Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)—sure, they’re a bucket list activity and a dream holiday experience for many travelers either in Iceland, Norway, Sweden or Finland. In fact, the Aurora Borealis is the #1 reason people travel to Finland during the winter months. Seeing the sky dance in shades of green, purple, and pink is unforgettable, but here’s the secret: you don’t need to wait for the coldest months or deepest snow to witness them.
From autumn reflections on lakes, to spring’s long dark nights, Finland offers incredible aurora opportunities far beyond the peak season. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know—from the ‘best times’ and places to watch, to choosing between safaris and hunters, plus the apps and tips that maximize your chances.
Table of Contents
Where the Name “Aurora Borealis” Comes From ?
The name Aurora Borealis comes from Latin:
- Aurora = the Roman goddess of dawn
- Boreas = the Greek word for “north wind”
Together, it means “the dawn of the north.”
The term was first popularized in the 1600s by the French philosopher and scientist Pierre Gassendi, who described the mysterious lights seen in the northern skies.
In the Southern Hemisphere, the same phenomenon is called Aurora Australis, meaning “southern dawn.”
Why Finland for the Northern Lights?
Finland is one of the world’s best places to see the Aurora Borealis, according to Visit Finland with up to 200 nights of visibility per year. The further north you go into Lapland, the better your chances. From glass igloos to remote wilderness cabins, Finland offers countless ways to enjoy the skies.
What You Need to See the Aurora
- Solar Activity – The Sun is active all year, not just in winter.
- Clear Skies – Cloud cover is the biggest obstacle.
- Darkness – Avoid light pollution and aim for late-night hours (10 PM–2 AM). A full moon can also act as light pollution and wash out the auroras.
- Clear horizon – Trees, buildings, and hills can block part of the show. Find an open spot (by a lake, river, or on a hilltop) to enjoy the widest view of the sky.
Tip: Get away from city lights for the best experience. Even Rovaniemi has nearby dark-sky spots (Visit Rovaniemi).
A Note on Glass Igloos
Glass igloos have become a dream accommodation for many aurora travelers—and yes, they are magical. Falling asleep under the stars with the chance of the Northern Lights above you is unforgettable.
But from my experience, the best way to see the auroras is outside. Standing in the crisp air, with silence all around you, makes the lights feel more alive. You can hear the snow crunch under your boots, feel the cold on your face, and fully connect with the moment—something a cozy glass ceiling just can’t replace.
Tip: If you do book a glass igloo, don’t just stay inside. Step out when the sky comes alive—it’s worth it.
I’ve also reviewed the best glass igloo in Finland: Aurora Queen Resort here.
Bonus Viewspots
Arktikum Museum, Rovaniemi
The area beside the Arktikum Museum, overlooking the Ounasjoki River with the highway lights to your right, is a popular and photogenic spot for aurora watching—with the museum’s glass façade providing a dramatic backdrop.Ounasvaara Hill
Just a short drive from the city center, Ounasvaara Hill offers wide horizons and a more elevated view of the night sky. There’s even a tower at the top where you can climb for a better vantage point—though keep in mind the structure may block part of the sky directly above you. Still, the surrounding landscapes make it one of the best local spots for aurora hunting
Note: Both Arktikum and Ounasvaara are close to the city, which means some light pollution will always be present. However, if the auroras are strong, they’re still clearly visible and can look spectacular even against the urban glow.
Best Time of Year to See the Northern Lights
Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Pros: Snowy landscapes, festive atmosphere.
- Cons: Peak tourism season = higher prices, colder conditions.
- Check my complete guide on what to pack for Finland in winter
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
- Pros: Reflections on lakes and rivers, milder weather, fewer crowds.
- Cons: Less snow for other winter activities.
Spring (Mar–Apr)
- Pros: Still plenty of dark nights, active Sun, more affordable.
- Cons: Shorter season as nights grow lighter.
Northern Lights in Autumn – An Underrated Gem
Autumn offers a rare combination: fiery foliage (known as ruska), unfrozen lakes for stunning aurora reflections, and comfortable temperatures from +5 °C to -10 °C.
Unlike winter, travel costs are lower, and the crowds are thinner. The northern lights (aurora borealis) can be spotted as early as late August (as soon as the nights get dark after the nightless nights of Finnish summer) and well into November, making autumn a hidden favorite among locals.
Aurora Safaris vs. Aurora Hunters
When booking a tour, you’ll often see two options: safaris or hunters. Both can be magical, but they’re quite different:
Aurora Safaris
Cozy atmosphere, often with campfires or BBQs Great for families or those who want comfort
Fixed location & schedule (less flexible if cloudy) Duration may be limited
Aurora Hunters
Guides chase clear skies in real-time More time outdoors, often until activity slows down Some tours even offer money-back guarantees ‘Less comfort’, more adventure
Tip: If seeing the auroras is your #1 goal, hunters usually give you better odds.
How to Choose the Best Northern Lights Safari
From my experience, the best tours are at least 3 hours long and don’t stick to a fixed timetable or a single viewing spot. The flexibility to move with the conditions often makes the difference between seeing the auroras or going home disappointed.
