Best Time to See Northern Lights – Witness Nature’s Most Mind-Blowing Light Show!

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

Just imagine you are standing under the starry sky and watching the beauty of lights. This is the magic of Northern Lights. The Northern Lights or we can call them “Aurora Borealis”. It is a lifetime experience to capture and if you want this thrilling experience then the Finland Tour Package by Roaming Routes can make it more special and we can make 2025 the Best Time to See Northern Lights.

To view the Northern Lights, you need a perfect time, location and a good season to see the Aurora lights. So, what is truly the Best Time to see the Northern Lights? Let’s see it.

Northern Lights Highlights:

Northern Lights Location: Latitude – 66°N 69°N, Longitude 24°E and 28°E

Countries near Northern Lights : Finland, Canada, Norway, Alaska

Places near Northern Lights: Rovaniemi, Levi, Ivalo etc.

Northern Lights ground area Height from sea: 100m to 600m

Northern Lights Temperature: -1°C to -6°C in daytime and -5°C to -10°C in night

Weather near Northern Lights: Extreme Cold

Nearest Airport to Northern Lights: Ivalo Airport

Northern Lights views best in: Dec-Feb and March-April

Best Time to see Northern Lights: 11 P.M to 2 A.M


Best Months to see Northern Lights

The Northern Lights lie in the Northern Hemisphere, where lights sparkle in cold and dark spots. So, here is the brief of some of the Best Times where you can see the amazing Northern Lights:

  • September – October

In the Autumn Season below the clear skies. You can enjoy the adventure activities and get a great chance to see the Northern Lights with auroras.

  • December – February

It is the Best Time to see the Northern Lights. These months offer the longest nights with maximizing viewing opportunities. They are a popular month in Winter to have Northern lights adventure activities.

  • March – April

It is the Spring season, which means you have clear sky and lively Aurora activity. However, the weather can change anytime and the temperature is colder than all year, thus it creates a heaven of good opportunities to see the Northern Lights in Finland.

Fun Fact – is that December to February Season has the highest Auroral activities. So these months are the Best Time to see Aurora Borealis. 


Why “2025” is the Best Time To See Northern Lights?

“2025” will be the Best year To See Northern Lights because the solar cycle will be at its peak around the middle of 2025. And due to this there are steady and strong Aurora displays all around. So, This year will be the Best Time to see Northern Lights.You can catch the beautiful Aurora lights from September to April in your Finland Tour Packages


Best Time of Night to see Northern Lights

Along with seasons, time also plays an important role, when we are watching The Northern Lights.

The Northern Lights are seen between 11:00 PM TO 2:00 AM. But the best Time to see Northern Lights will be around 11:00 PM, around midnight. At that time Arora Lights could be seen in the most clear and amazing way because around 11 PM the black sky is illuminated by the beautiful Northern Lights.

Country/RegionDistance from India (km)
Finland6,114 km
Norway6,233 km
Alaska7,833 km
Canada11,387 km

Best Places To see Northern Lights

Finland 

Finland Tour Package - Wonders of Rovaniemi

The Best Time to see the Northern Lights in Finland is from March to early April. Rovaniemi and Lapland had clear skies during that time and you can see the Northern Lights roughly on 200 nights a year. Finland is a beautiful country known for its snowy area and quiet atmosphere. It offers you a unique mix of nature, beauty and culture. 

In Lapland you can enjoy the reindeer safaris and a luxury stay on a Glass Igloos. It is a fairytale movement when forests are covered with snow and lakes are frozen. 

The Finnish people are very welcoming and their attachment towards their coffee and nature define their respect towards their culture. There you can also enjoy thrilling adventures like ice fishing, husky sledding etc.

Whether you are a Nature lover or adventure seeker. Finland is a perfect mix of it. So plan your trip between March to April and view the beauty of Aurora Borealis.   

Here are top places in Finland to see Northern Lights:

Rovaniemi 

Finland Tour Package - Glass Resort

It is the capital of Lapland. You can stay in the glass igloos at places like the Arctic snow hotel to see the beautiful view from your window. Beside this it is also famous for its Santa Claus Village. You can easily reach here with a good tourist facility. 

