Northern lights in Alta tonight
Finnmark, Northern Norway · 70° magnetic latitude · Kp 1–2 threshold
Kp 1 is at the threshold for Alta. Aurora may be visible from a dark site if cloud cover permits.
7-day outlook for Alta
Based on CME arrival predictions from NASA DONKI. Arrival times ±6 hours.
auroratonight.space
What Kp is needed here?
Alta sits at a magnetic latitude of approximately 70°N. The Kp index - a global measure of geomagnetic activity on a scale from 0 (quiet) to 9 (extreme storm), updated every 3 hours - needs to reach Kp 1–2 before the auroral oval expands far enough south to be visible from here.
At Kp 1–2, visibility is possible from Alta but skies need to be clear and dark. Cloud cover and light pollution remain the main obstacles even when Kp is high enough.
Best dark sky sites near Alta
Light pollution is the biggest obstacle after cloud cover. These sites give you the best dark northern horizon within reach.
Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel - Alta Fjord
Get directions ↗The igloo hotel on the Alta Fjord gives a classic Arctic setting with guided aurora excursions. The fjord faces north-east. In calm conditions the aurora reflects on the ice surface below the frozen river.
Kåfjord valley and Kautokeino road
Get directions ↗Heading south from Alta on the E45 toward Kautokeino, the tundra opens up within 20 minutes. The Sami heartland of Finnmark's interior gives some of the flattest, darkest aurora horizons in Norway.
Raipas mountain plateau
Get directions ↗The plateau above Alta at around 400 m gives an elevated position above fjord cloud. A snowmobile trip or guided winter drive to the plateau is a standard excursion from Alta during overcast conditions at lower altitude.
Best time to see the northern lights in Alta
At 70°N magnetic latitude, Alta has one of the longest aurora seasons in the world. Meaningful darkness returns in late August and displays are possible on almost any clear night from September through March. Only the endless daylight of May, June, and July rules out viewing completely.
Activity peaks around the September and March equinoxes, when Earth's magnetic field geometry is most favourable for coupling with the solar wind. Events during these two windows tend to produce the strongest displays of the year for observers at Alta's latitude.
May through July is effectively impossible for aurora viewing: the midnight sun keeps the sky bright around the clock at this latitude. No storm level, not even G5, can produce a visible display without astronomical darkness.
Other Norway aurora forecasts
How often does the aurora appear in Alta?
Average nights per month the Kp reached Alta's threshold of 1+, from 15 years of geomagnetic data (2010–2024).
Counts the Kp 1+ threshold only - cloud cover and local darkness are not included.
Kp data: GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, CC BY 4.0
Plan your trip to Alta
Best window
The January to March window averages 81 aurora nights - the strongest consecutive stretch of the year.
How long to stay
Aurora at this latitude requires patience - allow as many nights as possible during October.
Related pages
Northern Lights Norway
Norway-wide aurora forecast hub.
Read →Northern Lights Tromsø Tonight
Tromsø - 2 hours west at the same magnetic latitude.
Read →Northern Lights Svalbard Tonight
Svalbard at 78°N - the most extreme option.
Read →Tips for Viewing the Northern Lights
Practical advice for aurora watching in Arctic conditions.
Read →What Is the Kp Index?
Why Kp 1-2 is enough at 70°N magnetic latitude.
Read →Aurora photographs from Alta
Real photos sourced from Wikimedia Commons.
Aurora over Alta 
Aurora over Alta 
Aurora over Alta 
Aurora over Alta 
Aurora over Alta 
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