Very Good
Northern Lights in October
Aurora Viewing in October
October offers very good aurora viewing conditions with 14 hours of darkness in Tromso and 13 hours in Fairbanks. This is a popular time for aurora hunting with good weather and reasonable temperatures.
Darkness Hours by Location
| Location | Dark Hours | Best Viewing Window |
|---|---|---|
| Tromso, Norway | 14h | 10 PM - 2 AM |
| Reykjavik, Iceland | 13h | 10 PM - 2 AM |
| Fairbanks, Alaska | 13h | 10 PM - 2 AM |
| Rovaniemi, Finland | 14h | 10 PM - 2 AM |
Best Destinations in October
Weather Conditions
Average Temperature
Tromso +3C
Reykjavik +5C
Fairbanks -3C
Rovaniemi +1C
What to Expect
October offers moderate Arctic temperatures around 1C, making it comfortable for extended aurora watching sessions. Weather can be variable, so bring waterproof outer layers.
What to Pack
- Warm jacket or fleece layers
- Waterproof outer layer
- Comfortable walking boots
- Hat and gloves for evenings
- Layered clothing
- Rain jacket (weather can change quickly)
FAQ about Aurora in October
Yes! October is rated "Very Good" for aurora viewing with a score of 4/5. Long dark nights (up to 14 hours in Tromso) provide excellent opportunities. The cold, clear Arctic skies during this period often offer ideal viewing conditions.
Top destinations for October include Norway, Iceland, Finland. These locations offer optimal conditions with long dark nights, good accessibility, and reliable aurora activity. Our app provides real-time forecasts for all these destinations.
Temperatures in October vary by location: Tromso averages 3C, Reykjavik 5C, Fairbanks -3C, and Rovaniemi 1C. Proper cold-weather gear is essential for comfortable aurora watching sessions that can last several hours.
Solar Maximum 2025-2026
Get aurora alerts for your October trip
We're entering the most active period for northern lights in over a decade. Don't miss this rare opportunity.