Finland Northern Lights – 10 Most Common Questions

The Northern Lights are one of Finland’s most stunning natural phenomena, and for many, witnessing them is a dream come true. The dancing shades of green, red, and sometimes even purple create a breathtaking atmosphere that lingers in memory for a long time. If you dream of seeing the Northern Lights, Finland – especially Lapland – offers the perfect setting.

The best time to see the Northern Lights is during the winter months, with popular spots for admiring them including Rovaniemi, Inari, and Ylläs. But when are the Northern Lights most visible, and what would be the best time to travel?

In this article, we answer the 10 most frequently asked questions about the Finland Northern Lights and provide tips on how to plan your trip to get as close as possible to this magnificent natural spectacle.

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Finland Northern Lights – 10 Most Common Questions

Can you see the northern lights in finland?

Yes, you can see the Northern Lights in Finland! The Finland Aurora Borealis is most commonly observed in Northern Finland, close to the Arctic Circle. The Northern Lights are most visible during the winter months, usually from September to April, when the sky is dark and clear. The further north you go, the higher the chances of seeing the Aurora Borealis in Finland. According to the Finnish Meteorological Institute:

“In Finland, the Northern Lights are statistically most likely to be observed in Northern Lapland around midnight. The most common factors that interfere with observation are cloud cover, other weather phenomena, and the lights from settlements and traffic.”

We are often asked how many hours of daylight does Lapland Finland have. In winter, particularly from December to January, Lapland experiences the polar night, during which the sun doesn’t rise at all, and there is often no daylight for weeks. For example, in Rovaniemi, the sun stays below the horizon throughout December. In summer, on the other hand, Lapland has the midnight sun, where the sun doesn’t set at all. This phenomenon lasts for several weeks, especially in June and July.

Where in Finland is best to see the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights can be seen in many areas, but they are at their best in Northern Finland, especially in Lapland. In particular, Inari, Utsjoki, Rovaniemi, Kilpisjärvi, and Saariselkä offer dark and clear skies, creating ideal conditions for watching the Northern Lights during the winter months, especially between September and April. As we mentioned in our previous article, The Nothern Lights-Aurora Borealis:

“If you’re wondering what time of day is best to go outside to see the Northern Lights, it’s generally late in the evening or at night, especially between 10:00 PM and 2:00 AM. During this time, the sky is at its darkest, and the Northern Lights are often at their most intense.”

The darkest winter months offer the best time to admire the Northern Lights, as the sky is clear and light pollution doesn’t interfere. The best conditions occur with a clear sky and no clouds.

Finnish Lapland - Best place to see the northern lights

How to track the Northern Lights in Finland?

You can track the Northern Lights using various forecasts, such as the Sodankylä Geophysical Observatory or the Aurora Forecast app, and the best views are usually seen when the Kp-index is 5 or higher. Cloudless nights are key, and the best time is from autumn to spring. As mentioned on the website of the Finnish Astronomical Association (Ursa):

“Aurora and space weather forecasts can be divided into two different time categories. Some forecasts are long-term, with a time span of about 1-3 days, while others are short-term, 1-3 hours. With current data, only short-term forecasts are reasonably reliable, while long-term forecasts almost always have significant uncertainties.”

Can you see the Northern Lights every night in Finland?

Auroras are not seen every night in Finland, even though they occur regularly. Several factors influence their visibility, such as solar activity, weather conditions, and the Kp-index. Auroras are usually seen most often in winter, from November to March, but they require a clear sky without clouds to be visible.

The solar activity that causes auroras also fluctuates in 11-year cycles, and the best chances of seeing them are when the sun is especially active. So, while auroras may appear on multiple nights, their visibility is not guaranteed every night.

What month is best to see the Northern Lights in Finland?

The best time to see the northern lights is usually from December to February, when the nights are longer and the sky is at its brightest. During these months, it is also colder, which creates ideal conditions for viewing the auroras. As we mention in our previous article:

“From September to March, the nights are dark enough, and the sky is usually clearer. During autumn and spring, geomagnetic activity is typically at its highest, which further increases the chances of seeing the auroras.”

If you want to avoid the coldest weather but still have a chance to see the northern lights, September and March are also great months. The weather is usually milder, and although the nights are a bit shorter, the auroras can still be seen.

What is the best month to see the northern lights?

Are northern lights visible from Helsinki?

The northern lights can be seen in Helsinki, but it’s not very common because the city’s lights often block the view of the auroras. Aurora displays are more frequent in the north, but if the auroras are particularly strong, they may be visible further south, even in Helsinki, if the sky is dark enough and the aurora activity is intense. In an article by VR, it’s discussed how likely it is to see the northern lights in Helsinki.

“In Helsinki, the chances of seeing the northern lights are only about once a month, meaning the likelihood drops significantly as you move further south.”

If you want the best chance of seeing the auroras, it’s recommended to find a location with minimal light pollution, such as outside the city.

How much does it cost to go from Helsinki to Lapland?

The cost of traveling from Helsinki to Lapland varies depending on how you travel, when you travel, and how you book your tickets. Flights usually cost around 100-300 euros one way, depending on the season and booking time. A train ride to Rovaniemi typically costs around 50-150 euros. Taking the bus is usually the cheapest option, with prices ranging from about 40 to 100 euros. If you’re driving, fuel costs are generally around 100-200 euros, depending on your vehicle’s consumption and the route you take.

Prices can vary quite a bit depending on when you book and what season it is, so it’s a good idea to always check the latest prices directly with service providers.

How long is the train ride from Helsinki to Lapland?

Train travel from Helsinki to Lapland varies depending on the destination, but for example, the journey from Helsinki to Rovaniemi is about 800–850 kilometers. The train ride usually takes 8–12 hours, depending on the type of train and the route.

If you are traveling at night, you can also choose the night train, which is a popular option, especially for long trips.

Can you see the Northern Lights with the naked eye?

Is Finland expensive to visit?

Finland may be a more expensive travel destination compared to many other European countries, but this depends on what you want to do and what you’re comparing it to. We’re often asked how many days in Helsinki is enough. Generally, 2–4 days is a good amount of time to experience the city’s main attractions and activities. In Helsinki and other major cities, prices can be a bit higher, especially for accommodation, food, and public transportation.

Still, Finland offers incredible experiences, and its beautiful and diverse nature provides many affordable or even free activities, such as hiking and swimming.

Finland’s unique nature and tranquility will surely make your trip unforgettable.

Where to stay on a Northern Lights trip in Finland?

If you dream of watching the Northern Lights, head to Lapland! Rovaniemi, Levi, Saariselkä, Inari, and Ylläs offer amazing opportunities to witness the aurora in the heart of winter. You can enjoy the Northern Lights directly from glass igloos or ski resorts. Finland’s igloo hotels provide an unforgettable way to experience the Northern Lights in comfort. In Inari and Ylläs, the natural surroundings provide a stunning backdrop for the auroras’ dance. Lapland is the perfect destination if you’re dreaming of a winter adventure under the Northern Lights!

If you’re looking for accommodation in Lapland under the Northern Lights, the best choice is Book Lapland’s properties. We offer the perfect hotels for a memorable stay, and starting from fall 2025, we will also provide glass igloos for rent at our Finland Northern Lights hotel!