Is Tromsø or Rovaniemi better for the northern lights?

For the aurora itself, Tromsø. It sits under the auroral oval, while the Finnish Meteorological Institute places Finland on the oval's southern rim, so Rovaniemi sees the lights on fewer clear nights. Rovaniemi is better for families and Christmas activities.

Is Abisko better than Tromsø for the northern lights?

Abisko usually has clearer skies because it gets about 349 mm of precipitation a year against Tromsø's 1,090 mm. Tromsø has more to do, milder weather and easier flights, and tours drive inland to find clear skies.

What is the best place to see the northern lights in Europe?

Northern Norway, Swedish Lapland, northern Finland and Iceland are all good. Tromsø and Abisko sit directly under the auroral oval; the deciding factor on any given night is cloud cover.

Is it colder in Abisko or Tromsø?

Abisko is much colder. January averages about -6°C by day and -15°C at night there, against about -1°C and -5°C in coastal Tromsø.

Can you visit Tromsø and Abisko on the same trip?

Yes. Many visitors spend a few nights in Tromsø and a few in Abisko, and some Tromsø aurora chases already drive towards the Swedish and Finnish borders when the coast is cloudy.

Tromsø vs Abisko vs Rovaniemi for Northern Lights

Tromsø, Abisko or Rovaniemi? An honest comparison of aurora odds, cloud and climate data, cold, flights, activities and cost, and who each place suits best.