What are the best times to see the Northern Lights during Arctic tours?

If you want to see the Northern Lights, plan your trip between September and March when the Arctic nights are at their darkest. Most travelers spot them between 5pm and 2am, especially in places like Tromsø, Norway and Finnish Lapland. You'll have the best chance of seeing them at spots like the Wilderness Hotel in Inari, Finland or Aurora Camp in Whitehorse, where you can get away from city lights and have clear views of the sky.

What kind of weather conditions should I prepare for in the Arctic?

Winter temperatures in the Arctic typically range from -4°F to 32°F (-20°C to 0°C), and the weather can change quickly. I've seen this firsthand at places like Camp Tamok in Norway. While tour companies like Intrepid Travel will give you winter gear including suits, boots and gloves, you should pack good base layers. Even when it's freezing outside, you'll stay warm inside places like the Wilderness Hotel in Saariselkä.

What wildlife might I encounter during an Arctic tour?

You might see humpback and orca whales in Norwegian fjords during winter, plus Arctic foxes and reindeer herds near places like Inari, Finland. If you visit the Yukon Wildlife Preserve in Canada, you'll likely spot moose, elk, caribou, mountain goats and lynx in their natural habitat. While polar bears do live in some Arctic areas, you probably won't see them on most regular tours.

What type of accommodation is available on Arctic tours?

You'll find everything from regular hotels to special wilderness lodges. At Muotka Wilderness Lodge in Finland, you can stay in Aurora glass cabins that have huge windows and private saunas. In Tromsø, Norway, you'll be in nice 3-4 star hotels like the Scandic Ishavshotel. If you go somewhere more remote like Basecamp Oulanka, you'll stay in cozy wooden lodges that have modern comforts like hot tubs and saunas.

What kind of cultural experiences are included in Arctic tours?

You'll get to learn about local culture, especially from the indigenous Sami people. In Tromsø, you can try traditional reindeer sledding, learn about Sami ways of life, and eat authentic meals in their traditional lavvu tents. If you visit the Siida Museum in Inari, Finland, you'll learn all about Sami culture. Throughout Greenland, you can also discover Inuit traditions and see what modern Arctic life is like.

What meals are typically included in Arctic tours?

Most tours include your breakfast every day and some dinners. At Basecamp Oulanka, you'll get to try Finnish food made with local ingredients like elk, salmon, berries and fish soup. When you visit Sami communities in Norway, you might have special meals like reindeer stew and traditional breads. Places like the Wilderness Hotel in Inari serve both local Arctic dishes and regular international food.

What is the best time to visit the Arctic region for optimal Northern Lights viewing?

You'll want to visit between September and March, when the nights are longest and clearest. Places like Svalbard and Finnish Lapland have the best aurora viewing during these months, with temperatures usually between -4°F to 14°F (-20°C to -10°C). The Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort even has special glass igloos designed for watching the Northern Lights from October through March.

Arctic Tours & Trips

Quick filters

10 best Arctic tour packages

Quick filters

View Map
City & Culture
Top of Scandinavia with Arctic Circle
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Helsinki, Oulu, Rovaniemi, Ivalo, Karasjok, Honningsvag,Alta,Tromso+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Arctic / North Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Globus
4% Off
From $3,772
US$3,622per person
+$327 upfront costs
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour

View Map
Polar
Rovaniemi Winter Experience - Christmas Edition
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Rovaniemi, Ranua
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English, Italian,French,Spanish+2 more
Operator
V.O.S – Vision of Scandinavia
6% Off
From $1,858
US$1,742per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
Nature & Wildlife
Lapland: A Family Winter Adventure
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Helsinki, Rovaniemi, Ranua, Korouoma
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
15% Off
From $2,599
US$2,209per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Shared Room
View tour
View Map
City & Culture
Top of Scandinavia with Arctic Circle with Coastal Cruise
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Helsinki, Oulu, Rovaniemi, Luosto, Ivalo, Karasjok,Honningsvag,Alta,Tromso,Lofoten,Bodo,Ørnes,Sandnessjoen,Bronnoysund,Rørvik,Trondheim,Kristiansund,Molde,Floro,Bergen+14 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Globus
15% Off
From
US$6,719per person
+$327 upfront costs
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
View tour
View Map
Northern Lights
Aurora & Glass Igloo Explorer - 5 Days
4.5 (6 reviews)
"From my first hotel Santa Clause hotel in the town of Rovaniemi, to the one night in a glass igloo at the arctic snow hotel it was epic!!!!!"
Rachel, traveled in February
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Rovaniemi
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Arctic / North PoleLapland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
15% Off
From $4,430
US$3,766per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
Polar
Scandinavian Discovery & Arctic Wonders - Cruise & Land Journey 2027
Duration
25 days
Destinations
Denmark Sweden Norway Svalbard
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ship
Scenic Eclipse
Country Region
Norwegian Fjords
Operated in
English
Operator
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
13% Off
From $36,150
US$31,487per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
Polar
Wild Wonders of the Arctic - 8 days
5.0 (1 review)
"Excellent tour, staff went above and beyond to make the tour as memorable as possible."
Lynette, traveled in June
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Longyearbyen, Nordaustlandet Island, Sjuoyane,Kongsfjorden,Ny Aalesund,Oslo+3 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
Arctic / North PoleSvalbard+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
13% Off
From
US$9,890per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
Polar
Glaciers & Wildlife of Svalbard
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Oslo, Longyearbyen
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ship
Scenic Eclipse
Regions
Arctic / North PoleSvalbard+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
20% Off
From $23,245
US$18,624per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
Polar
Lapland & Husky Highlights - 5 Days
5.0 (1 review)
"Going to Lapland in winter was always a dream. This did not disappoint. Loved the day trips we did and the accommodation was amazing."
Claire, traveled in January
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Rovaniemi
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Arctic / North PoleLapland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
15% Off
From $2,580
US$2,193per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
Nature & Wildlife
Lapland & the Arctic Circle - 5 Days
4.0 (2 reviews)
"The pick up locations were changed without notifying us of the changes."
Cegi, traveled in March
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Rovaniemi
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Arctic / North PoleLapland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
15% Off
From $2,100
US$1,785per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
Northern Lights
Norway Fjords and Northern Lights
5.0 (22 reviews)
"Rianna's enthusiasm for the Northern Lights and the stunning fjords was infectious, and it truly enhanced our experience."
George, traveled in October
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Tromso, Skjervøy, Hammerfest, Honningsvag, Kirkenes
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Country Region
Norwegian FjordsArctic / North PoleNorthern Norway+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Contiki
15% Off
From
US$1,925per person
+$150 upfront costs
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
Polar
Helsinki to Kirkenes - Beyond the Arctic Circle
4.5 (2 reviews)
"The itinerary for the tour was great and utilized the 10 days for maximum activity experience."
Jessica, traveled in March
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Helsinki, Rovaniemi, Ivalo, Inari, Kirkenes
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
Arctic / North PoleLapland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Carisa Travel Group
15% Off
From
US$4,982per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
Polar
Rovaniemi Winter Experience
4.5 (10 reviews)
"We had a fantastic time as there was plenty of fun experiences as well as time to rest and relax."
Adrianna, traveled in March
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Rovaniemi, Ranua
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English, Italian,French,Spanish+2 more
Operator
V.O.S – Vision of Scandinavia
15% Off
From
US$1,277per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
Northern Lights
Aurora Borealis & Glass Igloo
4.7 (17 reviews)
"This was the holiday of a lifetime made even better by the unbeatable Alain. Trips and tours were exceptional and organised by Alain."
Adrian, traveled in February
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Rovaniemi, Ranua
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, Italian,French,Spanish+2 more
Operator
V.O.S – Vision of Scandinavia
15% Off
From
US$2,061per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
Adventure & Adrenaline
Lapland Winter Adventure
4.6 (5 reviews)
"Awesome, everything was on scheduled and on time."
Jacqueline, traveled in November
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Helsinki, Rovaniemi, Kalix
Age Range
Ages 6+
Country Region
Lapland
Operated in
English
Operator
Carisa Travel Group
15% Off
From
US$4,053per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour