You’ve probably seen stunning photos of the Northern Lights dancing across the night sky and thought to yourself, “I have to experience that in person someday!” Well, someday can be now. Norway is one of the best places on Earth to witness the Aurora Borealis, and the good news is the prime viewing season runs for half the year. The best time of year to see Northern Lights in Norway is From mid-September through mid-April, the long dark nights are ideal for Aurora hunting. You won’t see them in the summer since the never-ending daylight blocks out the night sky. So pack your warmest coat, book a ticket to Norway, and get ready for an epic adventure under the stars. Whether you head to the coastal port of Tromsø, Alta or a secluded mountain lodge, adventure awaits. These months may be cold, but the thrill of seeing the Northern Lights in person will warm your soul. What are you waiting for? The Aurora season won’t last forever!
Did you know that over 80% of tourists miss the Northern Lights due to the lack of Aurora knowledge? Don't let that be you! The right time and the right place are the key. Northern Lights Online Course and Aurora mobile app designed for beginners will significantly increase your chances.
Designed For Beginners
Designed For Beginners
If chasing the Northern Lights is a dream of yours, you'll want to plan your trip to Norway between September and mid-April. During these months, the skies are dark long enough at night for the Auroras to be visible. In the summer, Norway experiences up to 24 hours of daylight north of the Arctic Circle, so the skies never get dark enough for the lights to shine through.
Before going out for your first Aurora hunt it's a smart move to take Northern Lights Online Course where you will learn all you need to know to successfully hunt for the Northern Lights. This course is designed for beginners so you don't need to worry about not knowing much yet.
The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are caused by solar particles colliding with gasses in Earth's atmosphere. What are the best months to see Northern Lights in Norway then? They are most active during the equinoxes in March and September. So autumn and winter are prime viewing seasons. Late fall, from October to November, is probably your best bet since the temperatures are still mild and the crowds have dwindled from the summer season.
The far north of Norway, in the Arctic region of Tromsø and Alta, is a spectacular place to see the Northern Lights. These areas are located in the Auroral Oval, a ring-shaped region surrounding the North Pole where Auroras frequently appear. Abisko National Park, Lofoten Islands and Lyngsalpan Nature Reserve are other stunning spots to witness the dancing lights. Their remote locations away from city lights provide visibility for miles in every direction.
So if watching the Northern Lights in Norway is on your bucket list, avoid the long summer days and short nights. Plan your trip when the skies are dark, the temperatures not too frigid, and the solar activity is increased. The adventure of a lifetime awaits!
If you want the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights dance across the night sky in Norway, plan your trip during Aurora Season. The best time of year to see northern lights in Norway is between mid-September and mid-April. During these months, the skies are dark for long enough at night for the Aurora Borealis to be visible. Summer in northern Norway means almost 24 hours of daylight, so you won’t see any Northern Lights action.
The Best Spots
Some of the most popular places to glimpse the Northern Lights in Norway are:
Tromsø: This Arctic city is located in the heart of the Aurora Zone, offering prime viewing spots like Prestvannet Lake.
Alta: The Alta Canyon and coastline offer panoramic views and minimal light pollution. Alta also hosts the Northern Lights Festival every January.
Narvik: Head to the Narvikfjellet Mountain for a stunning vantage point. Narvik sees more than 200 Auroras each year.
Svalbard: Halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole, Svalbard is one of the best places on earth to spot the Northern Lights. Schedule a dogsledding or snowmobile tour to get away from city lights.
The Northern Lights are caused by solar particles entering the Earth's atmosphere, so solar activity determines their intensity and frequency. Check the Aurora forecast for Norway for your dates to see predictions and expected activity, but the more time you spend in the Norwegian night sky between mid-September to mid-April, the better your chances of witnessing a breathtaking display. With stunning fjords, cozy cabins, and thrilling activities, Norway is a perfect winter getaway - and the Northern Lights are the glittering cherry on top.
Some of the best places in Norway to see the Aurora Borealis are located above the Arctic Circle, where the nights are long and dark. These northern areas offer prime viewing conditions between September and mid-April.
Tromsø, a city in northern Norway, is a popular spot for hunting the Northern Lights. Its location makes it ideal for watching the colorful lights dance across the sky. You can take boat or bus tours from Tromsø to get away from the city lights for the best views.
The Lofoten Islands, known for picturesque fishing villages and dramatic scenery, also provide many opportunities to spot the Aurora Borealis. Some of the best places here are Uttakleiv Beach, Eggum, and Unstad.
Alta, located in Finnmark county, is considered the Northern Lights capital of Norway. It sees the Aurora Borealis almost every night between autumn and spring. Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel offers prime viewing spots.
The Lyngen Alps mountain range near Tromsø offers gorgeous vistas. Go snowshoeing or cross-country skiing at night to get to secluded spots away from light pollution. Some recommended spots are Storvannet Lake and Oteren Village.
The Varanger Peninsula in far eastern Finnmark is one of the best places for Aurora chasing. The tiny town of Vardø offers unobstructed views over the Barents Sea. You’ll likely have the place to yourself in the winter, with little to no crowds. Find a secluded spot, start a fire to keep warm, and wait for the lights to start dancing.
