Find the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights

From the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard to the vast wilderness of Alaska, we help you find the best destinations for seeing the aurora borealis. Browse our guides for locations across Norway, Iceland, Finland, Sweden and Canada — with real-time aurora forecasts, cloud-cover predictions and optimal viewing seasons for each.

Canada

Dark skies and breathtaking wilderness, one of the best places to experience the northern lights in all their glory.

Banff •Churchill •Edmonton •Jasper •Whitehorse •Yellowknife

Faroe Islands

Dramatic landscapes with pristine dark skies, an exceptional place to witness the northern lights with a truly unique setting.

Tórshavn

Finland

Enjoy stunning aurora displays from cozy glass igloos or snowy forests in the magical northern wilderness.

Inari •Levi •Luosto •Rovaniemi

Greenland

The remote wilderness and minimal light pollution offer a breathtaking, serene setting to witness the northern lights in their purest form.

Ilulissat •Kangerlussuaq •Nuuk •Qaqortoq

Iceland

Breathtaking landscapes and long winter nights provide a spectacular backdrop for witnessing the aurora in a truly unforgettable setting.

Akureyri •Reykjavík •Vík

Norway

Stunning fjords and snowy peaks provide a breathtaking backdrop to the northern lights in one of the best locations to witness this natural spectacle.

Alta •Bodø •Lofoten •Tromsø

Shetland

A remote location and dark skies offer opportunities to witness the northern lights over rugged coastlines and peaceful seascapes.

Lerwick

Svalbard

Polar nights in the high arctic offer exceptional chances to witness the northern lights dancing across pristine, icy landscapes.

Longyearbyen

Sweden

Clear winter nights and pristine wilderness create an ideal place to experience the aurora in a magical Arctic setting.

Abisko •Björkliden •Kiruna

USA

Alaska’s vast wilderness and clear, dark skies create perfect conditions for experiencing the northern lights in a breathtaking natural setting.

Anchorage •Fairbanks •Healy

Plan your aurora adventure

Check tonight’s forecast, pick the best month to travel, learn what to pack and how to photograph the aurora. We’ve also got guides on chasing the lights from home and spotting them from lower latitudes when conditions are right.

Aurora Forecast

Stay updated with the latest aurora forecast including Kp-index, Bz, solar wind density and speed, plus a 3-day outlook, aurora map and top viewing locations.

Planning Your Northern Lights Adventure

When to go? What to wear? Things to consider when planning a trip to see the Northern Lights.

Northern Lights Photography

A complete guide to photographing the Northern Lights. Learn the best camera settings, equipment and composition tips for capturing stunning aurora photos.

Best Time Of Year To See The Northern Lights

When is the best time to see the Northern Lights? A month-by-month guide covering aurora season, solar cycles, equinox effects and what to expect throughout the year.

See The Aurora Without Leaving Your Home

Can’t travel to see the Northern Lights? Watch aurora live from home using webcams, livestreams, alert apps and space weather dashboards. A complete guide to remote aurora viewing.

Can You See The Northern Lights From Where You Live?

How far south can the Northern Lights be seen? A guide to aurora visibility by latitude, covering the UK, northern Europe, the US and beyond, including what Kp level you need and historic low-latitude sightings.

Discover the science, stories and sounds of the aurora

Learn how the solar wind creates the aurora, read about the myths and folklore behind the lights, browse a glossary of space weather terms, or put on a playlist while you wait for the sky to turn green.

Science Of The Aurora

Understanding the science behind the Northern Lights. Learn about the solar wind, Earth’s magnetic field and how charged particles create the stunning auroral displays.

Northern Lights Playlist

Pop on your headphones and relax. A curated playlist to accompany your Northern Lights experience.

Northern Lights Myths And Legends

Exploring the myths and legends surrounding the Northern Lights, from Norse Valkyries and Inuit spirits to Sámi beliefs, Finnish folklore and beyond.

Aurora Glossary

A comprehensive glossary of aurora and space weather terms. Understand Kp, Bz, solar wind, CME, substorms and more to improve your Northern Lights viewing.

