Sisimiut, Greenland's second-largest town at 5,600 inhabitants, sits at 66.9°N latitude – well within the auroral oval. The northern lights (Arsarnerit in Greenlandic) appear on roughly 200–250 nights per year in this region. This article covers the best time to see them, where to go, and whether a guided tour or a DIY approach works best for your visit.
Best Time for Northern Lights in Sisimiut
Seasonal Window
The aurora season in Sisimiut runs from late August to mid-April. The darkest months – November through February – offer the highest probability of sightings because the sun stays low or below the horizon. In December, the sun rises around 11:00 and sets by 14:00, providing 18+ hours of darkness. However, cloud cover can obscure the lights even on active nights.
Peak Hours
Statistically, aurora activity peaks around local midnight. In Sisimiut, the best viewing window is 21:00 to 02:00. The geomagnetic index (Kp) needed for visible aurora at this latitude is often Kp 2–3 or higher. You can check real-time forecasts at the Danish Meteorological Institute (DMI) or the University of Alaska's aurora forecast.
Weather Considerations
Clear skies are essential. Sisimiut's coastal location means frequent low cloud and precipitation. November and December are the cloudiest months. January and February often bring clearer, colder conditions with temperatures around −15°C to −25°C. March offers longer daylight but still dark evenings, with milder temperatures around −10°C.
Moon Phase
A bright moon washes out faint aurora. Plan your trip around the new moon or when the moon is below the horizon during peak hours. Moonrise and moonset times are available on timeanddate.com.
Best Viewing Locations in and near Sisimiut
Within Town
Light pollution from streetlights and houses reduces visibility. The best spots inside town are:
- Harbor area (Aqqusinersuaq end): Walk past the fishing harbour towards the old heliport. Minimal direct light, open view north over the fjord.
- Sports Hall / Ski Slope area: Follow the road past the sports hall (Idrætshallen) to the small ski slope. Higher elevation, away from main streetlights.
- Nalunnguarfik (the town square): Only if the aurora is strong; still some light from buildings.
Outside Town (Short Walk)
Within 15–20 minutes walk from the town centre:
- Old heliport hill (Heliportvej): A 10-minute walk from the center, elevation ~50 m, wide sky view to the north.
- Road to the ski slope (Sisimiut Skibakke): About 2 km from town, follow the dirt road. Pitch dark after the last houses.
Further Out (Requires Transport)
For truly dark skies, drive or take a taxi to:
- Kangerluarsuk Tulleq (near the Arctic Circle Trail trailhead): 15 km east of Sisimiut. No light pollution, open valley. Taxi costs around 300–400 DKK each way.
- Nerumaq / Kangerluarsussuaq area: 10 km north of town, accessible by snowmobile in winter or taxi on the gravel road. Very dark.
For context on the trail, see our Arctic Circle Trail guide.
Guided Northern Lights Tours
Several operators in Sisimiut offer aurora tours during the winter season (October–March). Prices and inclusions vary.
Tour Operators
- Arctic Travel Sisimiut: Offers 3–4 hour evening tours by minibus. Price: 1,200 DKK per person (2025). Includes hot drinks, thermal suits, and photography tips. Maximum 8 guests.
- Greenland Tours Sisimiut: Smaller group tours (max 6) using a 4x4 vehicle. Price: 1,500 DKK per person. They drive to multiple spots depending on cloud cover. Includes snacks and tripod use.
- Hotel Sisimiut: Offers a “Northern Lights Wake-Up Call” – if aurora appears, staff call guests and arrange a quick minibus trip. Price: 500 DKK per person (call-out service only, no transport included – you must arrange your own taxi or walk).
What to Expect on a Tour
Tours typically depart around 21:00 and last 3–4 hours. The guide checks aurora forecasts and cloud cover to choose the best location, often driving 20–40 minutes out of town. They provide warm clothing if needed, set up tripods for photography, and explain the science behind the lights. Some tours offer a campfire or a heated shelter.
Pros and Cons of Guided Tours
Pros: Local expertise, transport included, no need to rent a car, warm gear provided, social experience, higher chance of success because guides monitor forecasts.
