When to go
Northern lights can be seen from September to the following April
in northern hemisphere. To pick the perfect dates for chasing northern lights needs thorough research on weather and geomagnetic activity.
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2. Solar activity/aurora forecasts
Here is a summary of credible solar activity forecast (or aurora forecast) institutions.
In all websites, the solar activity is measured by Kp Index ranging from 0 – 10, with 0 being the lowest activity and 10 the highest.
3. Weather forecasts
There are many options of weather forecast websites but many are unreliable. The table lists out three websites that are relatively more accurate.
4. Public holidays in Norway
During public holidays in Norway, most stores will be closed and public transit may run with reduced frequency and capacity. Some restaurants and bars still may be open, except for Christmas Day,
Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
The accommodation and aurora tour services may also be affected. So if you are going to Tromsø during public holidays, make sure you double check with the agencies.
1) Fixed public holidays:
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New Year's Day (1 Jan)
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Labour Day (1 May)
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Constitution Day (17 May)
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Christmas Day and Boxing Day (25-26 Dec)
2) Movable public holidays:
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Easter
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Ascension Day
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Whit Sunday
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Whit Monday
1. Basic criteria of seeing northern lights
1) High Solar Activity
The higher the solar activity is, the larger the chance of seeing the northern lights and the more epic the lights will be.
2) Good Weather
If it is a sunny day with clear sky, the possibility of seeing northern lights is very high.
If it is cloudy, you can take a shot by joining local northern lights tours. The experienced tour guides may be able to find a hole in the clouds.
If it rains or snows, the possibility of seeing northern lights is basically 0.
Thus, to locate the dates chasing northern lights require solar activity forecast and
weather forecast.