One of the greatest activities in Rovaniemi is to see the Northern Lights. Tourists just stay in a Glass Igloo and enjoy the Aurora activity from their comfort.  

It is a good mix of modern and nature. The city offers a good restaurant with a good tourist facility. The local people are deeply connected with their culture and if you want to experience this then visit the Arktikum Museum and enjoy the traditional saunas. 

Whether you are seeing the Northern Lights or visiting Santa Claus Village. Rovaniemi is truly a beautiful experience in Lapland.

Levi

Finland Tour Package - A Week in Lapland - Explore Finland

Levi is a popular ski resort in lapland and famous for its beautiful view of Northern Lights and for its adventure activities. You can capture the Aurora lights while staying in cozy cabins and enjoy the ski slopes and snow parks for daytime fun. 

The resort offers snow parks and ski slopes for both beginner and skill skiers. During the day tourists enjoy the adventure activities and at night relax in their cabins and watch the Northern Lights.

Levi is a small village with cafes and shops. One of the good things about Levi is that Kittila Airport is just 15 minutes away from it. 

Nature lovers come here to see the beauty of northern lights, adventure people come to enjoy the thrilling activities. Levi is a perfect place to spend your winter vacation. 

Ivalo and Inari

Finland Tour Package - Glimpse of Finland​

Ivalo and Inari offer the darkest skies in Finland, which increase the visibility of Aurora. Just stay in an Aurora cabin to witness the lakeside view of Northern Lights and join the night adventure activities of Reindeer safaris and snowshoe to see the prime location.

Inari is one of the largest lakes in Finland, it is a perfect place for the aurora activity and night photography and Ivalo is the gateway of Northern lapland, it is great for Sami culture and a chance to learn Lapland Indigenous people. 

Whether you are sitting near the fireplace and taking the sip of hot chocolate or doing some thrilling adventure. Ivalo and Inari will provide you everything.

Kakslauttanen

Saariselka Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort

This place is surrounded by snow, pine trees, landscapes and adventure experiences. Kakslauttanen is famous for its Glass Igloo, which provides you the 360 degree of the starry night. 

It is a popular place among couples, but also for adventurous people. As this Arctic Resort provides you with luxury cabins, Glass Igloos and a full tour of Lapland. 

The people who are visiting Kakslauttanen Arctic resort for Northern Lights. Now they can enjoy the adventure activities also, as they provide the arctic activities there only like husky safari, snowmobiling, reindeer safaris and snowshoe hikes. The resort even provides the Santa Claus Village Tour.

RegionBest Time to See Northern LightsAdventure ActivitiesTop Viewing Locations
RovaniemiDecember – FebruaryReindeer & husky safaris, snowmobiles, Santa Claus VillageArctic Garden, Ounasvaara Hill
LeviSeptember – AprilSkiing, ice karting, northern lights snowshoe toursLevi Fell, Zero Point
Ivalo & InariNovember – FebruaryIce fishing, Sámi culture tours, aurora huntingLake Inari, Ukko Hill, Ivalo Sky
KakslauttanenSeptember – MarchGlass igloos, snow safaris, cross-country skiingAurora Igloos, Wilderness Resort

Norway 

Norway is the best destination for viewing the Northern Lights with a clear sky and Fixed Aurora activity. This country offers minimal light pollution with good tourist facilities. 

Tromso offers a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights in September to April. 

Just stay in a lodge and take part in the thrilling adventure. This city is rich in their cafes and historic sites.

Lofoten Islands offer a remarkable view with minimal light pollution and make the photographer’s dream come true, to get the beautiful shorts of aurora activity. It is an ideal place for those who want to avoid crowds and want a peaceful location. 

Both Tromso and Lofoten are a magical backdrop for viewing Northern lights in Norway. 

Alaska

It offers you an unbelievable Northern Lights view, with long and dark winters. The Best Time to see Northern Lights is from August to April. Especially in Fairbanks and Denali National Park which provide a wonderful experience of Northern Lights.

Fairbanks is directly under the auroral oval, which offers the clear nights. It provides luxury lodges with a guide tour for Aurora Light.

Denali National Park is a wild experience with snow covered landscape and perfect backdrop for beautiful Aurora Lights. 

Alaska provides you clear skies and vast wilderness to experience the Northern Lights.

