How to see the Northern lights?
It is pretty easy:
- Look up to the sky without clouds
- Try to find grey or green “cloud” in the horizont
- Wait, wait and wait. Aruroras can show up in a second and vanish in another second
- Come on our tour in autumn!
But before you go out, read this. Imagine hiking across silent fells where your footsteps are the only sound, the autumn air is crisp, and above your tent — the night sky suddenly begins to dance. The Northern Lights are on and you are lying down in your cosy sleeping bag watching them! Green ribbons twist into violet and pink arcs, stretching across the entire horizon.
This isn’t a movie scene. This is Pihka Outdoor‘s everyday life.
It’s the Northern Lights — Aurora Borealis — one of the most breathtaking natural displays on Earth.
For many travelers and people around the world, seeing the Northern Lights in Lapland is a lifelong dream. But what few people realize is that you can experience them not only from a hotel balcony, but right from your tent or wilderness hut, miles away from artificial light. This could be you.
And hiking tour in Lapland is one of the most magical, authentic ways to witness this phenomenon.
But when exactly is the best time to see the Northern Lights? Let’s explore what the locals know.
When the Northern lights Season Begins in Lapland?
Lapland’s Northern Lights season begins surprisingly early.
By late August, nights start getting dark again after the endless glow of the Midnight Sun. The sky becomes just dark enough to reveal the first hints of Aurora activity. The perfect time for Aurora wathing is Autumn because nights are dark but warm.
From September to April, the Northern Lights can appear on nearly any clear night.
However, the character of the season changes dramatically between autumn, winter, and early spring.
Each brings its own unique atmosphere.
Autumn Foliage (September–October): The Silent Colourful Season
For many of our travellers, autumn is the perfect time to hike under the Northern Lights.
The weather during the night is relatively mild (+5 °C to -0 °C), the tundra glows in fiery orange and gold, and the nights are long enough for vivid Aurora displays. You can still hike comfortably everywhere in the mountains of lapland, and the wilderness is nearly empty. Only for you!
Winter (December–February): The Arctic Winter Wonderland
If you’re dreaming of the classic Lapland experience — snow-covered forests, frozen rivers, and deep winter silence, reindeer, huskies etc. — this is your time.
The nights are long, the air is crystal clear, and the Auroras can appear almost every other night when the sky is cloudless.
This is when snowshoeing or skiing tours take over from regular hiking.
Our winter treks, like the Lapland Snowshoe Escape, are designed for adventurous beginners.
You don’t need prior experience. With warm gear, a guide, and a pulka sled carrying your equipment, you’ll trek safely above the treeline, far from light pollution.
Spring (March–April): Bright Days, Starry Nights
By March, daylight hours return fast — but so do some of the most beautiful Northern Lights of the year.
During these months, Lapland gets almost 12 hours of daylight, yet nights are still dark enough for Aurora viewing.
The temperatures are milder (around -5 °C to -15 °C), and conditions are ideal for hut-to-hut ski treks or late-season snowshoe adventures.
It’s the perfect time if you like a little comfort, bright photos, and stable weather.
How to Maximize Your Chances of Seeing the Aurora
No matter when you visit, a few tips can dramatically increase your chances:
- Stay outside.
Auroras appear roughly every second night during active periods, so give yourself time. Of course only when the sky is clear. - Get away from artificial light.
The further you are from towns, the clearer the sky. That’s why our wilderness locations — like Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park — are ideal. - Look north and wait patiently.
Most displays start low in the northern horizon, then expand overhead. - Check the sky, not just the app.
Alerting Aurora Apps are helpful but not perfect. Go out, try to see a dim green cloud or a spike. - Bundle up and stay outside.
The longer you stay outdoors, the higher your chances. Bring warm layers, hot drinks, and keep your camera ready. You can use your phone’s camera to check if there is anything in the sky.
Why Guided Hiking Tour Is the Best Way to See the Lights?
Unlike bus tours or hotel stays, Northern Lights hiking adventure brings you far away from civilization, deep into Lapland’s silent wilderness.
You won’t be walking through the darkness — instead, you’ll stay at a peaceful tent camp, surrounded by open fells and pure Arctic air. There are no city lights, only your headlamp and the glow of the northern dark sky.
Your guide knows exactly how to read the sky and dim auroras that might explode — when to step outside from a tent, when the magnetic activity peaks, and where the Aurora is most likely to appear.
In that moment, you feel something shift. The air is crisp and clean, the world completely still and silent. You realize you’re not just watching the Northern Lights — you’re part of the wilderness itself.
In a small private group, surrounded by nothing but autumn colours, stars, and silence, you experience Lapland in its most authentic and intimate form.
That’s why so many of our guests describe this moment as one of the most emotional experiences of their lives.
So, When Is the Best Time to See the Northern Lights? While Hiking!
If you want mild weather and colorful landscapes, choose autumn (September–October).
If you dream of deep snow and real Arctic coldness, pick winter (December–February).
Whichever you choose, you can’t go wrong — as long as you head into the wilderness, far from the city lights, and keep your eyes on the northern horizon.
Join Us for Your Own Aurora Adventure
At Pihka Outdoors, we organize small-group, all-inclusive hiking and sother expedition tours in Lapland — designed for first-time adventurers like you.
From wilderness huts to Northern Lights photography moments, we’ll take care of everything.
