What's midnight sun, when and where to see it?

When we are travelling and are having a lot of fun, there are times when we just wish the day would never end. What if we were to tell you that there are incredible places on Earth where there are summer days that just don’t end. Yes, we are talking about the Midnight Sun, a captivating natural phenomenon where the sun remains visible at local midnight. This phenomenon occurs in regions north of the Arctic Circle and south of the Antarctic Circle during their respective summer months.

We’ll get to travel soon, but before that, let’s try and understand what the Midnight Sun is all about.

Our planet Earth is tilted at an angle of approximately 23.5 degrees relative to its orbit around the sun. During the summer solstice (June 21) the pole in the corresponding hemisphere is tilted towards the sun, resulting in continuous daylight for several weeks or even months. The result? The duration and intensity of the Midnight Sun increase with proximity to the poles.

When is the Midnight Sun seen?

The Midnight Sun occurs in summer in the Arctic Circle, from about late May to mid-July, and in the Antarctic Circle from late November to mid-January. During this period, there is no sunset.

Best places to see the Midnight Sun in summer?

Norway: North Cape, one of the northernmost points of Europe, offers spectacular views of the Midnight Sun from mid-May to late July. And in Svalbard, the phenomenon can be seen from mid-April to late August. When in Norway, one can also embark on a Midnight Sun cruise along Northern Norway's coast, exploring the enchanting Lofoten Islands, Tromsø, North Cape and Kirkenes.


Sweden: Kiruna is the northernmost town in Sweden, and here you will get to experience the Midnight Sun from late May to mid-July. Similarly, Abisko National Park is also perfect for this. If you happen to be in Stockholm, you will get 19 hours of daylight.


Finland: Rovaniemi experiences the Midnight Sun from early June to early July. Utsjoki, the northernmost municipality in Finland, sees continuous daylight from mid-May to late July. Helsinki will give you about 19 hours of daylight.

Iceland: The capital city of Reykjavík experiences almost 24-hour daylight around the summer solstice (June 21). Grímsey Island provides an authentic Midnight Sun experience.


Greenland: In Ilulissat, the sun remains above the horizon from mid-May to late July. During this time, you can embark on “late-night” hikes in the Sermermiut Valley, take boat trips to see glaciers, or enjoy kayaking in glacial lagoons.

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Canada: In Canada, the Yukon Territory is known as the land of the Midnight Sun. In cities like Whitehorse and Dawson City, you can witness the Midnight Sun from early June to mid-July.


Alaska, USA: Utqiaġvik is the northernmost city in the United States, and it has continuous daylight from early May to early August. Though Fairbanks is not within the Arctic Circle, it also experiences ALMOST 24-hour daylight during the summer solstice.

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