Qaqortoq
Qaqortoq, nestled on the southern coast of Greenland, is a hidden gem for travelers seeking the magic of the northern lights. This charming town, with its colorful houses scattered along the hillsides and stunning views over the icy fjords, offers a unique blend of Greenlandic culture and breathtaking natural beauty. Far from the crowds and light pollution of larger cities, Qaqortoq provides an ideal setting for witnessing the aurora borealis in all its glory. The best time to visit is during the long, dark nights from September to April, when the sky often comes alive with vibrant ribbons of green and purple dancing overhead.
Beyond the northern lights, Qaqortoq invites visitors to immerse themselves in local life. Wander through the town’s historic streets, explore open-air art installations, and sample traditional Greenlandic cuisine in cozy cafés. The surrounding wilderness offers opportunities for hiking, dog sledding, and boat trips among icebergs. As you watch the aurora shimmer above the quiet landscape, you’ll discover that Qaqortoq is not just a destination for aurora hunters, it’s a place to experience the warmth of Greenlandic hospitality and the awe-inspiring beauty of the Arctic.
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Credit: Pipaluk Nielsen
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Credit: Pipaluk Nielsen
How are my chances of seeing the aurora today?
Many factors contribute to your likelihood of viewing the aurora in Qaqortoq. 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.
2%
There is a 2% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Qaqortoq area (forecast for 22 November 2025 at 7:41am UTC)
Kp 1.00
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.
Bz 3 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.
Density 3.45 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 412.6 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.
Moon
Waxing crescent 14%
Sunrise 9:25am
Sunset 4:15pm
Moonrise 1:40pm
Moonset 3:45pm
Clouds
-4°C Feels like -6°C
- High
- -3°C
- Low
- -6°C
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Chance of precipitation 0%
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Cloud cover 29%
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North-Easterly winds 4 km/h
Book an amazing adventure in Qaqortoq
Explore this selection of tours and activities to make the most of your visit to Qaqortoq.
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Qaqortoq Cultural Treasures Smartphone Guided GPS Walking Tour
3.4 (10)
1 - 1 hour 30 minutes From £7.58
Tucked along the icy fjords of southern Greenland, Qaqortoq is renowned for its open-air stone carvings, rich Inuit and Norse heritage, and a warm, close-knit community. You'll see the cultural treasures, from bold sculptures and old legends to cozy cafés and stories passed down for generations. Our tour begins right here at the Tenders Pier, your first step into the town. Go at your own pace, anytime, the tour never expires.
Places to check out around Qaqortoq
Discover Bars, Scenic Lookouts, Gift Stores and more…
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Café Inugssuk
Café
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Cafe Nanoq
Café
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Cafe'44
Bar
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Great Greenland
Gift Store
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Heidi-Mut
Café
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Julianehåbsbugten
Scenic Lookout
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Nanortalik Havn
Harbor or Marina
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Nanortalik Outdoor Museum
History Museum
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Narsarsuaq Havn
Harbor or Marina
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Prince Christian Sound
River
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Quaqatoq Havnevej
Harbor or Marina
Other places in Greenland
See also
Aurora ForecastPlanning Your Northern Lights AdventureNorthern Lights PhotographyScience Of The AuroraNorthern Lights PlaylistNorthern Lights Myths And LegendsAbout Seek The Aurora
