What if you see no northern lights?

Do you get a refund if you see no northern lights?

No: none of the chase tours listed here refunds a night without lights, and only Arctic Circle Tours, The Green Adventure and the cruise offer something back.

Sources: Greenlander's FAQ (no refund, no free tour the next day), Northern Horizon's terms, The Green Adventure's terms (no refund, you can ask for a discount on the next tour), EnjoyTheArctic's FAQ, Arctic Explorers' FAQ and the Arctic Circle Tours listing, which promises 50% off a future trip after a night with no lights.

Why don't chase tours guarantee the lights?

Because nobody controls solar activity or the clouds: the minibus chase listing says there is a chance of seeing no lights even when the sky is clear.

The guide's job is to raise your odds by driving to clear sky, sometimes for hours. Even then the aurora can stay faint or quiet.

What is the difference between cancellation and a no-lights policy?

Cancellation is about you calling off the booking in advance; a no-lights policy is about a tour that ran without a sighting.

On the minibus chase, you can cancel up to 24 hours before for a full refund. Once the tour has run, there is no refund for a night without lights. Greenlander's booking cannot be refunded or changed at all, so only book it when your dates are fixed.

What if the operator cancels the tour?

On the minibus chase, you get a full refund, and the operator also offers to move you to another trip.

The minibus chase needs at least 8 participants to run. It runs in all weather, so a cloudy forecast alone is not a reason it is cancelled.

Want a second chance in writing? The cruise listing offers another trip if you see no lights.

★ 4.7 · 2 to 3 hours · from $126

Explore the northern lights cruise → Tour details

Is a night without lights a wasted night?

Not always: guests who saw nothing still mention the campfire, the food, the guide's explanations and the scenery.

One Northern Horizon guest wrote that it was cloudy and they saw no lights, but they drove into Finland twice, roasted reindeer sausages by a fire and still had a good time. It is still a long, cold night, so go in with honest expectations.

Do the photos look like what you will see?

Not exactly: the minibus chase listing warns that pictures often show the northern lights stronger than the eye sees them.

Expect faint aurora to look paler to the eye than on the guide's camera, and think of the photos as the record of the night rather than a preview of it.

How can you improve your chances?

Book early in your stay, plan more than one night, and choose a tour that is willing to drive far.

Watch the forecast, dress warmly enough to stay out late, and carry a passport in case the route crosses into Finland. See the best time to see the northern lights and what to wear.

Frequently asked questions