Seeing Aurora somewhere in the Arctic was a dream I’d carried with me for as long as I can remember. And finally, the time came, and I got to witness the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi which happened on our first budget trip to Lapland.
The idea of standing under a starry Arctic sky, watching ribbons of green and pink dance across the horizon, felt like pure magic. But when I finally arrived in Rovaniemi, I quickly realized there’s so much more to chasing the aurora than just showing up and hoping for the best.
From unexpected challenges to tips I wish I’d known earlier, I’m here to share six hidden truths about hunting the Northern Lights, and how you can make the most of your experience.
Let’s turn that dream into reality the smart way because seeing Aurora is one of the most unique things to do in Lapland, and you simply can’t leave the region without witnessing it at least once.
And, if you are coming to Lapland for a week or even a few days, finding northern lights is very possible!
Things You Have to Know About Aurora Borealis in Rovaniemi
1. Spotting Northern Lights Directly in Rovaniemi City is Quite Difficult
Seeing Auroras directly in Rovaniemi itself is challenging, not just because of light pollution, but also due to frequent cloud cover and the city’s location slightly south of the optimal auroral zone.
On clear nights with strong solar activity, it’s definitely possible to see the Northern Lights even outside the Airbnb or hotel, but that is very rare and you can’t always rely on those chances, especially when you’re only visiting for a short time.
Locals in Rovaniemi have the luxury of being flexible and waiting for the auroras to appear just above their heads. But as a tourist, you can’t just sit around and wait – you want to go out and actively chase the Northern Lights while you have the chance.
And by going out I imply actively seeking out the best spots and being prepared to venture into the wilderness or drive to remote areas. It’s about being proactive and making the most of your limited time.
So you definitely need to rent a car and drive wherever your heart takes you – somewhere darker and away from city lights. Or, be ready to pay for the Northern Lights tour with a guarantee (like this one where you get to see Aurora 100%).
2. Clear Skies Don’t Automatically Mean Aurora Borealis
Clear skies are essential for seeing the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi (or anywhere else in Lapland), but they’re not the only factor that determines whether you’ll witness this incredible phenomenon.
One of the most important elements is solar activity and geomagnetic conditions. Without them, even the clearest skies won’t guarantee a spectacular show. A higher level of solar activity, particularly during solar storms (the year 2025 is going to be on its solar maximum, so solar storms will be frequent!) results in brighter and more vivid displays.
To track both solar activity and geomagnetic conditions, you can use apps like My Aurora Forecast or Aurora Alerts, which provide real-time updates on solar activity and Aurora forecasts based on your location.
Personally, I prefer My Aurora Forecast more since it is easy to use and has this feature that predicts the chances of Aurora in your area. You can use it anywhere in Lapland, not just in Rovaniemi. It is pretty good to help you plan the best time to head outside and you can set up your own Aurora alarm.
3. Catching Northern Lights in Rovaniemi During the Afternoon or Early Evening is Virtually Impossible
I often see on Instagram or TikTok how people selling Northern Lights tours or various trips around Lapland claim that during winter, with the short days, you can supposedly see Aurora as early as 3 PM and all evening long, continuing through the night until morning. That’s complete nonsense.
While the auroras can occur at any time of day or night because the phenomenon itself is constant, becoming visible during early (even dark) hours is a very rare event, and pretty much impossible in November and December.
Don’t forget that visibility depends not just on the darkness, but the intensity of solar activity which is highest during late evening and early night hours, typically between 9 PM and 2 AM. This is when Earth’s magnetic field is most effective at funneling solar particles toward the poles, creating the brightest and most frequent displays of the aurora.
The idea of seeing the Northern Lights starting at 3 PM or even 6 PM in winter is highly misleading and exaggerated, probably mainly for marketing purposes.
So if you are coming to Rovaniemi to catch this beautiful phenomenon, plan your activities in a way where you head out to chase Aurora not sooner than 9 pm.
Many tours start around 7 PM because they include a special program where guests are taken to a campfire, served tea or snacks, entertained with interesting stories, and offered a fun interactive experience. Then, around 9 PM, they head out to their secret spots to try to catch the aurora.
4. Northern Lights Look Different to the Naked Eye Compared to What Camera Captures
I can say this about any place for viewing the Northern Lights in Finland, not just Rovaniemi, because we saw them in several different areas, including Ivalo, Inari, and Sirkka. Each time, the auroras we saw with our own eyes were very different from how they appeared on the phone screen.
On the phone, they are bright, well-defined, and simply unreal – even editing is not needed. But the perception with the naked eye is different. The colors are often more subtle and less vibrant due to the limitations of human vision in low-light conditions.
It’s not that common to see the auroras in Rovaniemi as bright as they appear in photos that people post on Instagram or any other social that are often enhanced with editing apps or captured with long exposure.
I’m not saying it is impossible – it’s just not that common, particularly in November-December and on many days in January.
However, finding vivid Auroras while visiting Rovaniemi is still possible. You just need to be ready to drive around and go further north (either drive on your own or join a tour that includes chasing) to areas that are located deeper in the auroral zone.
5. Apps Aren’t Going to Do Magic
I love Aurora forecast apps, they are helpful, but far from foolproof. They rely on solar activity predictions which aren’t always accurate, and local weather conditions can change rapidly.
