February is one of the most magical months to witness the awe-inspiring Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis. As solar particles collide with Earth’s atmosphere, they create brilliant displays of light, a sight that many travelers dream of experiencing. This article will guide you through the best destinations for seeing the Northern Lights in February, offering specific advice and detailed data to help you plan the perfect adventure.
Tromsø, Norway: Prime Viewing of the Northern Lights
Tromsø is situated at 69.6492° N latitude and is often referred to as the “Gateway to the Arctic.” Located 350 kilometers (217 miles) north of the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is one of the most reliable places on Earth to see the Northern Lights.
Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Tromsø
The Lyngen Alps, about 90 kilometers (56 miles) east of Tromsø, offers a dramatic backdrop with peaks rising up to 1,833 meters (6,014 feet) above sea level. Another excellent location is Kvaløya Island, west of the city, where fjords, mountains, and open sea create an otherworldly setting for aurora viewing. In the city itself, strong aurora activity can occasionally be observed, but for the best experience, it’s recommended to venture outside the city limits to minimize light pollution.
Optimal Viewing Times in Tromsø
The Northern Lights are typically visible between 6:00 PM and 2:00 AM, with the best sightings often around midnight. Tromsø’s unique geography and climate give it an 80% chance of clear skies during February, as supported by data from the Tromsø Geophysical Observatory. The KP index, a measure of geomagnetic activity, should be at least 4 to ensure good viewing chances. Staying in Tromsø for four to five nights increases the likelihood of witnessing the aurora.
Guided Northern Lights Tours in Tromsø
Tromsø offers various guided tours to enhance your Northern Lights experience. The Northern Lights Chase, a popular bus tour, departs nightly and takes guests to the best viewing locations. Tours last 6-7 hours and cost approximately NOK 1,200 ($110 USD) per person. For a more adventurous experience, consider a dog sledding tour, which includes thermal suits and a campfire where you can warm up with hot drinks. These tours range from NOK 1,600 to NOK 2,500 ($150 to $230 USD).
Private tours offer a more personalized experience, with professional photographers available to help you capture the perfect shot of the Northern Lights. Prices for private tours start at NOK 4,000 ($370 USD).
Contact Information for Tromsø Tours
– Visit Tromsø: Tromsø, Norway. Phone: +47 77 61 00 00. Email: info@visittromso.no. Website: Visit Tromsø.
Abisko, Sweden: A Reliable Northern Lights Destination
Abisko, located at 68.3588° N latitude in Swedish Lapland, is renowned for its reliability in Northern Lights viewing due to its unique microclimate.
Abisko’s Reputation for Northern Lights Viewing
Abisko is situated within Abisko National Park, where the surrounding mountains create a rain shadow effect, resulting in more clear skies than elsewhere in Scandinavia. The Aurora Sky Station on Mount Nuolja, at an elevation of 900 meters (2,953 feet), offers a 360-degree view, making it one of the world’s best spots for aurora viewing. The chairlift ride to the station costs SEK 745 ($70 USD).
Traveling to Abisko in February
The nearest airport to Abisko is in Kiruna, about 100 kilometers (62 miles) away. The train ride from Kiruna to Abisko takes about 1.5 hours and offers scenic views of snow-covered landscapes. February temperatures range from -15°C to -5°C (5°F to 23°F), so pack warmly.
Additional Activities in Abisko
Abisko offers over 70 kilometers (43 miles) of cross-country skiing trails, and ice fishing on Lake Torneträsk, which covers 330 square kilometers (127 square miles). The Aurora Sky Station offers guided Northern Lights tours that include chairlift rides and access to the observation tower. These tours cost SEK 1,195 ($113 USD).
Contact Information for Abisko Tours
– STF Abisko Mountain Station: Abisko, Sweden. Phone: +46 10 190 23 60. Email: abisko@stfturist.se. Website: STF Abisko.
Reykjavik, Iceland: A Blend of Culture and Natural Wonders
Reykjavik, located at 64.1466° N latitude, offers a unique blend of cultural experiences and natural wonders, making it a top destination for Northern Lights viewing.
Northern Lights Visibility Around Reykjavik
Thingvellir National Park, 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Reykjavik, is one of the best spots for aurora viewing. The park spans 240 square kilometers (93 square miles) and is situated on the boundary of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Another great location is the Grotta Lighthouse on the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula, just 10 minutes from downtown Reykjavik.
