Tromsø

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Tromsø is northern Norway’s largest city and one of the most popular aurora destinations in the world. Sitting at nearly 70°N, well above the Arctic Circle, it combines a surprisingly vibrant urban scene with immediate access to Arctic wilderness. The city’s position beneath the auroral oval means Northern Lights activity is frequent, and on clear nights displays can be seen directly overhead from within the city itself.

For the best viewing, most visitors head out of the city to escape street lighting. The surrounding fjords, mountains and islands provide countless dark-sky locations within a short drive. Kvaløya, Sommarøy and the Lyngen Alps are popular choices, and dozens of local operators run guided aurora chases by minibus, boat or snowmobile, following clear skies wherever they can be found.

Tromsø has a cultural life that belies its size. The Arctic Cathedral (Ishavskatedralen), with its dramatic triangular silhouette, is an architectural icon. Polaria aquarium and the Polar Museum cover Arctic exploration and marine life. The Mack Brewery, once the world’s northernmost, still produces beer in the city. A lively bar and restaurant scene fuelled by the large student population means there’s plenty to do on nights when the weather doesn’t cooperate.

The city is also a gateway to wider Arctic experiences. Whale watching trips depart from the harbour in winter, dog sledding and reindeer experiences are available in the surrounding countryside, and the Hurtigruten coastal steamer calls at Tromsø’s port. Tromsø Airport has direct flights from Oslo, Bergen, Stockholm and several other European cities, making it one of the most accessible high-latitude aurora destinations.

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How are my chances of seeing the aurora today?

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

5%

There is a 5% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Tromsø area (forecast for 25 August 2026 at 2:58am 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 14 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 6 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 2.53 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 337.6 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.

Light Levels

Moon

Waxing gibbous 82%

Sunrise 4:31am

Sunset 9:01pm

Weather Forecast for Tromsø

Rain

12°C Feels like 11°C

High
12°C
Low
9°C

  • Chance of precipitation 100%

  • Cloud cover 100%

  • Southerly winds 4 km/h gusts of 8 km/h

  • Rain 19 mm

Aurora season in Tromsø

The aurora season in Tromsø runs from September to March, with the best viewing conditions in September, October, February and March.

Peak viewing In season Off season

Book an amazing adventure in Tromsø

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

  • Free cancellation

    Tromso Aurora Hunt with Bonfire, Meal, Winter Suit & Photos

    4.8 (2417)

    5 - 8 hours From £169.62

    Come with us for your Aurora hunt for an amazing and ethical experience underneath the Aurora Borealis. Leave the light pollution in Tromsø behind and travel into the Arctic wilderness. During this tour, our small team of Aurora guides check the forecasts & use local knowledge to decide on the best place to chase the Northern Lights. When we find the best spot, we will dress in warm thermal suits, make a cosy campfire, and enjoy a warm meal. You'll be shown how to use your camera, photograph the Aurora, and our guides will take photos of you, available for free in web-sized resolution after the tour. Enjoy our hot drinks before being returned to Tromsø island to your hotel. Though there is never a guarantee of seeing this phenomenon, our experienced team will do their best every night of the season.

  • Free cancellation

    Tromsø: Chasing Northern Lights – We Go Where The Lights Appear

    5.0 (588)

    6 - 9 hours From £86.35

    Choose the Northern Lights experience that suits you best. Our Classic Tour is operated by a larger coach with up to 45 guests and includes an expert Northern Lights guide, professional photographer, photos from the tour, warm drinks, a cozy bonfire when conditions allow, a professional portrait, and a toilet on board. For a more intimate experience, choose our Small Group option. This includes everything from the Classic Tour, plus thermal suits, winter boots, and reindeer sausage. Please note that there is no toilet on the minibus. Please note that our German-, Spanish-, French-, and Italian-speaking guide options are available only as the Classic Tour. Whichever option you choose, our experienced team will use weather conditions, local knowledge, and real-time forecasts to give you the best possible chance of seeing the Northern Lights. We Go where The Lights Appear!

  • Free cancellation

    Tromso Self-Drive Husky Dog Sledding

    4.9 (789)

    4 hours From £270.58

    You will be driving your own sled and team of dogs in pairs, an experienced guide will lead your tour on the trail (group size is 20 guests maximum) - Drive your own team of huskies, in pairs you will share control of a dog sled and team of 5-6 Alaskan Huskies - Training is provided on how to control your sled and an experienced guide will lead your tour on the trail - 70-80 minutes of dog sledding in the Arctic wilderness - Afterwards, enjoy cake and a warm drink in the Lavvu - All necessary equipment to keep you safe and warm is provided. Minimum age 7 years Join us for the experience of a lifetime, mushing your own team of dogs across the Arctic wilderness. Meet our kennel of 130 beautiful Alaskan Huskies. These are the running dogs of the Arctic, born and bred with a passion to pull. You will have plenty of opportunities to swap between driver and passenger throughout the trip, as well as a chance to cuddle the dogs once back at the kennel.