Who Are the Best Aurora Hunters in Finland?
There’s a small but passionate community of aurora hunters in Lapland—many of them well known worldwide for their dedication and energy. Some of my personal favorites include:
- Lorenzo Mirandola –PROBABLY THE MOST PASSIONATE AURORA HUNTERS IN THE WORLD. Originally from Italy but based in Finland, Lorenzo is known for driving extreme distances—even from Rovaniemi to Norway or Sweden (12+ hours!)—just to find clear skies. Rumor has it he sometimes does this even for himself! His joy is infectious, like he’s seeing the aurora for the very first time every night. I personally enjoy his Instagram videos, and he’s even opening new glass igloos soon.
- Aki Mikkola (One Day in Lapland) – A Finnish local and my go-to hunter for the past 6 years. Knowledgeable, reliable, and deeply connected to Lapland.
- Jari Romppainen (@jarcce) – A talented Finnish guide and photographer, Jari shares stunning aurora captures on his Instagram. His eye for composition and patience in the field make him stand out in the aurora community.
- Filippo Dias – A Brazilian aurora hunter bringing an international touch and young energy to the experience.
- Alex (All About Lapland) – Another well-known name, he mixes hunting tours with storytelling, photography, and media work that has made him a Lapland ambassador.
Together, these guides form what some jokingly call the “Aurora Mafia”. Their tours often sell out quickly, but the quality is unmatched—they only go out when there’s a real chance to see the Northern Lights, and many even offer money-back guarantees if the aurora doesn’t appear.
Human Eye vs. Camera
- To the eye: Auroras can look like faint greenish arcs or soft waves.
- On camera: With long exposure, you’ll capture vibrant greens, purples, and reds.
Even smartphones with “night mode” can now capture auroras beautifully.
- Aurora Photography Tip
If you’ve paid for an aurora safari or are going with an aurora hunter that provides pictures and videography, enjoy the show! Take a few photos for memories, but don’t spend the whole night behind your camera. These guides have been capturing the Northern Lights for years—they know exactly how to get the best shots, so you can focus on experiencing the magic in person.
Best Apps & Tools for Aurora Forecasting
Checking the aurora forecast is part of the fun—but remember: no forecast is 100% accurate. The best way to succeed is to spend time outdoors under clear skies. Still, these apps and tools can give you a huge advantage:
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- Aurora (iOS/Android) – User-friendly app showing KP index, Bz values, and cloud coverage.
- Aurora Alerts – Sends real-time push notifications when activity increases.
- Windy.com – Great for tracking cloud coverage and planning your night.
- YouTube Live Cameras – Streams from places like Sodankylä and Levi, so you can check conditions in real time.
- Lorenzo Mirandola’s Instagram – Daily updates and passionate explanations about solar activity and aurora chances.
- Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI) – Reliable space weather and aurora forecasts. Check their dedicated site: Space Weather in Finland.
How to Read the Forecast (KP & Bz Made Simple)
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KP Index → Measures geomagnetic activity on a scale of 0–9. Higher = stronger auroras
- KP 2–3: Auroras visible in Lapland (normal nights).
- KP 4–5: Stronger lights, sometimes visible further south in Finland.
- KP 6+: Rare storm-level activity, visible even in central/southern Finland and other European countries.
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Bz Value → The direction of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF). Negative numbers are favorable.
- Negative Bz (−) = best for auroras (it lets solar particles connect with Earth’s magnetic field).
- Positive Bz (+) = less chance, even with high KP.
How to Read KP & Bz Numbers for Northern Lights Visibility
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- KP tells you how strong the lights are.
- Bz tells you whether they’ll actually show up.
Reality Check:
Tourism often “sells” the idea that if you’re in Lapland—whether in a glass igloo, a cabin, or even from your hotel window—you’ll definitely see the Northern Lights. But the truth is: the aurora is a natural phenomenon.
Sometimes, even when the numbers (KP & Bz) look very promising, the show is weaker than expected. Other times, when conditions look quiet, the sky suddenly explodes with colors. That unpredictability is part of the magic—you never know exactly what the night will bring.
FAQs About Northern Lights in Autumn
1. Can you really see auroras in autumn?
Yes! From late August until April, northern Finland has enough dark nights for aurora watching.
2. Is it cold in autumn in Lapland?
Not as cold as winter. Temperatures can range from +5 °C to -10 °C, depending on the month.
3. Where is the best place to see the Northern Lights?
Northern Finland (Lapland), especially areas like Rovaniemi, Ivalo, Saariselkä, Utsjoki, and Inari.
4. Do I need a professional camera?
No. Many modern smartphones with “night mode” can capture auroras beautifully.
5. How long should I stay to increase my chances?
At least 3–4 nights gives you a much better chance than just one.
6. Can I see auroras in southern Finland?
Yes, but it’s rarer. The further north you go, the higher your chances.
7. What time of night is best?
Between 10 PM and 2 AM, though auroras can appear earlier or later depending on solar activity.
8. Do tours run in autumn?
Yes! Both safaris and hunters operate from late August onwards. Autumn tours are often less crowded than winter ones.
