If you’re dreaming of watching the Northern Lights dance across the Arctic sky, few places are as magical as Tromsø. Find out when and what is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Tromsø, Norway.
Located right beneath the auroral oval, Tromsø offers some of the highest chances in the world to witness the Aurora Borealis. But to truly make the most of your trip, timing is everything – both in terms of when in the year you visit and what time of night you head out to watch.
The best months for Northern Lights in Tromsø
The Northern Lights season in Tromsø runs from late August to early April, but not all months are created equal. As summer fades and darkness returns to the Arctic, the first auroras begin to appear in late August and early September. During these early weeks, the nights are only just dark enough for sightings, but the milder temperatures and thinner crowds make this a lovely time for those seeking a more relaxed experience.
From September to October, the nights lengthen, and the equinox effect often triggers higher geomagnetic activity. The result? Increased chances of seeing the aurora, set against Tromsø’s autumn landscapes. This is one of the most photogenic periods of the year and ideal for travelers who want to balance comfort with high aurora potential, as the nights are not yet so cold.
The peak Northern Lights season stretches from November through February, when darkness dominates and the long Arctic nights create perfect viewing conditions. This is also the period of the polar night, when the sun doesn’t rise for several weeks, giving you nearly 24 hours of potential darkness. While temperatures can be freezing, the reward is the best odds of seeing bright, vivid auroras almost every clear night. The snow-covered landscape also adds a beautiful contrast to the glowing skies.
As the season progresses into February and March, daylight starts returning, but the nights are still long enough for excellent viewing. The skies tend to be clearer after the midwinter storms, making late winter a sweet spot for aurora chasers. You can still see the northern lights between late March and early April, but since daylight increases, the chances of seeing the lights decreases. This is why our tours end by the beginning of April.
From mid-April to mid-August, the Midnight Sun takes over, and it simply doesn’t get dark enough for auroras to be visible.
This being said, the best time to see the Northern Lights in Tromsø is between September and beginning of April, with November to February offering the highest probability due to long nights.
The best time of night to see the northern lights in Tromsø
While the aurora can appear at any time when it is dark, certain hours give you the best odds. The sky in Tromsø becomes dark enough for viewing around 6:00 – 8:00 p.m, depending on the time of year. The most active period is generally between 9:00 p.m and 2:00 a.m, During this window, solar particles interacting with the Earth’s atmosphere are most likely to produce the glowing curtains of light you’ve come to see.
Of course, seeing the Northern Lights also depends on local weather, solar activity and cloud coverage. Even during high aurora activity, thick clouds can block the view. That’s why joining a professional Northern Lights chase can dramatically improve your chances.
Go with the experts: Best Arctic Northern Light tours
If you’re visiting Tromsø and want to maximize your chances of seeing the aurora, booking a guided tour is a must. Best Arctic is one of Tromsø’s most trusted operators, known for their Aurora Safari Minibus and Aurora Safari chases with big buses tours.
Our experienced guides track real-time weather forecasts and solar activity to drive you to the best viewing locations each night. Our tours also include warm clothing, hot drinks, a light meal, a sweet snack and free photos of you with the Northern Lights on your background.
Our two best sellers for Northern Light tours are the Aurora Safari Minibus and the Aurora Safari Chase by big bus. The minibus chase gives you flexibility and mobility, taking you far from city lights to wherever the skies are clearest. The Aurora Safari Chases by big bus, on the other hand, offer a cozy and atmospheric way to experience the Arctic night: away from light pollution, surrounded by nature, and with the chance to stay warm while the sky puts on its spectacular show overhead.
Combining a Minibus chase with an Aurora Safari Chase by big bus stay gives you the best of both worlds: mobility to find clear skies and a peaceful, authentic Arctic setting to enjoy the lights in comfort.
Tromsø offers one of the most reliable and breathtaking Northern Lights experiences on Earth. Visit between September and March, stay up from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., and join experienced guides such as Best Arctic for northern light chases tours such as the Aurora Safari Minibus and Aurora Safari Chase by big bus to maximise your chances of witnessing the aurora at its best.
