The best time for Northern Lights

Tromsø, often called the "Gateway to the Arctic," is one of the world’s best places to witness the beauty of the northern lights. The city’s location in the heart of the auroral oval makes it a prime destination for aurora hunting. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, experiencing the northern lights in Tromsø is a bucket-list adventure like no other.

When is the Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Tromsø?

The northern lights season in Tromsø runs from September to mid-April, with optimal viewing conditions during the darkest months of the Arctic winter. During winter from November to February, the long polar nights provide extended hours of darkness, maximizing your chances of seeing the aurora borealis.

But even during the shoulder seasons in September, October, and April, you can still experience incredible displays, with less people around and most likely a bit warmer temperatures than during the winter period.

The key to a successful aurora hunt is a combination of darkness, clear skies, and solar activity. This means that the best time of the day will vary from month to month depending on the hours of daylight. In general, we say the most active period for the aurora is between 18:00 (6pm) and 02:00 (2am), but during the polar night months it is possible to see the northern lights as early as 15:00-16:00 (3-4pm) and throughout the night until the early morning hours 05:00-07:00 (5-7am).

In the beginning of the season and the end of the season, there is a shorter period when the sky is dark enough to see the lights. The best time of the day in beginning of September and around mid-April would be from 23:00 - 01:00 (11pm - 01am).

Tips for the Best Northern Lights Experience

1. Choose the Right Time

Visit between September and mid-April when the sky is dark enough to see the northern lights, but remain flexible as the aurora depends on solar activity and weather.

1. Dress Warmly

The Arctic nights are clod, so wear thermal layers, waterproof clothing, and insulated boots. Some tours provide additional thermal suits for warmth (read the activity descriptions for a full overview of what's included).

1. Be patient

The northern lights is unpredictable in many ways. A key to successfully seeing the northern lights is patience. The lights in the sky can make a show lasting for hours, or just a few seconds. The sky can be completely cloudy, and suddenly it clears up in the right moment for a great show. Being outside at the right place to the right time is all it takes, but that can be hard. The best advice is to spend a lot of time outside and be patient.

1. Go Away from City Lights

While Tromsø itself offers some great vantage points, heading out into the countryside or fjords increases your chances of seeing a vivid display. Light pollution doesn't prevent you from seeing the northern lights, but the aurora sure seems stronger if you are in a dark place since your eyes will adjust to the darkness and manages to better see the lights in the sky.

1. Bring a Camera

Capture the magic with a camera capable of long-exposure photography (this includes phones which are getting better and better when in comes to low light images). Many tours offer guidance on photographing the aurora or provide professional photos as part of the package.

1. Book tours in advance

Weather conditions in Tromsø can be unpredictable, but the guides are local weather experts and does their very best to find the best place every night to increase your chance of seeing the northern lights. They have good knowledge about the different weather zones around Tromsø, cloud movements and how the landscapes affect the cloud coverage (even on challenging days when it is cloudy). Tromsø is a popular northern lights destination, and tours gets fully booked a long time in advance, especially during high season (around Christmas - New Year's, and in February).

Why Tromsø is Perfect for Northern Lights Hunting

Tromsø’s location within the auroral oval ensures frequent aurora activity, even when the aurora activity is considered low. The surrounding landscapes of fjords, mountains, and Arctic wilderness provide stunning backdrops for your aurora experience. Additionally, the city is well-equipped with experienced tour operators, making it easy to find a tour that suits your preferences.

Watching the northern lights dance across Tromsø’s starry skies is a magical moment that will stay with you forever. Whether you choose to chase the aurora by minibus, relax on a northern lights cruise, or combine it with other Arctic adventures, Tromsø guarantees an unforgettable experience under the Arctic sky.

Book your northern lights tour today and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime!