Northern Lights 2026/27: Lapland, Tromso and Abisko, and Staying Online in the Arctic

The 2026/27 winter is a good season to see the northern lights. It comes just after solar maximum, when geomagnetic activity stays frequent for some time, and the best viewing months run roughly from September to March. Finnish Lapland, Tromso in Norway and Abisko in Swedish Lapland are three of the most reliable bases. Wherever you go, dark and clear skies matter more than anything else, and a mobile data connection helps you follow forecasts and chase gaps in the cloud.

Why 2026/27 is still a strong aurora season

The sun follows a cycle of roughly 11 years, and the current cycle passed its maximum recently. Activity does not switch off after the peak. Strong geomagnetic storms are often still common in the years just after maximum, which is why 2026/27 is a sensible winter to plan a trip.

That said, no season guarantees a display. The aurora depends on solar activity on the night, and you also need darkness and clear skies. Plan for several nights in one place to give yourself more chances.

When to go

• September to October: darker nights return, temperatures are milder and lakes are not yet frozen, so reflections can be beautiful.
• November to January: the longest nights, plenty of snow and the most hours of darkness, but also the coldest weather.
• February to March: longer days for activities, still dark evenings and often more settled weather.

Avoid relying on the weeks around full moon if you want the faintest displays, although strong aurora is still visible in moonlight.

Finnish Lapland: Rovaniemi, Kittila and Saariselka

Finnish Lapland suits first-timers and families. Rovaniemi is the main gateway, with the Arctic Circle on its doorstep and a wide choice of tours. Head out of town to escape the city lights.

Kittila is the airport for Levi, a ski resort with good facilities and easy access to dark forest and fells. Further north, Saariselka sits near Urho Kekkonen National Park and is popular for glass-roofed cabins and quiet, dark skies.

Finnish Lapland is inland, so it can be very cold and often has stable, clear spells in mid-winter. Check the Finland eSIM page for local plans.

Tromso, Norway

Tromso is a lively city well inside the Arctic Circle, with frequent tours, boat trips and fjord scenery. From around late November to mid January the sun does not rise above the horizon: this is the polar night. It is not pitch black all day, as there are a few hours of blue twilight around midday, but there is plenty of darkness for aurora hunting.

The coastal climate is milder than inland Lapland but cloudier. Many tours drive long distances, sometimes towards Finland, to find a clear sky. This is where mobile data really helps: guides and independent chasers check cloud maps and forecasts on the move. See the Norway eSIM page for plans.

Abisko and Kiruna, Sweden

Abisko, in Swedish Lapland, is famous for its "blue hole": a local microclimate around lake Tornetrask that often keeps the sky over the village clearer than the surrounding area. It does not guarantee clear nights, but it improves the odds, which is why Abisko is a favourite with photographers.

Kiruna, about an hour and a half away by road, is the nearest airport and a base for dog sledding, snowmobiling and the nearby Icehotel at Jukkasjarvi. The Sweden eSIM page lists the plans available.

Forecast apps and aurora alerts need data

Aurora hunting is much easier with live information. Useful sources include:

• Aurora forecast apps showing the Kp index, solar wind speed and the direction of the interplanetary magnetic field (Bz). A southward Bz is usually a good sign.
• Push alerts that tell you when activity rises, so you can step outside at the right moment.
• Cloud cover maps and local weather services, which matter as much as the aurora forecast itself.
• Webcams at popular sites, to see whether the sky is clear before you drive.

Cabins and hotels often have Wi-Fi, but you lose it as soon as you head out. A travel eSIM keeps alerts and maps working while you chase clear skies. Note that coverage can be patchy in remote valleys and national parks, so download offline maps before you go.

One plan for a multi-country Arctic trip

Finland, Norway and Sweden are all in Europe, so a Europe regional plan can cover a trip that crosses borders, such as Tromso to Abisko, or a Lapland road trip into Norway. Check the coverage list includes all three countries, and compare options on our regional and global eSIM page.

Cold weather and your phone battery

Lithium-ion batteries lose capacity quickly in severe cold. A phone showing 60 percent can switch off without warning at minus 20. To keep it working:

• Keep the phone in an inside pocket, close to your body, until you need it.
• Carry a power bank, also kept warm, and a short cable.
• Turn on low power mode and lower screen brightness while waiting.
• When you come back indoors, let the phone warm up gradually before charging to avoid condensation.
• Touchscreen-compatible gloves save you exposing bare hands.

Photographing the aurora on your phone

Modern phones can capture the aurora surprisingly well, often showing more colour than the eye sees.

• Use night mode. On iPhone it switches on automatically in the dark; on Pixel use Night Sight or Astrophotography; on Samsung use Night mode or Pro mode.
• Keep it still. A small tripod or a stable surface allows longer exposures. On iPhone, a tripod lets night mode extend the exposure time.
• Turn off the flash and avoid zooming, which reduces quality.
• Focus on infinity. In Pro mode, set manual focus to the far end and try an ISO between 800 and 3200 with exposures of a few seconds.
• Include a foreground such as trees, a cabin or mountains for scale.

Frequently asked questions

Is 2026/27 a good year to see the northern lights?

Yes. It is just after solar maximum, when geomagnetic activity tends to remain frequent. Clear, dark skies on the night are still essential.

Which is best: Lapland, Tromso or Abisko?

Finnish Lapland suits families and cabin stays, Tromso offers fjords and many tours, and Abisko has a reputation for clearer skies. All three are good bases.

Will one eSIM cover Finland, Norway and Sweden?

A Europe regional plan usually can. Check that the plan's coverage list includes all three countries before buying.

Does mobile data work in remote Arctic areas?

Towns and main roads are generally well covered, but remote valleys and national parks can have gaps. Download offline maps and keep important details saved on your phone.

How do I stop my phone dying in the cold?

Keep it in an inside pocket, carry a warm power bank and use low power mode. Warm the phone gradually before charging indoors.