Guide for chasing the Northern Lights in Lapland, Finland. New Aurora season 2023-2024 has started!
In the Arctic Circle Lapland, the long summer days with continuous
sunlight are already gone. With October just starting, two remarkable shifts can be
observed: a subtle dip in temperature and the gradual darkening
of nights. This transition signals a season for foraging the woods for berries and mushrooms and bringing in the
bounty ofthe harvest from the fields.
As the darkness begins to reclaim the Arctic's night skies, Northern Lights hunters
emerge from their summertime sleep. People welcome the darkening nights with
joy, greeting the stars as friends they haven’t seen for a while. The embrace of
nightfall is a time-honoured tradition, marked by the flickering glow of candles
illuminating homes, the comforting feel of the woollen socks, and the return of the
stars, the moon, and the dancing Northern Lights.
So, as we are greeting another season with the Northern Lights, we might pose
the question: what does the upcoming Northern Lights season look like? Let's delve
in and explore.
Sun’s activity is unexpectedly high
For most people who love the Northern Lights, summer is a time to focus on other
interests, since the Auroras aren't visible. After all, you can't really observe what is
there, right? However, the recent months have showcased how the activity has been
record-high, thus keeping the hunters checking the satellite data on a daily basis.
The record-high activity gives an exciting feel to this on-going Aurora season.
Just to refresh your memory, the Sun doesn't always behave the same way. It has an 11-year cycle known as the solar cycle. During this cycle, there are quiet times,
known as the minimum, when things like sunspots, solar flares, and coronal mass
ejections (CMEs) are pretty scarce. After this quiet phase, the Sun starts to get
more active again, leading up to a high activity phase called the maximum. This
phase is the best time to see the northern lights because the Sun is throwing out
lots of sunspots, solar flares, and CMEs, which result in stunning displays of
northern lights.
We're currently in a Solar Cycle 25, which kicked off around December 2019 with
the solar minimum. The prediction for the solar maximum had been that the peak
would occur around June 2025 (give or take 8 months). However, the Sun seems to
have other plans and has been bustling with a lot more activity than scientists
initially anticipated. This could suggest one or both of two things:
● The solar maximum might show up earlier than 2025.
● This cycle may end up being much higher with activity than what was
forecasted.
So, just how impressive has the activity been during recent months? The graph
above gives us a peek into the progress of the solar cycle, showcasing the monthly
average sunspot numbers. What's intriguing is that these numbers are already
surpassing those from the last peak of the previous cycle, Solar Cycle 24. In fact,
we haven't seen sunspot numbers this high in 21 years!
For those of us who love the Northern Lights, this is incredibly exciting news. So, how
can one seize the most of this unique opportunity? Let's delve into that.
Source: https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/solar-cycle-progression
Recipe for Success
While the increased sunspot activity certainly paints an exciting picture for Aurora
enthusiasts, it's not without its challenges that need to be navigated true to truly have
that once in a lifetime experience. The primary obstacle? Clouds. There's no greater
enemy seeing the Northern Lights than a persistent, impenetrable layer of gray
clouds. Countless nights have been lost due the challenges with finding clear skies.
However, all is not lost. There are indeed strategies to increase your chances of
catching clear skies. Let's explore some of these.
1: Mobility. Having access to a car, or joining a tour, dramatically
increases your chances of finding a clear sky. If you're residing in a city, as most
travellers do, venturing beyond the city limits becomes necessary due to high levels
of light pollution. Be aware that stunning marketing pictures showcasing spectacular Northern Lights may not always reflect the true viewing conditions -the best locations are always away from any light pollution!
2: Select the right month. The time of year can significantly impact
your viewing experience. In the Arctic Circle Lapland, the Aurora season kicks off in
mid-August and extends until mid-April. Interestingly, autumn and spring often
offer better viewing conditions than winter - we'll delve deeper into this topic
shortly.
3: Stay longer. Committing a week to your Northern Lights journey, if
feasible, enhances your chances of a successful sighting as the weather becomes
less of a wildcard. Visitors who plan shorter stays, such as two nights, often leave
disappointed when the weather doesn't play along.
4: Hire an Aurora Guide. With experience chasing the Northern Lights
since 2016 and knowing all the best locations in Lapland, we can make your aurora
hunting experience most enjoyable. The task of locating and photographing the
Northern Lights can be daunting for newcomers. An experienced guide, familiar with
the surroundings and equipped with photography skills, can offer a more relaxed
and enjoyable experience.
