Uno Cafe : Alta : Seek The Aurora

Alta

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.

Aurora Probability and Atmospheric Conditions

There is a 1% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Alta 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 7:33am

Sunset 3:48pm

Moonrise 6:24am

Moonset 1:00am

Weather Forecast for Alta

Snow

-12°C Feels like -19°C

High: -11°C
Low: -15°C

Chance of precipitation 100%
Cloud cover 73%
South-Easterly winds 4 km/h gusts of 6 km/h
Snow 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

4.5 (110)

4 hours From £173.67

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

Northern Lights Minibus Chase Max 16 Person In Group

4.4 (12)

4 hours From £159.33

Small group at Max 15 person in a trip at 4 hours. Clothing is not included. Bonfire with some hot drink and snacks.
Free cancellation

Northern Lights Adventure By Snowmobile

4.9 (36)

4 hours From £250.95

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

Evening Tour and Aurora Borealis Sightseeing in Norway by ATV

4.9 (30)

5 hours From £190.40

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

Small Group Northern Lights Hunt in Alta

5.0 (2)

4 hours From £175.18

Venture into the Arctic night for a captivating Northern Lights hunt, where the mesmerizing aurora borealis illuminates the sky. This 4-hour small group tour begins with an insightful presentation on the science and lore behind the Northern Lights. Guided by local experts, you'll explore the best viewing spots based on real-time weather forecasts while enjoying warming beverages and snacks. Experience the thrill of chasing this natural wonder in one of the world's prime locations for aurora sightings, enriched by the stunning wilderness of Alta. - Duration: 4 hours of Northern Lights exploration - Small group for a personalized experience, suitable for ages 8+ - Includes professional guide, lectures, and local history insights - Complimentary snacks, tea/coffee, and rental of camera tripod provided
Free cancellation

Sleigh ride Under The Northern Lights

5.0 (12)

3 hours 30 minutes From £238.20

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!

Places to check out around Alta

Alta Museum - World Heritage Rock Art Centre

Museum
Alta River Camping

Campground
Alta Strand Camping

Campground
Aranya

Thai Restaurant
Barila

Bar
Bjørnfjell Mountain

Mountain
Camp Alta

Campground
Du verden

Gastropub
Erica Mat Og Vinbar

Pizzeria
Hjemmelufttoppen

Mountain
Komsa

Mountain
Nordlyskatedralen Alta kirke (The Cathedral Of Northern Lights Alta Church)

Church
Peppes Pizza - Alta

Pizzeria
Seiland nasjonalpark

National Park
Skoddevarre

Mountain
Solvang camping

Campground
Uno Cafe

Café
Wing Wah House

Chinese Restaurant

Explore more nearby Alta

Credit: Andrea Maschio

Kautokeino

69°0'39"N, 23°2'29"E

Aurora probability in Kautokeino: 1%

Kautokeino, a remote town in Norway’s Finnmark region, is a cultural hub for the indigenous Sami people, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience traditional Sami culture, reindeer herding and the stunning Arctic wilderness.
Credit: Secret Travel Guide

Hammerfest

70°39'48"N, 23°40'57"E

Aurora probability in Hammerfest: 2%

Hammerfest, one of the northernmost towns in the world, is a charming Arctic destination known for its rich history, vibrant culture and stunning natural beauty, making it a must-visit spot for travelers seeking unique experiences in Norway’s far north.
Credit: Sayo Oladeji

Nordkapp

71°10'15"N, 25°47'2"E

Aurora probability in Nordkapp: 2%

Nordkapp, or North Cape, is a dramatic cliffside destination in northern Norway that offers breathtaking views of the Arctic Ocean and the midnight sun, making it a must-visit spot for travelers seeking to experience the raw beauty of the far north.