Rovaniemi

Home / Finland / Rovaniemi

Located right on the Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi is a captivating destination that perfectly merges the enchantment of the northern lights with the charm of winter wonderland experiences. Known as the official hometown of Santa Claus, Rovaniemi offers travelers a unique blend of festive spirit, stunning natural beauty and thrilling activities, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to witness the aurora borealis.

From September to March, Rovaniemi serves as a prime location for experiencing the northern lights. With clear skies and minimal light pollution, your chances of witnessing this celestial display are outstanding.

How are my chances of seeing the aurora today?

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

16%

There is a 16% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Rovaniemi area (forecast for 11 July 2026 at 3:09am UTC)

Kp 3.00

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 40 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 -2 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

Waning crescent 24%

Sunrise 2:14am

Sunset 12:30am

Weather Forecast for Rovaniemi

Clouds

16°C Feels like 16°C

High
26°C
Low
15°C

  • Chance of precipitation 0%

  • Cloud cover 58%

  • South-Westerly winds 4 km/h gusts of 5 km/h

Book an amazing adventure in Rovaniemi

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

  • Free cancellation

    Santa Claus Village with Reindeer & Husky Ride

    5.0 (17)

    4 - 5 hours From £172.76

    Begin your magical Lapland adventure at Santa Claus Village, one of the region's most iconic attractions. Meet Santa Claus in his official office, cross the Arctic Circle, and receive your official Arctic Circle Crossing Certificate. Enhance your visit with an optional 400-meter reindeer sleigh ride (operated on wheeled carts when snow conditions are limited) and a husky ride ranging from 800 meters to 2 km during the snowy season, or 500–1,000 meters on wheeled carts when there is insufficient snow. Whenever possible, we aim to offer the longer 2 km husky ride. From 6 December to 15 March, you can also visit Snowman World, where you can enjoy ice slides, ice skating, snow activities, and winter fun for all ages. Perfect for families, couples, and friends, this unforgettable Arctic experience captures the true magic of Finnish Lapland.

  • Free cancellation

    Rovaniemi: 100% Money-Back Guarantee Aurora Tour + Free Photos

    4.9 (871)

    4 - 6 hours From £120.67

    This is for you who wants to maximise the chances to see the Northern Lights – and minimise the need for luck! The main goal is simple: to see and photograph the Northern Lights with you in the picture, using our professional cameras and years of photography know-how. We drive as far as needed, even across the border to Sweden if that’s where the lights are. Total tour duration is between 4 to 6 hours, depending on the conditions of the night. We’ve explored countless locations around Lapland. Our team monitors live aurora data 24/7, satellite cloud maps, and weather models throughout the day. Once we confirm the conditions are good enough, we move. And when we move, we commit fully: we drive as far as needed - sometimes 50 km, sometimes 200+ km - to find clear skies an seeing the lights. We go where the Northern Lights are – and we take you with us!

  • Free cancellation

    Northern Lights Rovaniemi: Guaranteed Viewing & Unlimited Mileage

    4.9 (2573)

    8 hours From £172.76

    Join Arctic GM’s award-winning Northern Lights hunt, recognized as part of the Best of the Best experiences on Tripadvisor. This small-group experience is built around one goal: maximizing your chances through distance, flexibility, and real-time decision-making. Operated by The Original Aurora Hunters®, our family has lived in Lapland since the 1600s, combining generations of local knowledge with continuous Aurora and weather tracking. There are no fixed routes or predefined locations. Your guide adapts the plan throughout the night, traveling long distances — including crossing the Swedish border when needed — to find clear skies. Supported by real-time updates from our large team across Lapland, this is a true Aurora hunt focused entirely on results. Professional photography is included, so you leave with high-quality images of your night under the Northern Lights.

