Find the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights

Plan your northern lights trip with expert travel advice, real-time aurora forecasts and destination guides. Whether you’re chasing the aurora borealis across Scandinavia, Iceland or the Canadian wilderness, we’ll help you find the best time and place to witness one of nature’s most spectacular displays.

Canada

Dark skies and breathtaking wilderness, one of the best places to experience the northern lights in all their glory.

Banff •Churchill •Edmonton •Jasper •Whitehorse •Yellowknife

Faroe Islands

Dramatic landscapes with pristine dark skies, an exceptional place to witness the northern lights with a truly unique setting.

Tórshavn

Finland

Enjoy stunning aurora displays from cozy glass igloos or snowy forests in the magical northern wilderness.

Inari •Levi •Luosto •Rovaniemi

Greenland

The remote wilderness and minimal light pollution offer a breathtaking, serene setting to witness the northern lights in their purest form.

Ilulissat •Kangerlussuaq •Nuuk •Qaqortoq

Iceland

Breathtaking landscapes and long winter nights provide a spectacular backdrop for witnessing the aurora in a truly unforgettable setting.

Akureyri •Reykjavík •Vík

Norway

Stunning fjords and snowy peaks provide a breathtaking backdrop to the northern lights in one of the best locations to witness this natural spectacle.

Alta •Bodø •Lofoten •Tromsø

Shetland

A remote location and dark skies offer opportunities to witness the northern lights over rugged coastlines and peaceful seascapes.

Lerwick

Svalbard

Polar nights in the high arctic offer exceptional chances to witness the northern lights dancing across pristine, icy landscapes.

Longyearbyen

Sweden

Clear winter nights and pristine wilderness create an ideal place to experience the aurora in a magical Arctic setting.

Abisko •Björkliden •Kiruna

USA

Alaska’s vast wilderness and clear, dark skies create perfect conditions for experiencing the northern lights in a breathtaking natural setting.

Anchorage •Fairbanks •Healy

See also

Aurora Forecast•​Planning Your Northern Lights Adventure•​Northern Lights Photography•​Science Of The Aurora•​Northern Lights Playlist•​Northern Lights Myths And Legends•​About Seek The Aurora

Bodø

Home / Norway / Bodø

Bodø, perched on Norway’s rugged northern coast, is an emerging destination for travelers eager to witness the northern lights. This vibrant town, surrounded by dramatic fjords and snow-capped peaks, offers a unique blend of urban culture and wild Arctic beauty. Bodø’s location just north of the Arctic Circle means that, from September to April, the night sky often comes alive with shimmering ribbons of green and purple. The city’s relatively mild coastal climate and easy access to dark-sky areas make it an excellent base for aurora hunting, whether you’re strolling along the waterfront or venturing into the nearby countryside.

Bodø invites visitors to explore its rich local heritage and outdoor adventures. Discover the fascinating history at the Norwegian Aviation Museum, sample fresh seafood in cozy restaurants, or take a boat trip to the stunning Saltstraumen maelstrom. The surrounding wilderness offers opportunities for hiking, eagle watching and winter sports. As you watch the northern lights dance above Bodø’s dramatic landscape, you’ll find yourself immersed in the magic of Norway’s Arctic, where nature and culture combine for an unforgettable experience.

How are my chances of seeing the aurora today?

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

21%

There is a 21% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Bodø area (forecast for 26 May 2026 at 8:39pm UTC)

Kp 1.00

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 28 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 -5 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 8 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 3.49 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 446.1 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 gibbous 70%

Sunrise 2:02am

Sunset 11:56pm

Moonrise 4:45pm

Moonset 2:19am

Weather Forecast for Bodø

Rain

8°C Feels like 5°C

High
9°C
Low
7°C

  • Chance of precipitation 100%

  • Cloud cover 100%

  • South-Easterly winds 6 km/h gusts of 9 km/h

  • Rain 5 mm

Book an amazing adventure in Bodø

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

  • Free cancellation Special offer

    Zodiac Experience Saltstraumen and Eagle Safari

    5.0 (3)

    2 hours From £97.98

    Witness the power of nature on a thrilling RIB ride through the Saltstraumen, known as the world’s strongest maelstrom. Feel the rush as you navigate this incredible natural phenomenon, where the tides create a mesmerizing spectacle. Keep your eyes peeled for the majestic white-tailed eagle soaring above, as this unique adventure combines the thrill of speed with the beauty of wildlife. With a bit of luck, you might even catch a closer glimpse of these magnificent birds in their natural habitat.

