Sight guide · Tromsø · Norway
Visiting Northern lights tours
From about September to early April, dozens of operators run evening tours that drive away from city lights and coastal cloud, sometimes inland towards the Finnish border, to find clear skies for the aurora.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: The Municipality of Tromsø from Tromsø, Norway, CC BY 2.0
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Quick answer
Northern lights tours is an experience in Tromsø region, Tromsø. Allow 6–9 hours, evening into the night; it is expensive. Popular small-group tours fill up in the peak months of December to March; book a few days ahead.
Key facts
- Type
- Experience
- Area
- Tromsø region
- Time needed
- 6–9 hours, evening into the night
- Cost
- Expensive
- Book ahead
- Recommended
- Good for
- after dark, couples, nature and photo spot
- Best months
- June–July and September
About Northern lights tours
From about September to early April, dozens of operators run evening tours that drive away from city lights and coastal cloud, sometimes inland towards the Finnish border, to find clear skies for the aurora. Small-group minibus chases, big-bus tours, boat trips and stays at remote camps are all on offer, and many include hot drinks, a fire and photography help. Sightings are never certain because they depend on clear skies and solar activity.
Tip: Book on your first night, so a cloudy night leaves room to try again, and choose an operator that offers a retry if you see nothing.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 6–9 hours, evening into the night.
- Cost: Expensive.
- Book ahead: Popular small-group tours fill up in the peak months of December to March; book a few days ahead.
- Where: Tromsø region.
Best time to visit Northern lights tours
Northern lights tours is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- July: 15°C (59°F) highs, about 12 rainy days, busy crowds.
- June: 12°C (54°F) highs, about 11 rainy days, busy crowds.
- September: 10°C (50°F) highs, about 15 rainy days, moderate crowds.
When to visit Tromsø has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Tromsø itinerary visits Northern lights tours on day 1, together with Arctic Cathedral, Fjellheisen cable car and Sherpa steps.
- No. 1 of the 16 sights in our Tromsø things-to-do list.
- Day 1 of the 1-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 2-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 5-day plan.
- One of the picks in outdoors in Tromsø.
Near Northern lights tours
Also in Tromsø region, so you can walk between them:
- Reindeer and Sami culture visits — 3–5 hours, expensive
- Midnight sun — an evening, free
If you like Northern lights tours
- Arctic Cathedral — Tromsdalen, 45 minutes
- Fjellheisen cable car — Tromsdalen, 1–2 hours
- Dog sledding — Kvaløya and Tamokdalen, 4–6 hours including transfers
- Whale-watching trips — Fjords north of Tromsø, 6–9 hours
Staying near Northern lights tours
Where to stay in Tromsø compares every area by price and who it suits.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Northern lights tours?
Plan 6–9 hours, evening into the night. With Reindeer and Sami culture visits nearby, it fits a half-day in Tromsø region.
+Is Northern lights tours free?
No, it is expensive. Booking ahead is advised.
+When is the best time to visit Northern lights tours?
June–July and September for the most comfortable weather. Book on your first night, so a cloudy night leaves room to try again, and choose an operator that offers a retry if you see nothing.
+Do I need to book Northern lights tours in advance?
Popular small-group tours fill up in the peak months of December to March; book a few days ahead.