When is the polar night in Tromsø?

In 2026/27 it runs from 28 November 2026 to 14 January 2027, according to MET Norway. The last sunrise is 27 November and the first is 15 January.

Is it completely dark during the polar night in Tromsø?

No. Even on 21 December the sun is only about 3 degrees below the horizon at noon, which gives roughly four and a half hours of twilight between about 09:30 and 14:00.

How many hours of daylight does Tromsø get in December?

There is no direct sunlight from 28 November, but usable twilight lasts about 5 hours on 1 December and about 4.4 hours on 21 December.

When does the sun return to Tromsø?

The sun rises above the horizon again on 15 January, but mountains block it from the centre for a few days. The city celebrates its return on 21 January, Soldagen, with solboller (sun buns).

Can you see the northern lights during the polar night?

Yes. The long darkness gives more hours to watch, and the aurora can appear from early evening. Clear skies are the deciding factor.

Does Norway have polar night everywhere?

No. Polar night only occurs north of the Arctic Circle, and it lasts longer the further north you go. Southern Norway still has a few hours of sun in midwinter.

Polar Night in Tromsø 2026/27: Dates and Daylight

Tromsø's polar night runs 28 November 2026 to 14 January 2027. MET Norway dates, a daylight table, what the twilight looks like and how to plan a visit.