5: Dress warmly. The hunting of the Northern Lights has two inevitable
adversaries: cloudy skies and cold temperatures. Ensuring you're properly equipped
with warm clothing is a vital to prevent discomfort or even hypothermia. Consider
renting overalls or joining a tour, where they are included.
6: Stay up late. The Northern Lights typically start to appear after
20:00, with peak activity usually close to midnight. If you're tucked away in bed,
you'll undoubtedly miss the show. Joining a tour can mitigate the fatigue or jet lag
as you can catch some sleep in the car while the guide takes you to an adventure
of a lifetime.
Understanding Monthly Differences
The Northern Lights season spans a generous eight months, with the midnight sun
dominating the sky and prohibiting aurora viewing for about four months of the
year. Several variables shift as the Northern Lights season progresses, resulting in
unique experiences each month.
Firstly, the surrounding environment transforms as we transition from autumn to
winter and finally to spring, imparting each month with its own unique atmosphere.
Secondly, the weather varies considerably from month to month, directly impacting
the visibility of the Northern Lights. Some months offer clearer, calmer weather,
thereby giving a higher chance of a successful experience.
Lastly, the phenomena of the equinoxes come into play. During the autumn
equinox (23.9.2023) and spring equinox (20.3.2024), the Earth experiences nearly
double the amount of geomagnetic disturbances compared to the winter solstice
(22.12.2023), affecting the intensity and frequency of the Northern Lights.
To gain a more comprehensive understanding, let's review the previous Northern
Lights season (2022-2023). Although each season has its unique characteristics,
some consistent patterns tend to repeat year after year.
Kicking Off the Season: August
The 2022 season kicked off remarkably early, with the first Northern Lights sighting
on August 18th. August nights are typically warm, and some locals recall viewing
the Northern Lights under temperatures soaring above 20°C. However, August can
pose challenges for Aurora hunters due to the limited hours of darkness. Seasoned
Northern Lights enthusiasts generally start monitoring the skies in mid-August.
Pros:
- Warm temperatures
- Summer ambiance
- Breathtaking sunsets
Cons:
- Nights are still relatively bright, which can make spotting the northern lights
difficult.
Embracing Autumn Auroras: September
September, the first full month of Northern Lights activity, is considered one of the
prime months for seeing the Auroras. The weather is usually easier compared to
other autumn months, and combined with the influence of the autumn equinox, the
conditions can be perfect for seeing the Northern Lights. The surroundings add to
the atmosphere with leaves turning into a kaleidoscope of colours and bodies of
water still free from the ice.
Pros:
● Typically favorable weather conditions
● Influence of the autumn equinox
● Autumn shows its best side
Cons:
● Occasional fog can create problems
Navigating Challenges: October
Positioned in the heart of autumn, October typically heralds the season's first
snowfall and the gradual freezing of lakes and rivers. Historically, it's been a
challenging month for Aurora watching, but October 2022 bucked this trend
spectacularly.
Pros:
● Ideal levels of darkness for seeing the northern lights
● The enchantment of the first snow and formation of ice
Cons:
● Potential for cloudy skies obstructing the view
● The inconvenience of slush
● Foggy conditions may reduce visibility
Navigating the Clouds: November
November marks the final phase of autumn, as the landscape is covered under the
snow. Often cast in a rather grim and dark aura, November can pose some
challenges for seeing the Northern Lights, largely due to persistent cloud cover.
Pros:
● Unique, grim ambiance
● Opportunities for ice skating on the lakes
● The intriguing phenomenon of "singing" ice
Cons:
● Persistent clouds can create problems
● Visitors usually prefer a distinct autumn or winter experience, and November
tends to fall in between
● Presence of slush can be inconvenient
Embracing the Dark: December
December is the first month of winter, with temperatures typically remaining below
freezing. It is an ideal month for those wishing to photograph the Northern Lights
against a picturesque winter wonderland backdrop. Moreover, December also
offers the chance to experience the polar night—a period when the sun doesn't rise
or set. In Rovaniemi, located on the Arctic Circle, the shortest day of the year only
has 90 minutes of daylight between sunrise and sunset.
Pros:
● Captivating winter wonderland setting
● Unique polar night experience
● Festive Christmas season
Cons:
● Cloud cover can obstruct views
● Cold temperatures may pose discomfort
● Tours and hotels are fully-booked due the high season
Braving the Cold: January
January, the coldest month of the year, truly embodies the true spirit of winter.