  • Free cancellation

    Silent Whale Watching by Hybrid-Electric Boat from Tromsø

    4.5 (1018)

    7 - 9 hours From £160.73

    Get a unique perspective on the majestic Humpbacks, Fin, Sperm whales and/or Orca's as they feed in the herring-rich fjords of the Arctic. With purpose made hybrid-electric boats for whale watching, we minimise disturbance to nature and whales. Leaving Tromsø in the morning, we head to where the whales are in time to enjoy the short hours of daylight. On the way you can take in the breathtaking views of frozen landscapes in comfortable, panoramic lounges and 2 decks. We use a hybrid engine to reach the whale’s feeding grounds, and as we near the whales, we switch to a silent electric engine that allows us to get closer without disturbing them. Please note that the duration of the trip depends on the whales’ location. It takes up to 3.5 hours to get to the whales and can therefore range from 8-9 hours. Please note that whale sightings are not guaranteed.

  • Free cancellation

    Tromsø: Small Group | Northern Lights Chase + All-Inclusive

    4.9 (948)

    6 - 9 hours From £126.47

    Seeing the Northern Lights is why you’re here. With only a few nights in the Arctic, every Aurora opportunity matters. Join one of Tromsø’s highest-rated Northern Lights experiences, built around one goal: Giving you the highest possible chance of seeing the Aurora. Our experienced guides track weather, cloud cover, and Aurora activity in real time to position you where conditions are most promising. Included: ✓ 98% Aurora Success Rate ✓ Full Arctic winter suit & boots ✓ Iconic Norwegian reindeer sausage by the fire ✓ Hot drinks and refreshments ✓ Expert local Aurora guides ✓ Photography assistance ✓ Comfortable transportation The Northern Lights can never be guaranteed. But your chances can be maximized. Choose the Aurora experience designed for travelers who don’t want to leave their Arctic adventure to chance.

  • Free cancellation Likely to sell out

    Tromsø Northern Lights Tour with Guaranteed Viewings

    4.6 (38)

    4 - 6 hours From £121.08

    Hunting the Northern Lights in Tromsø is unforgettable — and with Arctic GM it becomes a professional Aurora hunt unlike any other. Expert Aurora Hunter guides and real-time tracking give you the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights. As the Original Aurora Hunters, our family has lived beneath these skies for 20 generations. With international awards and 50,000+ guests, Arctic GM is one of the most trusted operators. Tours are run by certified guides for safety and authenticity. Your evening begins at our Tromsø meeting points. Routes may go up to two hours one way, crossing fjords and valleys as we chase clear skies supported by our 24/7 Back Office Aurora Command Center and 150 plus staff across Northern Scandinavia. When skies open, step into remote Arctic scenery as guides capture professional DSLR photos of you under the Aurora. Thermal overalls, hot drinks, and light snacks are included. With 4–6 hours total, this is Tromsø’s most complete Northern Lights hunt by bus.

Places to check out around Tromsø

Discover Museums, Restaurants, Parks and more…

Explore more nearby Tromsø

Get off the beaten track, these nearby destinations also offer opportunities to see the Northern Lights and are within easy reach of Tromsø.

  • Colourful wooden buildings by the water on Sommarøy island

    Credit: Stock Birken

    Sommarøy

    69°38'4"N, 18°0'46"E

    Aurora probability in Sommarøy: 5%

    Sommarøy, a picturesque island fishing village, offers stunning white-sand beaches and the magical experience of the midnight sun in summer and northern lights in winter, making it a true Arctic paradise.

  • Aurora Borealis in the sky over the sea and mountains on Kvaløya island

    Credit: Yoann Lechaux

    Kvaløya

    69°36'59"N, 18°32'59"E

    Aurora probability in Kvaløya: 5%

    Kvaløya, an island, is a haven for nature lovers, with dramatic mountains, picturesque fishing villages and excellent opportunities for whale watching and hiking.

  • Northern lights over Husøy

    Credit: Alejandro G

    Husøy

    69°32'20"N, 17°39'33"E

    Aurora probability in Husøy: 5%

    A tiny, charming village on the island of Senja, Husøy is a traditional fishing community with colourful houses clinging to the edge of the sea, offering a glimpse into the authentic Arctic lifestyle.

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