  • Free cancellation

    Rovaniemi:%100 Money Back Guarantee Northern Lights Hunting

    4.9 (624)

    5 - 12 hours From £103.31

    AURORA HUNT – REAL NORTHERN LIGHTS EXPERIENCE IF YOU DONT SEE THE LIGHTS GET %100 MONEY BACK WITH NO QUESTION Join Lapin Taivas for an authentic Northern Lights adventure! We can travel up to 300+ KM in our comfortable Mercedes Pegabus Vans, chasing clear skies or heading deep into the wilderness — this tour is made for true Aurora Hunters. Our professional guides and photographers use the best weather data, cameras, and lenses to find the lights and capture unforgettable shots. All photos are delivered to your email within 8–72 hours after the tour. Unlike standard tours, we follow no fixed route. We drive wherever the sky is clear, often 100+ KM away from city lights, to give you the best possible viewing conditions. With an impressive 93% success rate during the 2024–25 season, this is one of the most reliable and exciting Aurora experiences in Lapland. ✨ Lapin Taivas – Your Way to the Lights ✨ ⚠️ Not recommended if you have another early morning activity the next day.

  • Free cancellation

    10 km Authentic Husky Safari in the Taiga Forest – Family Kennel

    4.8 (46)

    4 hours 30 minutes From £198.80

    Escape mass tourism and experience a truly authentic husky safari in the untouched taiga forest of Lapland. Drive your own husky sled on a 10 km wilderness trail, guided by professionals and hosted by a small family-run kennel where dogs are raised with care, respect, and love. ✔️ Small groups only ✔️ Hotel pickup included ✔️ No crowded routes or commercial loops Travelers choose this experience because it offers something increasingly rare in Lapland: ✔️ A genuine connection with the dogs ✔️ A peaceful ride through pristine wilderness ✔️ A personal, non-commercial atmosphere ✔️ Clear communication and well-organized transfers

  • Free cancellation

    Family Snowmobile Safari in Rovaniemi in small group

    5.0 (92)

    3 hours From £99.83

    We are Snowride Lapland, a premium snowmobile company in Rovaniemi offering tours in English, Spanish and French. What sets us apart is that we are the only company in Rovaniemi offering heated sledges for children under 1.35 meters, equipped with seat belts and safely pulled by our guides, ensuring a comfortable and safe experience. We operate some of the newest snowmobiles on the market, providing a smoother, safer and more reliable ride. Tours are limited to a maximum of 8 guests per group, allowing us to provide highly personalized service and exceptional attention. For groups larger than 8, we automatically provide a private tour at no extra cost. All our guides have several years of experience leading snowmobile tours in Lapland, guaranteeing a safe, professional, and high-quality experience from start to finish. We carefully select our guides to ensure top-quality service, unlike many operators who may use inexperienced staff.

Places to check out around Rovaniemi

Explore more nearby Rovaniemi

  • Northern lights in Ranua, Finland

    Credit: VALO Hotel & Work

    Ranua

    65°55'46"N, 26°30'57"E

    Aurora probability in Ranua: 15%

    Ranua, a charming town in Finnish Lapland, is renowned for the Ranua Wildlife Park, where visitors can observe Arctic animals in their natural habitats, including polar bears, lynxes and reindeer, making it a must visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

  • Wild flowers in a field near Kemi, Finland

    Credit: Benjamin Genz

    Kemi

    65°44'8"N, 24°33'56"E

    Aurora probability in Kemi: 15%

    Located on the shores of the Bothnian Bay in Finnish Lapland, Kemi is known for its iconic Snow Castle, a magnificent structure built entirely of snow and ice each winter, as well as its rich maritime history and beautiful coastal scenery.

  • Islands in the transition zone of Kemijoki and Kemijärvi, Kemijärvi, Finland

    Credit: Ximonic (Simo Räsänen)

    Kemijärvi

    66°42'48"N, 27°25'45"E

    Aurora probability in Kemijärvi: 16%

    A picturesque town in the stunning natural surroundings of Finnish Lapland. Nestled amongst pristine lakes and dense forests, that make Kemijärvi a popular destination for outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking and skiing.

Other places in Finland

Inari•​Levi•​Luosto

See also

Home•​Aurora Forecast•​Planning Your Northern Lights Adventure•​Northern Lights Photography•​Science Of The Aurora•​Northern Lights Playlist•​Northern Lights Myths And Legends•​Best Time Of Year To See The Northern Lights•​See The Aurora Without Leaving Your Home•​Can You See The Northern Lights From Where You Live?•​Aurora Glossary