Mirella Pandjaitan
Dec 30, 2025
Seeing the northern lights (aurora borealis) is on many people’s bucket list. Nature’s celestial ballet is among the most mesmerising spectacles that can send us into a trance. They emerge when highly charged particles from solar winds collide with molecules in Earth’s atmosphere, releasing bursts of radiant light.
This spectacle unfolds within what scientists call the "auroral oval"—a dynamic zone circling the planet’s magnetic poles. These ethereal displays are most vivid near the Polar Regions, where the planet’s magnetic fields converge to form luminous auroral ovals. Moreover, these shimmering bands stretch across high latitudes, shifting and twisting as the Earth rotates and solar activity fluctuates.
How to witness the northern lights
Escape the city lights
To experience the Northern Lights in all their glory, seek open skies far from urban illumination. Lakes, hilltops, and remote landscapes enhance visibility, providing the perfect canvas for the aurora’s radiant colours.
Time your visit
Auroras are best viewed from late August to mid-April, when nights are long and skies are dark. Peak activity aligns with the equinoxes in spring and autumn, while the months from November to February offer extended darkness for uninterrupted sky-gazing. Most displays occur between 9 PM and 2 AM, with the finest shows regularly between 11 PM and midnight.
Watch for solar activity
While forecasts can hint at auroral displays, predicting their intensity remains challenging. Even during heightened solar activity, conditions may yield only subtle glows. Cameras, particularly long-exposure or smartphone sensors, can reveal colours invisible to the naked eye, capturing the aurora in all its spectral splendour.
Choose prime locations to chase the lights
Abisko, Sweden
A unique “blue hole” forms between two mountains north of the Arctic Circle, creating a cloud-free microclimate ideal for aurora watching. Visitors can explore via winter-ready 4WD tours with Lights Over Lapland or ascend the STF Aurora Sky Station lookout, where auroras appear roughly 70 per cent of nights. The season runs from September to March.
Iceland’s Remote Westfjords
Venture north for optimal visibility. Iceland’s Westfjords, with their minimal light pollution, steep fjords, and extended nights, provide some of the clearest skies in the country. Bolafjall, a 635-metre mountain above Ísafjörður, has jet-black skies and excellent aurora prospects. Boutique stays immerse guests in Iceland’s dramatic landscape. Peak viewing season runs from late September to March.
Michigan’s Isle Royale and Keweenaw Dark Sky Park
Located in the remote Upper Midwest, these destinations hold some of the darkest skies in the region, perfect for aurora viewing. However, winter closures require planning. The best time to visit is late September through March, with November to February offering the longest, clearest nights.
Tromsø, Norway
Known as a northern lights magnet, Tromsø lies within the Arctic Circle and has excellent visibility even near urban areas. For immersive experiences, guided tours with experts reveal insights into auroral activity, maximising the chances of witnessing the “dancing green lady.” Optimal viewing is from mid-September to mid-April.
Yellowknife, Canada
At the heart of the auroral oval, Yellowknife presents an exceptional chance to witness the northern lights in all their glory. The Indigenous Dene people call them ya'ke ngas, or “sky stirring,” and spending a few nights here makes it easy to see why. Aurora Village provides heated teepees for a cosy base, allowing you to alternate between sky-gazing and warmth. The best time to visit is mid-August to late September or mid-November through early April.