As the inhabitants of Lapland, we often hear the question: when can we see the Northern Lights?
In this short post we will try to give you tips on when and how to hunt this amazing phenomenon on the sky.
We have to remember that we never have a 100% guarantee that we will see the Aurora. However, it is worth to be aware that there is knowledge that can help us with this.
We give you a recipe on how to increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights:
- You can admire Aurora from October to April. According to statistics and our experience, most often the Northern Lights are seen in March. This is due to the fact that it is often a sunny month with no clouds.
- It is very important to have a clear sky. Even if the Northern Lights are dancing in the sky, we will not be able to see it if there are clouds.
- The best place to watch the Aurora is far from the lights. Therefore we recommend you to go hunting away from the city, preferably in the wild.
- The Northern Lights appear sometimes for a very short time and without warning. So it is important not to give up immediately and to watch patiently for as long as possible.
- According to statistics, the best time to see the Aurora is around midnight and about two hours before and after. Don’t go to bed too early if you want a better chance 🙂
- The highest probability of seeing the aurora (75%) occurs in northern Lapland.
Probability of seeing Northern Lights in individual zones:
Although the forecasts do not always tell the truth, and it is best to look for the Aurora with your own eyes, we recommend you several options to track the Northern Lights on your phone or computer:
- The Finnish Meteorological Institute
- App „Aurora FCST”
- App „My Aurora Forecast”
As you can see, hunting for the Northern Lights is not easy. However, it is always a huge adventure because it involves exploring new places, and seeing it with a unique satisfaction. If you are looking for someone to help you find a wonderful place in the heart of the Lapland wilderness, we invite you to visit us.