January offers great chances for the Northern Lights hunters with the stunning
backdrop of snow-covered landscapes.
Pros:
● Picturesque snowy landscapes
● Optimum darkness for viewing northern lights
● Generally better weather conditions than the preceding months
Cons:
● The temperature can drop significantly, making hunting the northern lights
more difficult.
Final Phase of Winter: February
February signifies the end of the winter season as the first whispers of spring begin
to be felt in Lapland. Offering one of the best opportunities to see the Northern
Lights, February enjoys clearer skies, making aurora viewing a breeze.
Pros:
● Beautiful snowy landscapes
● Generally more favorable weather conditions
Cons:
● The temperature can still be exceedingly cold, necessitating proper winter
attire.
Welcoming Spring: March
March marks the beginning of spring. The nights gradually brighten, snow begins
to shed from the trees, and temperatures start to climb. Thanks to the season's
improved weather conditions and the effects of the spring equinox, March could
arguably be the best month for seeing the northern lights.
Pros:
● Often regarded as the prime month for Northern Lights viewing
● Influence of the spring equinox potentially enhances aurora visibility
● More comfortable, mild temperatures
Cons:
● As spring sets in, the progressively brightening nights may slightly diminish
the contrast between the aurora and the night sky.
Wrapping up the Season: April
April signifies the conclusion of the Northern Lights season as the nights
progressively become brighter. Despite this, the weather in April is typically very
favourable, making the first half of the month a great opportunity for seeing
springtime Northern Lights. The last Northern Lights of the 2022 season appeared on April 20th, while in 2023, they were visible up until April 26th.
Pros:
● Generally pleasant and stable weather conditions
● Milder, more comfortable temperatures
Cons:
● Brightening nights can reduce the contrast of the Northern Lights against
the sky, making them slightly less striking.
Conclusion
As we are standing in the start of a new Northern Lights season, the air is filled with
excitement. The forthcoming season promises some of the most spectacular
Northern Lights experiences imaginable, and we're beyond excited to offer our
guests the opportunity to witness these potentially once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
By following the recipes for success, one can have a better chance of witnessing the
dance of the Northern Lights.
Check here your options for Aurora chasing in Lapland:
Northern Lights tours in ROVANIEMI
Northern Lights tours in LEVI
See you in Lapland, Finland!
Juhani Vanhatapio
Photographer & Northern Lights hunter
emerge from their summertime sleep. People welcome the darkening nights with
joy, greeting the stars as friends they haven’t seen for a while. The embrace of
nightfall is a time-honoured tradition, marked by the flickering glow of candles
illuminating homes, the comforting feel of the woollen socks, and the return of the
stars, the moon, and the dancing Northern Lights.
So, as we are greeting another season with the Northern Lights, we might pose
the question: what does the upcoming Northern Lights season look like? Let's delve
in and explore.
Sun’s activity is unexpectedly high
For most people who love the Northern Lights, summer is a time to focus on other
interests, since the Auroras aren't visible. After all, you can't really observe what is
there, right? However, the recent months have showcased how the activity has been
record-high, thus keeping the hunters checking the satellite data on a daily basis.
The record-high activity gives an exciting feel to this on-going Aurora season.
Just to refresh your memory, the Sun doesn't always behave the same way. It has an 11-year cycle known as the solar cycle. During this cycle, there are quiet times,
known as the minimum, when things like sunspots, solar flares, and coronal mass
ejections (CMEs) are pretty scarce. After this quiet phase, the Sun starts to get
more active again, leading up to a high activity phase called the maximum. This
phase is the best time to see the northern lights because the Sun is throwing out
lots of sunspots, solar flares, and CMEs, which result in stunning displays of
northern lights.
We're currently in a Solar Cycle 25, which kicked off around December 2019 with
the solar minimum. The prediction for the solar maximum had been that the peak
would occur around June 2025 (give or take 8 months). However, the Sun seems to
have other plans and has been bustling with a lot more activity than scientists
initially anticipated. This could suggest one or both of two things:
● The solar maximum might show up earlier than 2025.
● This cycle may end up being much higher with activity than what was
forecasted.
So, just how impressive has the activity been during recent months? The graph
above gives us a peek into the progress of the solar cycle, showcasing the monthly
average sunspot numbers. What's intriguing is that these numbers are already
surpassing those from the last peak of the previous cycle, Solar Cycle 24. In fact,
we haven't seen sunspot numbers this high in 21 years!
