The aurora borealis, more commonly known as the Northern Lights, is a dazzling display of multi-colored lights in the Arctic that graces the bucket list of many travelers. These vibrant colors that light up the sky are a result of the charged particles of the sun colliding with molecules in Earth’s atmosphere to create atmospheric gases that emit light. However, while the Northern Lights are active year-round, they are not always visible. We’ve crafted this insightful guide to give you the best chance of actually seeing this striking display in 2025 and 2026.
For starters, the Northern Lights can only be seen in select locations near the Arctic Circle. Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Finland are some of the most popular destinations to view the display. Specifically, Tromsø in Norway, Swedish Lapland, and Finnish Lapland are known for having excellent viewing opportunities. However, parts of Canada, Alaska, and Greenland are also options.
The best destinations to view the Northern Lights have minimal light pollution as the dark skies make the celestial scene more vibrant and viewable. Additionally, if you plan on going aurora hunting, be sure to keep a close eye on the weather forecast. Clear skies are essential for viewing.
Seasonality plays a huge role in aurora hunting. The best time of year to see the majestic occurrence is during the winter months when the nights are long and the skies are dark. Late September to early April provides the best opportunity for viewing. The constant daylight from the midnight sun in the summer nights in the Arctic makes it impossible to see the lights.
The equinoxes between March and September are also promising times to see the sky light up because there is increased geomagnetic activity during these times. The increased activity can charge the lights even more, making them even more visible and magnificent. The sun plays a huge role in teh visibility of the lights, so when the solar cycle is closest to its maximum, there is a greater chance of seeing the lights as well.
Planning a trip around seeing the Northern Lights can be tricky, as there is never a guarantee that you will see the display. But this is part of what makes the phenomenon so thrilling. Take the time of year, solar cycle activity, weather, and destination into account to give yourself the best chance to experience this fantastic scene.
