Can you see the Northern Lights during a husky safari in Lapland in autumn?
Autumn in Lapland presents an excellent opportunity to witness the Northern Lights during husky safari experiences. From late August onwards, as the midnight sun season ends, darkness gradually returns to the Arctic region, creating ideal conditions for aurora viewing. This transitional season offers a magical combination of experiences that many travelers overlook.
Our husky safaris during autumn take advantage of this unique timing. While traditional winter dog sledding isn’t possible without snow, we offer special autumn husky experiences including training runs with wheeled sleds and guided hiking adventures with our energetic Alaskan huskies. These activities typically conclude in the evening hours, perfectly positioning you in the wilderness—away from light pollution—just as the conditions for aurora viewing become optimal.
What makes autumn aurora hunting special is the contrast between daytime activities and evening displays. You might spend your afternoon connecting with our pack of over100 huskies, learning about their training regimen and participating in their exercise routines, then witness the sky illuminate with dancing lights as darkness falls. The temperature during autumn is also milder than winter, making extended outdoor aurora viewing more comfortable.
The tranquility of Lapland’s autumn wilderness enhances this experience. As you stand beneath the open sky with our huskies nearby, you’ll experience a profound connection to both the Arctic environment and these remarkable animals—all while the Northern Lights potentially dance overhead.
When does the Northern Lights season start in Finnish Lapland?
The Northern Lights season in Finnish Lapland officially begins in late August, much earlier than many travelers realize. After the midnight sun period ends, darkness returns gradually to the Arctic region, creating the necessary conditions for aurora viewing. By mid-September, the night skies are dark enough for spectacular aurora displays, with optimal viewing hours typically between 9 PM and 1 AM.
This early autumn period offers several advantages for aurora hunters. First, the weather conditions are generally milder than in winter, allowing for more comfortable outdoor viewing experiences. Temperatures typically range from 0°C to 10°C in September and early October, requiring fewer layers than the -20°C or colder temperatures of midwinter.
Autumn also brings fewer tourists to Lapland compared to the peak winter season, meaning less competition for prime aurora viewing spots. Many of our guests are surprised to learn that some of the most vivid Northern Lights displays occur during September and October, when the atmosphere is often clearer than during snowy months.
The scientific explanation relates to the equinoxes—the autumn equinox in September often coincides with increased solar activity that produces more frequent and vibrant auroras. The geographical location of Finnish Lapland, situated in the aurora oval (the zone with the highest aurora activity), ensures that when conditions are right, the displays can be truly spectacular.
At Polar Lights Tours, we monitor aurora forecasts closely during autumn months, as the combination of returning darkness, relatively mild temperatures, and equinox-related solar activity creates some of the year’s most promising aurora viewing opportunities.
What makes autumn a special time for husky safaris in Lapland?
Autumn transforms Lapland into a canvas of vibrant colors during the ruska season, creating an extraordinary backdrop for husky safaris. This spectacular phenomenon—when birch, aspen, and other deciduous trees turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold across the fells and forests—typically peaks from early September to mid-October, coinciding perfectly with the beginning of the Northern Lights season.
During autumn, our husky experiences take on a different character than the winter sledding most travelers associate with these magnificent dogs. Our pack of over 100 Alaskan huskies need year-round exercise and training, which creates unique opportunities for visitors. Rather than snow sledding, we offer dry-land training programs where guests can:
- Join guided hiking adventures with huskies as your enthusiastic companions
- Participate in wheeled cart training exercises where the dogs can practice their pulling skills
- Learn about husky care, training techniques, and the special relationship between mushers and their teams
- Photograph these beautiful animals against the stunning autumn foliage
The comfortable daytime temperatures of autumn (typically between 5-15°C) make these activities particularly enjoyable. You can comfortably explore the wilderness without the extreme cold of winter, while experiencing the energetic nature of these working dogs in their training environment.
