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.

10 Best Arctic Tours & Trips 2025/2026

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Explorer
Aurora & Glass Igloo Explorer - 5 Days
4.3 (3 traveler reviews)
"The tours and hotel stay were excelent. All the tours and transfers were timed to perfection."
Gershon, 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 $4,785
NZ$4,067per person
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Explorer
Arctic Winter Heartbeat | Active Winter Adventure
4.8 (5 traveler reviews)
"Lots of fun activities. Well organized program. Great for all ages."
Mary, traveled in December
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Whitehorse
Age Range
Ages 19+
State
Yukon and Northwest Territories
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Arctic Range Adventure
15% Off
From
NZ$3,861per person
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Polar
Adventures in Northeast Greenland: Glaciers, Fjords and the Northern Lights , Operated by Quark
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Reykjavik, Ittoqqortoormiit
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
Arctic / North Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
30% Off
From $25,080
NZ$17,560per person
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Explorer
Tales of Lapland and Glass Igloo
4.4 (8 traveler reviews)
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Rovaniemi
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
Arctic / North PoleLapland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
V.O.S – Vision of Scandinavia
30% Off
From
NZ$4,479per person
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Explorer
Lapland & Husky Highlights - 5 Days
5.0 (1 traveler 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 $4,945
NZ$4,203per person
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Explorer
Top of Scandinavia with Arctic Circle with Coastal Cruise
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Helsinki, Oulu, Rovaniemi, Ivalo, Karasjok, Honningsvag,Alta,Tromso,Bodo,Trondheim,Alesund,Bergen+6 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Globus
15% Off
From
NZ$10,622per person
+$378 upfront costs
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Explorer
Tailor-Made 4 Days Finland Northern Lights Private Tour
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Ivalo, Saariselka
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Arctic / North PoleLapland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Agate Travel
15% Off
From
NZ$6,442per person
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Explorer
Finland Wilderness Express - 4 Days
Duration
4 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 $3,965
NZ$3,370per person
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Polar
Lapland: A Family Winter Adventure
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Helsinki, Rovaniemi, Ranua
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
15% Off
From
NZ$4,159per person
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Polar
Summer in Lapland: A Family Adventure
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Helsinki, Rovaniemi, Ranua
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
15% Off
From
NZ$3,659per person
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Explorer
Finnish Lapland in Winter
4.8 (12 traveler reviews)
"Lots of new things to see, very well organized, enough independent time, and lots of fun."
Deboraj, traveled in January
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Helsinki, Rovaniemi,Pallas - Yllastunturin kansallispuisto+1 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Country Region
Arctic / North PoleLapland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
15% Off
From
NZ$6,010per person
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Explorer
Northern Norway Explorer
4.1 (12 traveler reviews)
"It is a fast paced itinerary but you never get bored at one place. The trip definition matched my expectations."
Yun, traveled in July
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Oslo, Trondheim, Lofoten, Svolvær, Harstad
Age Range
Ages 15+
Regions
Norwegian FjordsLofoten Islands+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
15% Off
From
NZ$6,815per person
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Explorer
Finnish Wilderness Week
4.6 (145 traveler reviews)
"Fantastic scenery and climate- great activities, aching in every muscle when i got home, so I know it's been a good holiday!"
Nicola, traveled in March
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Kuusamo, Oulanka National Park, Ruka
Age Range
Ages 16+
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
12% Off
From $5,057
NZ$4,445per person
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Explorer
Aurora Borealis & Glass Igloo
4.8 (16 traveler reviews)
"Great accommodation location so close to shops and excursion operators. A good proportion arranged activities and free time."
Leanne, traveled in February
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Rovaniemi, Ranua
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English,Italian,French,Spanish+3 more
Operator
V.O.S – Vision of Scandinavia
12% Off
From
NZ$3,445per person
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Explorer
Cross-Country Skiing in Lapland
4.0 (2 traveler reviews)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Akaslompolo
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
Arctic / North PoleLapland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
12% Off
From
NZ$2,750per person
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