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.
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Credit: Oliver S.
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Credit: Oliver S.
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Credit: Oliver S.
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Credit: Oliver S.
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Credit: Koen Swiers
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Credit: Susanne Jutzeler, suju-foto
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Credit: Timo Horstschaefer
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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
1%
There is a 1% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Kiruna area (forecast for 27 July 2026 at 2:52pm UTC)
Kp 1.33
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 13 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 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 2:29am
Sunset 11:01pm
Weather Forecast for Kiruna
Rain
16°C Feels like 15°C
- High
- 16°C
- Low
- 10°C
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Chance of precipitation 100%
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Cloud cover 95%
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Southerly winds 5 km/h gusts of 7 km/h
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Rain 2 mm
Book an amazing adventure in Kiruna
Explore this selection of tours and activities to make the most of your visit to Kiruna.
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Meet 70 Huskies and Enjoy a short ATV Tour with the Huskies
5.0 (19)
3 hours From £134.70
We have an array of world-class Alaskan huskies. With a gene pool that stretches across the pond. You will be delighted to experience their strength, beauty, and charismatic personalities. Their boundless energy and love shine with excitement every time they have a new group of visitors—a super friendly bunch of canines always eager for a bit of fun and action cuddles!
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Kiruna Northern Lights Tour with Photographer
5.0 (816)
4 - 6 hours From £133.16
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.
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From Kiruna: Aurora Snowmobile Adventure
5.0 (5)
3 hours 30 minutes From £78.84
Cruise through the enchanting snowy landscapes of Lapland on a memorable snowmobile adventure in search of the Northern Lights. This 3 to 3.5-hour evening tour starts at 19:00 and offers you the chance to drive your own snowmobile or enjoy a comfortable ride in a sled (see options below), all while surrounded by the serene beauty of the Arctic night. Your expert guide will share local stories and traditions as you glide through pristine forests, pausing to breathe in the crisp air and gaze at the starlit sky. With warm drinks and clothing included, it’s a perfect blend of excitement and tranquility in the far north. - Duration: 3 to 3.5 hours, starting at 19:00 - Drive your own snowmobile or ride in a sled - Experience the magical beauty of the Northern Lights - Warm drinks and clothing provided for added comfort 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.
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Full-Day Reindeer Tour with Pickup in Kiruna
4.8 (87)
7 hours From £221.47
Here at the heart of Sápmi you can become a reindeer herder for a day. You can ride a reindeer sleigh alone in the winter landscape, feed the reindeer and eat delicious food. You are invited to be a part of the real life of the Sámi people. A professional reindeer herder will introduce you to his reindeer herd in his native environment. We are a reindeer herding family in Swedish lapland. We live and operate in the northern Sweden, middle of the Torneträsk-Soppero primeval forest which is located north of Kiruna city. We are an indigenous people in Europe and the Nordic countries. The area that has historically been inhabited by our ancestors for generations is called Sápmi and includes northern part of Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia. Our goal for you is to have a genuine experience with us, in our everyday life.
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Kiruna Small Group Snowshoe Tour with Fika
No reviews
2 hours 30 minutes From £69.41
This is a guided Arctic experience led by someone born and raised in Kiruna, offering a genuine local perspective of the surrounding wilderness. My lifelong connection to the area allows us to explore quiet forests and open landscapes away from crowded tourist routes. The pace and route are adapted to the weather, snow conditions, and your comfort level on the day, creating a flexible and natural experience in the Arctic environment. This is a slow and authentic experience focused on silence, nature, and real local knowledge—an alternative to mass tourism and standard group excursions.
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Northern Light Minibus Hunt to Abisko National Park
4.9 (9)
3 hours 30 minutes From £149.76
Some moments in life don’t wait — and the Northern Lights are one of them. They appear when they choose to, without warnings or guarantees. That’s why they matter. Out here in the Arctic night, under a sky full of stars, you’re reminded how precious every second is — and how important it is to actually live it. On this tour, we guide you into the quiet darkness, away from the noise, to places where the sky opens and the world feels still. You stand beneath the shifting lights, breathing in the cold air, waiting for something magical to happen. The aurora teaches a simple truth: life won’t slow down. You have to step into it. Book the tour. Take the chance. Create the memory you’ve been dreaming about — not someday, but now. Travel in a warm, comfortable minibus with an experienced guide. This tour is perfect for anyone who wants the best chance to see the Northern Lights — couples, families and solo travellers alike.
Places to check out around Kiruna
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Arctic Thai & Grill
Thai Restaurant
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Camp Alta
Campground
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Camp Alta Sauna
Sauna
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Hjalmar Lundbohmsgården
History Museum
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Landströms Kök & Bar
Scandinavian Restaurant
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Luossatoppen
Mountain
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Luossavaara
Mountain
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Midnattssolstigen
Hiking Trail
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Mommas Pub
American Restaurant
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Restaurang Ripan
Scandinavian Restaurant
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Stejk Street Food
Food Stand
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Torneälven
River
Explore more nearby Kiruna
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Credit: Tobias Fischer
Jukkasjärvi
67°50'59"N, 20°36'7"E
Aurora probability in Jukkasjärvi: 1%
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.
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Credit: Stephan Widua
Nikkaluokta
67°51'3"N, 19°0'54"E
Aurora probability in Nikkaluokta: 1%
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.
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Credit: yelr
Kurravaara
67°56'35"N, 20°21'31"E
Aurora probability in Kurravaara: 1%
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
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