Canada

Canada is a wonderful place, in the Northwest Territories. The best time to view Northern Lights is from September to April under the clear sky away from lights. During that time, you will have minimal lights with low pollution. 

Canada lies in the Northwest Territories which provide you the mix of cultural richness and raw wilderness. If you are seeing a place with good nature and guaranteed Aurora activity, then Canada in the North is the best place. 


Quick Recap

Best MonthDecember to February
Best Time10:00PM – 2:00AM
Best PlaceFinland, Norway and Canada
Ideal ConditionClear and Dark Sky with a dim light 

Tips to maximise your Northern Lights experience

Finland Tour Package - Lapland with Arctic Activities
  • Check the Aurora Forecasts – Use the app like Aurora Alerts or website of Space Weather Live to track the weather.
  • Find a Dark Spot – Which is away from city lights.
  • Dress Warmly – Wear Woolen clothes, as during winter nights are cold, so you should layer up like an onion . This method will keep you warm for a long time in the chilly winters of Lapland.
  • Be Patient – If you don’t see Aurora Lights straight away as Aurora is Changeable, So plan to stay for a few more hours.
  • Join a guided Northern Lights Tour – So that it will help to analyse the Best Time To See Northern Lights and adventure activities.

Top Adventure Activities To Enjoy during Northern Lights

While you are seeing the Northern Lights, then don’t forget to make an adventure plan. So here are the thrilling adventure places.

  1. Snowmobiling in Finland

It is a ride on a snowy landscape on a snowmobile, which is an ideal adventure to see the Northern Lights. Snowmobiling can be cold but refreshing. With the good thermal wear, which is provided by most Tour companies, keep your body warm .

It is a powerful machine which allows you to ride on frozen lakes, across the vast Arctic. It is available for both beginners and experienced riders. 

Snowmobiling is not just a ride, it is a thrilling adventure where you will feel the beauty of Finnish Lapland.

  1. Dog Sledding in Norway

Dog Sledding is a ride which is pulled by Huskies through snow lanes. It lets you explore the isolated area with clear skies. Just book a tour guide, that will tell you everything about the Best Time to See Northern Lights.

It is a traditional mode of transport, which lets you explore the untouched landscapes that are hard to reach. It is more popular in Tromso and Lofoten. 

Whether you want to take a ride as passengers or steering your own sled, it will make you happy with the energy of dogs and excellent view to see.

  1. Snowshoeing in Alaska

This adventure begins in snowy forests while wearing snowshoes. It is like Northern Lights bright under the Aurora covered sky.

Snowshoeing is a special type of strapped snowshoe in your feet, so that you can walk or trek effortlessly in the snow. It is a perfect place for those who want a calm environment and experience the beauty of nature. 

It is suitable for all types of people, as guides provide the warm gear with safety instructions. Whether you want a short tour or a ong wild trek, snowshoeing is perfect for it.

  1. Kayaking in Iceland

You just have to walk with calm water under the starry sky. It is like an Arctic Adventure with an exciting Night Kayak Tour with an Eco-Friendly Spot that allows you to link with nature.

Night Kayaking is a beautiful experience where you will hear the sound of gentle splash from your paddle.

Tour guides enhance the journey with local people and Norse myths. The Best time to see Northern Lights from the water is between September to March. Whether you are a solo traveler or adventure seekers chasing some thrill, then Kayaking is an unforgettable experience that stays with you long after the paddle ends.


What to wear on a Northern Lights Trip

When you will be heading to see the Northern Lights in the coolest weather, you will be outside at night for hours, so you need to dress properly, like : 

  1. The Base Layer

Wear the woolen innerwear, to keep you dry during adventure activity.

  1. The Middle Layer

Then, wear the lightweight Puffy Jacket to keep you warm during the long periods of Aurora watching.

  1. The Outer Layer

Cover your Body with Waterproof Jacket and Pants, so that it protects you against the freezing temperature in Arctic Winters.

  1. Footwear

Wear waterproof boots with a good grip. Wool or Thermal Socks.

  1. Accessories
  • Wear a warm cap that covers your head.
  • Cover your neck with a woolen scarf.
  • Cover your hand with a Thermal gloves.
  • Carry sunglasses with you to protect your eyes.

