Where to See the Northern Lights All Over the World

12.03.2024 - 01:39 / cntraveler.com

Witnessing the natural phenomenon of the aurora borealis belongs on every traveler’s bucket list. But determining where to see the northern lights is a complex matter—actually encountering the majestic and alien-ish green and purple glow of the night sky is not only about location, but also timing (December to March is ideal in many instances; August through April in other parts), positioning (typically from latitudes 65 to 72 degrees North), and plain ol’ luck (a clear, dark, and cloud-free sky).

The awe-inspiring sight—which occurs when electrically charged solar particles interact with gasses in the earth’s atmosphere—is best enjoyed in rural areas where little light pollution allows aurora to shine its brightest. Traditionally, aurora hunters head to high-latitude destinations above the Arctic Circle in places like Finland, Sweden, Norway, Canada, Iceland, Greenland, and Alaska along a ring known as the Aurora Oval. While a light show is never guaranteed, this area close to the Earth's northern pole boasts the highest probability of catching aurora activity.

There’s never been a better time to view this extraordinary display: Activity is on the upswing, with scientists (including NASA) predicting that the northern lights will happen more frequently and intensely throughout 2024 and 2025. That not only means travelers' favorite aurora hotspots may glow more than ever, but less expected locations—such as Scotland and Michigan—are making the aurora map. Try to go with Indigenous guides, from communities who have long had ties to this sight—they can make your northern lights experience all the more special, even when the meteorological magic doesn't happen.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Alexandra Owens.

Get out your camera: Bláskógabyggð is one of the best places to get those shots of the Northern Lights.

Almost every picture we see of Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes makes us stop in our tracks—especially those with that famous glow against the winter night sky. While many spots along this country’s coastal ring road lend themselves to northern lights-watching, the flat terrain of Thingvellir National Park in southwestern Iceland and its proximity to Reykjavík (which is just 25 miles southwest) make it one of the best—and most easily accessible—spots for getting those prize-worthy, slow shutter speed shots of the northern lights.

Northern Norway undoubtedly ranks as one of the best places to see the aurora—but Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago between the mainland and the North Pole, is the only inhabited destination in the world where you can witness the northern lights at any time of day. To experience the phenomenon