Lapland is the ultimate destination to witness the breathtaking Aurora Borealis- The Northern Lights. With the right timing, a bit of preparation, and maybe some expert guidance, you can experience one of the most magical natural phenomena on Earth. Keep reading for all the tips you need to plan your unforgettable trip to Lapland!
The Best Time to See the Northern Lights
Timing is everything when it comes to chasing the Aurora Borealis. While they technically occur year-round, you’ll need darkness—and plenty of it—to catch a glimpse.
When to Go
- Optimal Months: September to March or early April. These months offer long, dark nights ideal for viewing. Autumn and spring are the most active times.
- Best Hours: Aurora activity often peaks between 9 PM and 1 AM, so be prepared to stay up late! You can catch a glimpse at any time during the dark hours, so always take a moment to look up at the sky.
Why 2025 is Special?
Every 11 years, the Sun reaches “solar maximum” in its cycle, a period marked by increased solar activity that enhances the intensity and frequency of the auroras. The next solar maximum is predicted to occur in 2025, making it an ideal year for northern lights enthusiasts to visit Lapland. If you’re planning a trip, this is the year to mark on your calendar.
Should You Book an Aurora Tour?
You can totally catch the auroras right outside your cottage if you’re lucky—it’s such a magical experience! But if your time in Lapland is short, I’d really recommend booking a tour. Guides are experts at tracking weather conditions and aurora forecasts, often driving to remote, cloud-free locations to ensure the best chances of a sighting. If your time in Lapland is limited, a tour can significantly increase your chances of seeing the lights.
Bonus? Some tours combine aurora hunting with other amazing activities:
Snowmobiling through the pristine wilderness
Ice Floating with Northern lights
You can also stay in a Glass Igloo and enjoy the breathtaking northern lights from the comfort of your own bed.
DIY Northern Lights Hunting
Venture out to a dark, open area far from city lights, such as frozen lakes or mountain fells. While the lights can sometimes be faint at first (visible only on your camera), they can grow stronger over time. A good aurora forecast app or website, such as Jemma.mobi, can help predict activity. Staying up late and being patient are key.
How to Check the Aurora Forecast?
Aurora forecasts are essential tools for planning your nights:
- Use Aurora Forecasting Apps
Apps like Aurora Forecast provide real-time updates on aurora activity and cloud coverage. Some apps include live cameras that I found really helpful. They let you check if there is already Aurora in the sky and how the clouds are looking—all without even stepping outside. It’s like having a little sneak peek before heading out.
- Check Cloud Coverage
No clear skies? No auroras. Apps and websites like Jemma.mobi are invaluable, showing cloud coverage, aurora strength, and forecasts for specific areas in Finland. Sometimes you can see auroras with some clouds.
- Know the Key Indicators
Websites like Jemma.mobi also provide technical indicators to watch, such as:
- Bz should be low or negative for better aurora visibility.
- Solar Wind Speed (nopeus) and Density (tiheys): The higher, the better.
- Kp Index: Ranges from 0 to 9 and measures the strength of geomagnetic storms. A higher kp index means a greater chance of seeing auroras. For Lapland, even a low KP of 2 or 3 can result in stunning displays.
To increase your chances of seeing auroras, it’s best to check multiple times throughout the night. Conditions can change at any moment. There were many nights when we thought there was no chance of seeing the aurora, but by frequently checking aurora apps and websites, we managed to catch them at the right time, right in front of our cottage.
Places in Lapland to See the Aurora Borealis
Every corner of Lapland offers great opportunities to see the northern lights, but some spots stand out for their darker skies and stunning landscapes. Here are some spots around Lapland for Aurora hunting:
Levi
- Lake Sirkkajärvi
- Kätkätunturi
- Near Levi Golf
Rovaniemi
- Arktikum Shore
- Lake Norvajärvi
- Skyhotel Area
- Vaattunkinköngäs and Vikaköngäs
Read more about Rovaniemi -> The Ultimate Travel Guide to Rovaniemi, Finland – Winter Edition (2024)
Saariselkä
- Kaunispää Fell and Kiilopää
Read more about Saariselkä -> Travel guide to Saariselkä, Finland – Winter Edition (2023-2024): Discover the top things to do!
Pyhä
- Asteli Beach
Kuusamo
- Käylä Beach
Aurora Hunting Essentials—What to Pack?
Lapland winters can be brutally cold, especially at night when you’re standing still for hours waiting for the auroras to appear. Here’s what to pack to stay warm and comfortable:
- Thermal Base Layers (top and bottom)
- Insulated Jacket (down is ideal)
- Snow Pants or Insulated Trousers
- Thick Wool Socks
- Waterproof Winter Boots (with thermal lining)
- Hat (covering ears)
- Gloves (insulated and waterproof)
- Scarf or Neck Gaiter
- Headlamp or Flashlight (for safety in dark areas)
- Camera Gear (camera, tripod, and spare batteries for capturing the lights)
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