The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are one of the most breathtaking natural wonders on Earth. Watching the sky dance with vibrant greens, purples, and reds is a bucket list experience for many, but planning a trip to see them can feel overwhelming. When should you go? Where are the best locations? What can you do to maximize your chances? This beginner’s guide to the Northern Lights will help you navigate the basics of Northern Lights travel so you can focus on enjoying the magic.
What Are the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights occur when charged particles from the sun collide with Earth’s atmosphere, producing colorful light displays. The intensity of the aurora depends on solar activity and how those particles interact with the Earth’s magnetic field. Since this phenomenon is most visible in high-latitude regions, places near the Arctic Circle offer the best viewing opportunities.
When Is the Best Time to See the Northern Lights?
The best months for aurora viewing are between September and April, when the nights are longest and darkest. Peak activity typically occurs between 10 PM and 2 AM, but auroras can appear earlier or later, depending on conditions. Keep in mind that cloud cover can obscure the lights, so checking weather forecasts is just as important as monitoring aurora activity.
Read Month-by-Month Guide for Northern Light Travelling for a more detailed article on the best time to travel.
Best Places to See the Northern Lights
For the best experience, you need a location with minimal light pollution and clear skies. Some of the top destinations include:
- Norway: Tromsø, Lofoten Islands
- Iceland: Thingvellir National Park, outskirts of Reykjavik
- Sweden: Abisko National Park
- Finland: Rovaniemi, Lapland
- Canada: Yukon, Northwest Territories
- Alaska, USA: Fairbanks, Denali National Park
Each of these destinations offers a unique experience, from dramatic fjords in Norway to glass igloos in Finland where you can watch the aurora from the comfort of a warm bed. We are giving a more detailed overview of the top picks in The Top 6 Northern Lights Destinations.
How Long Should You Stay?
Since the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, there’s never a guarantee that they will appear on any given night. To increase your chances, it’s best to plan for at least three to five nights in a prime viewing location. This gives you flexibility in case of cloudy skies or low auroral activity on certain nights. The more nights you stay, the better your chances of seeing a spectacular display.
How to Increase Your Chances of Seeing the Northern Lights
- Check Aurora Forecasts: Websites like NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center provide real-time aurora activity updates. Read more about the The Best Apps & Websites for Northern Lights Chasing.
- Avoid Light Pollution: The darker the sky, the better your viewing conditions. Try to get away from city lights.
- Be Patient: Sometimes the aurora appears suddenly and lasts only a few minutes, while other times it may dance in the sky for hours.
- Dress Warmly: Standing outside for extended periods in freezing conditions can be tough, so layer up and bring hand warmers. For more information on what temperatures to expect and how to cope with them, please read How cold is too cold? On how to cope with Arctic winter conditions on your Northern Lights trip.
Guided Tours & Northern Lights Chasing
If you have limited time or want to maximize your chances, joining a guided Northern Lights tour is a great option. These tours are led by experienced guides who track real-time aurora and weather conditions, taking you to the best locations for viewing.
Some of the most popular tour locations include Tromsø (Norway), Reykjavik (Iceland), Abisko (Sweden), Rovaniemi (Finland), and Fairbanks (Alaska). Many tours provide warm clothing, tripods for photography, and even hot drinks to keep you comfortable while you wait for the lights to appear. This site will provide more detailed information on tour operators soon, in the meantime read our The Do’s and Don’ts of Enjoying and Photographing the Northern Lights in a Group to make it an enjoyable experience!
Northern Lights Photography Tips
Capturing the Northern Lights can be challenging, but with the right settings and techniques, you can take stunning photos. Here’s how:
- Know Your Camera: Practice taking night shots at home so you’re comfortable adjusting settings in the field.
- Use a Tripod: Since long exposure times are needed, a tripod helps prevent blurriness.
- Turn Off Flash: It won’t help and will only disturb other photographers.
- Adjust Your ISO: Set it between 800-3200 for better light sensitivity.
- Use a Wide Aperture: f/2.8 or lower allows more light in, helping to capture brighter images.
- Shutter Speed: Adjust between 5-15 seconds depending on aurora movement. A fast-moving aurora requires shorter exposure times to avoid blurring.
- Smartphone Photography: Many modern smartphones have excellent night modes. If your phone has a manual setting, adjust ISO and shutter speed manually for better results.
Seeing the Northern Lights is an unforgettable experience, but it requires a bit of planning and patience. Choose your destination wisely, stay for multiple nights, and be prepared for the cold. Whether you opt for a remote cabin in the Arctic wilderness or a guided tour from a bustling Nordic city, witnessing the aurora in person is something you’ll never forget.
That’s it for our beginner’s guide to the Northern Lights. For more travel tips, photography guides, and Northern Lights insights, keep following our website!