Maximize your chances for seeing the northern lights
Welcome to the World of Northern Lights
Hi, I’m Jari – or Jarcce – and I invite you to join me on the adventure of a lifetime, to a place where the night sky comes alive and silence turns into a story.
Over the past seven years, I’ve spent countless nights under the stars of Lapland – and I’ve learned a lot about what it takes to experience a successful Northern Lights hunt. In this blog, I’ll share the most important tips for those who dream of witnessing the auroras with their own eyes.
The Northern Lights are more than just a light phenomenon. They’re a story – one that has fascinated humankind for thousands of years.
Tales from the Sky
The Northern Lights hold a special place in many cultures. The Sámi people saw them as the dance of departed souls. In Japanese tradition, they are signs of love and happiness. Chinese legends describe them as the playful movements of celestial dragons.
When you stand in the quiet of a winter night and see the sky light up, you can feel a connection to generations past. What must the Vikings have thought as the auroras flamed across the heavens – long before science offered an explanation?
What Are the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights occur when charged particles from the Sun collide with Earth’s atmosphere, causing oxygen and nitrogen molecules to glow in beautiful colors.
The colors and shapes of the auroras vary. Green is the most common color and is produced by oxygen reactions. It’s usually the first color you see when the Northern Lights appear on the horizon. Other colors typically only show up when the display is particularly strong.
Red and pink auroras are created higher up in the atmosphere. Red is rarely clearly visible to the naked eye, but pink can often be seen during powerful auroral outbursts. Blue and purple hues indicate nitrogen’s involvement in the phenomenon, but seeing these colors is extremely rare.
The dancing lights in the sky are a vivid reminder of the interaction between the Sun and Earth’s magnetic field.
Where and When to See the Northern Lights
Hunting for the Northern Lights is essentially a hunt for clear skies. There’s no single “best” place to find them – the ideal location constantly changes depending on the weather. In general, auroras are most common near and north of the Arctic Circle.
During the 2024–2025 season, the Ranua region (in southern Swedish Lapland) offered some of the best weather conditions. I witnessed dozens of spectacular displays right from my backyard. Norway, on the other hand, was often cloudy – statistically much more so than southern Lapland.
The Northern Lights season runs from early September to mid-April. The best times of year are around the equinoxes: September–October and again in March–early April. That’s when Earth’s magnetic field is best aligned with the solar wind. Midwinter is usually quieter in terms of auroral activity, but it brings its own kind of magic – especially under a full moon.
In the autumn, auroras can reflect beautifully off calm water. In winter, the snow adds a special magic to the scene.
How to Prepare for an Aurora Hunt
When chasing the Northern Lights, be ready for cold conditions. Dress warmly: merino wool, insulating layers, winter boots, gloves, a good jacket, and warm trousers are essential. Sometimes you may wait for hours, so snacks are a good idea. On our guided tours, we bring a portable fire pit so we can build a campfire responsibly – leaving no trace. Waiting around the fire makes the experience much more enjoyable.
Be mindful of local people and private properties. Don’t approach houses or enter private yards. Near populated areas – and especially when driving – act visibly and predictably. Never park your car on the road; use designated lay-bys or parking spots. If you’re walking near a road, make sure drivers can see you. When turning onto smaller roads, don’t block access. And if signs indicate logging activity, be especially cautious – large timber trucks can’t stop quickly, and the danger is real.
How to Predict the Northern Lights
Satellite data offers the most accurate prediction of auroras in the next couple of hours. Don’t rely solely on the KP index – it’s one of the least reliable methods because it reacts too slowly to real-time changes. I’ve seen incredible displays when the KP was only 1 or 2. Likewise, even a high KP doesn’t guarantee a strong show.
Get under a clear sky – a car or a skilled guide can be an invaluable help.
Use the right apps and tools:
Cloud maps: Windy
Aurora alerts: Aurora Alert Realtime, My Aurora Forecast
Live aurora cameras: Aurora Alert Realtime, Aurora Webcams, My Aurora Forecast
Satellite data: Jemma.mobi
Aurora Photography – A Blend of Art and Technique
Photographing the Northern Lights is an art form of its own – a combination of visual creativity and technical skill. Today, even smartphones can capture auroras, but using a tripod significantly improves the results. For the best image quality, a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a wide-angle lens and a large aperture (such as f/1.2–f/2.8) is ideal. Aurora photography requires highly light-sensitive gear – and preferably bright auroras – to truly make the images stand out. I personally use the Lumix S5II camera with a Sigma 14mm f/1.4 lens.
Finnish Lapland is truly the land of the Northern Lights. Here, vast wilderness, snow-laden trees, and dark, light-pollution-free skies create a perfect stage for viewing and photographing this magical phenomenon. Ranua, my hometown, offers a peaceful, nature-filled atmosphere, excellent snow reliability, and short distances to stunning natural locations. You can see the auroras right from your cabin or head out on an adventure under the open sky.
Planning a Successful Northern Lights Trip
A successful aurora trip takes a bit of planning. I recommend booking a five-day stay to increase your chances of seeing the lights. The full moon adds a magical glow to the landscape and enhances the overall experience.
It’s important to learn how to read aurora forecasts and make decisions accordingly. Good clothing and proper gear – especially a camera and spare batteries – are essential in Arctic conditions.
And finally: remember to enjoy the journey. Sometimes it’s the quiet, the starry sky, the campfire, the waiting, and the calm moment in nature that makes the experience truly unforgettable.
Lapland Is Calling You to Adventure
The Northern Lights aren’t just something to see – they’re something to feel.
We offer guided Northern Lights tours in Ranua. The tours include transportation, photos, campfire snacks, and an experienced guide.
Explore all our activities here:
Lupland
You’ll also find excellent accommodation options in Ranua:
Arctic Guesthouse & Igloos – Accommodation, restaurant, and activities in Ranua
If you’re looking to join a Northern Lights tour with a professional photographer and experienced aurora chaser – and want guidance in capturing auroras on camera – take a look at:
Jarcce-Activities – My Adventures
Want to Learn More About the Northern Lights?
I’ve created a comprehensive course on the Northern Lights, which includes 12 video episodes and a companion PDF guide. The course goes into detail on everything mentioned in this blog – from predicting and photographing auroras to planning your trip.
Coming soon!
Welcome to experience the true magic of Finnish Lapland with us!