Even the most promoted app with best reviews will not guarantee that the final prediction will be right. High forecast doesn’t guarantee a visible display, especially if clouds roll in.
On the flip side, auroras can appear unexpectedly even when the forecast is low. Relying solely on apps might lead to missed opportunities, so staying flexible and monitoring the sky is just as important.
6. Chasing Northern Lights in Rovaniemi (or Anywhere Else in Lapland) is Colder Than You Think
The truth is that looking for Northern Lights in Rovaniemi (or anywhere else in Lapland) is way colder than most people expect. Sure, you’re dressed for winter, but standing still in the middle of nowhere for hours, waiting for the aurora to show up, hits differently. It feels especially cold when you’re not moving because your toes and fingers start freezing faster than you think.
Plus, many of the best aurora spots are far from towns, meaning you will be surrounded by open landscapes, often with biting winds. And forget about warming up in a cozy cafe nearby – usually cafes are already closed by late evening and in general there are not many of them when you’re out in the wilderness or parked in the middle of a snowy road.
So, if you’re planning to chase the Northern Lights, there are 2 key things to remember:
1. Bring extra layers, warm drinks, and wear very warm winter boots and mittens to keep hands and feet warm.
2. If you don’t plan to have a car and don’t have warm enough clothes, choose a tour that provides thermo clothes which will keep you warm (although in my experience, renting winter clothes directly in Rovaniemi didn’t keep me as warm as I expected).
FAQs About Rovaniemi Northern Lights & Truth About Them
Chances of Seeing Northern Lights in Rovaniemi in December?
Realistically or optimistically?
If realistically, then get ready to embrace the truth – chances are actually quite low. I am not saying they are impossible, but low. In December, cloud cover is a significant issue, as this month is always cloudy and snowy, which obstructs the view of the auroras on most days. That’s the main issue.
However, if you are willing to invest in a tour that promises 100% results in seeing the Northern Lights (like Aurora Hunt With Guaranteed Sightings or Northern Lights Chasing by Van), your chances increase drastically.
These tours involve driving all over (even to Sweden and Norway) just to catch a glimpse of the Aurora. The organizers do their job very well and are familiar with the best weather conditions and locations for aurora sightings.
Can You See Northern Lights in Rovaniemi in November?
Situation in November is quite similar to December, with one key difference: the chances of seeing the Northern Lights in November are slightly higher. This is because the first part of November tends to have fewer cloudy days.
However, it’s important to note that weather varies from year to year. For example, our host mentioned that last November was particularly cloudy and grey, making aurora sightings difficult. In contrast, when we visited this year, the weather was more favorable, with many clear days and high aurora activity.
So, while November does offer a better chance, weather is always unpredictable, and you need to be ready for this.
But hey, don’t come to Rovaniemi (or Finnish Lapland in general) for Northern Lights only. All other tours and activities are so amazing that you’ll undeniably have an unforgettable holiday!
Are There Cheap Aurora Borealis Tours in Rovaniemi?
Let me get straight to the point – NO, there are no cheap tours of the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi (as pretty much in the entire Lapland region).
Most tours are priced based on the expertise of the guides, the equipment provided, and the experience they offer. Most tours (that come with a pricey tag) always include transportation to the best viewing locations, which involves long drives to ensure you have the best chance of seeing the aurora.
Average price of such a tour starts at around €160 per person. If you find anything cheaper than that, make sure it includes guarantees and driving long distances.
If you’re looking for a high-quality experience, be prepared to invest a bit more for a reliable and memorable tour.
What to Pack for Aurora Viewing in Rovaniemi
- A reliable winter backpack. Choose a durable, weather-resistant backpack to carry all your essentials for a night under the stars. Look for a design with multiple compartments and easy accessibility, like this compact yet spacious option.
- Thermal layers. Keeping warm is key when spending hours outside in freezing temperatures. Pack high-quality thermal tops and bottoms to wear as your base layer. Merino wool set is my top choice because it’s warm, lightweight, and breathable.
- Insulated, waterproof boots. You’ll be standing on snow or icy ground, so a pair of insulated, waterproof boots is non-negotiable. Look for ones with a good grip to prevent slipping. I personally love my favorite pair of goat fur boots (you can see them in my photos) that keep feet warm by trapping air within the dense, natural fibers. But there are other types of furs to choose from.
- Hand & foot warmers. Single-use or rechargeable hand warmers will keep your extremities toasty. They’re compact, lightweight, and a lifesaver on particularly cold nights.
- Headlamp with a red light setting. This is something to pack for Northern Lights if you plan to go walking/hiking in the dark. It will provide enough light but a red light setting will prevent ruining your night vision – crucial for enjoying the stars and spotting the aurora. We recently bought this one, which is cheap but works great.
- Moisturizer and lip balm. Cold, dry air will definitely wreak havoc on your skin. Pack a travel-size moisturizer (my dermatologist recommended me La Roche moisturizing cream which is perfect for sensitive skin. I use it together with my skincare) and a protective lip balm to avoid chapped lips and dryness.
- Snacks for energy. Pack lightweight, high-calorie snacks like nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate to keep your energy up during the long wait outdoors. It is easy to find them in any store in Lapland and they are just perfect for Aurora nights.