For those of us who love the Northern Lights, this is incredibly exciting news. So, how
can one seize the most of this unique opportunity? Let's delve into that.
Source: https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/solar-cycle-progression
Recipe for Success
While the increased sunspot activity certainly paints an exciting picture for Aurora
enthusiasts, it's not without its challenges that need to be navigated true to truly have
that once in a lifetime experience. The primary obstacle? Clouds. There's no greater
enemy seeing the Northern Lights than a persistent, impenetrable layer of gray
clouds. Countless nights have been lost due the challenges with finding clear skies.
However, all is not lost. There are indeed strategies to increase your chances of
catching clear skies. Let's explore some of these.
1: Mobility. Having access to a car, or joining a tour, dramatically
increases your chances of finding a clear sky. If you're residing in a city, as most
travellers do, venturing beyond the city limits becomes necessary due to high levels
of light pollution. Be aware that stunning marketing pictures showcasing spectacular Northern Lights may not always reflect the true viewing conditions -the best locations are always away from any light pollution!
2: Select the right month. The time of year can significantly impact
your viewing experience. In the Arctic Circle Lapland, the Aurora season kicks off in
mid-August and extends until mid-April. Interestingly, autumn and spring often
offer better viewing conditions than winter - we'll delve deeper into this topic
shortly.
3: Stay longer. Committing a week to your Northern Lights journey, if
feasible, enhances your chances of a successful sighting as the weather becomes
less of a wildcard. Visitors who plan shorter stays, such as two nights, often leave
disappointed when the weather doesn't play along.
4: Hire an Aurora Guide. With experience chasing the Northern Lights
since 2016 and knowing all the best locations in Lapland, we can make your aurora
hunting experience most enjoyable. The task of locating and photographing the
Northern Lights can be daunting for newcomers. An experienced guide, familiar with
the surroundings and equipped with photography skills, can offer a more relaxed
and enjoyable experience.
5: Dress warmly. The hunting of the Northern Lights has two inevitable
adversaries: cloudy skies and cold temperatures. Ensuring you're properly equipped
with warm clothing is a vital to prevent discomfort or even hypothermia. Consider
renting overalls or joining a tour, where they are included.
6: Stay up late. The Northern Lights typically start to appear after
20:00, with peak activity usually close to midnight. If you're tucked away in bed,
you'll undoubtedly miss the show. Joining a tour can mitigate the fatigue or jet lag
as you can catch some sleep in the car while the guide takes you to an adventure
of a lifetime.
Understanding Monthly Differences
The Northern Lights season spans a generous eight months, with the midnight sun
dominating the sky and prohibiting aurora viewing for about four months of the
year. Several variables shift as the Northern Lights season progresses, resulting in
unique experiences each month.
Firstly, the surrounding environment transforms as we transition from autumn to
winter and finally to spring, imparting each month with its own unique atmosphere.
Secondly, the weather varies considerably from month to month, directly impacting
the visibility of the Northern Lights. Some months offer clearer, calmer weather,
thereby giving a higher chance of a successful experience.
Lastly, the phenomena of the equinoxes come into play. During the autumn
equinox (23.9.2023) and spring equinox (20.3.2024), the Earth experiences nearly
double the amount of geomagnetic disturbances compared to the winter solstice
(22.12.2023), affecting the intensity and frequency of the Northern Lights.
To gain a more comprehensive understanding, let's review the previous Northern
Lights season (2022-2023). Although each season has its unique characteristics,
some consistent patterns tend to repeat year after year.
Kicking Off the Season: August
The 2022 season kicked off remarkably early, with the first Northern Lights sighting
on August 18th. August nights are typically warm, and some locals recall viewing
the Northern Lights under temperatures soaring above 20°C. However, August can
pose challenges for Aurora hunters due to the limited hours of darkness. Seasoned
Northern Lights enthusiasts generally start monitoring the skies in mid-August.
Pros:
- Warm temperatures
- Summer ambiance
- Breathtaking sunsets
Cons:
- Nights are still relatively bright, which can make spotting the northern lights
difficult.
Embracing Autumn Auroras: September
September, the first full month of Northern Lights activity, is considered one of the
prime months for seeing the Auroras. The weather is usually easier compared to
other autumn months, and combined with the influence of the autumn equinox, the
conditions can be perfect for seeing the Northern Lights. The surroundings add to
the atmosphere with leaves turning into a kaleidoscope of colours and bodies of
water still free from the ice.
