Panorama Cafe : Abisko : Seek The Aurora

Abisko

Abisko has a reputation as the "Aurora Capital of the World" it sits directly under the "Aurora Oval", the region where the northern lights are most active. The village is blessed with a unique microclimate that creates exceptionally clear skies, minimizing cloud cover and maximizing your chances of seeing the lights. Abisko also has strict light pollution regulations, helping to ensure that the night sky is truly dark, enhancing the brilliance of the aurora.

Abisko is also home to the Aurora Sky Station this incredible viewing platform offers panoramic views of the sky and is a prime spot to catch the show.

Aurora season is between late September and early April, with the peak viewing in February and March.

Credit: Timmy Siik
Credit: Niklas Sagrén
Credit: Mathias Celis
Credit: Mathias Celis
Credit: Niklas Sagrén
Credit: Peter van der Meulen
Credit: Lucas Santos

How are my chances of seeing the aurora today?

Many factors contribute to your likelihood of viewing the aurora in Abisko. Geomagnetic activity, cloud cover and the amount of ambient light all play a big part. Check the forecasts for how good the viewing conditions are today.

Aurora Probability and Atmospheric Conditions

There is a 0% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Abisko area (forecast for 21 February 2026 at 6:30am UTC)

Kp 4.33

The Kp-index is a scale used to measure geomagnetic activity. It ranges from 0 to 9, with higher values indicating greater geomagnetic activity.

0-2 (Very low) Far north, quite dim, and not very active.
3-5 (Moderate) Can be seen further south, with increased brightness and activity. Chance of good viewing conditions nearer the pole.
6-7 (High) Visible in many northern regions, with vibrant displays.
8-9 (Extreme) Widespread visibility, often seen in areas much further south than usual, with intense and colorful displays.

HPI 15 GW

The Hemispheric Power Index (HPI) is a vital measure used to assess the strength of auroral activity at the poles. It estimates the total auroral energy input, with values above 20 GW indicating an aurora-active state. When the HPI reaches levels of 100 GW or more, it signifies a very significant geomagnetic storm, which can lead to spectacular auroral displays.

Bz 9 nT

Bz refers to the north-south orientation of the magnetic field embedded in the solar wind. It is measured in nanoteslas (nT).

When Bz is negative (southward), it allows solar wind particles to penetrate the Earth’s magnetic field more easily. A strong negative Bz is often associated with increased chances of seeing the Northern Lights.

Conversely, when Bz is positive (northward), the Earth’s magnetic field tends to block the solar wind, resulting in reduced aurora activity.

Bt 12 nT

Bt measures the overall power of the Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF) from the Sun; higher numbers (e.g., above 20 nT) mean more energy available for aurora.

Density 2.27 p/cm³

Solar wind density refers to the number of charged particles in a given volume of the solar wind, typically measured in particles per cubic centimetre (p/cm³).

A typical solar wind density is around 2.76 p/cm³.

The density of the solar wind affects how many particles reach the Earth’s magnetosphere. A higher density means more particles are available to interact with the Earth’s magnetic field. When these charged particles collide with the gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, energy is released in the form of light that we see as the aurora.

Speed 521.4 km/s

Solar wind speed refers to the velocity at which charged particles are ejected from the Sun’s outer atmosphere, known as the corona.

A typical solar wind speed is about 375 km/s. When both speed and density are high, the energy transferred to the Earth’s magnetosphere increases, enhancing the chances of seeing vibrant auroras.

Light Levels

Moon

Waxing crescent 28%

Sunrise 7:40am

Sunset 4:16pm

Moonrise 6:53am

Moonset 1:00am

Weather Forecast for Abisko

Clouds

-21°C Feels like -25°C

High: -13°C
Low: -21°C

Chance of precipitation 0%
Cloud cover 51%
Westerly winds 3 km/h

Book an amazing adventure in Abisko

Explore this selection of tours and activities to make the most of your visit to Abisko.

Free cancellation

Sit Down Husky Ride Dog Sled Tour in Kiruna

5.0 (218)

2 hours 30 minutes From £144.82

We specialise in small groups and personal experiences with quality at the heart of everything we do. Our huskies are extremely friendly and good with children or nervous guests. Our equipment is of premium quality and you won't find our cake in the shops! But most of all, our dogs are the stars of this experience and by the end of the tour, we're sure you'll love them as much as we do.
Free cancellation

Kiruna Northern Lights Tour with Photographer

5.0 (758)

4 - 6 hours From £164.79

After we pick you up from your hotel in Kiruna, we will start to chase the northern lights that depends on each night according to the weather conditions. We can drive to Abisko, Kiruna’s boreal forest or wherever we can find clear sky to see Aurora Borealis. Lights of Vikings have a really high success rate in finding clear sky which is one of the most important criteria to see the Northern Lights. Our concept is famous for driving long distances if necessary! Wherever we go during the tour, we will tell you many stories about the northern lights and Vikings. After finding clear sky, we’ll admire the northern lights and we will take pictures which we’ll send to you within 3 days after the tour. If you bring your own camera, we will help you set it up to get the best shots. As the northern lights dance in the sky we will serve hot drinks and make a camp fire for you to keep warm. After the northern lights tour, we will drive you back to Kiruna.
Free cancellation

Sunrise Zen Husky Tour (10:00 to 13:00 - sitting on the sled)

5.0 (117)

3 hours From £193.10

If you are interested in dogs, you will love being here at Snowdog. We have an amazing bunch of super friendly canines. Oh, of course, we have a big bunch of superhero puppies you may wish to meet? We will tell you about Lapland, dog sledding and of course the resident Hero's - our dogs.
Free cancellation

Guided Tour to Icehotel and Jukkasjärvi

4.9 (28)

3 hours From £150.28

Join our local guides on a visit to the Icehotel and the village of Jukkasjärvi. In our small groups we will visit the original Icehotel, the oldest church in northernmost Sweden and we will meet the reindeer at Nutti Sami siida. Our Sami guide tells you more about the Icehotel, Kiruna's history and the Sami people, while you get to see some of the most visited attractions in Kiruna.
Free cancellation

Snowmobile Adventure in Kiruna

5.0 (7)

3 hours 30 minutes From £108.30

Explore the pristine landscapes of Swedish Lapland on an exhilarating snowmobiling adventure. Glide through breathtaking scenery, where the possibility of encountering wildlife like moose and reindeer adds an extra thrill to your journey. Knowledgeable guides, passionate about nature, lead the way, ensuring you have an unforgettable experience on top-of-the-line snowmobiles and high-quality gear. Embrace the great outdoors and create lasting memories as you navigate through this winter wonderland.
Free cancellation Special offer

From Kiruna: Narvik City and Fjord Day Trip

5.0 (2)

8 - 9 hours From £167.87

Embark on a breathtaking journey from Kiruna, Sweden, to Narvik, Norway, exploring stunning landscapes, picturesque viewpoints, and the charming city of Narvik. This day trip blends natural beauty with cultural experiences, offering peaceful valleys, frozen lakes, and snow-covered mountains. Along the way, we’ll stop for photos and to enjoy the quiet Arctic scenery. Crossing into Norway, the landscapes grow even more dramatic, with towering peaks and deep fjords. The highlight is Narvik Fjord, a striking body of water framed by cliffs and snowy hillsides. Several viewpoints let you breathe in the fresh air and take in unforgettable sights. This relaxing journey offers Arctic wilderness, scenic stops, and stunning views—a perfect way to experience the beauty of two countries in one day.