Best Time of the Year to See the Northern Lights

While average temperatures in Finland rarely rise above 30 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 2 degree Celsius), the opportunity to see the Northern Lights as well makes this an excellent time for anyone planning a summer vacation in Finland. Finland is host to one of the most magnificent light displays on Earth. Visitors are able to view the impressive light show daily from almost any location imaginable. With the availability of guided tours and travel packages that allow visitors to travel around and through all of the most beautiful sites, there are virtually limitless possibilities for sight seeing during a stay in Finland.

The best months to visit Finland are generally June, July, and August. In Finland, summer is considered the wet season, as it is during this time that the weather is at its warmest. The temperature during the months of July and August can become unbearable for those traveling to Finland during this time. As the rainy season approaches, Finland becomes even more appealing to tourists. It’s summertime where the mountains of Finland become covered with an array of colors from orange to red to yellow.

During September, the weather in Finland turns to be somewhat chilly, but not necessarily too cold. This is known as September, and is often referred to as the “rainy season.” The summertime temperatures can get quite uncomfortable, but September in general is the best time of the year to see the Northern Lights in Finland. Travel packages and tourist organizations often offer these special packages to visitors who want to enjoy September. Some travel companies offer a discount when planning to visit Finland during September.

Finland’s summer months from June to September are known as the “Lunnen summer,” and are considered to be the country’s most active months. It is during this period that the weather in Finland gets very hot and humid, which is also the case during the summer midnight sun. However, the summer midnight sun does not seem to be as bright as it used to be during the late part of June. You can still see the Northern Lights shining brilliantly during the late part of June and at other times of the year, but they may be a bit less bright.

September and October are the off-peak months in Finland, as well as the months of August and September. These months are not as hot as the months of June, but are not quite as dry as the months of July and August. The average temperature during the months of September and October is about 7 degrees Celsius, which is perfect for viewing the northern lights. The late part of September and early part of October can be a really cool time to travel to Finland, but you should avoid going too far south until about the middle of November, as the weather becomes relatively warm.

The best time of the year to travel to Finland to view the northern lights is from about mid-November to about the beginning of March. The earlier you travel, the better your chances are at seeing these magnificent lights. In fact, by avoiding travelling on weekdays, you will give yourself an even better chance of seeing these beautiful sights before they get too late.

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About the author: Heather Sunderland is an expat Brit and freelance writer living in Finnish Lapland. Find out more about Ruka & Kuusamo at the Ruka & Kuusamo travel guide and blog, or more about the author on her freelancing website www.heathersunderland.com.