Will you see the northern lights in Longyearbyen tonight?

It's the midnight-sun season in Longyearbyen right now — the sky never gets dark enough to see the aurora. Come back in November.

Right now, the planet-wide aurora activity is Kp 2.7 (latest NOAA observed reading). What's Kp?

Best time to see the aurora in Longyearbyen

The aurora is a planning trip, not a same-day dash. The best months in Longyearbyen are November, December, January, February — long, dark nights plus the equinox activity boost, when the odds are genuinely worth booking around. Right now it's the midnight-sun season here, so there's no dark-sky window — plan ahead for late september to mid-march (incl. daytime polar-night aurora).

Aurora forecast for Longyearbyen — the nights ahead

Longyearbyen has no dark-hours window in the next few days — it's the midnight-sun season here. The aurora season runs late september to mid-march (incl. daytime polar-night aurora). See the best months to visit →

Cloud outlook & dark hours

Cloud cover is the dealbreaker: a strong aurora under an overcast sky is a no-show. In season, Longyearbyen's viewing window opens after dark; right now there isn't one. The aurora is best viewed away from town lights with a clear view toward the north.

Step just outside town toward Adventdalen valley; in deep polar night the whole day is dark. Guided trips carry rifles for polar-bear safety — don't wander far alone.

Northern lights tours & stays in Longyearbyen

Aurora tours from Longyearbyen typically run $120–$450 per person. A guided "chase" that drives to the clearest sky is often worth it when the local forecast is cloudy.