Northern Lights in Norway: how to see them

Norway

The Northern Lights are one of nature’s most spectacular sights, and Norway is one of the best places in the world to witness them. If you’re thinking about travelling there to experience them, you’re in the right place. When is the best time of year? Which regions offer the highest chances? How can you avoid the extreme cold while waiting for the sky to light up? At CarJet, we’ve prepared a complete and detailed guide to help you plan your trip and enjoy a truly unforgettable experience without any unexpected surprises.

Northern Lights: everything you need to know to experience this unique spectacle

When to travel to Norway to see the Northern Lights?

The best season to visit Norway and enjoy this breathtaking phenomenon is winter, especially between December and March. During these months, conditions for observing the aurora are ideal: nights are long and dark, offering excellent visibility. It’s also when snow is most abundant, adding a magical touch to the experience.

If you’d prefer a milder climate, autumn (September to November) is an excellent alternative. Temperatures are more pleasant, and the skies are often clear, though the nights are slightly shorter than in mid-winter.

Early spring, from March to April, also offers good opportunities to see the Northern Lights. Temperatures begin to rise and the days grow longer, allowing you to combine aurora hunting with other outdoor activities.

What time can you see the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights can appear at any moment during the night, but the best hours to see them in Norway are between 10am and 2am, when the sky is at its darkest.

That said, if you’re lucky, they may also appear from around 6pm once it is dark, and sometimes as late as 4pm.

The most important factor isn’t the exact time, but finding a completely dark sky and staying away from artificial lights.

Where to see the Northern Lights in Norway?

Tromsø: the capital of the auroras

Tromsø is one of the world’s most popular destinations for seeing the Northern Lights. Located above the Arctic Circle, it offers long nights from September to April and a relatively mild climate for the region.It’s also a lively city: cafés, museums, sledging excursions and all kinds of night tours, so you’ll never be short of things to do.

Why choose Tromsø:

• High probability of auroras.
• Easy access by plane.
• Many organised excursions.

Lofoten Islands: auroras in a postcard landscape

Why choose Lofoten:

• One of the most beautiful landscapes in Norway.
• Very dark skies far from light pollution.
• Perfect if you want to combine nature and tranquillity.

Alta: a peaceful destination for aurora watching

Alta enjoys a more stable climate than many parts of the north, meaning you have a greater chance of clear nights. It’s the ideal destination if you want to avoid large groups of tourists. You should also not miss the Northern Lights Cathedral, one of the most distinctive churches in the country.

Why choose Alta:

• Excellent visibility.
• Fewer crowds.
• A good starting point for snowmobile routes.

Tips to avoid getting cold while watching auroras

Temperatures in northern Norway can easily drop below –10 °C, and wind chill makes it feel colder still. As you’ll spend long periods standing still while looking at the sky, it’s essential to arrive well prepared.

Dress in layers

Layering is the most effective way to retain heat and adapt to changing temperatures.

• First layer: thermal clothing that absorbs moisture (avoid cotton).
• Second layer: insulating garments such as fleece or wool.
• Third layer: a thick waterproof and windproof coat.

Keep your extremities warm

In Arctic regions, your hands, feet and head are the first areas to lose heat, so it’s worth protecting them very well. Wear wool socks combined with insulated boots to keep your feet dry and warm.

For your hands, use two pairs of gloves: a thin inner pair and thicker, wind-resistant outer gloves. Don’t forget a hat that covers your ears, and a neck warmer or balaclava to shield your face from the cold and wind.

Reusable thermal pads for hands and feet are also a great help.

Move every now and then

Jumping, swinging your arms or walking a few metres will help increase circulation and generate warmth.

Bring a flask with a hot drink

Carrying a flask of tea, coffee or hot chocolate makes a big difference in maintaining your body temperature and also makes the experience more enjoyable.

CarJet, your best companion for seeing the Northern Lights in Norway

The most comfortable way to travel around the country, especially in winter, is to hire a car. This will allow you to move between towns, chase clear skies and reach less touristy areas to see auroras without surrounding lights. And for that, CarJet is the best option.

Hire a car with CarJet

CarJet is a car hire comparison service that lets you find the best deals from multiple rental companies , both international and local. You can hire a car anywhere in Norway and enjoy complete freedom of movement.

Hiring a car with CarJet is simple: enter your dates and destination, and the platform instantly shows you the best offers available. In just a few clicks you can compare prices, conditions and vehicle types, including the snow equipment you’ll need if you’re travelling in the north of the country.

The great advantage of using CarJet is the transparent and efficient process: you can see at a glance what each rental includes, avoid surprises when collecting the car, and easily choose a model suited to the Norwegian winter.