The aurora borealis dance across the sky in a glorious natural light show every winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Imagine looking up at the night sky and watching the rippling multi-coloured curtains of the light whip over it.
For many people, seeing the northern lights is a dream come true. Continue reading to learn how to see the lights of the north in Finland at the ideal moment. Not only that, but we’ll tell you where to go aurora-hunting and how to increase your chances of seeing the lights.
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What are the northern lights in Finland
The Aurora Borealis, nature’s most fantastic light display, can be seen in various purpose-built locations in Finland, ranging from glass igloos to luxury apartments. In Finnish Lapland, the Northern Lights may be seen on around 200 evenings a year — or every other clear night.
Is Sweden or Finland better for Northern Lights?
Norway is undoubtedly the most fantastic spot in Scandinavia to see the northern lights, especially if you wish to photograph the aurora dancing above breathtaking fjords and waterfalls. If you want to view the lights of the north on a budget, Sweden and Finland are also excellent choices.
Best time to see the Northern lights in Finland
Now a question arises, “ when is the best time to see the northern lights in Finland ”? well, it’s December to march. Also, this is the time when you can enjoy many winter activities like sledging, ice- fishing, snowball fight, skating, etc.
In Summer
The ‘ideal period’ to observe the Northern Lights is generally from September to March. Autumn is a beautiful season to explore these Arctic areas since the temperature is more pleasant. But if you can survive the cold nights between January and March, you’ll have front-row seats for this lighted show.
In winter
Winter is the best time of year to see northern lights in Finland, especially the aurora borealis. Finland’s winters are lengthy, providing you with plenty of opportunities to keep the northern lights. You may visit during the December holidays to see a winter wonderland or during the ‘shoulder season’ of March when the seasons change – both are beautiful months to visit since the sky are dark, and the northern lights are frequently visible.
In Autumn
The autumn equinox, which occurs in late September, is noted for producing more geomagnetic storms than other times of the year, resulting in spectacular Northern Lights displays. Because of the typically pleasant weather, there is little cloud cover to hinder your view of the night sky.
In Spring
From the perspective of the Aurora hunter, the period surrounding the spring equinox (about 21 March) is supposed to bring higher solar activity, which leads to an increase in the frequency of Auroral displays.
Best places to see the Northern lights
IVALO
Ivalo, a tiny town located outside of Saariselkä, is a popular tourist destination. You may take a trip to search for the Aurora Borealis from this location. The journey is conducted by a Northern Lights specialist who can take you to all of the most incredible viewing locations while also teaching you how to capture this natural phenomenon.
INARI
This is Sami country, and it’s a fantastic place to mix local culture with the aurora, including hearing ancient legends from those who know the lights well. Spend a night in an “Aurora Bubble” – beautifully built pods where you can observe the lights from the cosiness of your bed – to see the lights reflected on the frozen surface of Lake Inari. Snowshoe, cross-country ski, or visit reindeer herders throughout the day.
ROVANIEMI
The city of Rovaniemi is one of the most incredible spots to observe the Northern Lights in Finland. Up to 150 times a year, this natural wonder may be discovered here. The most astonishing view may require a short trip outside the city, but it may occasionally be viewed even inside its confines.
UTSOKOKI
Utsjoki is a small village near the Norwegian border in far northern Finland. Because the municipality has only approximately 1,200 people, the region is mainly undeveloped, and the sky is unusually gloomy. During the winter, seeing the northern lights from Utsjoki and the surrounding area is quite common. If it isn’t feasible on certain days, you may quickly go to Norway to better view!
Related Guide: Find the best things to do in Finland
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Which season is the most active time for Aurora Borealis in Finland?
The Lights are most visible in September and March each year. The equinoxes in March and September are to blame for this pattern.
- Can you see the Northern Lights in Finland in December?
Although you may view the northern lights in Finnish Lapland between September and April, the evenings are exceptionally long between December and February.
- What are the chances of seeing Northern Lights in Finland?
In general, go to Northern Lapland. Levi, Ylläs, Saariselkä, and Salla are some of the largest resorts in the area. Around Kilpisjärvi is the most excellent place to observe the Northern Lights. The chances of viewing Auroras are 75 per cent when the sky is clear at that latitude. At Utsjoki, there are around 85 per cent chances to explore the amazing view whereas, in Sodanklya this chance reduces to nearly 50 per cent.
- Do the Northern Lights happen every night?
The Northern Lights are visible throughout the year. Because the Northern Lights can only be seen in the dark, late August/September to the beginning of April is the ideal time to visit a place in the aurora zone for a chance to view them.
Conclusions
For many people, seeing the Aurora Borealis is a once-in-a-lifetime event. The Northern Lights, which dance above us, are such a solid and distinctive natural phenomena that it affects people’s lives on the ground. On the other hand, some people become addicted to the sky’s vibrant colours and can’t get enough of them. Finland has even received immigration due to being one of the finest sites to see the Aurorae.
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