I'm mulling pulling the trigger on going to Tromso in late October to try and see the Northern Lights. Current plan is to stay in Tromso for a week (Sat-Sat), which hopefully will mean we'll have at least one, if not multiple, encounters with the northern lights.

I know seeing the lights are dependent on the weather/clouds but since the purpose of the trip is to see the lights, we don't actually have anything to do during the day time. I know there are museums and such but since this is a last minute trip, we want to try and keep the expenses low since it's Norway and everything is so expensive already. Is October still "warm" enough to do easy hikes nearby and how much snow (if any) is typical for this time of year? How about a day trip to northern Sweden or Finland - is this possible and what's even there to really "see"? The Lofoten Islands seem too far away and likely too expensive to get to so that's probably out.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated and if anyone has experience with a particular Northern Lights tour, that would be great too!

Did you read any of these threads ... searching "Tromso"
Northern Lights - best location?
Recommendations for Tromso & Oslo?
Abisko National Park Swedish Lapland Northern Lights Trip Report
You won't see much, if any, snow in October.

Yes, I did a search already but thanks