aurora borealis – northern lights
Experience the magical Northern Lights in the heart of Lapland
Travelers from all around the world come to Ylläs to admire the magical Northern Lights.
The Northern Lights are always different, which makes them even more captivating. The faint green streak stretching across the sky may remain in one place for an hour, but then it begins to move. It breaks apart and forms several smaller and larger streaks.
The movement starts to intensify. At its best, the Northern Lights experience culminates in a rapidly pulsating dance directly above your head. This highlight doesn’t last long, and soon the colorful flames disappear into the darkness of the night.
WHEN TO GO
Best Aurora season – from early August until late April
Northern Lights, or the Aurora Borealis, are often associated with winter, but the most active seasons are actually Autumn and Spring.
Scientifically explained; Auroras are caused by solar winds, and during Autumn and Spring the earth’s orientation towards the sun maximizes the probability of solar flares interacting with the planet’s magnetic field, which creates this mesmerizing phenomenon.
The lights occur year-round but the nights need to be dark enough for us to be able to catch a glimpse of this phenomenal light show. This is why the Northern Lights are most visible from August until end of April in Lapland, Northern Finland. For practical tips about seeing the Northern Lights, read the article ”How to see the Northern Lights.”
Don’t forget the other magical experience that occurs during summer months. Starting from May until end of July, you can experience the Midnight Sun , also known as the Nightless Nights when sun doesn’t set for weeks or months, depending how North you go.
Northern lights in ylläs region
Get lucky 2 out of 3 nights
The chances of seeing the Northern Lights here are very good since Ylläs is located on the Southern edge of the aurora oval that surrounds the North Pole. Statistically, you can see auroras on two out of three nights. The aurora season lasts from early Autumn until late Spring, basically as long as the nights are dark. Note that no one can guarantee the aurora as it is a natural phenomenom.
Photo from Visit Ylläs website offering lots of useful information for travellers
aurora borealis – northern lights
Aurora by month – the best time to see Northern Lights
You may wonder what is the best time to visit Lapland? When should I travel to Lapland? What months have the highest chance to see the Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis?
The Northern Lights can be seen in Lapland for more than eight months of the year, from early August until late April. While aurora activity actually happens year-round, the bright summer nights and Midnight Sun make it impossible to see them during summer. In the very beginning and end of the season, the nights are short, so the chances are lower. That’s why I recommend planning your trip between early September and mid-April.
Aurora activity also varies by season. It reaches its peak twice a year—around the autumn and spring equinoxes. This so-called “Equinox Effect” has been scientifically proven and, in my experience, offers the very best conditions for aurora hunting. For several weeks in a row, September, October, March, and early April consistently deliver the strongest displays.
That said, November through February can also bring spectacular shows, especially during long, dark polar nights. Still, there’s something truly magical about the equinox periods, when the aurora feels like it’s coming to meet you, instead of you chasing after it.
Keep reading to see what each month has to offer and find the best time for your Northern Lights adventure.
August – Autumn Colors and the Start of the Aurora Season
August marks the slow return of darkness to Lapland after the endless light of summer. During the first week, nights are still too bright for aurora viewing. By the second or third week, however, the first faint Northern Lights may already appear. In most years, the season typically begins in mid-August. These early auroras often look softer and less vivid, partly because part of the sky remains illuminated by the sun lingering near the horizon. Still, the first sightings are always thrilling, as they mark the official start of a new season. By the final week of August, nights grow darker, colors become stronger, and the auroras return in full force. This is when the chances of seeing them increase significantly—and when guided aurora tours begin.
September – One of the Best Months for Auroras
September in Lapland is a magical month where autumn colors meet the Northern Lights. The forests turn golden, red, and orange, creating breathtaking landscapes that you can explore by hiking or even cycling along forest trails. The Equinox Effect also makes September one of the best times of year to spot Aurora Borealis, with frequent displays lighting up the sky. Imagine enjoying crisp autumn air, vibrant fall foliage, and the thrill of the Northern Lights all in one trip — September offers a truly unique experience.
