Can I See the Northern Lights During a Full Moon?
One of the most common questions we hear from our guests is: “Can I still see the Northern Lights if there’s a full moon?” The good answer is yes, you absolutely can! A full moon does not stop the aurora from dancing across the sky or affect it in any way. In most cases, it can actually enhance your viewing experience.
Here in Tromsø, we’re lucky to sit right in the heart of the auroral oval, and it is one of the best places on Earth to witness the Northern Lights. When solar activity is strong, the aurora can shine bright and vivid, often visible even through moonlight. A full moon might reduce the contrast slightly, especially for fainter auroras, but it won’t “cancel” them.
In fact, some of our most beautiful Northern Lights experiences happen under the full moon. The moonlight illuminates the landscape, be it snow-covered mountains, fjords, or trees, creating a stunning backdrop that adds magic to your photos and memories. Instead of a pitch-black foreground, you’ll see the Arctic world around you, glowing under moonlight while the aurora swirls above.
Of course, visibility always depends on a few factors:
Aurora strength: Strong displays (KP 4 or higher) will still shine clearly under the moon.
Weather conditions: Clear skies are essential, regardless of the moon phase.
Light pollution: The darker your surroundings, the better your view. That’s why we always take our guests far from city lights.
On our tours, we track the aurora forecast constantly and choose locations with the best conditions for that night. Whether the moon is new or full, our guides are experts at finding clear skies and maximizing your chances.
So if you’re visiting Tromsø during a full moon, don’t worry, your dream of seeing the Northern Lights is still very much alive! Bring your sense of adventure, and let us handle the rest.
Book your tour with us today and let the Arctic sky surprise you, full moon or not!