Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Troms og Finnmark, Norway, is characterized by two distinct Köppen-Geiger climate classes: Dfc (subarctic) and ET (tundra). This region experiences extreme temperature variations, with a frigid minimum plunging to -33°C (-28°F) in November, juxtaposed against a warm July average that can reach up to 32°C (89°F). Overall, the average annual temperature hovers around 2°C (36°F), showcasing the stark contrasts that define this northern landscape.
Troms og Finnmark, Norway, exhibits dramatic seasonal temperature patterns, with winter months characterized by extreme cold and deep sub-zero temperatures. January and February see minimums plummeting to -30°C (-22°F to -21°F), with average temperatures lingering around -6°C (22°F) and -7°C (21°F), respectively. As spring approaches in March and April, a gradual warming trend becomes evident, with March experiencing average temperatures rising to -4°C (25°F) and April peaking at 0°C (32°F), while maximum temperatures can reach 17°C (63°F). The summer months of June and July bring more significant warmth, with average highs reaching 12°C (54°F) and soaring to 32°C (89°F) in July, alongside a notable increase in minimum temperatures. As autumn sets in, temperatures begin to decline, with September showcasing averages of 8°C (46°F) and by November, the chilling grip of winter returns, marked by an average of -2°C (29°F) and maximums reverting back to 11°C (52°F). This stark contrast from severe winters to mild summers illustrates the region's diverse climatic variability throughout the year.
In northern Norway, Harstad experiences a minimum temperature of -24°C (-11°F) in January and a maximum of 28°C (82°F) in July, while Tromsø sees a slightly warmer January minimum of -23°C (-9°F) and matches the July maximum at 28°C (82°F). Alta, on the other hand, records a colder January minimum of -28°C (-17°F) but reaches a peak temperature of 28°C (83°F) in August. For more detailed temperature fluctuations, visit the links for Harstad, Tromsø, and Alta: monthly temperatures in Harstad, monthly temperatures in Tromso, and monthly temperatures in Alta.
Precipitation in Troms og Finnmark, Norway, exhibits a reasonably consistent distribution across the months, with an average total ranging from 77 mm (3.0 in) in December to 113 mm (4.4 in) in March. The winter months of January and February see comparable levels of precipitation at 83 mm (3.3 in) and 85 mm (3.3 in), respectively, as snow is prevalent. March marks the peak precipitation month, delivering 113 mm (4.4 in) as the region transitions into spring. This trend continues with notable precipitation recorded in June (105 mm or 4.1 in) and August (111 mm or 4.4 in), indicating a relatively wet summer, especially when juxtaposed with the drier conditions observed in May and July.
The frequency of rainy days throughout the year varies slightly, with March experiencing the highest at 18 days, signaling the onset of spring. In contrast, the summer month of July reports only 13 rainy days, despite receiving substantial precipitation. Seasonal shifts are evident, as the number of precipitation days slightly decreases in winter months, averaging around 13 to 16 days. Overall, Troms og Finnmark's precipitation pattern underscores a humid climate, influenced by both its geographical location and the Arctic weather systems, contributing to its rich natural beauty and ecological diversity.
In Troms og Finnmark, Norway, sunshine duration reveals a dramatic seasonal progression that mirrors the region's changing climate. The year begins with a meager 9 hours of sunshine in January, as the long, dark winter months dominate. However, as February rolls in, the days gradually lengthen, and sunshine increases significantly to 97 hours. This upward trend accelerates in March and April, where sunshine hours jump to 242 and 327 hours, respectively, signaling the departure of winter and the welcome arrival of spring. By May, sunlight reaches a remarkable 423 hours, paving the way for the vibrant summer months ahead.
The summer peak occurs in July, when Troms og Finnmark enjoys an impressive 451 hours of sunshine, providing nearly fifteen hours of daylight each day. This abundance of sunlight continues into August, though it starts to taper off to 338 hours. As autumn sets in, the days shorten rapidly, plunging to just 154 hours in October and a stark 24 hours in November, indicating the return of darker days before December ushers in complete darkness with no recorded sunshine. This seasonal cycle of sunshine not only influences daily life in the region but also affects the natural ecosystem, showcasing the stark contrasts that define Troms og Finnmark's climate throughout the year.
In Troms og Finnmark, Norway, the UV Index displays distinct seasonal patterns that reflect the region's varying exposure to sunlight throughout the year. During the winter months, particularly from January through February, the UV Index remains low at 1, which allows for prolonged skin protection with a burn time of 45 minutes. As spring approaches in March, the UV Index increases slightly to 2, still categorized as low, yet marking the beginning of enhanced sunlight exposure. April sees a more noticeable shift as the UV Index rises to 4, moving into the moderate category and reducing the recommended burn time to 30 minutes, indicating a need for increased sun protection.