September is consistently among the very best months to witness the Northern Lights, and for several reasons.
Peak Aurora Activity: Thanks to the Russell–McPherron Effect, which occurs around the equinoxes, auroral activity spikes. This scientific phenomenon allows more solar wind to enter Earth’s atmosphere, making displays both stronger and more frequent.
Milder Weather: Unlike the deep cold of winter, September nights are crisp but manageable, typically around 0°C (32°F), while daytime temperatures stay between +5 and +15°C (41–59°F). This makes aurora hunting much more comfortable if you’d prefer to avoid extreme Arctic cold of -25 to -35°C (-13 to -31°F).
Stunning Scenery: With no snow yet covering the landscape, rivers and lakes remain unfrozen, creating perfect opportunities to capture aurora reflections in the water. On top of that, Lapland’s forests and fells are painted in fiery autumn colors, making September an unforgettable time for both auroras and photography.
Simply put, September brings together strong auroras, beautiful scenery, and comfortable conditions—making it a magical month for Northern Lights seekers.
October – A Prime Month for the Northern Lights and Autumn Adventures
October is one of the best times to see the Northern Lights in Lapland. Thanks to the Equinox Effect, the chances of strong auroras remain high. Many visitors say some of the most dramatic displays happen this month, filling the sky with dancing colors. On the ground, the first signs of winter begin to appear, while the forest still holds traces of autumn leaves. It’s a fantastic time for mountain biking or hiking along quiet trails, surrounded by the last touches of fall foliage. The mix of crisp weather, peaceful nature, and the possibility of big auroras makes October a special time to visit.
November – First Snow and Cozy Evenings
November is when Lapland starts to transform into a winter wonderland. The first snow usually arrives, gradually covering the ground and trees, creating a magical white landscape. While auroras can be more unpredictable this month, you may still catch the Northern Lights on clear nights — and the snowy surroundings make them even more enchanting. This is also a quieter time in Lapland, perfect if you prefer fewer crowds. Visitors can enjoy cozy evenings in our warm chalet, walks in the fresh snow, and the peaceful atmosphere before the busy Christmas season. For many, the charm of seeing the first snowflakes and feeling winter’s arrival is reason enough to visit in November.
December – Christmas Magic and Northern Lights
Lapland turns into a true winter wonderland in December. Snow covers the forests and villages, lights sparkle everywhere, and the holiday atmosphere feels magical. The long nights offer excellent opportunities to see the Northern Lights, often dancing above snowy landscapes.
December is also when Christmas traditions come alive in Lapland — reindeer sleigh rides, cozy fires, and warm seasonal food. For families, couples, or anyone who loves the holiday spirit, December is one of the most memorable times to experience Lapland.
January – Classic Northern Lights Season
January in Lapland feels like stepping into a postcard. Snow blankets the landscape, and the Polar Night creates a soft blue light during the day and long evenings perfect for spotting the Northern Lights.
Aurora activity is frequent, and even on regular nights, you can often see beautiful green arches stretching across the sky. January is also ideal for winter activities — skiing, snowshoeing, husky rides, and snowmobiling are all in full swing.
Compared to December’s holiday rush, January is calmer, giving you more space to enjoy Lapland’s natural beauty and winter magic. For travelers who want to experience “classic Lapland” with both snowy adventures and auroras, January is a wonderful choice.
February – Winter Adventures and Bright Auroras
February is one of the best months to enjoy both the Northern Lights and outdoor winter activities.
The nights are still long, giving plenty of chances to spot auroras, which can be strong and frequent this time of year. At the same time, daylight is gradually returning, making it perfect for skiing, snowmobiling, husky sledding, and snowshoeing in the sparkling snow.
The mix of brighter days, snowy adventures, and magical aurora nights makes February a favourite month for many visitors. Finnish schools have winter holidays on weeks 8 and 9 so those weeks are busy with locals.
