Chase the Northern Lights Like a Pro

Your essential guide to experiencing the magic of the Northern Lights

Silvia Benetti

Silvia Benetti

Rovaniemi, Finland

Want to see the Northern Lights without wasting time or money? Here’s how to do it right:

  • Pick the right season
    The best months are September, October, March, and April — when the skies are darker and conditions are more stable.

  • Use the right app
    Download My Aurora Forecast to track the KP index and cloud coverage in real time. This will make a huge difference.

  • Rent a car and stay flexible
    Having your own car allows you to chase clear skies and reach the best spots. Don’t rely on one location.

  • Find the perfect spot
    Look for dark areas far from city lights with an open view of the sky — frozen lakes and wide landscapes are ideal.
    Check the spots I’ve saved in this guide and just go — no stress.

  • Skip overpriced tours
    If you have a car, you don’t need to spend money on Northern Lights tours.
    Instead, try a night snowmobile experience — they’ll take you to great locations, and even if the lights don’t show up, it’s still an unforgettable adventure.

  • Don’t forget the flight trick
    Book your return flight at the right time and choose a window seat on the correct side — seeing the Aurora from above is pure magic.

Looking for things to do?

Go check out my guide for the best free things to do as well as itineraries and travel tips to make your trip unforgettable.

Go to Guide