Northern Lights in Lapland: best time, places and tips to see them
For many travelers, seeing the Northern Lights is the number one reason to journey to the far north. But when do you have the best chance? The aurora most often appears between September and March, on clear, dark nights. Still, it’s not just about the season, the weather, your location, and sometimes just a little bit of luck all play a role.
In this blog, we’ll explain when your chances are highest, and share tips from our own experience so you’ll be well prepared.
Why Lapland?
Because of its northern latitude and dark skies, Lapland is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. In Swedish Lapland (around Luleå and Abisko), Finnish Lapland (Inari, Saariselkä), and Northern Norway, you can often see the aurora when the skies are clear and light pollution is minimal.
Yes, you might also see it in Iceland or Greenland, but Lapland can be considered a true home base for aurora hunters: accessible, well-organized, yet still dark enough to admire the starry sky in full glory.
Best time to see the Northern Lights in Lapland
The season runs from September to late March, sometimes into April when the nights are still dark enough.
Autumn (Sept–Oct): first auroras above colorful forests.
Winter (Nov–Jan): the darkest nights, with the best chances if skies are clear.
Late Feb – late March: cold, often crystal-clear skies. For many travelers, this is the very best time.
With some luck, you might see the Northern Lights on several nights during your stay. Staying multiple days greatly increases your chances. While Mother Nature cannot be predicted, forecasts are linked to solar activity and local weather conditions.
How cold is it in Lapland?
Around the Arctic Circle, temperatures often drop to –10 °C to –20 °C, with lows around –30 °C. Wind and humidity can make it feel colder. On clear nights ,when the aurora is most visible, the air is usually at its coldest.
Still, the dry cold often feels less harsh than a wet winter at home.
Tips: dress in layers, wear proper boots, mittens and a hat, and keep moving. With reindeer, snow, and perhaps a dinner in a glass igloo or an outdoor hot tub, the cold becomes part of the magic.
Best locations to see the Northern Lights
Open fields & frozen lakes: wide view of the sky, no city lights.
Forests near Luleå and Kiruna (Sweden), or Inari (Finland).
Northern Norway: coastal areas where clouds often clear faster.
Special stays: glass igloos or lodges deep in nature offer the chance to see the aurora without leaving your bed.
👉 Avoid villages or towns where light pollution ruins the view. The darker, the better.
Photography tips: Capturing the aurora
Photographing the Northern Lights can be tricky, but with some preparation it’s possible:
Use a tripod and a good camera (or even your phone).
Set a long exposure (2–8 seconds) to capture the lights.
Start with ISO 1600–3200.
Avoid blur with a remote shutter or timer.
💡 Want to learn more than just the basics? Join our Northern Lights Photography Workshop. We’ll take you into the night, teach you how to use tripod, shutter speed and exposure, and show you how to capture not just the moment, but the magic of the aurora itself.
FAQ
Can you still see the Northern Lights in late March or April?
Yes, late March is excellent. In April, chances decrease as nights grow shorter, but clear skies can still reveal the aurora.
When is the best chance to see the Northern Lights?
During the dark winter months, especially November–February. But the entire period from September through March offers good chances.
Is the Northern Lights always visible in Lapland?
No. You need darkness, clear skies, and some luck with solar activity and weather.
Can you see the Northern Lights in Finnish Lapland?
Absolutely. Places like Inari and Saariselkä are among the best locations in Europe.
How do I increase my chances?
Stay several nights, go away from city lights, find wide open spaces, and use apps that forecast solar activity and aurora chances.
What causes the Northern Lights?
They’re created when charged particles from the sun enter the atmosphere and collide with oxygen and nitrogen, producing the familiar green glow, and sometimes red or purple.
Conclusion
There’s never a guarantee you’ll see the Northern Lights in Lapland, but the journey is always worth it. The darkness, the stars, the silence of the snow, and with a bit of luck, those dancing curtains of light in the sky. It’s an experience you need to witness with your own eyes.
