Northern lights forecast · tonight

Northern Lights Forecast for Tonight:
Aurora Tracker

Know when to go out. Local aurora forecasts and free alerts, wherever you are.

Free to download · iOS & Android

Download on the App Store 4.7
GET IT ON Google Play 4.8
QR code to download AuroraMe app
App Store
QR code to download AuroraMe app
Google Play
Scan with phone to download

Check your city’s forecast

AuroraMe northern lights forecast app
Built for the view outside.
Know when the sky is worth your time.

The app, in your pocket

Know when the sky is worth your time.

One calm place for the signals that matter before you head outside.

01

Find your best viewing hour

A clear, local view of darkness, clouds and activity—without the noise.

  • 24-hour local forecast
  • One saved location free
02

Let the right night find you

Choose the conditions that matter and get a nudge when they align.

  • 4 free alert types
  • Quiet hours when you need them
03

See the bigger picture

Follow aurora conditions across the map, then make your own call.

  • 6 map overlays
  • Built for iOS and Android
Free24h forecast · 1 location · 4 alert types
Premium72h + 27-day forecast · unlimited locations · 14 alert types

Take the forecast with you

Download on the App Store 4.7
GET IT ON Google Play 4.8
QR code to download AuroraMe app
App Store
QR code to download AuroraMe app
Google Play
Scan with phone to download

Live Aurora Conditions

Global Kp Index

Updated live
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Solar Wind

Speed & Density
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km/s
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Bz Field

Interplanetary Magnetic
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Kp Index: 27-Day Forecast

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Kp 5+ Kp 3-4 Kp 1-2
🌈 Northern Lights Forecast Tonight Live visibility map, Kp levels by city & viewing tips

Aurora Destinations by Country

Show all 53 countries

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Kp index?

The Kp index measures geomagnetic activity on a scale from 0 to 9, published by NOAA SWPC every 3 hours. Higher Kp means a larger auroral oval and aurora visible at lower latitudes. Kp 3+ is visible in northern Scandinavia, Kp 5+ reaches Scotland and northern US states, Kp 7+ can reach central Europe.

Can I see aurora tonight?

Aurora visibility depends on 5 factors: Kp index (geomagnetic activity), cloud cover, moon phase, hours of darkness, and your magnetic latitude. All five must align — even strong Kp activity is invisible behind clouds or during twilight. Check the forecast for your city to see if conditions align tonight.

What causes the northern lights?

Aurora borealis occurs when charged particles from the solar wind enter Earth's magnetosphere and collide with atmospheric gases. Oxygen produces green light (90–150 km altitude) and red light (above 200 km), while nitrogen creates purple and blue hues. Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from the Sun trigger the strongest displays.

How does aurora forecasting work?

AuroraMe uses a 5-factor prediction model: real-time Kp index from NOAA SWPC, local cloud cover forecasts, moon phase and illumination, hours of darkness at your location, and magnetic latitude (which determines your minimum Kp threshold). These factors are combined into a single visibility status updated every 15 minutes.

When is the best time to see the northern lights?

The best season is September through March in the northern hemisphere, with peak activity around the equinoxes (September-October, February-March) due to the Russell-McPherron effect. The best hours are 10 PM to 2 AM local time, when geomagnetic substorms peak. Solar Cycle 25 is near its maximum in 2025-2026, making this period exceptionally active.

What Kp level do I need for my location?

Your required Kp depends on magnetic latitude. The formula is roughly: Required Kp = (66 - Magnetic Latitude) / 2. For example, Tromsø (67.4° MLAT) needs just Kp 1, Edinburgh (58.2° MLAT) needs Kp 4, and London (53.4° MLAT) needs Kp 6. Check any city page for the exact Kp threshold calculated from its magnetic latitude.