There are no adequate words to describe the awe-inspiring beauty of witnessing the Northern Lights. The dazzling green, blue, and purple stars fill the night sky, evoking feelings of awe and humility. A sense of magic and mystique washes over you as you stand beneath this cosmic spectacle. The good news for those who desire this awe-inspiring experience is that the nearing solar maximum, a peak in the sun’s activity, is predicted to bring about some of the most brilliant displays of the Northern Lights in 2024.
Ideal Conditions for Northern Lights Viewing
If you’re wondering when to catch this spectacular show, late March and September—around the equinoxes—are ideal. However, you can witness auroras throughout the year. If you’re tech-savvy, leverage the power of aurora-tracking websites, such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Aurora Dashboard and the University of Alaska’s Aurora Forecast, or apps like Aurora Alerts.
Ensure you’re away from light pollution, under clear skies, and preferably during a new or crescent moon phase. Although it’s a common myth that cold weather is necessary to view the lights, the clear, unpolluted skies common in colder weather provide the best viewing conditions, not the temperature itself.
Top Countries to Witness the Northern Lights in 2024
If you’re all set to see this divine art for yourself, these are countries where you should think about traveling to in 2024 to see the Northern Lights at their most spectacular.
1. Norway – Tromsø, Alta, Svalbard
Norway’s northernmost regions provide a luminous exhibition of the Northern Lights beginning in October. Boat excursions from the port city of Tromsø offer views of the swaying lights above the ocean. Alta, encompassed by forests, mountains, and tundra, presents nearly nightly aurora exhibitions. The Svalbard archipelago in the Barents Sea is an absolute must-see for the daring.
2. Sweden – Abisko, Kiruna
Northern Sweden and Lapland are also fantastic choices. Abisko and its namesake National Park are known spots, with the Aurora Sky Station claiming to be “the best place on earth to see the northern lights.” Kiruna, Sweden’s northernmost city, offers a more luxurious experience, with excellent food, a spa, dog-sled tours, and private cabins at Camp Ripan.
3. Finland – Revontuli, Nellim, Kakslauttanen
Several locations in Finnish Lapland provide spectacular views of the lights. Hankasalmi Observatory, located near the winter resort of Revontuli, is surrounded by some of the country’s darkest terrain. Nellim hamlet, near Lake Inari, offers an ideal viewing location. For an extra exceptional experience, consider Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, where you can watch the lights from your private glass igloo.
4. Iceland – Reykjavík, Thingvellir, Kleifarvatn
Iceland is renowned for its Northern Lights. You can see the lights anywhere in Iceland, even Reykjavík, with the right weather conditions. However, Þingvellir National Park and Kleifarvatn Lake offer the best viewing spots. And, if you seek adventure, why not hunt the lights atop the Langjökull glacier?
5. Scotland – Orkney, Shetland
Not typically on most lists, Scotland offers some viewing spots. The Orkney and Shetland Isles provide the best chances, with their treeless, windswept landscapes making a perfect backdrop for the Aurora Borealis.
6. Canada – Northwest Territories, Yukon
In North America, the remote landscape of Canada’s Northwest Territories and Yukon offers stunning views of the Northern Lights. Dawson City’s Midnight Dome, a scenic lookout, is a popular gathering spot for locals to watch the lights.
7. United States – Alaska, Idaho, Maine
In the US, Alaska is the go-to place for viewing the lights. Try Denali National Park for a unique experience. Surprisingly, you can also catch the lights in the lower 48 states, in places like Priest Lake in Idaho, Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge in Maine, or Cook County in Minnesota.