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 | Good | Plenty of darkness; solid odds |
| May | Marginal | Short nights at the season edge |
| June | No — midnight sun | Midnight sun — no real darkness |
| July | No — midnight sun | Midnight sun — no real darkness |
| August | Good | Plenty of darkness; solid odds |
| 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 Ylläs: 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. Ylläs's season runs late september to early april.
Ylläs is a fell resort in western Lapland beside Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, with the villages of Äkäslompolo and Ylläsjärvi at its foot. It sits south of the oval's centre, so a moderately active night is what you want.
Where to stand in Ylläs
Ride or drive up the fell for altitude above any valley haze, or walk out onto the frozen lake at Äkäslompolo for a flat northern horizon.
Tours & stays to book
Northern lights tours from Ylläs
Viator · guided tours · from $80
Aurora chases & photo tours in Ylläs
GetYourGuide · guided tours · from $80
Cabins, lodges & glass igloos near Ylläs
Booking.com · lodging
Know when Ylläs is about to light up
Aurora odds swing night to night. Leave your email and we'll tell you when Ylläs hits its best window — time to book a tour for your dates.