 9 hours of daylight.
The sun follows a clear daily schedule:
Civil twilight starts at 7:41 AM
Solar noon peaks at 11:58 AM
Civil twilight extends until 4:16 PM
The sea stays at 4.6°C (40.3°F). These water temperatures create special atmospheric conditions that affect weather patterns and visibility for outdoor activities.
Morning activities in Tromsø
Start your February mornings in Tromsø with exciting outdoor activities in pristine Arctic conditions.
Snowmobile tours
If you want the thrill of being outside, surrounded by snow covered mountains, observing the beautiful Lyngen Alps, while driving a snowmobile, this is your chance!
If you would rather try a snowmobile tour in the evening, with the possibility to see the northern lights (if you are lucky), we also have an evening snowmobile safari.
Dog sledding adventures
Dog sledding is one of the most popular activities in Tromsø. Your adventure starts by leaving Tromsø towards the dog camps, where you meet your team of huskies, who are happy to begin their run. Two riders usually team up – one person drives as the musher while the other rides as a passenger. You’ll get complete training in handling techniques before you head into the wilderness.
Check here all our dog sledding tours available during the month of February (we recommend you book your tour well in advance to guarantee a spot).
Cross-country skiing
Norway’s national sport, lets you explore the winter landscape naturally. You can join a 2.5-hour guided beginner’s course to build your confidence. Your instructor shows you everything from putting on skis to basic movements.
Tromsø Outdoor in the city center offers equipment rental with classic cross-country, skating, or backcountry skis. The prepared trails make learning easier than trying to ski through fresh snow. Check out this tour here.
Snowshoeing tours
Snowshoeing is perfect for those who want a relaxed morning activity. After a quick lesson, your guide takes you on a safe, scenic hike to carefully picked peaks based on daily weather conditions. Everyone can enjoy this experience, even first-time snowshoers.
The trails take you to beautiful viewpoints overlooking fjords and valleys. You can stop for warm drinks and sweet pastries along the way. Your guide might adjust tours based on weather conditions to keep you safe while ensuring you have an enjoyable experience.
You can join a snowshoe tour on Tromsø island here or in Kvaløya here, the choice is yours!
Afternoon cultural experiences
Cultural celebrations light up Tromsø’s February afternoons. Visitors can dive deep into the region’s rich heritage through amazing experiences.
Polar Museum visits
The Polar Museum sits in a historic 1830s warehouse by the harbor. It opened in June 1978 and offers an engaging afternoon journey through Arctic history. Seven permanent exhibitions tell stories of polar expeditions, sealing history, and Arctic life from the 17th century.
The museum’s collections showcase Tromsø’s role as the Arctic gateway. Visitors can learn about famous explorers like Amundsen and Willem Barentsz. The displays show fascinating aspects of everyday Arctic life, from trapping traditions to polar research developments. The museum’s historic red building in the Skansen area stands as proof of Tromsø’s deep connection with polar exploration and research.
Evening entertainment options
The Arctic city of Tromsø transforms at night. Its evening entertainment scene lights up with amazing experiences that combine natural spectacles and cozy indoor activities.
Northern Lights tours
Your best shot at seeing the Aurora Borealis is between September and early April. Tromsø sits right in the middle of the northern lights oval, so you can spot them even when activity is low.
Expert guides check local weather forecasts to pick the best viewing spots. They might drive all the way to Finland on cloudy nights to find clear skies, focusing on areas away from city lights.
Magic Ice Bar experience
The world’s northernmost ice art gallery is a unique Arctic evening spot. You’ll get winter ponchos and gloves when you walk in, before checking out ice sculptures of Norway’s historic explorers. Book your entrance ticket here.
Ice Fishing
Extremely appreciated in Norway, try your luck on a frozen lake with our Best Kept Secret: Ice Fishing tour that drives you to a beautiful valley not far away from Tromsø. An authentic Arctic experience!
These are just some of our suggestions, you can check all available tours here.
Unfortunately whale watching during February is not longer possible due to the fact that whales migrate south by end of January.
However you can still join boat tours that will show you the popular Norwegian fjords (check all our boat and fjord tours here).
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