Cons: Cost (1,200–1,500 DKK per person), fixed schedule, limited to group size, less flexibility if you want to stay out longer.
DIY Northern Lights Viewing
Watching the aurora on your own is free and gives you complete control. However, you need to plan carefully.
Getting to a Dark Spot
If you have a rental car, drive 10–15 km out of town on the road toward Kangerlussuaq (gravel road, 4WD recommended in winter). Park at a wide pull-off. If you don't have a car, walk to the old heliport or ski slope (see locations above). Taxis are available – call +299 86 44 44 (Sisimiut Taxi) – but expect 300–400 DKK for a one-way trip to a remote spot. Arrange a pickup time in advance.
Equipment
- Warm clothing: Layered system, windproof outer layer, insulated boots, hat, gloves. Temperatures can drop below −25°C.
- Headlamp: Red light mode preserves night vision.
- Camera: DSLR or mirrorless with a fast lens (f/1.8 or f/2.8), tripod, spare batteries (cold drains them quickly).
- Thermos: Hot drink to stay warm.
- Mobile phone: Download aurora forecast apps (e.g., My Aurora Forecast, Aurora Alerts).
Staying Safe
Winter temperatures in Sisimiut are extreme. Frostbite can occur within minutes on exposed skin. Never go out alone without telling someone your route and return time. Cell reception is good within 5 km of town but patchy farther out. Carry a fully charged phone and a power bank. If you walk, stick to the road or well-known trails – the terrain is rugged and snow-covered.
Pros and Cons of DIY
Pros: Free, flexible timing, you can stay as long as you want, no group constraints, more adventurous.
Cons: You need to monitor forecasts yourself, may miss the lights if you don't know where to go, safety risks if unprepared, no warm shelter or hot drinks unless you bring them, no photography guidance.
Tour vs DIY: Which to Choose?
Consider your budget, comfort level, and experience.
| Factor | Tour | DIY |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per person | 1,200–1,500 DKK | 0–400 DKK (taxi) |
| Success rate | High (guide monitors data) | Moderate (depends on your prep) |
| Flexibility | Fixed schedule | Complete freedom |
| Comfort | Heated vehicle, hot drinks, warm suit | You must bring everything |
| Photography help | Guide assists | You need to know your camera |
| Safety | Very safe | Requires caution |
If you are a first-time visitor with no winter driving experience, a tour is recommended. If you are an experienced traveller with proper gear and a rental car, DIY can be rewarding and cheaper.
Practical Tips for Both Options
- Check the forecast: Use the DMI aurora forecast (https://www.dmi.dk/vejr-og-observationer/aurora/) and the OVATION model (https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/aurora-30-minute-forecast).
- Dress in layers: Merino wool base layer, fleece mid-layer, windproof and insulated outer layer. Thermal pants and boots rated to −30°C.
- Arrive early: Set up 30 minutes before peak hours to let your eyes adjust to darkness.
- Be patient: Aurora can appear and disappear within minutes. Wait at least an hour.
- No flash photography: It ruins night vision and disturbs others.
- Respect the environment: Leave no trace.
If you are visiting in winter, also check our winter activities guide for more things to do.
Accommodation and Getting There
Sisimiut has several hotels and guesthouses. Hotel Sisimiut (from 1,200 DKK/night) offers aurora wake-up calls. Seaside Sisimiut (from 900 DKK/night) has some rooms with north-facing windows. For budget options, Sisimiut Youth Hostel (Vandrerhjem) offers dorm beds from 350 DKK.
Reaching Sisimiut is easiest via Air Greenland flights from Kangerlussuaq (15 minutes, 1,200 DKK one-way) or from Nuuk (45 minutes, 2,000 DKK one-way). See Air Greenland routes to Sisimiut for details. Alternatively, the coastal ferry Sarfaq Ittuk runs year-round, with crossings from Nuuk (12 hours, from 600 DKK for deck passage). Check Sarfaq Ittuk ferry schedule.
For a full trip planner, refer to The Complete Guide to Sisimiut, Greenland 2026.