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Norway guide

Northern lights in Norway

Norway is one of the most reliable places in Europe to see the aurora. Here is when the season runs, where to go and what decides whether you see anything.

Northern lights over mountains and the sea in Lofoten
Northern lights over mountains and the sea in Lofoten. Photo by Sami Matias Breilin on Unsplash.

What they are

Charged particles from the sun are drawn in by the Earth’s magnetic field and collide with nitrogen and oxygen atoms high in the atmosphere. The result is the glow Visit Norway describes in green, blue, pink and violet.

The lights are most often seen in the auroral zone, a band about 660 km wide centred on roughly 67 degrees north, according to Wikipedia. That runs through northern Norway, which is why the best places are above the Arctic Circle.

When the season runs

Two sources, two slightly different windows:

  • Visit Norway: late August to late March.
  • Hurtigruten: October to the end of March.

Within that, Visit Norway says activity is statistically highest in March and April and in September and October, and that displays are also possible from November to February. Autumn is a good choice if you want fewer crowds.

The peak time of night is often between 11 pm and 2 am. The sky has to be clear and dark, and Visit Norway is clear that a display cannot be guaranteed.

Where

The best places to see them

Tromsø

The main hub, with direct international flights. Visit Norway says it gets very busy in winter and suggests autumn, or nearby Alta, Lyngen or Senja, as alternatives.

Lofoten and Vesterålen

Often combined in one trip. Visit Norway notes Northern Norway has large areas with no light pollution, such as islands, deep fjords and steep mountains.

Bodø and Salten, Narvik, Kirkenes

All named by Visit Norway as aurora destinations.

Svalbard

Also named by Visit Norway as an aurora destination.

Trøndelag, western and southern Norway

Sightings are possible, mainly when solar activity is higher, according to Visit Norway.

What gives you the best chance

  • Go north. The auroral zone is centred on about 67 degrees north, so Tromsø, Lofoten and further north beat the south.
  • Get away from lights. Northern Norway has islands, deep fjords and mountains with little light pollution.
  • Allow several nights. Clear skies and solar activity both have to line up.
  • Use a forecast. The Kp index measures geomagnetic activity. Wikipedia describes Kp 3 as relatively low and Kp 9 as high, and higher values can push the auroral oval further south. Visit Norway’s NorwayLights app gives a forecast.

Planning around the lights usually means winter conditions as well. See when to visit for the polar night dates and temperatures, and Tromsø for the main hub.

Questions

Quick answers

What is the best month to see the northern lights in Norway?

Visit Norway says the statistically most active periods are March and April and September and October, though displays are also possible from November to February.

What time of night are the lights best?

Visit Norway says the peak is often between 11 pm and 2 am, and that the sky must be clear and dark.

Can I see the northern lights in summer?

Not in the far north. The midnight sun means the sky does not get dark in early summer, and Visit Norway says the season runs from late August to late March.

Are the northern lights guaranteed?

No. Visit Norway says displays cannot be guaranteed. Cloud, solar activity and light pollution all matter, so allow several nights.

Is there a forecast app?

Visit Norway promotes its NorwayLights app, which gives a northern lights forecast on iPhone and Android.

Sources

Facts on this site come from Visit Norway, the Norwegian Meteorological Institute, UNESCO, gov.uk and the operators named, each listed at the foot of the page. Check dates, prices and entry rules with the provider before you book.