See The Northern Lights in Autumn

One of the Best Times to see The Northern Lights

No snow. No crowds. Just the Northern Lights and Arctic beauty.

Most people picture winter when they think of the Northern Lights. But those in the know? They travel in the Autumn.

From September to November, the Aurora Borealis returns as dark skies settle over the Arctic. This season is considered one of the best times to see the Northern Lights, offering excellent visibility, fewer tourists and milder conditions than winter.

As summer fades and darkness returns, destinations across Lapland in Finland, Sweden, Norway and Iceland transform into prime Aurora-hunting territory.

If you’re wondering about the best place to see Northern Lights in September, October or November, Autumn delivers across the entire Arctic region.

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Things to Do During an Autumn Northern Lights Holiday

Autumn isn’t just a shoulder season; it’s a completely different kind of Arctic experience. While snow-based activities haven’t fully begun, this opens the door to a wider range of experiences.

Here’s what you can enjoy on an Autumn Northern Lights holiday in Lapland:

Hiking through Arctic wilderness – Explore national parks, forests and fjords covered in Autumn colours
Aurora hunting excursions – Guided Northern Lights camps, minibus tours and photography trips
Husky farm visits – Meet the dogs and learn about mushing before the winter season begins
Fat biking & e-biking – Ride through scenic trails
Photography workshops – Capture the Aurora in stunning locations like Menesjärvi and Saariselkä
Wildlife spotting – Autumn is a great time to see reindeer and Arctic wildlife
Cultural experiences – Visit Sámi heritage sites, museums and traditional villages
Wellness and relaxation – Saunas, lakeside cabins and peaceful wilderness stays

With milder temperatures and more daylight than winter, Autumn is perfect for travellers who want a balance of adventure and comfort.

Why Autumn is the Best Time to See the Northern Lights

Autumn offers one of the best times to go to see the Northern Lights, and there’s science behind it.

As nights grow longer and skies become clearer, visibility improves dramatically. Around the Autumn equinox (late September), geomagnetic activity tends to increase, boosting your chances of seeing strong Aurora displays.

This makes September and October Northern Lights trips especially popular, with November continuing to offer excellent conditions.

In short:

Dark skies return after summer
Solar activity peaks around equinox periods
Temperatures are milder than winter
Landscapes are more varied and colourful

If you’re searching for the best time to see Aurora Borealis in Finland, Sweden, Norway or Iceland, Autumn is a true sweet spot.

September to November - A Hidden Gem for Aurora Travel

The entire Autumn season offers incredible opportunities:

Northern Lights in September – Early season magic with Autumn colours and equinox activity
Northern Lights in October – Darker skies, fewer crowds, ideal for photographers
Northern Lights in November – Longer nights and increasing Aurora frequency

Temperatures typically range from 0°C to 10°C, making it far more comfortable than winter while still offering excellent viewing conditions.

Perfect for Families - October Half Term Northern Lights

Autumn is also ideal for families, especially during the October half term holidays.

With:

Easier travel conditions
No extreme cold
Fewer crowds than Christmas and winter peak
A wide range of activities suitable for all ages

An October Northern Lights holiday is a fantastic option for families looking for a unique and memorable break.

Where to Go for the Best Northern Lights in Autumn

We’ve curated a selection of the best places to see the Northern Lights in Autumn. Explore our handpicked Autumn Aurora holidays:

Saariselkä Glass Igloo Escape in Autumn

Experience one of the most iconic Northern Lights holidays in Finland, staying in glass-roofed Aurora cabins designed for viewing the night sky from your bed. This trip combines comfort with excellent Aurora visibility, plus easy access to activities like husky visits and guided Aurora hunts. Cabins are specifically positioned facing North to maximise your chances of seeing the lights.

Saariselkä Autumn Lights – Tailor Made

A flexible, customisable option for travellers looking for a tailor-made Northern Lights holiday in Lapland. This trip allows you to choose your accommodation and excursions, from Aurora photography to wilderness adventures, perfect if you want to travel in September or October for the Northern Lights on your own terms.

Menesjärvi Autumn Northern Lights Break

A remote and authentic escape, ideal if you’re searching for the best place to see Northern Lights in Finland away from crowds. Located in the wilderness, this trip focuses on nature, tranquillity and high-quality Aurora viewing, with guided excursions and excellent photography opportunities.

Autumn Northern Lights Over Lake Inari

Alongside Lake Inari, this trip offers the perfect backdrop for the Aurora Borealis in Autumn, with opportunities to see the lights reflected in unfrozen water. Combining Sámi cultural experiences with guided Northern Lights excursions, it’s one of the best destinations to see Northern Lights.

Brändön Lodge – Autumn Auroras in Sweden

Located in Swedish Lapland, this lodge offers excellent Northern Lights viewing with minimal light pollution. Expect guided Aurora hunts, wilderness experiences and unique excursions like visits to UNESCO-listed sites. A great option if you’re considering the best place to see Northern Lights in Sweden in Autumn.

Is an Autumn Northern Lights Holiday Right for You?

Perfect for you if:

You want the best time to see Northern Lights without extreme cold
You’re interested in Autumn landscapes and photography
You prefer quiet, less crowded destinations
You want a more relaxed and varied Arctic experience

Start planning your Autumn Northern Lights holiday in Finland, Sweden, Norway or Iceland, today and discover why this is one of the best-kept secrets of Aurora season.

Image credits – Graeme Richardson, Antti Pietikainen, Harriniva Hotels & Safaris, Northern Lights Village