Essential items to pack for Northern Lights Trip

  1. Take the extra warm clothes with you in an emergency, because the weather is unpredictable and can change at any time.
  2. Keep your phone charged and download the Aurora apps like Aurorawatch to check when the Northern lights will shine.
  3. Take a camera and a tripod to shoot the amazing view of the Northern lights.
  4. Carry a Torch with you, which helps you in the dark.
  5. Carry a hot drink with you to stay warm during Northern Lights Viewing.
  6. Carry your ID, some money for a security checkup, and also carry your lip balm and lotion for dry skin in a waterproof pouch.

These essential items will help you to complete your lists and with this you will enjoy the best view of Northern Lights.


Why are The Northern lights more active around the Equinoxes?

Equinoxes are the special days when the sun directly shines over the Earth’s equator. They appear two times a year when day and night are equal in length. 

They are more active due to the “Russell-McPherron effect.”

During the Equinoxes, more of the sun’s particles crawl through the Earth and make the Northern Lights brighter. During spring and fall, it has clear nights and sky. So it is easier to see the lights. That’s why the Equinoxes are a great time to catch this amazing Northern Light sky show.

 


What do Travelers say after seeing the Northern Lights in Finland?

A few of the reviews of the visitors who had seen Northern Lights in Finland are as follows:

Inari is a quiet place, just away from the crowd. When the Northern Lights arise above the sky, then the reflection on the frozen lake makes the whole view outstanding. It is a peaceful and calm place with a spirituality. 

Levi is the perfect place for snowmobiling and skiing, people usually saw Northern Lights during aurora hunt. It is like a natural reward to capture some beautiful shots.

Just stay in a Glass Igloo in Saariselka. Lying in your comfort bed and watching the Northern Lights from your room. It is an experience that you will never forget. 

Rovaniemi is unforgettable, the sky lit up in green and purple. The reflection in the water and silence in the Arctic made it so peaceful. It is a highly recommended place for couples.

Lastly you are not only seeing the Northern Lights, but experiencing the luxury that only a few get the chance to see. 

The Best Time to see Northern Lights is From 11PM – 2AM in a luxury location like Finland, Canada and Norway. Make sure that before visiting it you should check the Aurora Forecasts and dress accordingly. So, what are you waiting for, just book the Finland Tour Package By Roaming Routes and experience the beauty of Northern Lights.


Common FAQs on Northern Lights

Ques.1 When is the Best Time to see Northern Lights?

 The Best Time to see the Northern Lights is between December to Februaryl. As during that time there will be high Aurora activities. 

Ques.2 What will be the Best Time at Night to see Northern Lights?

 The Best time at Night is from 11PM to 2AM. The Northern Lights are more active in Autumn to Spring Season.

Ques.3 Where can you see the Northern Lights in Finland

 The Northern Lights can be seen in Northern Part like Rovaniemi, Levi, Ivalo and Inari.

Ques.4 Is It possible to see the Northern Lights in Summer?

 No, During Summer there is a lot of sunlight, especially with midnight Sun. Therefore it is very rare to see.

Ques.5 What are the apps to track Northern Lights?

 Some apps to track Northern Lights are Aurora Forecast, Space Weather Live

Ques.6 Does the Moon affect Northern Lights Visibility?

 No, Aurora activities are still visible during a full moon.

Ques.7 Clothes that should be worn during your Northern Lights Trip?

 You should Warm clothes like, Thermal innerwear, woolen mid-layer and waterproof jackets. Also wear warm boots, gloves and a hat.

Ques.8 Are Northern Lights going to be brighter in 2025 ?

 Yes, 2025 will be a good year to see the Northern Lights because the sun is at solar maximum and peaking aurora activity. 

Ques.9 What Adventure activities that you can enjoy during the Northern Lights trip?

  You can enjoy Snowmobiling, Dog Sledding, Snowshoeing and Ice Fishing.

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Picture of Hello, I’m Anurag Kothari

Hello, I’m Anurag Kothari

We believe that the best holidays are those that are tailored to your dreams and your budget. Our team of specialists led by Anurag Kothari has over 10 years experience in creating (comfortable) custom and holiday packages for families, couples, professional

More to explorer

Get Quote