Northern Lights in Lapland: Best Time and Places to See Them

The northern lights in Lapland are one of nature's most striking spectacles. Watching them move above a snowy landscape, in polar silence, can make time seem to pause. For the Sámi, the Indigenous people of the region, they have long carried cultural and spiritual significance. If you dream of witnessing this natural wonder, here are the best times, the best places, and practical tips to maximize your chances of seeing the auroras in Lapland.

When to Go to Lapland to See the Northern Lights: Ideal Period

Seeing the northern lights takes more than being in the right place: solar activity, clear skies and patience all matter. The season runs from September to March, when the nights are long and dark. Weather is crucial for observing the auroras in Lapland. To maximize your chances, choose a moonless night with a clear sky and no precipitation, don’t hesitate to check the weather forecast. The ideal period to experience this adventure is from September to March:

• September - October: A perfect time to combine auroras with outdoor activities before the snow arrives.

• November - February: The ideal period, with very long nights and cold temperatures that favor a clear sky.

• March: Although the days get longer, it is still possible to see the auroras, especially at higher altitudes.

A Kp index of 2 or more can be enough to see auroras in northern Lapland. Avoid full-moon nights when possible, as moonlight can reduce their visibility. The auroras are generally visible between 9:00 PM and 2:00 AM. To maximize your chances, it’s best to go on a moonless night with a perfectly clear sky. If you're patient, your efforts will be rewarded with this unforgettable spectacle.

• Rovaniemi: Easy to access and ideal for a family trip.

• Ivalo and Inari: These less touristy locations offer darker skies, perfect for aurora viewing.

• Kilpisjärvi: Known for its dry microclimate and wide open skies, making it one of the best aurora spots in Finland.

Swedish Lapland 

On the legendary Kungsleden, there are two well-known places to see the auroras.

• Abisko: Famous for its "Blue Hole" – a weather phenomenon that provides consistently clear skies, making it one of the best places on Earth to see the Northern Lights.

• Kiruna: A lively town with plenty of winter activities and good viewing opportunities just outside the city lights.

Norwegian Lapland

• Tromsø: Nicknamed "The Gateway to the Arctic," this city provides an ideal setting to see the northern lights while combining nature and urban life. It is also the starting point for two of our trips in Lapland: Ski touring and sailing in the Lyngen Alps, and Ski touring on the wild island of Senja.

• Alta: Known for its clear nights, it’s an excellent spot for aurora watching.

• Vadsø: Remote and wild, this area offers unforgettable dog sledding adventures and uninterrupted views of the auroras far from any light pollution.

How to Maximize Your Chances of Seeing the Northern Lights?

• Get Away from Cities: Light pollution is the enemy of the auroras. Choose wild areas far from artificial light sources.

• Check Aurora Forecasts: Use apps like "Aurora Forecast" to track solar activity in real-time.

• Take Your Time: Stay several days in the area to maximize your chances of seeing the auroras.

• Dress Warmly: Prepare to spend time outdoors in the winter, so dress in layers to withstand the cold.

Ready to Experience the Northern Lights in Lapland?

A trip to Lapland for the northern lights combines dark skies, winter landscapes and time outdoors. For a ready-to-go option, our Swedish Lapland snowshoe and northern-lights expedition, with comfortable chalet nights, is designed to give you the best possible viewing conditions.