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.
