Best Time to See the Northern Lights with Recommended Places

Also known as the Aurora Borealis, the northern lights are visible at 60-75° latitude. Best known as the “northern lights belt”, it covers northern parts of Canada, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Alaska, Russia and Iceland.

Aurora displays are strongest and most frequent during the equinoxes, which make Earth's magnetic shield more open to solar wind particles. Let us explore the best time to see the northern lights.

What Are the Ideal Northern Lights Season?

September to March, during the equinoxes, are typically the best time to see the northern lights. Aurora is optimally visible at midnight. However, when solar activity is high, it can be especially visible at sunset and sunrise.

August: First Auroras of the Season

Northern lights season starts in August in Scandinavia. Though it does not get completely dark during this time, you can see aurora even in nautical twilight. However, a stronger display is all you need to witness aurora during this month.

1. You may see aurora in the south of the Arctic Circle earlier in the month.

2. In the northern part of Scandinavia and America, it is visible from mid- to the end of the month.

September: Best Month of the Year for Aurora

The northern light season fully begins in September, at the equinox. It is one of the best time to see the northern lights, and tour operators frequently keep northern lights tours this season. Temperatures become mild and the possibility of clear skies at night is high during this time.

1. You may visit the Northern Scandinavian region such as Tromso, Luleå and Rovaniemi in mid-September.

2. North American regions such as Fairbanks, Alaska, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, and Whitehorse, Yukon are also recommended during this time.

October: Another Significant Month for Aurora

Just like September, October is another suitable month for aurora.  Comfortable weather for daytime adventure and midnight northern lights makes this month another peak travel season in northern Scandinavia and North America.

1. October is also the best time to see the northern lights, especially for spectacular photography.

2. October can also offer superb value in terms of accommodation and flights.

November: Aurora in Snowy Polar Night

Autumn morphs into winter this month, and you will get adverse weather with beautiful skies. The long dark hours create opportunities for extended aurora windows, but it may become cloudy with unexpected weather conditions.

1. Places such as Alta and Tromso in the Norwegian Arctic are plunged into polar night.

2. In Yellowknife, Fairbanks, and Churchill in North America, the weather becomes adverse.

December: Northern Lights Over the Snowy Forests

If your primary goal is to witness aurora, you can visit in December. However, the weather is extreme this time. For Example, the sun rises in Rovaniemi at 11 am and sets after 1 pm, with fewer daytime activities. However, it may increase aurora windows.

1. You may get a 2-hour window for daytime activities.

2. Hotel fares rise this time due to Christmas.

January: Aurora With Winter Activities

January witnesses fewer crowds than December, with reduced accommodation charges. Polar nights come to an end in the middle of this month in Tromso and Kiruna. Daytime starts to become longer.

1. You can enjoy classic winter activities such as snowmobiling, husky sledging, and so on.

2. Keep warm clothes on hand, as temperatures can dip below -30°C.

February: Aurora in Snowy Scenery

You can enjoy the aurora over snowy scenery during February. This month will provide a blend of sufficient daylight and plenty of darkness for aurora hunting. Most travel companies offer specialist thermal wear to prevent colds during this time.

1. Alaska and northern Canada can offer the best aurora view during February from 10 pm to 2 am local time.

2. Norway and Sweden in Northern Scandinavia are the best places to see the aurora from 11 pm to 2 am in February.

March: Excellent Month for Intense Aurora Displays

March, being the last part of the equinoxes, also makes it the best time to see the northern lights. A combination of long days, nights, and plenty of clear skies makes this time ideal for northern light admirers to visit North America and Northern Scandinavia.

1. Another great season for winter activities such as husky sledging or snowmobiling.

2. March is technically springtime, but it is best known as ‘sunny winter’.

Now you are aware of Aurora Borealis best months. Plan accordingly and witness the magical dancing lights in the northern parts of the world. However, always consider International travel insurance for safe travel from India with Bajaj General Insurance Limited.

What are the Best Countries to See Northern Lights?

Let us find out which countries are best for aurora in northern Scandinavia and North America:

Northern Scandinavia

1. Finland: Lapland offers stunning views of the auroras, especially with snowy landscapes.

2. Sweden: Abisko National Park is best known for clear skies in this country.

3. Norway: Tromsø and the Lofoten Islands are ideal spots for aurora viewing due to picturesque landscapes.

4. Iceland: Reykjavik and the Golden Circle route are best to start your aurora hunting.

North America

1. Canada: Both the shores of Hudson Bay and Yukon Territory are famous for breathtaking aurora borealis.

2. Churchill, Manitoba: It belongs to Canada, is known as the "Polar Bear Capital of the World," and also offers a unique aurora-viewing experience.

3. The USA: Fairbanks and the Arctic Circle in Alaska are ideal locations for aurora hunting in the USA.

Why Is Travel Insurance Recommended for a Successful Northern Lights Trip

1. Extreme Weather: The extreme weather often causes delays in flights in northern regions. You may even find road blockages in some parts. You may have to bear extra costs in this case without travel insurance.

2. Emergency Care: You have to travel remotely for the Northern Lights. Now getting sick in Lapland or rural Norway may require urgent care. Travel insurance can protect your expenditure.

3. Wilderness Rescue: You cannot predict the weather. Sudden snowfall and road blockage might require extra bucks from your pocket for helicopter rescue without travel insurance.

Final Thought

Now you are aware of the places and right times of seeing the aurora from this Northern Lights travel guide. From September to March is the best time to see the northern lights, and the season begins in August. Plan your travel to North America, Northern Scandinavia, or Europe during this window and witness the northern lights as a lifetime achievement.

Contact Bajaj General Insurance Limited for premium travel insurance to protect yourself and your investment during a northern lights adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see the aurora in the city light?

Yes, you can. But it requires a strong solar storm. It's better to plan for offbeat villages or near river banks, lakes, or parks in the northern part to visualise aurora.

How many days should I set aside for viewing the aurora?

You can plan for at least 5-7 days for aurora viewing. As it is a natural phenomenon, no one can assure you about the northern lights on a single fixed day.

Should I plan according to the aurora forecast?

No, you cannot plan your trip from India according to the aurora forecast. It is only predictable 2 to 24 hours in advance. Therefore, plan your trip and check updates from the "Space Weather Prediction Centre”.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.

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