Why Visit Lapland In Autumn To See The Northern Lights?
Lapland is one of the best places in the world to experience the aurora northern lights and while winter is the most popular season for northern lights tourism, autumn in Lapland offers unique advantages that make it an incredible time to visit. If you’re looking for a cheaper, less crowded and more flexible way to witness the aurora borealis northern lights, autumn might just be the best-kept secret. Read on now to learn why you should consider visiting Lapland in autumn to see the northern lights.
Page Contents
More affordable travel and accommodation
Visiting Lapland in autumn means cheaper flights (and better chance of Qantas Classic Rewards flights), lower accommodation prices and more availability compared to the peak winter months. Many of the best northern lights hotels in Finland offer significant discounts before the busy December-to-March season. This allows more flexibility to find accommodation with great vantage points for viewing the northern lights in prime locations.
Avoid the crowds and enjoy the aurora in peace
Unlike winter, when northern lights hotspots can be filled with tourists, autumn in Lapland is a quieter, more intimate experience. You won’t have to compete with hundreds of others at popular aurora northern lights tour destinations, giving you unobstructed views of one of nature’s greatest shows. I had access to a small lake in Levi (captured below) completely to myself to play around capturing photos and videos of the dancing aurora! It was one of the best experiences of my life!
Taken early October at Aurora Pyramids, Levi
Milder temperatures for comfortable viewing
One of the biggest challenges of winter northern lights trips is the extreme cold, with temperatures dropping to -20°C to -40°C in some parts of Finnish Lapland. In contrast, autumn temperatures are much milder, often hovering between 0°C and 10°C, making it much more comfortable to stay outside for extended periods while enjoying the show.
Use our guide on how to video an aurora on a GoPro!
Clearer skies for better aurora viewing
Autumn in Lapland offers some of the clearest skies of the year. The transition from summer’s Midnight Sun to winter’s polar night means long, dark nights with less cloud cover, providing ideal conditions for viewing the aurora borealis northern lights.
Easier independent travel and more flexibility
Driving in Lapland is much easier in autumn compared to winter when icy roads and snowstorms can make travel difficult. With clear roads and no need for snow tires, you can easily rent a car and explore at your own pace, chasing the northern lights in Rovaniemi, Saariselkä, or Levi without depending on guided tours.
Captured from the driveway of the House of Northern Senses, Ruka.
Higher chances of aurora sightings
Autumn is one of the best times to see the northern lights in Lapland because the aurora activity remains strong and there are plenty of long, dark nights before the heavy cloud cover of winter sets in. Using an aurora northern lights forecast app, you can track aurora borealis activity and find the best spots with minimal light pollution.
Where to see the northern lights in Lapland during autumn?
As always, the best places to see northern lights in Finland during autumn are those with reduced light pollution, open skies, clear weather. If you are looking to capture a double aurora (reflection), look for an open lake clear of trees surrounding its edge.
Photographed onsite at Livo Arctic, Posio
Book an autumn northern lights tour in Lapland
If you want a hassle-free way to experience the aurora northern lights, consider booking an autumn northern lights tour in Lapland. Guided tours offer expert knowledge, transportation to the best locations, and often include photography tips to help you capture the perfect shot. Many aurora northern lights tours depart from Rovaniemi, Levi, Saariselkä and Inari, offering unique experiences like reindeer safaris, husky sled rides and glass-roof cabins for an unforgettable northern lights adventure.
Golden autumn landscapes and extra activities
Beyond the northern lights, autumn in Lapland is beautiful with its Ruska season – a short period when the forests turn vibrant shades of gold, orange and red. You can enjoy daytime activities like hiking, berry picking and canoeing, all while knowing you’ll have a chance to see the aurora northern lights in the evening.
If you want to experience the best northern lights without the crowds, freezing temperatures and high costs of winter, autumn in Lapland is the perfect alternative. With cheaper prices, clear skies and easier independent travel, it’s an ideal time to witness the aurora borealis northern lights in one of the world’s top destinations.
So, pack your camera, download the best northern lights app, and get ready for an unforgettable Lapland northern lights adventure!
Erin Parker is a Finnish Lapland specialist, women’s adventure host and founder of Lapland Lowdown & Travel Her Way. She has travelled six continents and brings first-hand experience to every destination she writes about – from the Arctic wilderness of Finnish Lapland to the high Andes of Peru. Based in Melbourne, Australia, Erin helps long-haul travellers plan extraordinary Finnish Lapland adventures and leads small group trips for women who are ready to explore the world boldly.
