If there’s one winter activity you need to tick off your travel bucket list, it’s observing the Northern Lights in Finland, and here’s your ultimate guide to making it happen. Get your camera ready.
There’s nothing like seeing the Northern Lights, one of nature’s greatest wonders. Finland is one of the best destinations to observe this natural phenomenon.
Not only does Finland provide a great backdrop for viewing the dancing skies, but you can take advantage of the fact that some of Finland’s best remote areas are free of light pollution, making Finland a prime location for viewing the Northern Lights.
The Northern Lights in Finland – the best time to see them
Winter in Finland is very special, with lots of outdoor activities, winter wonderland landscapes, and the chance to visit Lapland’s Santa Claus Village. Of course, it’s also a great place to see the Northern Lights, making Finland the perfect winter destination.
Knowing the best time to see the Northern Lights is crucial when planning a trip to Finland in winter so you don’t miss out; let us give you the information.
While this solar phenomenon can be spotted between August and April, the best chance to see them in all their dancing glory is between December and March. To have a higher chance, you need complete darkness, no light pollution, and of course clear skies.
The best place in Finland to see the Northern Lights is in northern Lapland, an area many people are familiar with, associating it with the homeland of Santa Claus and his reindeer.
The area has great hotels, ski resorts and frozen lakes, making it an ideal winter destination for fun winter activities like aurora hunting.
Where to Stay – Best Places in Finland
The northern part of the country is the best place in Finland to see the Northern Lights. Here you will have many comfortable hotels, aurora villages, fun winter activities and tour companies ready to give you the best aurora experience.
If you want to watch the night sky, here are some of the best places to stay in Lapland:
- Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, is an ideal base for exploring the surrounding area. It’s ideal for those who want a small-city vibe, buzz, and nightlife, while still being close enough to some backcountry areas for aurora hunting.
- Kemi is another excellent choice: a small port town north of Oulu. The Northern Lights can be seen from here 100 days a year, but venturing further into nature is still recommended to best see them without any light pollution.
- Oulu is one of the best places in the world to see the aurora, and if you have a cloudless sky, you might be in luck. This lively city is full of culture and fun things to do, but when planning to see the Northern Lights, try getting out of the city in search of clearer skies.
- Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort is one of the most unique places to observe the Northern Lights as you will be staying in stunning igloos that bring you closer to nature than ever before.
- Saariselka is home to the Ulhodikonin National Park. The region experiences the Northern Lights on average 200 days a year.
- Ivalo is a small town in Finnish Arctic Lapland with a rustic atmosphere. The nearby Hammastunturi Wilderness Area has little light pollution, and the resort of Kakslauttanen is just 30 minutes from Ivalo’s airport.
What to Know – Top Tips for Seeing the Northern Lights in Finland
- The best time of day to see the Northern Lights in Finland is when the sky is darkest, either at or within a few hours of midnight.
- The Sami are Europe’s original people, originating in Sweden, Finland and the far north of Norway, so don’t miss the opportunity to learn about their fascinating culture while in Lapland. And remember to travel sustainably.
- Located near Rovaniemi, Santa Claus Village thrives at Christmas time and is a great place for families looking to enjoy a festive holiday and enjoy the Northern Lights while in Finland. Keep an eye out for Santa!
- You can sign up for free alerts from the Finnish Meteorological Institute that update your chances of seeing the aurora, which is a great way to plan your sightings.
- In winter, you can expect temperatures between zero and -30 degrees Celsius (32 – -22 degrees Fahrenheit), so be prepared with plenty of clothing and warm clothing. Also keep an eye on forecasts.
- Fun daytime activities in northern Finland include husky dog sledding, combined sauna and ice baths, skiing, snowshoeing and more.
worth mentioning
- One of the friendliest countries in Europe , Finland is in the middle of the auroral zone, which means it is not blocked by clouds or fog like other areas, making it a prime location for Northern Lights tours.
- August and September are great times to avoid the crowds, lower prices, and still have a chance to see the Northern Lights as winter begins.
- The Arktikum Museum in Rovaniemi gives you an insight into the Arctic region and in-depth information about the Northern Lights, making it a great place to learn more.
- While Northern Finland is the best place to see the Northern Lights, open your eyes in Helsinki and find the city’s high points, as they can sometimes be seen here as well.
- Many resorts offer cabins and even glass igloos with outdoor jacuzzis for overnight stays in the wilderness of Finnish national parks. Marvel at Earth’s atmosphere from the comfort of a glass ceiling.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Northern Lights in Finland
Can you see the Northern Lights every night in Finland?
The northern lights in Finland can be seen every day from late August to April, as long as the skies are clear, there is no light pollution, and there is total darkness.
Which month is the best in Finland to see the Northern Lights?
December and January, the months of deep winter in Finland, are great times to see the lights. Unfortunately, this is also the coldest month, so be sure to dress accordingly when venturing out into nature in search of the Northern Lights.
We also recommend September and October. During these months, levels of geomagnetic activity are high, which means more solar storms. Also, the absence of snow means that the lights bounce off the water beautifully.
When is the best time of night in Finland for the Northern Lights?
The hours at or on either side of midnight are the best time to see the Northern Lights in Finland, as this is the darkest time of night.
We couldn’t recommend Finland enough for its wide variety of fun winter activities, excellent tours and unique accommodations. It is one of the best places in the world to observe the Northern Lights. So, what are you waiting for?