  • Free cancellation

    Moose Safari Bodo, Norway, Meet the Largest Land Animal in Europe

    4.8 (63)

    4 - 5 hours From £162.62

    Join us for an evening safari into the Northern Norwegian landscape with a local guide who knows the habits and life of the moose and where we have the best chance of seeing them. The Moose – elg in Norwegian – is Europe’s largest land animal. Despite its size, it is shy and cautious, but often allow us to get quite near. We observe from a respectful distance and never disturb the animals. Our aim is to experience them as they are – calm, natural, and undisturbed in their own environment. On the way, we pass Saltstraumen, home to the world’s strongest tidal current – an impressive natural phenomenon that adds another highlight to the tour. Along the route, there are also chances to see other wildlife, such as reindeer and white-tailed eagle. We take time to enjoy the surroundings, with good opportunity for photography throughout the tour. Snacks, warm drinks, and photos from the experience are included – so you can stay present while we help capture the moments.

  • Free cancellation Private tour

    Magical Saltstraumen Tour

    3.7 (3)

    1 - 2 hours From £156.09

    Visit Saltstraumen when the current is at its strongest and admire the enormous forces of Mother Earth. The timing for this varies from day to day, and when it is a new moon or full moon, the current is extra strong. We have timetables which we use to get the best experience.

  • Free cancellation

    Mjelle Beach - Easy Day Hike to Bodos no 1 Beach, Northern Norway

    4.9 (11)

    5 hours From £114.27

    Walk on gemstones? Mjelle Beach is listed on TripAdvisor as one of the most popular things to do while visiting Bodø. A day trip to Mjelle is popular among locals and a great place for a quick getaway from Bodø. The sand of this secluded beach is both white and red. The red sand takes its colour from gemstone particles (garnet minerals). Ideal for children: Getting to the Mjelle Beach is an easy stroll even for young ones, as it’s only a 30-minute walk from the car park. For young children, the beach is a giant sandpit with free rocks and shells.

  • Free cancellation

    Whale safari with Puffins and Muffins (Andøy, Vesterålen)

    3.8 (6)

    3 hours 30 minutes From £156.18

    Andøya is Norway's hidden spot for fantastic wildlife. Join our summer whale/wildlife RIB-boat excursion to explore the canyon of Bleik and its surroundings. The canyon is home to abundant marine wildlife, including the magnificent sperm whales. You will also have a chance to encounter other marine mammals, such as pilot whales, orcas, minke, and occasionally Risso's dolphins and fin whales. All these animals frequent the area in search for food (different fish species), which also attract extraordinary bird and other wildlife. In searching for whales, we will most likely encounter different birds (puffins, eagles, gannets, etc.) while we keep our eyes open for Harbor seals. Join our 3,5 hours RIB boat excursion with a maximum of 12 guests to explore the wonders of Bleik Canyon. During the tour, your guide will be onboard to give you information about all the wildlife we encounter, and take photos (as memories) to take them home with you after the trip.

  • Free cancellation

    Northern Lights Tours Bodo Norway

    4.9 (115)

    6 - 8 hours From £184.59

    From beginning of September to April the chances of seeing the Northern Lights in Northern Norway are great. The weather (cloud cover) and the geomagnetic prognosis determine where the road takes us on the given day. We will take you where the chances of clear skies are the greatest and the best locations for seeing the Northern Lights. We go all in to find the Northern lights by checking 25+ different spots. Some nights we have a late return to Bodo (like 2 am). Last seasons we have had a hit rate around 88 %. Before the trip starts we will advice on how the chances to see the lights are. We head out from town in a comfortable Mercedes 7 seater van (4WD) with panoramic sunroof.

Places to check out around Bodø

Other places in Norway

Alta•​Lofoten•​Tromsø

See also

Home•​Aurora Forecast•​Planning Your Northern Lights Adventure•​Northern Lights Photography•​Science Of The Aurora•​Northern Lights Playlist•​Northern Lights Myths And Legends•​About Seek The Aurora