Fair
Northern Lights in August
Aurora Viewing in August
August marks the transition period for aurora season. While darkness is returning to the Arctic with 4 hours of dark time in Tromso, viewing opportunities are more limited. Late night viewing between midnight and 2 AM offers the best chances.
Darkness Hours by Location
| Location | Dark Hours | Best Viewing Window |
|---|---|---|
| Tromso, Norway | 4h | Midnight - 2 AM |
| Reykjavik, Iceland | 5h | Midnight - 2 AM |
| Fairbanks, Alaska | 5h | Midnight - 2 AM |
| Rovaniemi, Finland | 4h | Midnight - 2 AM |
Best Destinations in August
Weather Conditions
Average Temperature
Tromso +11C
Reykjavik +11C
Fairbanks +14C
Rovaniemi +12C
What to Expect
August has mild temperatures averaging 12C in northern regions. While warmer, nights can still be cool, so bring a warm jacket for evening aurora viewing.
What to Pack
- Light jacket for evenings
- Layered clothing
- Comfortable outdoor shoes
- Light sweater or fleece
FAQ about Aurora in August
August has limited aurora viewing opportunities with a rating of "Fair" (2/5). Darkness hours are reduced (4 hours in Tromso), but sightings are still possible during the darkest hours around midnight, especially during strong geomagnetic storms.
For better aurora viewing, consider the peak season months of December through February, or the equinox months of March and September. These periods offer longer dark nights and statistically higher aurora activity.
August temperatures average 12C in Finnish Lapland, 11C in Iceland, and 14C in Alaska. Weather conditions vary, so check local forecasts before your trip.
Solar Maximum 2025-2026
Get aurora alerts for your August trip
We're entering the most active period for northern lights in over a decade. Don't miss this rare opportunity.