The Best Time to See the Northern Lights, and Where to Go

Everything you need to know about chasing the aurora borealis: the best months, top destinations and tips to improve your chances.

Few natural phenomena are as mesmerising as the northern lights. Seeing them requires three things: darkness, clear skies and solar activity. Here's how to give yourself the best chance.

When to go

The aurora season runs from late September to late March. February and March are our favourite months: nights are still long, the weather is often clearer and there's more daylight for exploring.

Where to go

• ✦Iceland: dramatic landscapes and short flights from Europe and North America
• ✦Arctic Norway: Tromsø and Lofoten sit directly under the auroral oval
• ✦Finnish Lapland: glass igloos and snowy forests
• ✦Northern Canada: vast dark skies in Yukon and the Northwest Territories

Plan at least three or four nights in aurora country. Patience is the secret ingredient.

Tips from our guides

• ✦Get away from city lights
• ✦Dress in warm layers and bring hand warmers
• ✦Use a tripod and long exposure for photos
• ✦Stay flexible and follow the clear skies