Wing Wah House : Alta : Seek The Aurora

Alta

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Alta. The name itself conjures images of snow-dusted landscapes, midnight skies ablaze with the ethereal green of the aurora borealis, and the crisp, invigorating air of the Arctic. This charming town nestled in northern Norway is a haven for aurora hunters.

Alta is more than just a place to see the northern lights. It’s a gateway to the Sami culture, with its rich history and traditions. You can visit the Alta Museum and learn about the Sami way of life, and even try your hand at snowshoeing or dog sledding.

How are my chances of seeing the aurora today?

Many factors contribute to your likelihood of viewing the aurora in Alta. 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.

27%

There is a 27% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Alta area (forecast for 6 November 2025 at 5:07pm UTC)

Kp 2.33

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.

Bz -3 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.

Density 3.26 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 centimeter (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 540.8 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.

Moon

Waning gibbous

Sunrise 8:22am

Sunset 1:58pm

Rain

2°C Feels like 0°C

High: 5°C
Low: 2°C

Chance of precipitation 80%
Cloud cover 70%
South-Westerly winds 5 km/h gusts of 12 km/h
Rain 1 mm

Book an amazing adventure in Alta

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

Free cancellation

Northern Lights tour with Alta Adventure

4.6 (97)

4 hours 30 minutes From £161.66

We offer a tour for a small group to enjoy togetherness and excitement while hunting for Northern Lights in the beautiful landscapes of the Altafjord. We arrange organized guided tours since 2007 and have the knowledge about how to find the Northern Lights if the conditions are there. On our tours you normally will have 80-90 % chance of seeing this spectacular view. Each tour is different, as we focus on finding the optimal place with the greatest chance of seeing the lights. We therefore sometimes have to drive quite far to find them, while sometimes we find them in the surrounding area. Necessary driving distance decide whether we establish a camp with a fire, or whether we serve hot chocolate and snacks at one of our short stops. While enjoying the great outdoors, we will share with you local stories about Norwegian way of living, local history from the Stone Age, Sami culture, reindeer-herding, 2nd World War and the modern society in Alta. We are normally back just over midnight.
Free cancellation

Evening Tour and Aurora Borealis Sightseeing in Norway by ATV

4.9 (23)

5 hours From £168.59

Chasing the Northern Lights by ATV – A Unique Arctic Experience Join us for a magical evening beneath the flaming sky of the Northern Lights – on four wheels through wild and beautiful nature! After pickup from your hotel, the harbor, or the tourist information center, we drive to the small village of Kviby, where you'll receive warm clothing, a helmet, and a thorough safety briefing. In small groups, we ride along the dramatic coastline – known for its excellent Northern Lights conditions. If the weather allows, you may see the green lights dance across the untouched Arctic landscape – an unforgettable sight. Our experienced, English-speaking guides are passionate storytellers of Northern Norwegian nature and culture, and will do their utmost to give you an extraordinary evening. While we can’t guarantee the Northern Lights, we always go the extra mile to find them. After the tour, you’ll be safely transported back – warm at heart, with memories to last a lifetime.
Free cancellation

Northern Lights Adventure By Snowmobile

4.9 (30)

4 hours From £242.49

The highlight of any trip above the arctic circle: experiencing the magical northern lights dance across the sky. The mystery of light has given us many myths and legends over the years. Everything from heroes who lit up the sky to mysterious fire foxes and warnings of danger. The dry and stable climate in Alta provides the best conditions for seeing the Northern Lights. On this trip we combine the excitement of snowmobiling with experiencing the northern lights dancing across the sky. We take you along the old postal road up to the very edge of Finnmarksvidda to a mountain range called Beskardes. Far away from the lights of the city this trip provides the ideal conditions to see the northern lights in a beautiful winter landscape. If we are lucky we will get to see the magnificent northern lights dancing across the sky on our trip, or be treated with a beautiful arctic night sky.
Free cancellation

Igloo Ice Hotel and Hiking to the Frozen Waterfall from Alta

4.5 (2)

5 hours From £242.49

Experience the World's Northernmost Igloo Hotel The Igloo Hotel is rebuilt every winter, featuring a blend of unique igloo rooms and themed suites. Each suite is a one-of-a-kind creation, handcrafted by our skilled ice sculptors, it is a memorable Arctic stay. Embrace the beauty of winter and immerse yourself in this truly special experience. Gargia Foss is a captivating waterfall located in the picturesque Alta region of Norway, renowned for its stunning natural beauty and serene environment. This hidden gem is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and travelers seeking a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Free cancellation Likely to sell out

Sleigh ride Under The Northern Lights

5.0 (10)

3 hours 30 minutes From £230.17

Your best chance to see the northern lights in Alta is to be out under the night sky as often as you can. This tour takes you outdoors for a cozy “slow adventure” – a perfect way to spend an evening in good company on a leisurely local northern lights hunt. Your ride will take you through the forest and along the Alta River until you arrive at a wilderness shelter and take a break. A late, light dinner will be served around a fire, protected from the weather by the shelter’s half-wall. Along with conversation and local stories, if the conditions are right you might even have a chance to take a few pictures of the aurora in the sky!
Free cancellation Likely to sell out

4hr Dog Sledding Tour under the Northern Lights

4.8 (13)

4 hours From £273.28

Experience the magic of dog sledding in the breathtaking landscapes of Alta, Norway. Join us for an unforgettable adventure where you'll receive personalized training and command your own team of huskies, a truly immersive experience. Glide through pine forests and onto the stunning Finnmarksvidda plateau, feeling the exhilarating synergy between you and your loyal companions. Look up to catch a glimpse of the magical Aurora Borealis dancing across the sky. Warm up with hot coffee and tea at the historic Gargia mountain lodge while our knowledgeable guides share insights into dog sledding and local history.