Month-by-month viewing quality
| Month | Viewing | Why |
|---|---|---|
| January | Peak | Long dark nights + peak activity |
| February | Peak | Long dark nights + peak activity |
| March | Peak | Long dark nights + peak activity |
| April | Marginal | Short nights at the season edge |
| May | No — midnight sun | Midnight sun — no real darkness |
| June | No — midnight sun | Midnight sun — no real darkness |
| July | No — midnight sun | Midnight sun — no real darkness |
| August | Marginal | Short nights at the season edge |
| September | Peak | Long dark nights + peak activity |
| October | Peak | Long dark nights + peak activity |
| November | Peak | Long dark nights + peak activity |
| December | Peak | Long dark nights + peak activity |
Why these months?
Two things decide your odds in Andenes: darkness and activity. You need real darkness — so the bright midnight-sun months are out no matter how strong the aurora is. On top of that, geomagnetic storms run statistically stronger around the spring and autumn equinoxes (the Russell–McPherron effect), which is why September and October and February and March tend to edge out the dead of winter. Andenes's season runs late september to early april.
Andenes sits at the northern tip of Andøya in Vesterålen, right under the oval and about as far from a city as a road will take you. It is best known for whale safaris, and it also hosts Andøya Space, a rocket range that has launched sounding rockets into the aurora since the 1960s.
Where to stand in Andenes
The island's western coast road and Bleik beach give a wide, unlit northern horizon over open ocean. Andøya is exposed Atlantic weather — check cloud before committing to a night out.
Tours & stays to book
Northern lights tours from Andenes
Viator · guided tours · from $85
Aurora chases & photo tours in Andenes
GetYourGuide · guided tours · from $85
Cabins, lodges & glass igloos near Andenes
Booking.com · lodging
Know when Andenes is about to light up
Aurora odds swing night to night. Leave your email and we'll tell you when Andenes hits its best window — time to book a tour for your dates.