February temperatures in Reykjavik range from -1°C to 3°C (30°F to 37°F). Be prepared for unpredictable weather.
Exploring Reykjavik in February
Hallgrimskirkja church, 74.5 meters (244 feet) tall, offers panoramic views of the city. The Harpa concert hall, with over 10,000 glass panels, hosts events ranging from concerts to theater performances. Tickets start at ISK 3,500 ($25 USD).
Reykjavik’s geothermal pools, such as the Blue Lagoon, located 50 kilometers (31 miles) from the city, offer a unique way to relax. Entry to the Blue Lagoon starts at ISK 7,990 ($58 USD).
Other Attractions Near Reykjavik
The Golden Circle route includes Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall. Geysir is home to the Great Geysir, which erupts up to 70 meters (230 feet) high. Gullfoss is 32 meters (105 feet) tall.
For adventurers, glacier hiking and ice caving tours are available on the Sólheimajökull glacier. Prices start at ISK 14,900 ($108 USD).
Contact Information for Reykjavik Attractions
– Iceland Travel: Reykjavik, Iceland. Phone: +354 585 4200. Email: icelandtravel@icelandtravel.is. Website: Iceland Travel.
Rovaniemi, Finland: The Home of Santa Claus and Northern Lights
Rovaniemi, located at 66.5039° N latitude, just 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) south of the Arctic Circle, is a magical destination for viewing the Northern Lights.
Northern Lights Viewing in Rovaniemi
The Ounasvaara hill, at 204 meters (669 feet) above sea level, offers excellent views of the aurora. The Arctic SnowHotel, 30 kilometers (19 miles) from Rovaniemi, provides a unique experience with glass igloos that cost around €400 ($430 USD) per night.
Special February Experiences in Rovaniemi
Santa Claus Village on the Arctic Circle allows visitors to meet Santa, cross the Arctic Circle line, and explore local shops. The Arktikum Science Museum features exhibits on Arctic history, culture, and wildlife. Admission is €15 ($16 USD) for adults.
Outdoor activities include husky sledding, reindeer sleigh rides, and snowmobiling. Husky sledding tours start at €150 ($161 USD) per person for a 2-hour tour.
Enhancing Your Northern Lights Experience in Rovaniemi
The Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, 250 kilometers (155 miles) north of Rovaniemi, offers glass igloos and log cabins starting at €400 ($430 USD) per night. Guided Northern Lights tours with campfires and hot drinks start at €100 ($108 USD).
Contact Information for Rovaniemi Attractions
– Visit Rovaniemi: Rovaniemi, Finland. Phone: +358 16 346 270. Email: info@visitrovaniemi.fi. Website: Visit Rovaniemi.
Fairbanks, Alaska, USA: A Northern Lights Hotspot
Fairbanks, Alaska, at 64.8378° N latitude, is one of the top Northern Lights destinations in the United States, with about 190 aurora nights per year.
Fairbanks’ Position as a Northern Lights Destination
Fairbanks is located under the “Aurora Oval,” where auroras are most frequent. Chena Hot Springs, 100 kilometers (62 miles) northeast of Fairbanks, is a prime viewing spot. Accommodations at Chena Hot Springs start at $159 USD per night.
Winter Conditions in Fairbanks
February temperatures range from -24°C to -16°C (-11°F to 3°F). Dress warmly in thermal layers, insulated boots, and a high-quality parka. Consider portable heaters or heat packs for extended outdoor stays.
Packing Tips for a February Trip to Fairbanks
Pack a thermos for hot drinks, a portable camping chair, and a headlamp with a red light setting. Bring a camera with manual settings, a tripod, and extra memory cards. Photography
workshops and tours in Fairbanks start at $250 USD per person.
Contact Information for Fairbanks Attractions
– Explore Fairbanks: Fairbanks, Alaska, USA. Phone: +1 907-456-5774. Email: info@explorefairbanks.com. Website: Explore Fairbanks.
Yellowknife, Canada: A Reliable Northern Lights Destination
Yellowknife, Canada, at 62.4540° N latitude on the shores of Great Slave Lake, offers over 240 nights of aurora activity each year.
Aurora Reliability in Yellowknife
Yellowknife has a 95% chance of seeing the Northern Lights on any given night in February, according to the Canadian Space Agency. Great Slave Lake, covering 28,568 square kilometers (11,030 square miles), is an ideal spot for aurora viewing.