March – Spring Sun and Northern Lights Peak
Spring brings sunshine, milder weather, and some of the strongest aurora activity of the year. Thanks to the Equinox Effect, March and early April are peak months for Northern Lights. Days are longer, perfect for skiing or exploring, while evenings still provide plenty of dark skies for magical aurora displays. This is the perfect mix of light, snow, and northern magic.
March and April are widely considered the best months for Northern Lights as it combines the very best of Lapland: sunny days, snowy landscapes, and some of the strongest aurora activity of the year.
March is one of the very best times of the year for Northern Lights in Lapland. Thanks to the powerful “Equinox Effect,” aurora activity is at its peak, often producing bright and spectacular displays across the sky. The nights are still long and dark, giving plenty of opportunities for aurora hunting, while the days are already lighter and warmer, perfect for skiing, snowmobiling, and enjoying snowy landscapes under the spring sun. March offers the perfect balance: crisp snowy adventures by day, unforgettable auroras by night. Statistically, March offers more strong aurora nights than November or December, and during the Solar Maximum (2024–2026), the chances of witnessing powerful storms are even higher.
With deep snow still covering the landscape, you can enjoy longer sunshine hours for skiing or exploring the snowy wilderness — all in milder, more comfortable temperatures compared to mid-winter.
The contrast of bright days and dark starry nights makes March one of the most rewarding times to visit Lapland.
April – Spring Sun and Northern Lights Finale
April is a special and exciting month for aurora hunting — it’s the finale of the season.
The Equinox Effect is still strong in early April, meaning the chances of big auroras remain just as high as in March. Nights are shorter, but in the first two weeks you still have 4–5 hours of darkness, often enough for beautiful displays.
By mid-April, catching auroras becomes more challenging, but with some luck and clear skies, magical shows are still possible. The snowy days are bright and sunny, perfect for skiing, hiking, or simply enjoying Lapland’s spring atmosphere. By the end of April, the auroras gently fade into the glow of endless summer nights, making this month both joyful and bittersweet for aurora lovers.
May, June and July – Season of the Midnight Sun
In June, Lapland turns into a land of light. The Midnight Sun takes over, and the sun doesn’t set for weeks. Imagine hiking or trail running in Ylläs at midnight, surrounded by glowing golden light and absolute silence. June is perfect for long, scenic hikes across the fells, exploring forest trails on mountain bikes, or even planning multi-day trekking routes, since you can hike as long as you like — daylight never ends. It’s an energizing month, where every moment outdoors feels endless.
July is summer at its fullest in Ylläs. The forests are lush and green, wildflowers bloom across the meadows, and it’s one of the warmest times of the year in Lapland. It’s the perfect month for multi-day hikes, such as trekking through Pallas–Ylläs National Park with an overnight in wilderness huts, or spending full days exploring marked trails that lead to panoramic views. Trail running and mountain biking are at their very best, with dry trails and long warm evenings. July also offers festivals, local markets, and cultural events, so you can combine outdoor adventures with a taste of Lapland’s summer life.
Photo from Lapland.fi
Read more about the summer in Lapland – the Magical Land of the Midnight Sun.
Northern Lights photos taken by our guests in Ylläs
Our guests have kindly shared some of their photos with us. Photos have been taken in the front of the cabin or at other nearby locations – thanks to Chiara, Matt and others!
Where are the best locations to view the Northern lights at Ylläs?
You do not necessarily need a guide or a paid tour: all you need is a cloudless night and some luck. We recommend turning off the outdoor lights of the cabin and simply walking a little bit towards the fell (mountain). Another good location is by the nearby Ylläsjärvi lake, next to the nearest shop ”Eelin kauppa”.
Be notifed when the time is optimal: My Aurora Forecast -app will guide you with the best time to see the aurora. It might be in the middle of the night so turn on the notifications and be ready. Download the app for iPhone or for Android users.
Finnish Meteorological Institute has a page dedicated for space weather and predicting best time to view auroras,. You can check also sunrise and sunset times in Ylläs.
Some of site’s photos are from Visit Finland, link to Northern Lights tips on their website
Below is a good video for some more remote ideal locations.