The sensory experience is unmatched—the crisp autumn air carries the earthy scent of the forest floor, while the crunching of fallen leaves underfoot accompanies the excited panting of the huskies. As daylight hours shorten, evening activities often conclude under darkening skies, occasionally blessed with the first Northern Lights displays of the season.
This combination of diminishing tourist crowds, vibrant landscapes, comfortable temperatures, and increasing aurora opportunities makes autumn an insider’s secret for experiencing the best of Lapland’s husky adventures.
Accommodation Options at Polar Lights Tours
At Polar Lights Tours, we offer three unique accommodation options to enhance your Northern Lights viewing experience:
Aurora Wilderness Cabin
Our Aurora cabins, nestled in the serene wilderness of Levi, Finnish Lapland, offer a peaceful retreat. Our guide will escort you through the woods to ensure a comfortable arrival. From late May to late July, you can enjoy the Midnight Sun, while from late August to early April, you might witness a sky full of stars or the Northern Lights. The cabins feature large windows, including a roof window, for stunning views. Inside, you’ll find an eco-toilet for convenience. This overnight experience includes a light evening meal and breakfast featuring Finnish specialties.
Cozy Kammi Experience
Spend a night in our round and cozy kammi building, where you can experience the intimacy of the wilderness while sleeping warmly in sleeping bags. Located on our horse and husky farm, the kammi offers an opportunity to meet and learn about our animals in the evening. Enjoy a dinner made with Finnish ingredients inside the kammi, and then relax in a hammock outside, gazing at the night sky and possibly seeing stars or the Northern Lights. In the morning, wake up to find a breakfast basket waiting outside.
Wilderness Caravan Adventure
Stay in a motorhome, caravan, private tent, or hammock. Our farm is located along Muonio Road, about a 10-minute drive from Levi towards Muonio. Enjoy nature, take a dip in the river, or rent a barrel sauna. We have 5 electric caravan pitches, unlimited tent and hammock spots, and offer all necessary services: Kammi atmospheric cooking and an open fire in the chamber, toilets and indoor WC, water point, electrical outlets (5 pcs), and drainage of chemical toilets and grey water. Guided tours to get to know our horses and dogs are included in the price!
What should you pack for an autumn Northern Lights husky adventure?
Packing appropriately for an autumn Northern Lights husky adventure requires careful consideration of Lapland’s transitional weather and the dual nature of your activities. Layered clothing is essential, as daytime temperatures can range from comfortably mild to quite cool, while evenings spent aurora watching require additional warmth.
Essential clothing items include:
- Base layers: Thermal or merino wool undergarments that wick moisture while insulating
- Mid layers: Fleece jackets or wool jumpers that provide adjustable warmth
- Outer shell: A wind and waterproof jacket and trousers to protect against autumn showers and evening chill
- Sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support for husky hiking activities
- Warm hat, gloves, and neck warmer for evening aurora watching
- Extra pair of thick socks for comfort during longer outdoor sessions
Additional practical items for autumn adventures include:
- Insulated water bottle to keep beverages warm during outdoor excursions
- Small backpack for carrying layers, snacks, and camera equipment
- Binoculars for wildlife spotting during daytime husky activities
- Swimwear for sauna experiences at accommodation facilities
- Eye mask for sleeping, as autumn nights grow darker but may not be completely dark in early season
While we provide specialized equipment for husky activities, your personal comfort items and proper layering will ensure you remain comfortable throughout both active daytime experiences with our dogs and potentially extended evening sessions of aurora watching.
At Polar Lights Tours, we’ve crafted our autumn packages to highlight these seasonal advantages. Our local guides monitor aurora forecasts diligently and can adjust evening activities to maximize viewing opportunities, while our husky trainers design engaging autumn experiences that showcase our dogs’ abilities and personalities.
The combination of fewer tourists, spectacular landscapes in autumn transformation, the beginning of aurora season, and unique husky experiences creates an authentic Lapland adventure that many consider superior to the more crowded winter season. By embracing the special character of autumn in the Arctic, your journey becomes not just a trip to see specific attractions, but an immersion in the remarkable transitional season of the North.
