Peak Season⭐ Top Pick

Hammerfest in December 2026

Curious travellers who want genuine Arctic town character and a quirky Polar Bear Society membership. Here's everything you need to plan your December visit.

✦9/10

🌡️ Weather in Hammerfest in December

-5°C

Avg Temperature

cold — warm layers and waterproofs needed

24h

Dark Hours / Night

Polar night — 24h darkness ideal for aurora

🟢 High

Aurora Likelihood

December is prime aurora season — clear nights frequently deliver displays

December in Hammerfest sits at -5°C average, which is cold — warm layers and waterproofs needed. Expect continuous polar darkness — the sun stays below the horizon all day. Pack accordingly and check the detailed packing list below.

🌌 Northern Lights in December

🟢 High likelihood· Aurora score 9/10

Hammerfest has a base aurora score of 9/10. In December, conditions are optimal — long dark nights (24h), typically clear skies, and strong geomagnetic activity combine to make this one of the best aurora months here.

Tips for aurora chasing in December: Head away from town light pollution, check real-time Kp forecasts (apps like SpaceWeatherLive or My Aurora Forecast), and allow at least 3 nights to maximise your chances of a sighting.

Book a guided aurora tour with a local expert — they track forecasts obsessively and know the best viewpoints. Many operators offer "chase" trips that drive to clear sky patches.

🎯 What to Do in Hammerfest in December

✓Northern Lights Tours

✓Aurora Photography

✓Northern Lights Cruise

✓Snowmobile Safari

✓Snowshoeing

✓Photography Tours

Activity availability depends on snow / ice conditions and local operator schedules. Always confirm in advance.

🎒 What to Pack for December in Hammerfest

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Thermal base layers, fleece or down mid-layer, waterproof outer shell

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Waterproof hiking or snow boots with good grip on icy terrain

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Warm hat and insulated gloves; layers you can remove as you warm up

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Camera with manual mode, wide-angle lens (f/2.8 or faster), and sturdy tripod

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Extra camera batteries — cold drains power fast; keep spares in an inner pocket

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Remote shutter release or intervalometer for long-exposure aurora shots

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Ski goggles or polarised sports glasses for snow glare

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Waterproof salopettes or snow trousers for multi-hour outdoor activities

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Dry bag for electronics; most operators provide drysuits but check in advance

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Sea sickness prevention if boat trips are planned

📦 View the full interactive packing list for Hammerfest →

🏨 Accommodation in December

Peak Season

This is peak season — book accommodation 2–4 months in advance. Expect prices around $78+/night for mid-range options. Popular choices include Harbour hotels, Guesthouses, Aurora lodges. Aurora lodges and glass cabins sell out fastest.