AuroraIs Abisko better than Tromsø for the northern lights?
For seeing the aurora, yes, in our data. Automated all-sky cameras recorded clearly visible aurora on 32% of nights at Tromsø and 46% at Kiruna over the same three winters (2023–2026), and on 60% at Abisko in the one winter we have from there (2025–26). Clouds count as they fell, so this is about what you would have seen. Tromsø is easier to reach and has far more to do, and it can be just as good on a clear night.
Which has more aurora nights?
All three sit under the auroral oval, so there is aurora above them on most dark nights. What differs is how often you can see it, and that is mostly about cloud.
| Camera | Nights with clearly visible aurora | Winters |
|---|---|---|
| Abisko | 60% | 2025–26 (one winter) |
| Kiruna | 46% | 2023–24 to 2025–26 |
| Skibotn (50 km inland from Tromsø) | 42% | 2023–24 to 2025–26 |
| Tromsø | 32% | 2023–24 to 2025–26 |
Source: the UEC Tromsø AI all-sky camera dataset (Nanjo et al. 2022). Our definitions are on the methodology page.
Which has clearer skies?
Airport weather reports over ten winters (2016–2026) point the same way. Kiruna's airport, the nearest one to Abisko, had a usable dark sky (at least two dark hours free of low cloud) on 62% of nights. Tromsø's airport had 58%. The airports are a rough guide: Abisko itself sits about 95 km from Kiruna airport, in the rain shadow of the mountains, and Tromsø's weather changes fast along the fjords.
The bigger difference shows on the cameras, because cloud on the coast often comes and goes in the hours when aurora is active.
Is the Abisko "blue hole" real?
Abisko is known for a patch of clearer sky in the lee of the mountains, the "blue hole". Our one winter of camera data from Abisko is the best of any site we have, which fits the reputation. One winter isn't enough to put a firm number on it, and we'll update this page as more winters come in.
When is the best month for each?
- Tromsø: January stood out on the camera (47% of nights over three winters), with December and October next. November to January also had the most usable nights at the airport.
- Kiruna and Abisko: the airport record is clearest from January to March. In the camera data, January and November were strongest at Kiruna.
Monthly numbers for each are on the Tromsø, Abisko and Kiruna pages. With only three winters of camera data, single months can swing by chance, so plan on the season rather than one month.
How many nights should you plan in each?
With five nights in a row, a camera recorded aurora at least once 79% of the time at Tromsø and 92% at Kiruna (2023–26). The full table is in how many nights do you need?.
Can you do both?
Yes. The road and the railway between Narvik and Kiruna run past Abisko, and Tromsø is a few hours' drive away. Splitting a week between the coast and the inland side gives you two different weather systems to choose from, which is the best protection against a cloudy spell.
Which should you choose?
- Choose Tromsø for easy flights, a city with restaurants and tours, and fjord scenery. Plan to drive inland, towards Skibotn and the Swedish border, on cloudy nights.
- Choose Abisko or Kiruna if seeing the aurora is the main goal and you're happy with quieter places and colder, drier weather.
Whichever you choose, check a local forecast in the afternoon. A forecast, not a guarantee.