These locations in the northern parts of Norway, especially those situated in Lapland above the Arctic Circle, provide ideal conditions for seeing the colorful Northern Lights from September through mid-April when the days are short and nights are long. The limited daylight means less solar activity and a better chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis.
Tromsø is a popular city in northern Norway known as the “Northern Lights Capital” due to its prime location for viewing the Aurora Borealis. During the winter months, the long, dark nights provide many opportunities to spot the dancing lights in the sky.
Location and Lack of Light Pollution
Tromsø sits around 350 km north of the Arctic Circle, where you'll experience little to no sunlight for parts of the winter. The lack of sunlight also means there is almost no light pollution to interfere with your view of the night sky. You can see the Northern Lights vividly dancing overhead, and even experience rare red and pink colors at times.
Diverse Terrain
The terrain around Tromsø offers many vantage points for viewing the lights. You can spot them from right in the city center, surrounding mountains, or even while dogsledding or on a snowshoeing adventure outside of town. Some favorite spots are Prestvannet Lake, Telegrafbukta beach, and Ersfjordbotn.
Knowledgeable Tour Guides
Many knowledgeable guides in Tromsø offer Northern Lights tours and excursions. They know the area well and can take you to the best spots away from the city lights with optimal viewing conditions. Some will provide warm transportation, snacks, tripods, and cameras to capture your experience. Private and group tour options are available.
Accommodations with Views
Some accommodations in Tromsø even provide prime views of the night sky right from your room or on-site. Look for lodges, resorts, and cabins away from the city center that advertise “Northern Lights views” or “Aurora cabins.” What could be better than spotting the lights in comfort from your own private balcony or rooftop?
Chasing the Northern Lights in Tromsø will be an unforgettable experience and photos of the swirling green lights above snowy peaks and fjords are sure to garner lots of likes when you share them on social media! The city’s natural setting, knowledgeable guides, and optimal viewing conditions make it one of the best places in the world to witness the spectacular Aurora Borealis.
To maximize your chances of seeing the Northern Lights dance across the sky in Norway, timing is everything. The Aurora Borealis is most visible between mid-September and mid-April, when the nights are longest and darkest. During the summer months, the midnight sun prevents the lights from being seen.
Location, location, location
Some of the best spots in Norway to view the Northern Lights include:
Tromsø, a city located 350km north of the Arctic Circle. Its location in the heart of the aurora belt makes it a prime viewing spot.
Alta, a small town in the northern Finnmark region, considered the unofficial "Northern Lights capital of the world".
Svalbard, a remote archipelago where the lights are visible almost every night of the year. Access is by plane or boat only, but the views are unparalleled.
Lofoten Islands, a picturesque archipelago where jagged peaks meet the sea. The Northern Lights frequently dance above its scenic landscapes.
Patience is a virtue
The Aurora Borealis is a natural phenomenon caused by solar activity, so sightings can never be guaranteed. While the chances are greatest between 10 pm and 3 am, the lights may appear at any time throughout the night. Finding a secluded, dark area away from city lights will dramatically increase your odds. Once at your viewing spot, give your eyes at least 20 minutes to adjust to the darkness. Then, all that's left to do is wait, enjoy the night sky, and hope the Northern Lights decide to make an appearance. With luck and patience on your side, you'll be rewarded with a dazzling display of green, red and purple lights dancing through the stars.
The most useful Northern Lights online tools for a successful Aurora hunt. Are you about to hunt the Northern Lights on your own? Then you will find these resources helpful. If you are trying to see Aurora for the first time we recommend signing up for the Northern Lights Online Course where is explained step-by-step all you need to know to see the Northern Lights in an easy way.
Northern Lights essential online tools designed for beginners to help you see Aurora like the handy Aurora Mobile App and Northern Lights Online Course will help you to understand how Aurora works and to monitor real-time activity.
The Northern Lights Forecast for 3 days and long-term Aurora forecast for up to 27 days ahead can be found here: Geophysical Institute Forecast, NOAA Aurora Forecast, Spaceweatherlive Forecast or in the Northern Lights App.
Find the best Aurora spots with the light pollution map and cloud cover prediction.
Northern Lights activity in real-time: Real-time Aurora activity (worldwide magnetometers), Solar Wind activity, Sun's activity, Aurora live Boreal webcams list or Aurora App.
Additional resources to know when it will be dark enough Darkness graph & Map and how much the moon will illuminate the sky Moon Phase + Moonrise & Moonset.
If you decide to go with professional Aurora hunters here you can find the top-rated Aurora Tours.
So there you have it, the inside scoop on the optimal time to catch the dazzling Northern Lights show in Norway. Pack your warmest clothes, charge your camera batteries, and book that trip between mid-September and mid-April for the best chance to witness the spectacular Aurora Borealis lighting up the night sky. Whether you venture to the rugged Lofoten Islands, historic Tromsø, scenic Alta, or secluded Svalbard, stunning views and lifelong memories under the colorful waves of light await. Chase your dreams of seeing this natural wonder in person—you won't regret taking the plunge into the Arctic chill to experience one of the greatest shows on Earth. The Northern Lights are waiting for you!
All our courses are designed for beginners and people who never saw the Northern Lights. You can learn about the Northern Lights in an easy way. Enroll now!