Booking choice: The minibus chase, from $257 per person. Check dates Tour details
Tromsø's January normal is -4.4 °C (1961-1990, Norwegian Meteorological Institute figures), and the University of Tromsø points out that inland, where chases often go to escape the clouds, it is colder still. You will spend much of the night standing at a viewing spot.
Several tours lend a thermal suit and boots; the big bus tours do not. Either way, what you wear underneath matters.
The quick answer
Wear thermal base layers, a wool or fleece mid layer, wool socks, a warm hat, mittens or gloves and a neck warmer. The minibus chase lends a winter suit and boots if you send your sizes after booking; the big bus does not, so bring a warm insulated jacket, trousers and boots. Pack a spare battery and your passport.
What should you wear on a northern lights tour in Tromsø?
Layers: a thermal base layer, a warm mid layer, and an insulated, windproof outer layer, plus a hat, mittens and warm boots.
Wool or synthetic base layers keep you warm even if you sweat in the warm vehicle. Avoid cotton next to the skin. A neck warmer and hand warmers help on windy shores.
Rather not pack a snowsuit? The minibus chase includes a winter suit and boots.
Check dates for the minibus chaseWhich tours provide a thermal suit and boots?
On this site: the minibus chase, Northern Horizon, Arctic Circle Tours and Greenlander (on request) lend suits and boots; The Green Adventure and EnjoyTheArctic lend suits only; the big buses do not.
| Tour | Suit | Boots | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chasing Lights minibus | Yes | Yes | Send sizes via the link after booking |
| Northern Horizon | Yes | Yes | Give shoe size and height |
| Arctic Circle Tours | Yes | Yes | Listed as included |
| Greenlander | On request | On request | Must be requested at booking |
| The Green Adventure | Yes | No | No boots, for hygiene reasons |
| EnjoyTheArctic | Yes | No | Thermal suit listed |
| Chasing Lights big bus | No | No | Warm clothes not included |
| Arctic Explorers bus | No | No | Warm clothes not included |
What shoes or boots should you wear?
Insulated winter boots with a good grip, worn with wool socks.
Viewing spots can be on snow, ice or frozen shores. If your tour lends boots, still bring warm socks. On tours without boots, ordinary trainers will get cold and wet fast.
How cold does it get on a chase?
Colder than in town: Tromsø's January normal is -4.4 °C, and inland, where fewer clouds draw the chases, is colder.
Wind on an open shore makes it feel colder still. The guide may drive a long way to clear sky, so dress for the coldest place you might end up, not for the city centre.
What about your hands and camera?
Thin liner gloves under mittens let you work a phone or camera without freezing your fingers.
Cold drains batteries quickly: carry a spare in an inside pocket. The minibus chase includes tripods that support up to 1.5 kg, and the guides take photos for you, so you can keep your hands warm between shots.
Want a tripod and a suit on a minibus night? EnjoyTheArctic's minibus tour includes both.
Explore the EnjoyTheArctic minibus tour Tour detailsWhat else should you pack?
Pack light but smart: you will leave the vehicle at every stop.
- Passport, in case the chase crosses into Finland
- Spare phone or camera battery, kept warm
- Hand and toe warmers
- A small snack and water
- Any medication you need overnight
- Lip balm and moisturiser for the cold air
Are toilets available on the tour?
Not always: the minibus chase stops for toilets when possible, but sometimes it means nature.
The Arctic Explorers bus and the northern lights cruise have a restroom on board, and Arctic Circle Tours lists a restroom. Use the toilet before you leave Tromsø, and dress so layers are easy to manage.
What should you not bring?
Alcohol: the minibus chase does not allow it, and The Green Adventure has a strict policy against guests under the influence.
Leave bulky luggage at your hotel. A small backpack with the essentials is all you need.
Packed and ready? Check dates for the minibus chase with suit and boots included.
Check dates for the minibus chaseFrequently asked questions
Do I need to bring my own winter suit?
Not on the minibus chase, Northern Horizon or Arctic Circle Tours, which lend suits and boots. On the big bus tours you need your own warm clothing.
How do I get the right suit size?
On the minibus chase, send your sizes through the link the operator sends after booking; Northern Horizon asks for your shoe size and height.
Can I wear jeans on a northern lights tour?
Only under a winter suit, and even then thermal leggings are warmer. Cotton gets cold when damp.
Ready to book
Choose your chase
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before on every option. Prices are from-prices in USD and move with the season.
Northern Lights Minibus Chase
- Professional photographer guide and a dedicated driver
- Winter suit and boots, if you send your sizes after booking
- A warm meal, snacks and hot drinks
Northern Horizon Small-Group Chase
Thermal suit, campfire and a portrait for the lowest price here
Arctic Circle Tours Chase with Campfire Meal
Dinner, suits, boots and tripods, with child tickets from age 5
