Planning a summer trip to Lapland and wondering about those spectacular celestial displays? The aurora borealis—those dancing lights that paint the Arctic skies in vivid greens and purples—captivate travelers from around the world. However, timing is everything when it comes to witnessing this natural phenomenon in Finland’s northernmost region. Summer visitors to Lapland often have questions about aurora visibility during the warmer months. Let’s explore what you need to know about summer aurora hunting in Lapland and when your chances to witness this magical display are at their best.
Can you see northern lights in Lapland during summer?
The short answer is that viewing the aurora borealis during the core summer months (June, July, and early August) in Lapland is virtually impossible. This isn’t because the solar activity that creates these magnificent light displays ceases—in fact, the aurora continues to occur. However, the phenomenon of the Midnight Sun means that Lapland experiences continuous daylight during summer, with the sun remaining visible for 24 hours. Even when the sun dips toward the horizon, it creates a perpetual twilight that prevents the night sky from darkening enough to see the northern lights.
The continuous daylight overwhelms the aurora’s luminance, rendering these celestial displays invisible to the human eye despite their continued occurrence in the upper atmosphere. For travelers hoping to combine a summer adventure with aurora viewing in Lapland, this natural lighting condition presents an insurmountable challenge.
Why are northern lights not visible in Lapland during summer?
The invisibility of the northern lights during Lapland’s summer boils down to fundamental astronomical factors. The Earth’s axial tilt of approximately 23.5 degrees creates the polar day phenomenon, where regions above the Arctic Circle experience continuous daylight around the summer solstice. In Lapland, which sits between 66°N and 70°N, this results in weeks or even months of continuous daylight.
Northern lights occur when charged particles from the sun collide with gases in Earth’s atmosphere, creating the colorful displays we associate with the aurora. These interactions happen regardless of season—they’re constantly occurring above Lapland in summer. However, to observe them, we need dark, clear skies, which summer simply doesn’t provide in Arctic regions.
The brightness of the sky during the Midnight Sun period effectively “washes out” the aurora’s glow, similar to how stars disappear from view during daylight hours. Even specialized camera equipment struggles to capture auroras during this period due to the overwhelming ambient light.
When does the northern lights season start in Lapland?
Aurora enthusiasts should mark their calendars for late August to early September when darkness gradually returns to Lapland’s skies. This transition period marks the beginning of the aurora viewing season. By late August, the night sky becomes dark enough for approximately 2-3 hours, providing the first opportunity to witness the northern lights after the summer break.
The prime viewing season extends from September through March, with peak conditions often occurring during the deepest winter months of December through February when nights are longest. October and March offer a good balance between reasonable temperatures and extended hours of darkness for aurora hunting.
Weather conditions play a crucial role in visibility, with clear skies being essential. Additionally, auroral activity follows approximately 11-year solar cycles, with periods of higher solar activity increasing the frequency and intensity of displays. The current solar cycle is approaching its maximum, suggesting potentially spectacular aurora displays in the coming years.
What can I experience in Lapland during summer instead of northern lights?
While the aurora borealis takes a summer hiatus from Lapland’s viewable attractions, the region offers numerous unique seasonal experiences that make summer visits equally rewarding. The Midnight Sun itself is a remarkable phenomenon worth experiencing—imagine hiking at “night” under golden sunlight that casts long shadows across the landscape.
Lapland’s national parks, including Pallas-Yllästunturi near our cottages, showcase breathtaking Arctic wilderness with vibrant flora that blooms intensively during the short growing season. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with possibilities of spotting reindeer, elk, and numerous bird species that migrate to the region.
Summer visitors can immerse themselves in Sami culture through local events and museums, enjoy fishing in pristine lakes and rivers, or go berry picking in the wild. The endless daylight means extended hours for outdoor adventures like hiking, mountain biking, and canoeing. For those seeking relaxation, Finnish sauna traditions combined with refreshing dips in lakes create the perfect Arctic wellness experience.
Which locations near Lapland offer better chances to see auroras in summer months?
For travelers absolutely determined to combine summer travel with aurora viewing, looking beyond Lapland may be necessary. Southern hemisphere destinations offer the best alternative, as their winter occurs during the northern summer. Places like southern New Zealand, particularly around Lake Tekapo or Stewart Island, provide dark winter skies for viewing the aurora australis (southern lights) between May and September.
Within the northern hemisphere, locations further south than Lapland might offer very slim possibilities during late summer. Parts of Iceland, particularly around August 20-31 when darkness returns, may provide brief viewing windows. Similarly, northern Canada and Alaska begin to see darker night skies earlier than Lapland due to their longitudinal position.
However, it’s important to set realistic expectations—even in these alternative locations, summer aurora viewing remains challenging and uncertain. The displays tend to be less frequent and vivid compared to winter months, regardless of location in the northern hemisphere.
Northern Lights in Lapland: Essential planning guide
For travelers prioritizing the aurora experience, planning your Lapland visit between September and March is strongly recommended. Consider booking a stay of at least 3-4 nights to increase your chances of clear skies and active displays. The magical period of “blue twilight” in early September or late March offers unique photography opportunities with deep blue skies complementing the green auroras.
Our cottages in Ylläs provide comfortable bases for aurora hunting, with many offering excellent views away from light pollution. While we don’t guarantee displays (nature follows its own schedule), the pristine Lapland environment maximizes your viewing potential. For photography enthusiasts, packing a tripod, camera with manual settings, and extra batteries (cold temperatures drain them quickly) is essential.
Consider combining your aurora quest with daytime winter activities like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or reindeer safaris. This approach ensures a fulfilling experience regardless of aurora conditions. Remember that patience is key—sometimes the best displays occur after midnight or require waiting through cloudy periods.
Whether you visit during the aurora season or opt to experience Lapland’s enchanting summer, the region’s natural beauty and distinctive Arctic character create memories that last far beyond your stay. The cottages we provide offer comfortable retreats after days filled with adventure in this remarkable northern frontier.