Roka Street Bistro : Rovaniemi : Seek The Aurora, Northern Lights Travel Guide

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.

Credit: Marc Wieland
Credit: Martin Vemödalen
Credit: Fatih Turan
Credit: Fatih Turan
Credit: Marc Linnemann
Credit: Robert Tjalondo
Credit: Sam Williams
Credit: Dylan Shaw
Credit: 66 north

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

58%

There is a 58% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Rovaniemi area (forecast for 14 March 2026 at 3:37am UTC)

Kp 5.67

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 108 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 -7 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 10 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 0.47 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 662.5 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

Waning crescent 32%

Sunrise 6:41am

Sunset 6:10pm

Weather Forecast for Rovaniemi

Rain

3°C Feels like -4°C

High: 3°C
Low: 1°C

Chance of precipitation 100%
Cloud cover 79%
South-Westerly winds 10 km/h gusts of 21 km/h
Rain 2 mm

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 (400m) & Husky (2 KM) Ride

5.0 (12)

5 - 6 hours From £174.86

Start your magical Lapland adventure at the famous Santa Claus Village, one of Finnish Lapland’s top attractions. Meet Santa Claus in his official office, cross the Arctic Circle, and receive your official Arctic Circle Crossing Certificate. Make your visit even more memorable with optional Lapland experiences, including a 400-meter Reindeer sleigh ride & an exciting 2-kilometer husky sled ride (longer than standard short rides, weather and availability permitting). Sleighs run on snow in winter and on wheeled carts when snow is limited. From 6 December to 15 March, enjoy extra family fun at Snowman World, featuring ice slides, skating, and winter playgrounds perfect for children and adults alike. This all-in-one Arctic adventure is ideal for families, friends, and couples seeking unforgettable Lapland memories.
Free cancellation Special offer Likely to sell out

Lapland Reindeer and Husky Safari from Rovaniemi

4.5 (179)

3 hours From £178.96

This combined husky and reindeer package is specially designed for those who would like to get the most of Lapland in a short period of time. You will be taken to a reindeer farm and for a short visit and safari. After visiting the reindeer, you will meet huskies and enjoy of a husky ride before heading back to Rovaniemi.
Free cancellation Special offer

Snowmobile Safari to Arctic Nature

5.0 (23)

3 hours From £78.29

Experience the thrill of snowmobiling through scenic winter landscapes with your loved ones. Our snowmobile safari offers a unique opportunity to bond over a shared adventure while taking in the beauty of the winter wilderness. Our tour company provides top-notch training and equipment, ensuring a safe and an enjoyable experience for everyone. Book your snowmobile safari today and make lasting memories with your loved ones. Approximately 1 hour snowmobile driving.
Free cancellation

Riisitunturi Snow Monsters Winter Hike from Rovaniemi with Lunch

4.9 (52)

8 hours From £157.29

Experience the enchanting winter landscape of Riisitunturi National Park on a guided full-day hike from Rovaniemi. Witness the iconic Arctic Snow Monsters and traverse breathtaking snow-covered forests along well-maintained winter trails. This small-group tour, limited to 8 participants, ensures a relaxed pace with ample opportunities for photography and exploration. Enjoy a traditional Finnish lunch prepared over an open fire, making your day in the wilderness truly memorable. Ideal for those with normal mobility and basic fitness, this tour operates in all winter weather conditions. - Discover surreal winter scenery and the Arctic Snow Monsters - Small-group experience for personalized attention - Enjoy a traditional lunch by an open fire in the Arctic wilderness - Guided by a professional local expert with insights on Lapland's nature
Free cancellation

Ice Fishing Tour

4.8 (33)

3 hours From £78.20

This Ice Fishing Trip will offer you a great chance to catch your breath in the silence of Lapland nature while experiencing a traditional activity that many locals like to practice. Our Ice Fishing Trip will take you to a frozen lake outside Rovaniemi. The place we choose for ice fishing not only offers a good chance to catch something but we also help restore ones tranquility and peace of mind. Many locals still practice this activity during the winter to catch food for themselves or their dogs and to enjoy the relaxing serenity of Lapland nature. On all our excursions, our groups are limited to 8 travelers maximum. It is very important for us to provide you with the best experience possible, and avoid mass tourism. This way, your guide will know you better and will be able to address all your needs and answer your questions. As we usually say - the smaller the group, the bigger the experience!
Free cancellation Likely to sell out

REINDEER FARM VISIT a real authentic experience

4.6 (22)

2 hours 30 minutes From £87.87

You will meet your new cute reindeers friends, feed & talk to them, you will experience a little reindeer sled ride and then sit in a traditional kota by the fire drinking a hot drink and listening to the herder stories about the local sami lifestyle and about the reindeers.

Places to check out around Rovaniemi

Angry Birds Activity Park (Angry Birds leikkipuisto)

Playground
Arktikum

Museum
Cafe & Bar 21

Café
Choco Deli

Dessert Shop
Frans & Chérie

Bistro
Gustav Kitchen & Bar Rovaniemi

Gastropub
Kauppayhtiö

Burger Joint
Koivusaaren luontopolku

Hiking Trail
Könkäänvaara

Mountain
Korkalovaaran luontopolku

Hiking Trail
Korundi

Museum
Koskenranta

Waterfront
Monte Rosa

Steakhouse
Nili Ravintola

Scandinavian Restaurant
Ounasvaaran huippu

Mountain
Ounasvaaran luontopolun laavu

Hiking Trail
Paha Kurki Rockhouse

Bar
Pure Pizza

Pizzeria
Rockravintola Grande

Bar
Roka Street Bistro

Scandinavian Restaurant
Rovaniemen Oluthuone

Beer Bar
SaiGon Noodle Bar

Vietnamese Restaurant
Sky Ounasvaara

Scandinavian Restaurant
Uitto Pub

Pub

Explore more nearby Rovaniemi

Credit: VALO Hotel & Work

Ranua

65°55'46"N, 26°30'57"E

Aurora probability in Ranua: 49%

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.
Credit: Benjamin Genz

Kemi

65°44'8"N, 24°33'56"E

Aurora probability in Kemi: 51%

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.
Credit: Ximonic (Simo Räsänen)

Kemijärvi

66°42'48"N, 27°25'45"E

Aurora probability in Kemijärvi: 56%

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.