Pros:
● Typically favorable weather conditions
● Influence of the autumn equinox
● Autumn shows its best side
Cons:
● Occasional fog can create problems
Navigating Challenges: October
Positioned in the heart of autumn, October typically heralds the season's first
snowfall and the gradual freezing of lakes and rivers. Historically, it's been a
challenging month for Aurora watching, but October 2022 bucked this trend
spectacularly.
Pros:
● Ideal levels of darkness for seeing the northern lights
● The enchantment of the first snow and formation of ice
Cons:
● Potential for cloudy skies obstructing the view
● The inconvenience of slush
● Foggy conditions may reduce visibility
Navigating the Clouds: November
November marks the final phase of autumn, as the landscape is covered under the
snow. Often cast in a rather grim and dark aura, November can pose some
challenges for seeing the Northern Lights, largely due to persistent cloud cover.
Pros:
● Unique, grim ambiance
● Opportunities for ice skating on the lakes
● The intriguing phenomenon of "singing" ice
Cons:
● Persistent clouds can create problems
● Visitors usually prefer a distinct autumn or winter experience, and November
tends to fall in between
● Presence of slush can be inconvenient
Embracing the Dark: December
December is the first month of winter, with temperatures typically remaining below
freezing. It is an ideal month for those wishing to photograph the Northern Lights
against a picturesque winter wonderland backdrop. Moreover, December also
offers the chance to experience the polar night—a period when the sun doesn't rise
or set. In Rovaniemi, located on the Arctic Circle, the shortest day of the year only
has 90 minutes of daylight between sunrise and sunset.
Pros:
● Captivating winter wonderland setting
● Unique polar night experience
● Festive Christmas season
Cons:
● Cloud cover can obstruct views
● Cold temperatures may pose discomfort
● Tours and hotels are fully-booked due the high season
Braving the Cold: January
January, the coldest month of the year, truly embodies the true spirit of winter.
January offers great chances for the Northern Lights hunters with the stunning
backdrop of snow-covered landscapes.
Pros:
● Picturesque snowy landscapes
● Optimum darkness for viewing northern lights
● Generally better weather conditions than the preceding months
Cons:
● The temperature can drop significantly, making hunting the northern lights
more difficult.
Final Phase of Winter: February
February signifies the end of the winter season as the first whispers of spring begin
to be felt in Lapland. Offering one of the best opportunities to see the Northern
Lights, February enjoys clearer skies, making aurora viewing a breeze.
Pros:
● Beautiful snowy landscapes
● Generally more favorable weather conditions
Cons:
● The temperature can still be exceedingly cold, necessitating proper winter
attire.
Welcoming Spring: March
March marks the beginning of spring. The nights gradually brighten, snow begins
to shed from the trees, and temperatures start to climb. Thanks to the season's
improved weather conditions and the effects of the spring equinox, March could
arguably be the best month for seeing the northern lights.
Pros:
● Often regarded as the prime month for Northern Lights viewing
● Influence of the spring equinox potentially enhances aurora visibility
● More comfortable, mild temperatures
Cons:
● As spring sets in, the progressively brightening nights may slightly diminish
the contrast between the aurora and the night sky.
Wrapping up the Season: April
April signifies the conclusion of the Northern Lights season as the nights
progressively become brighter. Despite this, the weather in April is typically very
favourable, making the first half of the month a great opportunity for seeing
springtime Northern Lights. The last Northern Lights of the 2022 season appeared on April 20th, while in 2023, they were visible up until April 26th.
Pros:
● Generally pleasant and stable weather conditions
● Milder, more comfortable temperatures
Cons:
● Brightening nights can reduce the contrast of the Northern Lights against
the sky, making them slightly less striking.
Conclusion
As we are standing in the start of a new Northern Lights season, the air is filled with
excitement. The forthcoming season promises some of the most spectacular
Northern Lights experiences imaginable, and we're beyond excited to offer our
guests the opportunity to witness these potentially once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
By following the recipes for success, one can have a better chance of witnessing the
dance of the Northern Lights.
Check here your options for Aurora chasing in Lapland:
Northern Lights tours in ROVANIEMI
Northern Lights tours in LEVI
See you in Lapland, Finland!
Juhani Vanhatapio
Photographer & Northern Lights hunter