The summer months of May, June, and July maintain a moderate UV Index of 5, underlining the importance of sun safety during these periods, as the recommended burn time decreases to 30 minutes. As the sun begins its descent into autumn, the UV Index drops to 4 in August and 3 in September, emphasizing a gradual decrease in sunlight intensity. By October and November, the Index falls back to low levels of 1, while December records the lowest UV Index at 0, which highlights the minimal UV radiation during the darkest winter months. This seasonal fluctuation in the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors alike to adjust their sun protection strategies accordingly.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in Troms og Finnmark, Norway, demonstrates a striking seasonal transformation that underscores the region's polar location. In January, residents experience just 4 hours of daylight, with the sun barely rising above the horizon, leading to an extended period of twilight. As February progresses, the days lengthen to 7 hours, and by March, daylight reaches 11 hours, marking a significant shift as winter yields to the first hints of spring. The transition continues through April, where daylight extends to 16 hours, culminating in May with an impressive 22 hours of sunlight.
The summer solstice in June brings about the phenomenon of midnight sun, where daylight lasts a full 24 hours, allowing for endless outdoor activities under the bright Norwegian sun. Even in July, sunlight persists for 23 hours, gradually diminishing as autumn approaches. August sees a decrease to 17 hours, followed by 13 hours in September. As the days grow shorter into autumn and winter, daylight slips to just 8 hours in October and 6 hours in November, culminating in December, when Troms og Finnmark experiences complete darkness with 0 hours of daylight. This remarkable fluctuation in daylight duration not only shapes the daily lives of residents but also deeply influences the region's unique natural ecosystems.
Alta, Norway experiences a subarctic climate characterized by cold winters and mild summers. January and February see minimum temperatures plummeting to -28°C (-17°F) and -25°C (-12°F), with precipitation averaging around 47 mm (1.9 in). The summer months, particularly July and August, are much milder, with average temperatures reaching up to 13°C (55°F) and 11°C (52°F) respectively, and precipitation peaking in August at 92 mm (3.6 in). Despite the cold, Alta enjoys considerable sunshine from March to August, with July boasting the most hours at 414. For more detailed information, visit Alta climate.
Harstad, Norway experiences a subarctic climate with cold winters and mild summers. January and February are characterized by harsh conditions, with average temperatures around -5°C (22°F) and significant snowfall, leading to precipitation peaks exceeding 100 mm. By June and July, temperatures rise, reaching averages of 10°C (51°F) and 13°C (55°F), while sunshine totals peak at 462 hours in June. The transition to autumn sees a drop in temperatures and increased rainfall, with October and November receiving around 100 mm of precipitation. For more detailed information, visit Harstad climate.
Honningsvåg, Norway experiences a subarctic climate characterized by cold winters and cool summers.January sees temperatures ranging from -13°C to 6°C, with minimal sunshine, while July enjoys milder conditions, fluctuating between 4°C and 23°C, alongside the most sunshine hours at 453. Precipitation is fairly consistent throughout the year, peaking in November at 88 mm, contributing to a damp climate. The transition from winter to spring brings a gradual warming, making it an intriguing destination for those interested in Arctic weather patterns. For more detailed information, visit Honningsvag climate.
Kautokeino, Norway experiences an extreme subarctic climate with frigid winters and mild summers. January temperatures can plummet to as low as -30°C (-22°F), while July sees averages of 13°C (56°F) with maximums reaching 29°C (84°F). Precipitation is highest in summer months, peaking at 93 mm (3.7 in) in August, while sunshine is abundant from May to July, with July receiving up to 461 hours of sunlight. Winters, however, are marked by little to no sunlight in December, averaging only 0 hours. For more detailed information, visit Kautokeino climate.
The climate in Kirkenes, Norway, is characterized by cold winters and mild summers. January and February experience extreme lows, with temperatures plunging to around -29°C (-20°F), while July sees averages around 14°C (57°F) and max temperatures reaching up to 32°C (89°F). Precipitation varies throughout the year, peaking in August at 81 mm (3.2 in), and sunshine hours are most abundant from May to July, exceeding 400 hours per month. In stark contrast, December sees no sunshine at all. For more detailed information, visit Kirkenes climate.
Tromsø, Norway experiences a subarctic climate with cold winters and mild summers. January typically sees temperatures ranging from -23°C to 7°C, while July offers a pleasant average of 12°C and peaks at 28°C. Precipitation is significant throughout the year, with March recording the highest at 139 mm. Sunlight varies considerably, peaking in July with 454 hours, and dips to zero in December. For more insights on Tromsø's climate, visit Tromso climate.
In conclusion, Troms og Finnmark, Norway, presents a fascinating climate characterized by extreme seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine, UV Index, and daylight duration. The region experiences harsh winters with frigid temperatures and brief daylight hours, contrasted sharply by the vibrant and sun-drenched summers where the phenomenon of the midnight sun occurs. This unique climatic rhythm greatly impacts the local lifestyle, ecological systems, and even the seasonal activities enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. Understanding these climatic patterns not only highlights the beauty of this northern landscape but also emphasizes the importance of adapting to and respecting the natural environment in this remarkable region.