Arctic Thai & Grill : Kiruna : Seek The Aurora

Kiruna

Welcome to Kiruna, nestled in the heart of Swedish Lapland, where the magic of the Northern Lights awaits. Prepare to be captivated by the raw beauty of the Arctic wilderness and the celestial spectacle that dances across the night sky.

The aurora borealis is visible in Kiruna from late September to early April, with peak viewing in February and March, when the nights are longer and the sky is often clear.

Credit: Oliver S.
Credit: Oliver S.
Credit: Oliver S.
Credit: Oliver S.
Credit: Koen Swiers
Credit: Susanne Jutzeler, suju-foto
Credit: Timo Horstschaefer
Credit: Oscar Ekholm Grahn

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

41%

There is a 41% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Kiruna area (forecast for 25 February 2026 at 11:06pm 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 50 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 -5 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.

Density 1.73 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 535.7 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 56%

Sunrise 7:15am

Sunset 4:28pm

Weather Forecast for Kiruna

Snow

-13°C Feels like -20°C

High: -13°C
Low: -25°C

Chance of precipitation 100%
Cloud cover 100%
South-Easterly winds 4 km/h gusts of 8 km/h
Snow 1 mm

Book an amazing adventure in Kiruna

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

Free cancellation

Sit Down Husky Ride Dog Sled Tour in Kiruna

5.0 (220)

2 hours 30 minutes From £144.60

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

Sunrise Zen Husky Tour (10:00 to 13:00 - sitting on the sled)

5.0 (118)

3 hours From £192.80

If you are interested in dogs, you will love being here at Snowdog. We have an amazing bunch of super friendly canines. Oh, of course, we have a big bunch of superhero puppies you may wish to meet? We will tell you about Lapland, dog sledding and of course the resident Hero's - our dogs.
Free cancellation

Guided Tour to Icehotel and Jukkasjärvi

4.9 (29)

3 hours From £150.05

Join our local guides on a visit to the Icehotel and the village of Jukkasjärvi. In our small groups we will visit the original Icehotel, the oldest church in northernmost Sweden and we will meet the reindeer at Nutti Sami siida. Our Sami guide tells you more about the Icehotel, Kiruna's history and the Sami people, while you get to see some of the most visited attractions in Kiruna.
Free cancellation

Kiruna Northern Lights Tour with Photographer

5.0 (764)

4 - 6 hours From £164.46

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.
Free cancellation

Snowmobile Adventure in Kiruna

5.0 (8)

3 hours 30 minutes From £133.29

Explore the pristine landscapes of Swedish Lapland on an exhilarating snowmobiling adventure. Glide through breathtaking scenery, where the possibility of encountering wildlife like moose and reindeer adds an extra thrill to your journey. Knowledgeable guides, passionate about nature, lead the way, ensuring you have an unforgettable experience on top-of-the-line snowmobiles and high-quality gear. Embrace the great outdoors and create lasting memories as you navigate through this winter wonderland.
Free cancellation

Sami day tour adventure

5.0 (22)

3 hours From £209.15

Embark on a delightful sleigh ride through the enchanting forests of Jukkasjärvi, where a winter wonderland unfolds in the daylight. Our special reindeer sleigh ride offers a chance to experience the pristine beauty of the wilderness and enjoy a heartwarming encounter with friendly reindeer under the bright Arctic sun. Alongside these majestic animals, you'll explore the serenity of the wilderness, venturing away from the usual tourist trails. Capture this unique daytime adventure with your camera, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Join us for an unforgettable daytime experience in Jukkasjärvi, where the natural beauty of the landscape meets the warmth of our hospitality.

Places to check out around Kiruna

Arctic Thai & Grill

Thai Restaurant
Camp Alta

Campground
Camp Alta Sauna

Sauna
Hjalmar Lundbohmsgården

History Museum
Landströms Kök & Bar

Scandinavian Restaurant
Luossatoppen

Mountain
Luossavaara

Mountain
Midnattssolstigen

Hiking Trail
Mommas Pub

American Restaurant
Restaurang Ripan

Scandinavian Restaurant
Stejk Street Food

Food Stand
Torneälven

River

Explore more nearby Kiruna

Credit: Tobias Fischer

Jukkasjärvi

67°50'59"N, 20°36'7"E

Aurora probability in Jukkasjärvi: 40%

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.
Credit: Stephan Widua

Nikkaluokta

67°51'3"N, 19°0'54"E

Aurora probability in Nikkaluokta: 41%

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.
Credit: yelr

Kurravaara

67°56'35"N, 20°21'31"E

Aurora probability in Kurravaara: 41%

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.