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.
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Credit: Baptiste Valthier
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Credit: Mayur Arvind
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Credit: Tania Malréchauffé
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Credit: Matthias Speicher
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Credit: Ozgu Ozden
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Credit: Mayur Arvind
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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
1%
There is a 1% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Inari area (forecast for 27 July 2026 at 12:50pm UTC)
Kp 2.00
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 14 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 5 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.
Light Levels
Moon
Waxing gibbous 86%
Sunrise 2:32am
Sunset 12:03am
Weather Forecast for Inari
Rain
22°C Feels like 22°C
- High
- 22°C
- Low
- 14°C
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Chance of precipitation 100%
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Cloud cover 96%
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Southerly winds 5 km/h gusts of 10 km/h
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Rain 9 mm
Book an amazing adventure in Inari
Explore this selection of tours and activities to make the most of your visit to Inari.
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Northern Lights Rovaniemi: Guaranteed Viewing & Unlimited Mileage
4.9 (2573)
8 hours From £173.19
Join Arctic GM’s award-winning Northern Lights hunt, recognized as part of the Best of the Best experiences on Tripadvisor. This small-group experience is built around one goal: maximizing your chances through distance, flexibility, and real-time decision-making. Operated by The Original Aurora Hunters®, our family has lived in Lapland since the 1600s, combining generations of local knowledge with continuous Aurora and weather tracking. There are no fixed routes or predefined locations. Your guide adapts the plan throughout the night, traveling long distances — including crossing the Swedish border when needed — to find clear skies. Supported by real-time updates from our large team across Lapland, this is a true Aurora hunt focused entirely on results. Professional photography is included, so you leave with high-quality images of your night under the Northern Lights.
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Rovaniemi: Snowmobile Safari & Northern Lights (New Snowmobiles)
4.4 (20)
4 - 5 hours From £138.38
Snowmobiling at night in Lapland offers a unique perspective — riding through silent, snow-covered forests under the Arctic sky, with the chance to see the Northern Lights above. With Arctic GM, the experience focuses on quality and comfort: small groups, quieter routes away from mass tourism, experienced guides, and premium equipment. Operated by The Original Aurora Hunters®, Arctic GM is a family-run company with roots in Lapland dating back to the 1600s. Your evening begins with pickup and transfer to a private base. After instructions, you’ll set off on snowmobiles shared between two guests, with a driver switch during the ride. The route includes around 2 hours of driving through forests and open landscapes, far from city lights. Stops are made to enjoy the surroundings and check the sky — if conditions are favorable, the Northern Lights may appear. After the ride, warm up with hot drinks and light snacks.
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Best Of Lapland: Sauna, Ice swimming, Dinner & Northern Lights
4.9 (160)
4 hours 30 minutes From £143.60
What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think about traditional Finnish adventure? Northern lights hunting, Finnish sauna & Ice swimming, or traditional Lappish dinner in a cozy wooden cottage away from the city buzz? Correct! On this tour you will get all of the above and even a little more! Let the heat purify your body as the mellow wintery magic of Lapland purifies your soul. Let go of the stress and enjoy the presence of your loved ones. While we do our best to prepare you for adventure in the wilderness, it's up to you decide how you want to spend your time. The classic Nordic way is to spend 10-15 minutes in the sauna and then jump into ice cold water, or even a big pile of crystal white snow! A cold plunge after a steamy session increases your blood flow, relieves pressure and boosts up your endorphin levels! After this unique Finnish spa experience, it's time to get back to our little cozy wooden cottage to enjoy Blazed salmon dinner by a fireplace.
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Family-Friendly: Frozen Waterfalls Tour from Rovaniemi
5.0 (2)
6 hours From £113.14
Join us for an unforgettable family-friendly waterfall tour that combines two of Lapland’s most breathtaking nature spots, Korouoma Canyon and Auttiköngäs.
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Northern Lights Photography Hunting Experience in Rovaniemi
4.9 (336)
3 hours From £68.76
This Northern Lights hunt is your best opportunity to properly chase the precious aurora borealis and observe them. Because the trip is based on the weather forecasts and conditions, you will drive in the most promising directions, away from the light pollution of big towns and villages. Your professional aurora hunter will also teach you about arctic nature, local lifestyle and northern lights to offer you a complete Lapland experience. The hunt is meant to be both educational and adventurous! Pictures will be taken by your guide with their professional camera. It is a very useful tool to anticipate the apparition of auroras, find them and capture them!
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Husky and Reindeer Experience
3.9 (143)
3 hours 30 minutes From £159.27
Experience the beauty and wonder of Arctic animals on this Alaskan Huskies and Reindeer farm combo tour. You will be driven to the farm, where local reindeer herders will tell you more about the herding lifestyle and how it is to be a reindeer herder in the 21st century. After insightful instructions given by the herders, you will be able to drive your own reindeer sledge in a brief, 500m long ride. Your newly learned skills will be rewarded with a Reindeer Sledge Driver’s License! Next, make your way to the Alaskan Husky Farm where you will find these beautiful, loyal, and energetic companions. Experience the Alaskan Huskies in action on a 500m long sleigh ride.
Places to check out around Inari
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Inarijärvi
Lake
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Inarin Hopea
Jewelry Store
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Jäniskoski
Waterfall
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Juutuan Polku
Hiking Trail
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Karhunpesäkivi
Sculpture Garden
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Kaunispää
Mountain
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Kaunispään Huippu
Scandinavian Restaurant
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Kiilopää
Mountain
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Lahjatalo Näkkäläjärvi
Gift Store
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Muddus
Campground
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Panimo
Pub
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PaPaNa
Bar
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Pirkon Pirtti
Restaurant
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Ravintola Aanaar
Scandinavian Restaurant
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Ravintola Petronella
Scandinavian Restaurant
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Restaurant Aurora
Restaurant
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Ritakoski
Hiking Trail
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Saariselän Porotila
Farm
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Savottakahvila
Café
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Siida
History Museum
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Suomen Latu Kiilopää
Hostel
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Ukonjärven Lomakylä
Campground
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Urho Kekkosen kansallispuisto
National Park
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Uruniemi Camping
Campground
Explore more nearby Inari
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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.
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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.
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Credit: Mark Blackwell
Ivalo
68°39'27"N, 27°32'22"E
Aurora probability in Ivalo: 1%
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.
Other places in Finland
See also
HomeAurora ForecastPlanning Your Northern Lights AdventureNorthern Lights PhotographyScience Of The AuroraNorthern Lights PlaylistNorthern Lights Myths And LegendsBest Time Of Year To See The Northern LightsSee The Aurora Without Leaving Your HomeCan You See The Northern Lights From Where You Live?Aurora Glossary