Yellowknife’s Unique February Environment
February temperatures range from -30°C to -20°C (-22°F to -4°F). The Snowking Winter Festival on Great Slave Lake features ice carving, snowcastle building, and cultural performances. Admission to the Snowcastle is CAD 10 ($8 USD) for adults.
Travel Tips for Reaching Yellowknife
Flights from Edmonton to Yellowknife take about 2 hours. Round-trip tickets start at CAD 500 ($370 USD). Most attractions are accessible by car or on foot.
Contact Information for Yellowknife Attractions
– City of Yellowknife: Yellowknife, Canada. Phone: +1 867-920-5600. Email: communications@yellowknife.ca. Website: City of Yellowknife.
Murmansk, Russia: A Northern Lights Adventure Above the Arctic Circle
Murmansk, Russia, at 68.9730° N latitude, is the largest city above the Arctic Circle and offers a unique Northern Lights experience.
Murmansk’s Safety and Travel Considerations
Murmansk, with a population of approximately 290,000, is generally safe for travelers. The nearest international airport is in Moscow, with a 2.5-hour flight to Murmansk. Round-trip tickets cost around RUB 15,000 ($160 USD).
Experiencing the Northern Lights in Murmansk
The Kola Peninsula, covering 100,000 square kilometers (38,610 square miles), offers some of the best Northern Lights viewing spots. Guided tours often include transportation, warm clothing, and hot drinks.
Cultural Experiences in Murmansk
The Murmansk Regional Museum of Local Lore offers exhibits on the history, culture, and nature of the region. Admission is RUB 300 ($3 USD) for adults. The Alyosha Monument, standing 42.5 meters (139 feet) tall, provides panoramic views of the city.
Traditional Russian banya experiences, including ice-cold pool plunges, start at RUB 1,000 ($10 USD) per person.
Contact Information for Murmansk Attractions
– Murmansk Tourism: Murmansk, Russia. Phone: +7 8152 456 789. Email: info@murmansktourism.ru. Website: Murmansk Tourism.
FAQs
What is the best time of year to see the Northern Lights?
The best time to see the Northern Lights is from late September to early April, with February being particularly favorable due to long nights and clear skies.
How can I increase my chances of seeing the Northern Lights?
Choose a destination with a high probability of clear skies and minimal light pollution. Stay for several nights and check the aurora forecast regularly.
What should I wear when watching the Northern Lights?
Dress in warm, layered clothing, including thermal underwear, insulated jackets, gloves, hats, and waterproof boots. In extreme cold, use hand and foot warmers.
Can I take photos of the Northern Lights with a smartphone?
Yes, but a DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings is recommended. Use a tripod, set a long exposure time, and adjust the ISO and aperture to capture the lights.
Are guided tours worth it for Northern Lights viewing?
Guided tours are valuable, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area. Guides know the best spots and can provide transportation, equipment, and photography tips.
What else can I do in Northern Lights destinations besides aurora hunting?
Many destinations offer winter activities such as dog sledding, ice fishing, snowmobiling, and cultural experiences like visiting indigenous communities or historical sites.
Conclusion
February is an exceptional month for those seeking the magical experience of the Northern Lights. Whether you’re drawn to the frozen wilderness of Tromsø, the snowy charm of Rovaniemi, or the cultural richness of Reykjavik, each destination offers a unique way to witness the aurora. With the right preparation, a bit of luck, and the willingness to embrace the cold, you can turn your Northern Lights adventure into a memory that will last a lifetime. Bundle up, prepare for an adventure, and let the Northern Lights be the highlight of your February travels.
Outbound Links
– Aurora Forecast by the Norwegian Meteorological Institute
– Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute
– Tromsø Geophysical Observatory
– Visit Tromsø
– Swedish Tourist Association (STF)
– Reykjavik Excursions
– Iceland Travel
– Blue Lagoon
– Santa Claus Village
– Arktikum Science Museum
– Explore Fairbanks
– Canadian Space Agency
– City of Yellowknife
– Murmansk Regional Museum of Local Lore
– Aurora Sky Station
– Aurora Watch
– Space Weather Prediction Center
– Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
– Chena Hot Springs
– National Geographic Northern Lights Guide
