Troms
Northern lights forecast for Tromsø tonight
Tromsø sits in the heart of the auroral oval and is one of the world's best places to see the northern lights.
Very high chance of aurora tonight in Tromsø. Cloud cover is low.
Best window tonight: 21:00–00:00. Cloud cover is lowest in this window.
- Best window
- 21:00–00:00
- Cloud cover
- 20%
- Temperature
- 0°C
- Wind
- 2 m/s
Tip: Head a bit out of the centre, for example Telegrafbukta or Kvaløya, and look north or straight up.
Cloud cover hour by hour
Cloud cover can change through the evening. Lower percentages mean better visibility.
Moon conditions tonight
The moon is 1% lit. It stays below the horizon for the whole observation window. A moonless sky gives the best contrast for faint aurora.
- Phase
- New moon
- Illuminated
- 1 %
Moon data: MET Norway
Hourly aurora chance
Based on activity, location and cloud cover.
Differences between hours come mainly from cloud cover and precipitation.
What decides an aurora night in Tromsø
Tromsø (often written Tromso) lies at about 69.6°N, inside the auroral oval. Here even low geomagnetic activity, around Kp 1–2, can give visible aurora when the sky is clear, so you rarely need a storm.
Activity alone is not enough, though. The sky also has to be dark and clear. The season runs from early September to mid-April, and from late November to mid-January the sun stays below the horizon all day. Tromsø has a coastal climate where cloud can come and go quickly, which is why the hourly cloud cover above is worth checking before you head out.
In the city centre, street lights wash out weaker displays. Telegrafbukta, at the southern tip of Tromsøya, is the nearest darker spot. Kvaløya and Ersfjordbotn, across the bridge to the west, have far less light around them. Fjellheisen gives a view over the whole city, but with the city lights right below you.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to see the northern lights in Tromsø?
Aurora season runs from early September to mid-April. Tromsø's first dark evening hours return around 20 August, and by mid-September the whole 21:00–01:00 window is dark. Tromso also has long polar nights from late November to mid-January.
Can I see the aurora from the city centre of Tromsø?
Yes, but city lights wash out faint displays. For strong activity it works fine. For weaker activity, head out — Telegrafbukta, Kvaløya or the Fjellheisen viewpoint are good options.
Is the forecast guaranteed?
No. Clouds, weather changes and local conditions can hide the aurora even when geomagnetic activity is high. The score here is advisory.
Do I need a tour to see the northern lights in Tromsø?
No, you can chase the aurora on your own. Tours can help on cloudy nights, since guides drive around looking for clearer skies. If the forecast looks great and the city is clear, you can just walk a few minutes out of the centre.
See also
Trip planning guides for tours, clothing and photography are coming later.
Forecasts are advisory and based on open data sources. The northern lights can never be guaranteed.