Kiruna

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Kiruna is Sweden’s northernmost city, situated in the heart of Swedish Lapland well above the Arctic Circle. Its remote location and minimal light pollution make it one of the best places in Scandinavia to see the Northern Lights.

The city is perhaps best known for its extraordinary relocation. Due to subsidence caused by the LKAB iron ore mine, large parts of Kiruna are being moved several kilometres east. It’s a remarkable engineering feat and visiting during this transition offers a truly unique experience.

Kiruna is also a gateway to some of Swedish Lapland’s finest wilderness. The surrounding landscape of frozen lakes, snow-covered forests and mountains provides stunning backdrops for aurora viewing. Dog sledding, snowmobile excursions and visits to the famous Icehotel in nearby Jukkasjärvi are popular ways to fill the daylight hours while waiting for darkness and the aurora.

The city’s compact centre has a good selection of restaurants and accommodation, making it a comfortable base for a Northern Lights trip. Kiruna Airport has direct flights from Stockholm, putting the Arctic within easy reach.

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How are my chances of seeing the aurora today?

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

3%

There is a 3% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Kiruna area (forecast for 9 October 2026 at 7:11am UTC)

Kp 3.33

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 35 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 -4 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 6 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 7.36 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 356.0 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

Waning crescent 8%

Sunrise 7:19am

Sunset 5:33pm

Moonrise 5:28am

Moonset 4:52pm

Weather Forecast for Kiruna

Clouds

-6°C Feels like -9°C

High
2°C
Low
-6°C

  • Chance of precipitation 0%

  • Cloud cover 83%

  • Northerly winds 4 km/h gusts of 8 km/h

Aurora season in Kiruna

The aurora season in Kiruna runs from September to March. The best viewing conditions are in the peak months of October, February and March.

Peak viewing In season Off season

Book an amazing adventure in Kiruna

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

  • Free cancellation

    Kiruna Northern Lights Tour with Photographer

    5.0 (813)

    4 - 6 hours From £90.72

    After we pick you up from your hotel in Kiruna, we will start to chase the northern lights that depends on each night according to the weather conditions. We can drive to Abisko, Kiruna’s boreal forest or wherever we can find clear sky to see Aurora Borealis. Lights of Vikings have a really high success rate in finding clear sky which is one of the most important criteria to see the Northern Lights. Our concept is famous for driving long distances if necessary! Wherever we go during the tour, we will tell you many stories about the northern lights and Vikings. After finding clear sky, we’ll admire the northern lights and we will take pictures which we’ll send to you within 3 days after the tour. If you bring your own camera, we will help you set it up to get the best shots. As the northern lights dance in the sky we will serve hot drinks and make a camp fire for you to keep warm. After the northern lights tour, we will drive you back to Kiruna.

  • Snowmobile Aurora Expedition with dinner

    4.7 (113)

    5 hours From £170.45

    Enjoy an experience-of-a-lifetime snowmobiling in the Swedish arctic while searching for the northern lights. You can share the driving with a friend, or upgrade to a single driver option! Drive through winding forests, along the frozen Torne River and across frozen lakes in search of the amazing northern lights. A traditional Lappish dinner and dessert will be served around an open fire in a forest hut and you will be given many opportunities to take photos during the tour. Come and join us on this exciting adventure!

  • Free cancellation Likely to sell out

    Snowmobile Adventure in Lapland: Guided Tour from Kiruna

    4.9 (9)

    3 hours From £77.26

    Explore the stunning winter landscapes of Lapland on a guided snowmobile adventure. Glide across frozen lakes and through snowy forests, learning about the region’s wildlife and traditions from experienced guides. This 2 to 2.5-hour tour includes safety briefings, driving instructions, and the chance to spot wildlife like moose and reindeer. Whether you drive your own snowmobile or ride in a sled, discover the calm beauty of the Arctic wilderness while creating lasting memories. Duration is 2 to 2.5 hours, with tours starting at 10:00 and 14:00. There is an option to drive your own snowmobile or ride in a sled. Guided tour includes safety briefing and driving instruction. Warm drinks and clothing provided for a comfortable experience. To drive, you must choose one of the following options: Drive Your Own or 2 People Driving. If you book a sled ride, please note that this option does not include driving.

  • Afternoon Snowmobile Tour

    4.9 (28)

    3 hours From £119.20

    Spend the afternoon driving a snowmobile in Lapland! Share the driving with a friend, or upgrade to a single driver for an even more memorable experience. Journey through winding forest tracks, along the frozen Torne River and across frozen arctic lakes. Feel the fresh breeze in your face as you admire the wild nature surrounding you on this 3 hour tour.

  • Free cancellation

    Sit Down Husky Ride Dog Sled Tour in Kiruna

    5.0 (228)

    2 hours 30 minutes From £147.15

    We specialise in small groups and personal experiences with quality at the heart of everything we do. Our huskies are extremely friendly and good with children or nervous guests. Our equipment is of premium quality and you won't find our cake in the shops! But most of all, our dogs are the stars of this experience and by the end of the tour, we're sure you'll love them as much as we do.

  • Free cancellation

    Kiruna: Aurora Chase with Street Food Dinner & Nature Guides

    5.0 (72)

    5 - 7 hours From £151.42

    Highlights Authentic Tipi Dinner: Start your adventure with a delicious local meal by a crackling fire inside the famous Stejk Street Food tipi. Small Group, Secret Spots: We use agile minivans to escape the crowds and reach hidden wilderness locations that large tour buses cannot access. Science-Driven Experts: Be guided by one of our core specialists, Rostam, Hannah, or Jonas. All are experts in Aurora science and bring unique insights into photography, wildlife, or local heritage. Cozy Campfire & Fika: Experience the magic of the Arctic night around a wilderness campfire with warm lingonberry juice and traditional Swedish snacks. Flexibility Without Limits: We don’t follow fixed routes. We travel in all directions, wherever the sky is clearest, to maximize your chance of seeing the Northern Lights. .

Places to check out around Kiruna

Discover Restaurants, Mountains, Hiking Trails and more…

Explore more nearby Kiruna

Get off the beaten track, these nearby destinations also offer opportunities to see the Northern Lights and are within easy reach of Kiruna.

  • ICEHOTEL, Jukkasjärvi, Sweden

    Credit: Tobias Fischer

    Jukkasjärvi

    67°50'59"N, 20°36'7"E

    Aurora probability in Jukkasjärvi: 3%

    Jukkasjärvi, a charming village in Swedish Lapland, is renowned for its iconic Icehotel, stunning natural beauty and rich Sami culture, making it a unique destination for experiencing the Arctic wilderness.

  • An old wooden shed on the road from Kiruna to Nikkaluokta in Lapland

    Credit: Stephan Widua

    Nikkaluokta

    67°51'3"N, 19°0'54"E

    Aurora probability in Nikkaluokta: 4%

    Nikkaluokta, a Sami village in Swedish Lapland, serves as a starting point for hiking the iconic Kungsleden trail north towards Abisko, offering stunning views of the Kebnekaise mountain and a glimpse into Sami culture.

  • The Northern Lights over the village of Kurravaara in Swedish Lapland

    Credit: yelr

    Kurravaara

    67°56'35"N, 20°21'31"E

    Aurora probability in Kurravaara: 3%

    Kurravaara, a small village in Swedish Lapland, is nestled on the shores of Lake Torne, providing a peaceful retreat with opportunities for experiencing the Northern Lights, fishing and enjoying the serene Arctic landscape.

Other places in Sweden

AbiskoBjörkliden