12 Best Places to See the Northern Lights Around the World

Chasing the Aurora Borealis? Discover prime viewing spots! Explore the magic in Iceland, Norway, and Finland, renowned for clear skies. Head to Canada's Yukon or Northwest Territories for dazzling displays. Don't miss Alaska, Greenland, and even Scotland's northern isles. Consider Russia's Siberia or Sweden's Lapland for unique experiences. Remember, dark skies and solar activity enhance the Northern Lights show.

Prime Locations for Viewing the Aurora Borealis

Each of these locations offers a unique experience, depending on your preferences for accessibility, cost, and other activities. Consider the viewing season and the typical weather conditions before planning your trip.

Location	Best Viewing Season	Average Aurora Forecast (Scale of 1-9)	Key Features
Fairbanks, Alaska, USA	September to April	3-6	Accessible, offers numerous aurora viewing tours, comfortable accommodation, and other winter activities like dog sledding.
Yellowknife, Canada	Mid-November to early April	4-7	Known as the "Aurora Capital of the World," offers long viewing seasons, clear skies, and dedicated aurora viewing lodges.
Reykjavik, Iceland	September to mid-April	2-5	Relatively accessible, offers a variety of Northern Lights tours, stunning landscapes, and geothermal attractions. Light pollution can be a factor.
Tromsø, Norway	September to April	3-6	Coastal location, milder temperatures compared to other regions, offers various aurora chasing tours, and opportunities for whale watching.
Rovaniemi, Finland	September to April	2-5	Home of Santa Claus Village, ideal for families, offers unique aurora viewing experiences such as snowshoeing and reindeer sledding.
Swedish Lapland, Sweden	December to March	3-6	Remote wilderness, offers opportunities for dog sledding, snowmobiling, and staying in the iconic ICEHOTEL. Abisko National Park is known for its clear skies.
Greenland	September to April	4-7	Remote and pristine wilderness, offers a unique cultural experience, and fewer crowds than other destinations. Requires more planning and can be more expensive.
Scottish Highlands, Scotland	October to February	1-3	Relatively accessible, offers a unique landscape with castles and lochs, and the chance to combine aurora hunting with exploring Scottish culture. Lower aurora activity than other locations.
Murmansk, Russia	September to April	4-7	Unique cultural experience, offers the opportunity to explore a Russian Arctic city, and can be a more budget-friendly option. Requires a visa.
Yukon Territory, Canada	Late August to mid-April	4-7	Known for its vast wilderness and dark skies, offers excellent opportunities for Northern Lights viewing away from light pollution.
Northumberland, England	September to April	1-3	Dark Sky Park status makes it a good option within the UK. Aurora is visible during periods of strong solar activity. Convenient for UK residents.
Isle of Skye, Scotland	September to April	1-3	Dramatic landscapes add to the experience. Similar aurora visibility to the Scottish Highlands.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Location

Several factors influence your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. Here's a breakdown:

Latitude: Locations closer to the Arctic Circle generally offer better viewing opportunities.

Dark Skies: Light pollution from cities and towns can significantly reduce visibility. Choose locations with minimal artificial light.

Clear Skies: Cloud cover is the biggest obstacle to seeing the aurora. Check the weather forecast before heading out.

Aurora Forecast: Monitor the aurora forecast (Kp index) to get an idea of the predicted strength of the aurora activity. A higher Kp index indicates a stronger aurora.

Moon Phase: A full moon can wash out the Northern Lights, so aim for a new moon or crescent moon phase.

Tips for Successful Aurora Hunting

Planning is essential for a successful aurora hunting trip. Here are some helpful tips:

Dress warmly: Temperatures in these regions can be extremely cold, especially at night. Layer up with thermal clothing, waterproof outerwear, and insulated boots.

Bring a tripod: A tripod is essential for taking clear photos of the Northern Lights.

Learn basic camera settings: Experiment with different shutter speeds, aperture, and ISO settings to capture the aurora effectively.

Be patient: The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and there's no guarantee you'll see them. Be prepared to wait, and enjoy the beauty of the night sky.

Consider a guided tour: Local guides have extensive knowledge of the area and can increase your chances of seeing the aurora.

Chasing the Dream: Seeing the Northern Lights

Witnessing the Northern Lights is an unforgettable experience. By choosing the right location, planning carefully, and being prepared, you can increase your chances of witnessing this incredible display of nature's beauty. Whether you choose the remote wilderness of Greenland or the accessible shores of Iceland, the magic of the Aurora Borealis is waiting to be discovered.