Lofoten

Lofoten is a breathtaking archipelago in northern Norway renowned for its dramatic peaks, picturesque fishing villages, and stunning coastlines. As winter blankets the region in snow, Lofoten transforms into a magical wonderland, making it one of the best places to witness the awe-inspiring Northern Lights.

With its remote location and minimal light pollution, Lofoten offers an unparalleled backdrop for experiencing the aurora. See the vibrant green and purple hues shimmering across the night sky over a wild and beautiful landscape, your journey to see the auroras here is sure to be unforgettable.

The best time to see the Northern Lights in Lofoten is generally from mid-November to mid-April. During this period, the long dark nights will maximise your chance for seeing the aurora.

How are my chances of seeing the aurora today?

61%

There is a 61% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Lofoten area (forecast for 13 June 2025 at 12:18am UTC)

Kp 5.33

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.
Bz -11 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 19.17 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, energy is released in the form of light that we see as the aurora.

Speed 464.3 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.

Rain

6°C Feels like 6°C

High
13°C
Low
6°C
  • Precipitation: 100%
  • Cloud cover: 100%
  • Wind: 11 km/h
  • Rain: 1mm

Moon

Waning gibbous

  • Sun rises at: N/A
  • Sun sets at: N/A

Book an amazing adventure in Lofoten

  • Free cancellation Likely to sell out

    From Leknes port: Special Summer Guided Tour of Lofoten

    4.6 (78)

    6 hours From £101.47

    Disembark in Lofoten Islands and enjoy our bus tour to discover the most beautiful highlights of the archipelago: from beaches, to mountains to traditional fishing villages all surrounded by stunning panoramic views. You will take part in the excursion together with a local English-speaking guide. The group size can vary and in exceptional cases can be up to 45 people. This tour is only for people arriving to Leknes (Gravdal) pier or Svolvær pier with a cruise ship. Please note that as the disembarkation schedule may vary,give us 10/15 minutes of flexibility to allow everyone to arrive at the meeting point.

  • Free cancellation

    Midnight Sun Kayak - Northern Explorer

    4.9 (134)

    3 hours From £72.91

    Paddling with the midnight sun is an unique experience that we can only do inside the polar circle. This gives us the chance to go kayaking in the evening when the sun goes down but never over the horizon. Departures: Every day 22:00 Duration: 3hours Price:850 Nok

  • Free cancellation

    Sightseeing Tour in Lofoten

    4.9 (7)

    6 hours From £120.26

    The Sightseeing tour in Lofoten starts and ends at the cruise port of Leknes. The duration of the tour is 6hrs. The tour includes hot drinks and some little snacks. We are going to visit the most beautiful beaches:Haukland, Flakstad and the beach of Ramberg. Of course we are not going to miss the world famous Nusfjord ( entrance fee is not included), Flakstad, Hamnoy and Reine, . This tour gives you the opportunity to visit the most famous locations in Lofoten in a very short time. If you don't have a lot of time but you would like to breath in the real Lofoten air and take some great pictures this tour is the best option for you! Join us and fall in love with Lofoten!

  • Free cancellation

    Kayaking in Reinefjorden

    4.8 (98)

    3 hours From £101.47

    Elevate Your Lofoten Experience with Kayaking! Join us for a guided kayaking adventure and immerse yourself in the breathtaking seaside scenery of Lofoten. Accompanied by an expert guide, you’ll learn about edible seaweed while embarking on a beginner-friendly journey to the fjord's best photo spots. With spectacular views of traditional rorbuer, charming bridges, and abundant wildlife, this double kayaking experience is sure to be a highlight!

  • Free cancellation Private tour

    Private Mini Hike Leknes Archipelago

    No reviews

    3 hours From £187.91

    Explore a peaceful, beginner-friendly trail close to the city that winds through scenic swamplands with wooden boardwalks and gentle paths. Enjoy views of wetlands rich with wildlife, all framed by stunning distant mountain peaks. Perfect for a relaxing walk in nature. On request every guest can receive up to four edited pictures! Please let me know in advance if you’d like to have taken pictures during the hike. Do not hesitate to get in touch for more demanding mountain Hikes!

  • Free cancellation

    Midnight Sun Kayak in Reinefjord (3 hours)

    5.0 (1)

    3 hours From £101.47

    We have a unique location to acces the wildside of Reinefjord and the open sea. We have our own harbour with kayaks right by the water. Handpicked guides by their personality, kayak skills, local knowledge,story telling and adventurous/inspiring lifestyle. We foccus on safety, details, story telling and we try always to have a surprise in our tours.

Places to check out around Lofoten

Discover Restaurants, Mountains, Scenic Lookouts and more…

Other places in Norway

AltaTromsø

See also

Aurora ForecastPlanning Your Northern Lights AdventureNorthern Lights PhotographyScience Of The AuroraNorthern Lights Playlist