Best Time to See the Northern Lights (Month-by-Month Guide)
Right in front of our awesome accommodation in the Lofoten Islands!
So you want to catch the Northern Lights? Smart move. But here’s the thing — the aurora doesn’t just show up on demand like a Netflix show (or, as a local joked in Alaska, by activating a switch). Timing is (almost) everything. Get it right, add a pinch of luck, and you’ll be under a sky on fire. Get it wrong and… well, you’ll just be staring at some very expensive clouds or, at least, a stunning starry sky.
This guide covers the best months and seasons to see the Northern Lights (in Europe, North America, and even the Southern Hemisphere), plus a few insider tips — and some gear recs — to up your odds...
Want the full geek-out? Check our exhaustive guide: Northern Lights for Dummies.
Spoiler alert: Results are never guaranteed. You might have all the technology in the world, fab weather, and a strong activity, but nature is unpredictable, and that’s part of the magic!
What is the best time to see the northern lights: Quick answer
If you don’t have time or are too lazy (just joking, but laziness won’t bring you any aurora, my friend!), and because we know you’re Googling this at the airport, we have a super brief answer for you!
Best overall months: September to March (we’re talking about the northern lights, meaning in the northern hemisphere).
Peak season: Late September–early April.
Sweet spot: Fall/autumn or February/March (dark nights + slightly less Arctic frostbite).
Off-season surprise: You can see aurora in August or April if the skies are clear and solar activity is high. I (Eli) saw an amazing, long, intense aurora in Fairbanks, Alaska, late August!
No, not in summer: Midnight sun means zero chance. Sorry. And even if it looks like it’s night, for example in early August or late April, you can’t see them if there’s no “astronomical night” up there.
What is astronomical night?
Astronomical night is when the sun is far enough below the horizon (18° or more) that the sky is truly dark. That’s the sweet spot for aurora watching. In the far north, you only get this from late autumn to early spring, which is why summer aurora chasing is a no-go.
Why season matters so much for northern lights
I (Eli) captured this late August in Fairbanks, Alaska, after waiting until 1am. Sorry for the quality; it was ages ago!
The aurora happens year-round, but in summer the far north is basically on a 24/7 daylight binge. