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

Inari

Home / Finland / Inari

Inari, located deep in Finnish Lapland, is one of the best places to view the Northern Lights. Situated right in the heart of the Aurora Oval, this pristine wilderness offers clear, dark skies ideal for witnessing vibrant green, purple and blue lights dancing across the night. Visiting Inari gives you a front-row seat to one of nature’s most spectacular displays.

Beyond the Northern Lights, Inari is renowned for its rich Sami culture, breathtaking Arctic landscapes and a wide range of winter activities such as husky safaris, snowshoeing and ice fishing. Discover why Inari is a top destination for Northern Lights tours and unforgettable Lapland adventures.

Credit: Baptiste Valthier
Credit: Mayur Arvind
Credit: Tania Malréchauffé
Credit: Matthias Speicher
Credit: Ozgu Ozden
Credit: Mayur Arvind
Credit: Mayur Arvind

How are my chances of seeing the aurora today?

Many factors contribute to your likelihood of viewing the aurora in Inari. 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 Inari area (forecast for 28 April 2026 at 12:11pm UTC)

Kp 0.67

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 10 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 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 aurora activity.

Bt 3 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 3.66 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 368.3 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 78%

Sunrise 4:13am

Sunset 10:04pm

Moonrise 5:27pm

Moonset 4:30am

Weather Forecast for Inari

Clouds

1°C Feels like -4°C

High: 1°C
Low: -4°C

Chance of precipitation 0%
Cloud cover 93%
Northerly winds 6 km/h gusts of 12 km/h

Book an amazing adventure in Inari

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

Free cancellation Likely to sell out

Lapland Reindeer Safari from Rovaniemi

4.6 (54)

2 hours From £131.44

Delve deep into the wilds of Lapland on this 2-hour reindeer safari from Rovaniemi. Climb into your sled with a guide, then charge off into the snowy forests as the reindeer take the lead. During your sled ride (1,5 km), admire panoramic views over the Lapland countryside and listen to the rhythmic sounds of the reindeers’ hooves in the snow. Warm up with a hot drink by the fire, then listen as a guide talks of the reindeers’ role in traditional Lappish culture. This tour includes round-trip travel from Rovaniemi.
Free cancellation Private tour

Northern Lights Hunting with a photographer (Only small groups)

5.0 (5)

5 hours 30 minutes From £166.73

Avoid crowded tours: We only work with small groups to improve the quality of the tour and provide a more personalized experience. Travel with our expert aurora guides with years of experience in the field and in aurora photography. No limits on kilometers or time: Our main goal is to see the auroras, which is why we do not stop for BBQs or set limits on time or distance. Total transparency in tour information: You will have access to all the information about solar activity and weather conditions for that day before the tour begins.
Free cancellation Private tour

PRIVATE Party dinner in a Glass Igloo Under Northern Lights

4.6 (68)

3 hours From £295.52

Step into a winter fairytale. This is more than a Northern Lights hunt—it's gourmet dining meets Arctic adventure under the stars. We pick you up in a luxury SUV from any location in Rovaniemi and drive deep into the wilderness to a frozen lake. Here, step inside a warm glass igloo with a transparent roof offering uninterrupted views of the starry sky. Enjoy a three-course Lappish dinner. Choose reindeer, Arctic char, or vegetarian (advise when booking). Savor pure flavors of the North while gazing at the stars above. After dinner, we provide thermal overalls and boots. No experience needed—your guide gives a short briefing. Then ride snowmobiles into the dark forest searching for the Northern Lights. Feel the crisp Arctic air and the thrill. After the safari, we return to the warm changing room, then drive back to Rovaniemi where your guide drops you off. Note: Dinner choice required at booking. Northern Lights are natural—we maximize chances but cannot guarantee them.
Free cancellation

Husky and Reindeer Experience in Levi

No reviews

2 hours 30 minutes From £140.26

This tour is a perfect alternative for those who wish to see the arctic animals without spending extensive amounts of time outdoors, in the snow and frost. Seeing the arctic animals is the highlight of any holiday in Lapland which you will remember for years.
Free cancellation Private tour

Rovaniemi Private Northern Lights Guaranteed Hunting with HD Pics

5.0 (5)

4 - 8 hours From £263.76

- Fully Private (Couples/ Family / Group) - Proposal Aurora Package ( We full fill your wishes) - Arctic Course Certified Expert Aurora Hunter Guide - Unlimited KM Northern Lights Hunting - Guaranteed Photo - Real time weather forecast aurora hunting - HD Sony Camera + Professional Night Lens Sony 24mm (f/1.4-f/2) - Photo shared within 24 hours - Ancient Northern Lights Myths & Science Storytelling - Cookies + Hot Drinks - Customizable: Feel free to contact. - Free re-try if we don't find Aurora. - Free Pickups & Drop-offs within 15 km of Rovaniemi City Centre. beyond that, extra charges apply. - All tax. Your tour provide you the authentic expereince of Aurora hunting in Finnish Lapland starting from the Arctic capital Rovaniemi. We chase clear skies not fixed spots! NOTE: This tour will only considered successful if we able to capture Northern Lights through the camera :)
Free cancellation

Arctic Huskies and Reindeers Fun in Rovaniemi

4.8 (4)

3 hours 30 minutes From £149.08

Meeting Authentic Arctic Reindeers & Huskies at a local farm, enjoying your own Fast & Furious with adorable huskies there in the Arctic forest A perfect combination especially designed for those who search for the thrill and excitement in Finnish Lapland for morning activities. A chance to get closer to Arctic reindeers including freely taking as much photos as you want. Also the possibility to feed the reindeer on spot!

Places to check out around Inari

Inarijärvi

Lake
Inarin Hopea

Jewelry Store
Jäniskoski

Waterfall
Juutuan Polku

Hiking Trail
Karhunpesäkivi

Sculpture Garden
Kaunispää

Mountain
Kaunispään Huippu

Scandinavian Restaurant
Kiilopää

Mountain
Lahjatalo Näkkäläjärvi

Gift Store
Muddus

Campground
Panimo

Pub
PaPaNa

Bar
Pirkon Pirtti

Restaurant
Ravintola Aanaar

Scandinavian Restaurant
Ravintola Petronella

Scandinavian Restaurant
Restaurant Aurora

Restaurant
Ritakoski

Hiking Trail
Saariselän Porotila

Farm
Savottakahvila

Café
Siida

History Museum
Suomen Latu Kiilopää

Hostel
Ukonjärven Lomakylä

Campground
Urho Kekkosen kansallispuisto

National Park
Uruniemi Camping

Campground

Explore more nearby Inari

Credit: Jaakko Kemppainen

Saariselkä

68°25'10"N, 27°24'36"E

Aurora probability in Saariselkä: 0%

Saariselkä, a charming village in Finnish Lapland, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, offering visitors a perfect blend of outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking and aurora hunting amidst pristine wilderness and picturesque landscapes.
Credit: Mark Davis

Utsjoki

69°54'32"N, 27°1'42"E

Aurora probability in Utsjoki: 1%

Utsjoki, the northernmost municipality in Finland, is renowned for its rich Sami culture and stunning Arctic landscapes, making it a unique destination for experiencing traditional Sami lifestyles and witnessing the mesmerizing Northern Lights.
Credit: Mark Blackwell

Ivalo

68°39'27"N, 27°32'22"E

Aurora probability in Ivalo: 0%

Ivalo is a village in Finnish Lapland situated on the banks of the Ivalo River, just 20 kilometres south of Lake Inari. Ivalo is known for its stunning natural beauty and in wintertime when the skies are dark and clear, opportunities to witness the Northern Lights.