Ilulissat

Ilulissat, located on the western coast of Greenland, is a breathtaking destination known for its stunning natural beauty and the spectacular Northern Lights.

The optimal time for viewing the Northern Lights is from November to March. This is when the skies are often clear, and the nights are longest.

Visiting Ilulissat for the Northern Lights is a magical experience that combines stunning landscapes with the thrill of one of nature’s most beautiful displays. Your adventure here will be filled with unforgettable memories, making it a must-visit destination for any traveler looking to connect with the natural world.

Book an amazing adventure in Ilulissat

  • Private tour

    Discover Gems of Ilulissat: A Walking Tour

    3.7 (3)

    2 hours From £186.14

    Together with a professional guide, you will visit the most charming places in the city. You will have a chance to explore the city while hearing fascinating facts and legends. In direct translation, Ilulissat is the Kalaallisut word for "Icebergs". The nearby Ilulissat Icefjord is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has made Ilulissat the most popular tourist destination in Greenland. You will be surprised how many stories are hidden in the streets, buildings, and corners of Ilulissat. Your charming guide will tell you what is special and unique about living in this city. Perfect for those who are visiting the city for the first time and want to get the most out of it!

  • Private tour

    A Romantic Journey Through Ilulissat

    No reviews

    2 hours From £186.14

    Indulge in an exclusive tour tailored for couples in Ilulissat, Greenland. Guided by a local expert, explore the city's most beautiful spots, where nature and connection intertwine seamlessly. Discover the best places for a date, capture picturesque moments, and listen to hidden stories that echo through the city's streets. Discover Ilulissat's natural charm. Capture photos in many scenic locations. A great activity for the Valentine’s period. A private tour means a more intimate experience.

  • Free cancellation Private tour

    Private Transfer from Ilulissat Port to Ilulissat Airport (JAV)

    No reviews

    15 minutes From £53.79

    Comfort Transfer from Ilulissat Cruise Port to Ilulissat Airport (JAV) up to 15 passengers (For party over 7 passengers can be provided one big minibus or two minivans). All Vehicles fully licensed and insured. Our cars are equipped with all necessary facilities for a trip to any part of the world under any weather conditions, including additional fastenings for sports and other equipment. On request for your tourists, we have child seats for all ages. Vehicles are clean inside and outside; our drivers’ always are well dressed and always pay attention to our guests. They speak English. They will meet you with a name sign; help with luggage and on arrival to the airport.

  • Free cancellation Private tour

    Private Transfer from Ilulissat city hotels to Ilulissat Port

    No reviews

    15 minutes From £53.79

    Comfort Transfer from Ilulissat city hotels or any addres to Ilulissat Cruise Port up to 15 passengers (For party over 7 passengers can be provided one big minibus or two minivans). All Vehicles fully licensed and insured. Our cars are equipped with all necessary facilities for a trip to any part of the world under any weather conditions, including additional fastenings for sports and other equipment. On request for your tourists, we have child seats for all ages. Vehicles are clean inside and outside; our drivers’ always are well dressed and always pay attention to our guests. They speak English. They will meet you with a name sign; help with luggage and on arrival to the port.

  • Private tour

    Christmas Wonders in Ilulissat: Exclusive Walking Tour

    No reviews

    2 hours From £226.27

    The exclusive tour only in the Christmas period! Together with the professional local guide, you will visit the most beautifully decorated places in Ilulissat. You will feel spellbound with a charming atmosphere, which you can feel only this time of the year! What is the story of the Christmas tree? Who was the first to decorate it in the world? What magical things can happen during the Christmas period? Have you heard about Christmas spells? You will hear miraculous Christmas legends about Ilulissat. Ilulissat is one of Greenland’s most iconic destinations, with its dramatic icefjord which sends a constant stream of beautiful icebergs drifting towards the Arctic ocean. Throughout the month of December and for much of January, the sun does not rise above the horizon in Ilulissat, which means that Christmas in Ilulissat is a real Arctic experience.What makes it so popular? What local products must taste at Christmas? Fill your heart with the joy and experience magic of Ilulissat.

  • Free cancellation Private tour

    Private Transfer from Ilulissat Port to Ilulissat city hotels

    No reviews

    15 minutes From £53.79

    Book your Private Transfer from Ilulissat Cruise Port to Ilulissat city hotels or any addres. Don't go through all the hassle of waiting in a long taxi or shared shuttles queues and use our private, door to door port/city transfer. Your driver will be waiting for you at a scheduled time and you will travel comfortably to your destination. • Meeting with a Nameplate • Door-to-door Service • No Hidden Charges • Clean cars & Professional drivers

How are my chances of seeing the aurora today?

Forecasts last updated on 14 March 2025 at 12:38pm

0%

Currently there is a 0% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Ilulissat area.

Kp 3.00

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.
Bz 1 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 auroral activity.

Density 0.13 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, they produce the stunning light displays known as auroras.

Speed 557.5 km/s

The speed of the solar wind also plays a significant role. 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.

Snow

-11°C Feels like -16°C

High
0°C
Low
-17°C
  • Precipitation: 51%
  • Cloud cover: 76%
  • Wind: 14 km/h
  • Snow: 1mm

Moon

Full moon

  • Sun rises at: 7:49am
  • Sun sets at: 7:17pm
  • Moon rises at: 8:10pm
  • Moon sets at: 7:58am

Places to check out around Ilulissat

Discover Restaurants, The Great Outdoors, Museums and more…

Other places in Greenland

KangerlussuaqNuuk

See also

Planning Your Northern Lights AdventureNorthern Lights PhotographyScience Of The AuroraNorthern Lights Playlist

Café Ferdinand

Café Ferdinand is a Restaurant and Café at Aaron Mittarfimmut Aqquserna B-1128, 3952 Ilulissat

Cold or hot beverages after all the exertions of the day, enjoy cakes or a light meal with a fantastic view as well.

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What do people think of Café Ferdinand?

  • Christmas at Café Ferdinand

    4 July 2013

  • View from Café Ferdinand

    4 July 2013