Planning your Northern Lights trip and want to get the best advice? As we approach another Solar maximum period, solar activity will start ramping up, and auroras should increase in frequency, peaking in 2024/2025.
You might associate the Northern Lights with wintertime, although in reality they are present the year round; it's just that you can't see them as well when the nights are light. The darker the background, the more magnificent the aurora lights will be.
In practice, in northern Norway, Iceland, Greenland & Finland, you need to plan your Northern Lights tour between the period starting at the beginning of September and extending until the middle of April. However, if the Northern Lights are strong enough, you may see them against a twilight sky, and it is not unusual to see them from Tromsø on an August evening.
The aurora lies well above the highest clouds, so you need clear skies to be able to see it. In fact, cloudy skies are the greatest obstacle for auroral observations in northern Norway& Finland. When we plan your trip, we try to allow 4 - 5 days to maximise your chances and give time for storms or clouds to pass. The days around the full moon are also not as conducive to viewing the Northern Light because the sky may become too bright.
You have an equal chance of seeing the Northern lights any month during the winter, it is just that some months are more 'visitor friendly'. During the darker months (November, December and January), you often only have a blue twilight and usually only one active adventure during the day fits in. Late January, February and March offer longer daylight hours, thus more pleasant for venturing out for winter adventures such as snow mobile riding and dogsledding. The day-light lasts longer later in the season, allowing for more outdoor fun in the snow. Having said this, regardless of the daylight hours, we recommend also including a Northern Lights evening adventure during your stay - this can be as comfortable as putting on warm outfits and walking to viewing area with a warm fire and hot chocolates or an evening Northern Lights Chase by car.
If you are keen to search for the lights but don't want it too cold or with lots of snow, you can visit in autumn as well. Activities ranging from bike riding, hiking and watching for the Northern Lights by the lakes with openfire BBQs. You can go out on the lakes for Northern Lights viewing and many people enjoy this time of year.
There is currently a ramping-up of solar activity, and auroras are increasing in frequency, peaking in 2024/2025 with the Solar Maximum. A Solar maximum or solar max is a regular period of greatest Sun activity during the 11-year solar cycle. Understand more about when to see the Northern Lights and the affect of sun activity in the solar cycle here.
Check out our range of unique Northern Lights tours here or clicking the image below.
Read more about where to see the Northern lights here.
FAQs
At 50 Degrees North, we are often asked when is the best time to view the Northern Lights, and fortunately for us, there is a large window of opportunity offered in our region. Between the autumn and spring equinox (21 September – 21 March), the Aurora lights are at their most frequent.
Is 2024 a good year to see the Northern Lights? ›
If seeing the aurora borealis (northern lights) is on your bucket list, turn your attention skyward: experts say 2024 will be a sensational year for spotting the elusive light show.
When to go to Alaska for the Northern Lights in 2024? ›
The best time to see the aurora borealis in Alaska is from August 21 to April 21. We call it the Aurora Season.
What month are you most likely to see the Northern Lights? ›
In theory, the Northern Lights appear from late August to mid April, but you are much more likely to see them from late September to late March, when there is less light.
When to see the Northern Lights in Iceland in 2024? ›
The best time of the year to see the Northern Lights in Iceland is between September and April. It is when the skies are dark enough for them to be visible.
What is the forecast for the aurora in May 2024? ›
Northern Lights forecast for May 2024
NOAA predicts the aurora could be seen for much of the northern half of the country "as far south as Alabama to Northern California." Later Friday, the forecast was expanded to say it may be seen "as low as Florida to southern Texas and southern California."
How far in advance can Northern Lights be predicted? ›
As a naturally occurring phenomenon, the appearance of the Northern Lights is notoriously difficult to predict any further in advance than about two hours before it happens.
Is Iceland or Alaska better for the Northern Lights? ›
If you're wondering if Iceland or Alaska is better for viewing the Northern Lights. The answer is that both offer incredible opportunities. The ideal position for viewing the Aurora Borealis is north of 65 degrees latitude. It will need to be a cloudless night and preferably away from city lights.
What month is the best month to see the Northern Lights in Alaska? ›
Well, the best time to see the Northern Lights in Alaska is between mid-September and early April. During that time, the nights are long and dark, which makes it easier to see the Northern Lights in Alaska.
What year will Northern Lights be most visible? ›
Cycle 25 began in Dec. 2019, and it's estimated it will reach its maximum—when activity is expected to peak—between late 2024 and early 2026. It's projected to peak with 115 sunspots, which are where geomagnetic storms originate.
If you're planning an aurora-viewing trip, the best time is throughout the winter months. Anytime between late September to late March is a good time for northern lights hunting as the long nights provide ample aurora viewing opportunities.
Is Norway or Iceland better for the northern lights? ›
A clear, dark sky is the key to effectively viewing the Aurora Borealis. So, the fact that the summer sun does not sink below the horizon for nearly two months in a place like Norway's Lofoten Islands makes viewing the auroras a non-starter. Iceland is theoretically a little better.
Is 2024 a good year for the Northern Lights? ›
Why is 2024 such a great year to see the Northern Lights? “Scientists are predicting 2024 will be the year of the Northern Lights, as solar activity influences the intensity of the Aurora,” says Robert.
Where is the best place to see the Northern Lights in 2024? ›
Northern Norway is where you'll really want to travel to see the northern lights. Tromso, one of the country's northernmost cities, is right in the center of the aurora borealis zone. Where to stay: New for 2024, Off the Map Travel will launch a Panorama Luxury in Tromso program to coincide with the peak solar cycle.
Is September 2024 a good time to see the Northern Lights? ›
When will the northern lights be visible? The aurora is expected to be bright, active and visible in parts of 17 continental U.S. states on Thursday night, Sept. 12, 2024.
What year will Northern Lights be best? ›
There is currently a ramping-up of solar activity, and auroras are increasing in frequency, peaking in 2024/2025 with the Solar Maximum. A Solar maximum or solar max is a regular period of greatest Sun activity during the 11-year solar cycle.
Where is the best place to see the Northern Lights in April 2024? ›
What are the best places to see the Northern Lights?
- Tromso, Norway. Based in the heart of the aurora zone in the Norwegian Arctic, the city is widely regarded as one of the world's best places to see the Northern Lights. ...
- Swedish Lapland. ...
- Reykjavik, Iceland. ...
- Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland. ...
- Ilulissat, Greenland. ...
- Svalbard, Norway.
This event offers researchers and enthusiasts a unique chance to witness the Northern Lights and explore the Sun's impact on Earth. The current Solar Cycle is expected to hit a peak in 2024, which can result in even higher activity of Aurora Borealis — commonly known as Northern Lights.
Is the aurora borealis in Norway in 2024? ›
Northern lights activity is peaking in 2024. From now until 2026, the aurora borealis activity is expected to reach its highest levels in 11 years.
