Best Places to See Northern Lights, Aurora in 2025

Last Updated: January 05, 2025

Tweet

The night sky with upcoming events will be a memorable spectacle for the stargazers. Observing the Northern Lights or Aurora is a magical experience that should be on everyone's bucket list. It's an opportunity to combine this natural spectacle with other Nordic activities like dog sledding, snowshoeing, or meeting Santa Claus. The Nordic countries offer a wide range of activities to enjoy during your trip.

The Northern Lights are a breathtaking natural phenomenon that can be observed in certain northern regions. They are formed when charged solar particles collide with the Earth's atmosphere, resulting in luminous bursts of color. The best places to see them include Norway, Iceland, and Canada, typically during the winter months.

To observe the Northern Lights, specific conditions must be met, including a dark sky free of light pollution, a certain particle density, and the right time of year. The auroral zone, located between 60 and 75°C latitude, is the best place to see them. Avoiding full moon nights and geomagnetic storms can also improve visibility.

Where Can you See the Northern Lights Aurora

The best places to see the Northern Lights are in the far north, like Scandinavia (Norway, Finland, Sweden) and northern Russia. The stronger the aurora activity, the farther south you might be able to see it. In Norway, some popular spots include Tromsø, the Lofoten Islands, and Finnmark.

Another option is Iceland or Canada. The key is to be as north as possible on a clear winter night. With clear skies, you can maximize your chances of witnessing this spectacular light show.

Norway

Tromsø, positioned above the Arctic Circle in Norway, is famed for its proximity to the North Pole, making it an ideal spot for witnessing the Northern Lights. For optimal viewing, it's recommended to visit between September and mid-April when light pollution and cloud cover are minimal. Joining a Tromsø Northern Lights Tour enhances the chances of experiencing this natural spectacle, while nearby locations like the Lofoten Islands, the Svalbard archipelago, and areas around Alta and Storslett offer additional options for Northern Lights sightings.

Svolvær, located in the Lofoten Islands, is another captivating destination for observing the Northern Lights in Norway. The Northern Lights belt enters the country through these islands, offering ample opportunities to witness the mesmerizing dance of colors in the night sky. With favorable weather conditions and the stunning landscapes of the Lofoten Islands, it's considered one of the top 10 global destinations for experiencing the Northern Lights. Additionally, for a more immersive aurora-hunting experience, consider a stay in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, particularly on the island of Spitsbergen, known for its sparse population and exceptional aurora sightings.

Iceland

The Northern Lights in Iceland, particularly in Reykjavik, offer an unparalleled spectacle of vibrant colors dancing across the sky. While visible almost continuously in Reykjavik, escaping the city's light pollution enhances the experience, with desert landscapes near Reykjavik providing a stunning backdrop for viewing the auroras during activities like bird watching. For a more immersive experience, venturing further north to Lake Myvatn or the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon in the southeast promises even more enchanting displays of green, blue, and pink hues. From Reikjavik to the remote northwest fjords, Iceland offers a range of locations to witness the auroras from October to March, making it a prime destination for aurora hunters seeking the magical spectacle of the Northern Lights.

Finland

It is in northern Lapland, on the borders of the country, that you will have the opportunity to contemplate the phenomenon. The local statistics are enough to make amateurs dream: it is said that in Finnish Lapland, it is possible to observe the aurora every other winter night. Enough to come back with stars in your eyes.

Sweden

Kiruna, nestled in the driest and least cloudy region of Sweden, presents an enticing opportunity to witness the Northern Lights against expansive, pristine landscapes. Offering unique experiences like excursions to the Aurora Colosseum, observing this natural spectacle amidst Swedish Lapland's wilderness is unforgettable. Lulea and the quaint village of Jukkasjärvi serve as alternative options for Northern Lights sightings in Sweden, with the north of the country, particularly Swedish Lapland, being favored for optimal viewing conditions amidst its breathtaking forests and wilderness. From cozy trapper's cabins with outdoor jacuzzis to exhilarating night sleigh rides, there's no shortage of activities to enhance the aurora-hunting adventure.

Canada

We leave the Nordic countries behind and cross the Atlantic to Vancouver, Canada. Whitehorse, Yukon, is a perfect place to enjoy the Northern Lights, also known as the "land of the midnight sun". The city of Yellowknife is also a good spot for northern lights hunters. Its proximity to the North Pole makes Canada a favorite land for observing the Northern Lights, particularly in the provinces of Yukon, Saskatchewan, Nunavu, Alberta, the Northwest Territories, and Quebec.

Alaska, USA

Alaska is a famous destination to see the Northern Lights, with some areas like Fairbanks offering tours for aurora viewing. Because of its location, Alaska experiences the Northern Lights for almost 200 days a year, making it one of the best places in the world to witness this natural phenomenon. Other good spots include Nome and Denali National Park where the absence of light pollution provides optimal viewing conditions.

Greenland

Although it is one of the most remote and exclusive destinations for viewing the Northern Lights, we couldn't leave it out. If you have the opportunity to go to Nuuk, Greenland, you cannot miss the contemplation of this natural phenomenon in one of the least populated capitals in the world. This is one of the reasons why we included it among the best destinations to see the Northern Lights. You can also go to Kangerlussuaq, Ilulissat or Tasiilaq. You will find absolutely clear nights there! No doubt, the second largest island in the world is ideal for observing the aurora. Take advantage of Greenland's long (and cold!) winter nights to enjoy the spectacle.

Scotland, UK

And last, but not least, it is Scotland. It might not be one of the first places that comes to mind when you think of the best destinations to see the Northern Lights, but we can tell you that off the coast near Caithness or in Orkney Islands, you have a good chance of seeing this much-desired natural secret in the sky.

Nicknamed the “Mirrie Dancers”, a tradition very approximate to a Gaelic term, the Northern Lights are common in Scotland, particularly on the northern tip of the Isle of Skye and in the Ulapool region. Not surprising, when we know that the north of Scotland is located at the same latitude as the Norwegian city of Stavanger or the island of Nunivak in Alaska.

When is the best time to see the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights are best seen between late summer and spring, with the biggest displays during the winter months (September to March) thanks to longer nights. However, late winter (February to April) offers clearer skies and sometimes even better viewing conditions, especially in Finnish Lapland where April is prime time. In terms of the night itself, aim for early evening (6-8pm) or late night (midnight-1am), with extended viewing possible during peak activity.

Lastly, to Mention the Southern Lights in Australia and New Zealand

Lastly to not miss out, on the night sky of May 10, people of Australia also enjoyed the spectacle of Southern lights in Australia. Aurora australis has lit up skies across southern Australia. You can enjoy the view of Southern Lights of brightly coloured skies in Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and across the Tasman in New Zealand.