2026 Climate Averages

Weather: Tromsø — May

It's a rainy period, but great for indoor activities, museums, and lower prices.

Climate Overview

May is a wet time to visit Tromsø. Expect cold weather with temperatures around 9°C during the day. This is one of the wettest months—waterproof gear is essential. Being off-peak, you'll find better deals and fewer crowds.

6.1
GoTripzi Score Good

Based on weather comfort, crowds, prices, and activity options

Avg High

9°C

Avg Low

4°C

Rainy days

18days

Daylight

21.9h

Feels like 6°C / 1°C — wind chill makes it feel cooler

Rainfall

110mm

Sunshine

10.4h/day

Humidity

73%

Humid
Sun Strength

6.2

High
Wind

13 km/h (gusts 39)

Is May a good time to visit Tromsø?

It's a rainy period, but great for indoor activities, museums, and lower prices.

Now

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Feels like --
Wind --
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Local time

Air Quality

Travel Context

  • Crowds
    Very Quiet
  • Travel Costs Value Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

01:44

Sunset

23:39

21.9h daylight

Visiting Tromsø in May: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Abundant sunshine for beach and outdoor fun
  • Fewer crowds and better hotel deals
  • Long daylight hours maximize sightseeing time

Cons

  • Frequent rain may disrupt outdoor activities

Things to Do in May

Events & Festivals

🌸
Midnight Sun Season
May 20–July 22 Nature

Recommended for This Weather

🏛️ Museums & galleries
🍳 Cooking classes & food tours
Cozy cafes & local food scene
🏛️ Indoor attractions & shopping
🎭 Cultural tours & local experiences

Tromsø Weather by Month

Month Avg High Avg Low Rain Sunshine Humidity UV Index Crowds Condition
Jan -1°C -6°C 17d (154mm) 0.2h
78% Humid
0 Low
Excellent
Feb 0°C -5°C 18d (127mm) 1.8h
78% Humid
0.5 Low
Excellent
Mar 2°C -4°C 20d (136mm) 5.3h
78% Humid
2.2 Moderate
Excellent
Apr 3°C -2°C 19d (106mm) 9h
76% Humid
4.9 Moderate
Wet
May Current 9°C 4°C 18d (110mm) 10.4h
73% Humid
6.2 High
Wet
Jun 15°C 9°C 16d (85mm) 12.1h
74% Humid
6.7 High
Wet
Jul 17°C 12°C 14d (105mm) 11.4h
79% Humid
6.1 High
Wet
Aug 17°C 11°C 18d (142mm) 8.6h
80% Very Humid
4.2 Moderate
Wet
Sep 13°C 8°C 18d (134mm) 5.8h
81% Very Humid
2.2 Moderate
Excellent
Oct 6°C 3°C 19d (119mm) 3h
82% Very Humid
0.7 Low
Excellent
Nov 2°C -2°C 17d (107mm) 0.4h
81% Very Humid
0 Low
Excellent
Dec -1°C -6°C 13d (83mm) 0h
78% Humid
0 Low
Excellent

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5
3
3
Your Best MonthJulScore: 8.1

Where to Stay

See hotels, apartments & rentals around Tromsø – live prices from Booking.com, Expedia, Vrbo and more

Tromsø

Arctic Circle gateway for Northern Lights with Northern Lights hunting tours and Arctic Cathedral, midnight sun, and polar adventures.

View Full Destination Guide

What to Pack for May

Bundle up with a warm coat, scarf, and closed-toe shoes. Thermal layers underneath give flexibility as you move between indoors and outdoors. A waterproof jacket and shoes are non-negotiable — showers are frequent.

Cool Very Quiet

🎒Personalized Packing List

Tell us about your trip and we'll create a custom packing list based on the weather.

Your Packing List

📋Essentials
👕Clothing
👟Footwear
🎒Accessories
🧴Toiletries & Health

Planning a trip to Tromsø?

💰 Off-peak — great deals available now

Frequently Asked Questions

Is May a good time to visit Tromsø?
May is typically wet for visiting Tromsø, with average highs of 9°C and around 18 rainy days. Plan your activities accordingly—outdoor sightseeing is best on dry days, while rainy days are perfect for museums and indoor attractions.
Does it get cold at night in Tromsø in May?
Yes, nights in Tromsø during May are cold, averaging 4°C. Pack warm layers, a coat, and consider thermal underwear for extended outdoor evenings. Restaurants and cafés have indoor seating, and many museums stay open late.
What should I pack for Tromsø in May?
With highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C in May, we recommend: Warm winter coat, Compact umbrella, Waterproof jacket/shell, Water-resistant shoes. Layering is key as temperatures can vary between air-conditioned interiors and outdoors. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobblestone streets.
Does it rain a lot in Tromsø in May?
Tromsø typically sees around 18 rainy days in May. Rain is usually in the form of brief showers rather than all-day downpours, so a compact umbrella is sufficient. Mornings tend to be drier, making them ideal for outdoor sightseeing.
How many hours of daylight are there in Tromsø in May?
In May, Tromsø gets approximately 21.9 hours of daylight per day. This affects how much sightseeing you can fit in—longer days mean more time for outdoor activities, while shorter days are perfect for cozy museum visits and early dinners.
Is May peak season in Tromsø?
No, May is not peak season in Tromsø. Expect better value on accommodation, shorter queues at attractions, and fewer tourists at popular spots. This is an excellent time to experience the city like a local and enjoy a more authentic atmosphere.

Weather Data: Based on 2020–2025 historical climate data from Open-Meteo

Solar calculations: SunCalc (timezone: Europe/Oslo)

Last Updated: February 2026