Best Places to See the Northern Lights

​The northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, is a phenomenon that many people want to see at least once in their lifetime. The blue green and purple hues that light up the sky are something you can’t miss if given the chance! So planning a trip with all of the changing conditions in mind is probably your best bet to see them.

​The lights are most active around the equinoxes in March and September, although they are around for most of the year. However, weather conditions, time of night and even what phase the moon is in can have an effect on your viewing experience. For example, the further north you go during the summertime, the fewer hours of darkness you’ll have, thus limiting visibility. A full moon can actually obstruct your view too, so visiting during a new moon would be preferable. Lastly, staying for a minimum of three nights can increase your chances, because of how unpredictable conditions are each day.

​There are some great resources out there that go into more detail about current conditions, such as The University of Alberta’s Aurora Watch and University of Alaska at Fairbanks’ Aurora Forecast. In general, it is best to visit sometime between the fall and springtime, around where the aurora belt is most active. Below are some of the best destinations to see the northern lights!

Fairbanks, Alaska

Fairbanks, Alaska
Fairbanks is a world-famous aurora viewing destination because of its location directly under the “Auroral Oval,” where activity is heavily concentrated. According to travelalaska.com, you have a 90% chance of seeing the northern lights if you stay for 3-5 nights, and are actively looking at peak times each night. Aurora Season in Fairbanks, Alaska, is from August 21 through April 21.

Yellowknife, Canada

Northwest Territories, Canada
You can see the northern lights almost anywhere in Canada, but the Northwest Territories definitely have the best view. Generally, the further north you go, and the further away you are from cities that create light pollution the better your chances. In fact, the northern lights are visible for around 240 nights a year in this area, so it shouldn’t be too hard to catch them! The optimal time frame is either fall or winter, although they are still visible during the summer months.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik, Iceland
If you’re wanting to travel somewhere that has both a big city, and lots of surrounding nature, Reykjavik is the place to go. Not only that, but Iceland is situated right within the aurora zone, so you will most likely be able to see them, as this is where most of the activity occurs. Take a northern lights tour just outside of the city on a bus, boat, fatbike, atv, or a skimobile! The best time of year to see the northern lights in Iceland is in the winter, but extends between September and April.

Tromsø, Norway

Tromsø, Norway
'The capital of the Arctic’, also known as Tromsø, just so happens to be one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights. Based in the heart of the aurora zone, chances of seeing the northern lights are high, and made even higher with the annual polar night. Every year, between late November and late January, polar night occurs, or when the sun sets below the horizon. Check out one of the aurora safaris or visit Lofoten Links to go golfing under the lights!

Abisko National Park, Swedish Laplands

Abisko National Park, Swedish Laplands
If you’re looking for something truly remote, visit the Abisko National Park in the Swedish Laplands. Because it is so secluded, there is little to no light pollution, making it optimal for viewing the northern lights. In 2015, Lonely Planet named the Aurora Sky Station, on top of Mt. Njullá as the best place to experience the northern lights. Take the chair lift up the mountain to watch the lights ideally between November and April.

The Arctic Garden

Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland
The home of Santa, also known as Rovaniemi, is home to The Arctic Garden. A garden maintained by the University of Lapland, located in front of the Arktikum Science Centre and Museum. In the autumn, it is one of the most popular places to watch the lights, as well as going to the top of Ounasvaara falls.

Scotland

Bonus: Scotland
Scotland is by no means the best place to see the northern lights, so this destination is really just a bonus. If you happen to be in Scotland, and the conditions are right, then you might be lucky enough to see the lights for yourself! The aural band extends further south into Scotland if there is a lot of geomagnetic activity, which coincidentally just happened in February of this year.

Interested in seeing the northern lights? Contact one of our Travel Consultants! Call us today at 314-439-5700