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Northern light picture taken in Tromsø by Best Arctic

What are my chances of seeing the Northern Lights in Tromsø, Norway?

If you're dreaming about experiencing the ethereal spectacle of the Northern Lights, Tromsø in Norway is an excellent choice for your Arctic adventure. This article aims to provide you with in-depth information about enhancing your chances of seeing the Northern Lights in Tromsø, especially during the optimal viewing period from September to April.

We’ll also guide you through making the most out of your Northern Lights trip and introduce you to some of the Best Arctic’s northern light tours.

The magic of the Northern Lights

The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are one of the most awe-inspiring natural phenomena on Earth. The spectacle occurs when solar particles collide with gases in Earth’s atmosphere, creating ribbons of light that dance across the night sky.

Tromsø, located above the Arctic Circle in Norway, is a prime viewing spot due to its position beneath the Northern Lights oval.

Northern light picture taken in Tromsø by Best Arctic

Where to see the Northern Lights: Tromsø, a prime location

Tromsø’s geographical location makes it one of the best places on Earth to witness the Northern Lights. It is situated directly under the Northern Lights oval, a continuous ring of auroral activity centered over the Earth’s geomagnetic North Pole.

This optimal location means that the Northern Lights are often visible in Tromsø, even when auroral activity is low.

Best time to see the Northern Lights in Tromsø

We get these questions a lot:

  • What are the best month to see the northern lights?

  • Is it better in January or February?

  • Where can I see the northern lights in Tromsø?

  • What are the best places in Tromsø to see the northern lights?

The prime period to view the Northern Lights in Tromsø is from mid-September to April. During these months, the sky is sufficiently dark to allow for optimal viewing of this natural light show.

The Polar Night, which lasts from mid-November to mid-January, offers particularly remarkable viewing opportunities, with the Northern Lights often visible even during the daytime.

Northern light picture taken in Tromsø by Best Arctic

Enhancing your chances of seeing the Northern Lights

While Tromsø’s location offers a high probability of Northern Lights sightings, several factors further influence your chances:

Solar Activity

Auroral activity is directly related to solar activity. The Northern Lights are particularly vibrant during periods of high solar activity, known as solar maximums, which occur roughly every 11 years.

However, Tromsø’s position beneath the Northern Lights oval means that there is still a strong chance of sightings even during periods of low solar activity.

Between 2022 and 2024-25 the chances to see amazing and strong Northern Lights will be higher due to the Solar Maximum, which is expected to peak in 2024/2025. Read more about the Solar Maximum and its impact on the northern light display in Tromsø for the upcoming years here.


Weather conditions

Clear, cloudless skies provide the best conditions for viewing the Northern Lights. Tromsø’s relatively stable weather increases your chances of finding clear skies. However, weather in the Arctic can be unpredictable, and patience may be required as you wait for the ideal conditions.


Light pollution

The Northern Lights are best viewed away from artificial light. Therefore, consider venturing outside of Tromsø’s city center to areas with minimal light pollution.

Maximizing your Northern Lights experience

To make the most of your Northern Lights quest in Tromsø, consider the following tips:

Stay for several nights

The longer your stay in Tromsø, the better your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights. A stay of between four and seven nights is recommended to maximize your viewing opportunities.

Join a Northern Lights guided tour

Joining a guided tour can greatly enhance your Northern Lights experience. Guides are experts in Arctic conditions and have in-depth knowledge of the best viewing locations. They also monitor weather conditions and auroral activity, further increasing your chances of a successful sighting. Check all Best Arctic northern light tours here.

What if you don’t see the northern lights on the first try?

Unfortunately, it can happen that the weather won’t allow you to see the northern lights display. Either because the weather changed and it started snowing or raining, or it got cloudy, or just because the northern light activity decreased at that moment. We can’t control any of these factors, but we will always try our best to find the best places with the higher chances.

If you choose one of our Aurora Safari Camp or Aurora Safari Minibus tours and are unlucky and don’t see the northern lights, we offer you a 25% discount card that you can use on one of these two tours again.

Northern light picture taken in Tromsø by Best Arctic

Best Arctic Tours in Tromsø

One of the premier tour operators in Tromsø is Best Arctic. We offer a variety of tours designed to provide you with the ultimate Northern Lights experience. More information about our northern light tours can be found here.

Experiencing the Northern Lights is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. By choosing Tromsø as your destination, planning your trip between September and April, and joining a guided tour with Best Arctic, you’re significantly enhancing your chances of seeing the Northern Lights.

Remember, patience is key, and the reward is an unforgettable spectacle that will remain etched in your memory forever.

What to do in Tromsø during May

What to do in Tromsø during May

Tromsø, known as the “Gateway to the Arctic,” awaits your exploration during the vibrant month of May, offering a unique blend of cultural and outdoor activities. From embarking on boat tours to experience the Arctic fjords, ascending the mountain via the cable car for breathtaking views, to immersing yourself in local history and culture at the Polaria and Polar museum, your visit to Tromsø is guaranteed to be memorable.

The history behind the Arctic Route

The history behind the Arctic Route

Embarking on the Arctic Route opens a gateway from the magnificent beauty of Tromsø, Norway, and beyond to the stunning landscapes of Northern Norway and Finland. This travel service/ hop-on/hop-off bus, born in 2016 from the collaboration of Bussring, Best Arctic, Innovation Norway, Eskelisen Lapin Linjat, and VY, aims to provide you with an eco-friendly journey across the Arctic, underpinned by a commitment to environmental stewardship, boasting features like Ecolighthouse certification and ISO 14001 standards. It connects Tromsø with destinations like Lyngen, Narvik, Skjervøy, Storslett, and further to Rovaniemi in Finland, during winter. During summer, the Arctic Route connects Tromsø with Lofoten, Narvik (and Evenes Airport) with Lofoten, and within Lofoten, with several bus stops. It’s a testament to the brand’s commitment to sustainability, easing travel stress, and fostering local tourism by making remote locations accessible.

Whale watching in Norway this Summer 2024

Whale watching in Norway this Summer 2024

Embarking on a whale watching adventure during the summer in Norway offers an unparalleled experience, especially in prime locations like Andenes in Northern Norway. With the opportunity to spot species such as sperm whales and orcas in their natural habitat, Norway’s summer months present a unique opportunity for enthusiasts and casual observers alike. Additionally, responsible whale watching practices are emphasized, ensuring these magnificent creatures are protected while providing an educational and thrilling experience for visitors.