Kangerlussuaq

Kangerlussuaq is a unique gateway to Greenland, renowned for its striking landscapes and exceptional opportunities to witness the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis).

Kangerlussuaq is one of the most accessible towns in Greenland, with a major airport offering regular flights from Denmark and other destinations.

The region is an excellent spot for Aurora viewing due to its stable weather conditions and minimal light pollution. The best time to observe the Northern Lights in Kangerlussuaq is from September to early April. This period provides long nights and optimal chances for clear skies.

A visit to Kangerlussuaq for the Northern Lights is an unforgettable adventure, combining stunning Arctic scenery with the chance to see one of nature’s most magical displays. Whether you’re seeking outdoor excitement or simply want to immerse yourself in the beauty of the North, Kangerlussuaq has something for everyone.

How are my chances of seeing the aurora today?

Forecasts last updated on 14 March 2025 at 3:49am

0%

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

Kp 5.67

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.
Bz 2 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 0.05 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 535.1 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

-4°C Feels like -11°C

High
-3°C
Low
-21°C
  • Precipitation: 20%
  • Cloud cover: 11%
  • Wind: 13 km/h

Moon

Full moon

  • Sun rises at: 7:46am
  • Sun sets at: 7:17pm
  • Moon rises at: 8:07pm
  • Moon sets at: 7:55am

Places to check out around Kangerlussuaq

Discover Restaurants, Cafeterias, Scenic Lookouts and more…

Other places in Greenland

IlulissatNuuk

See also

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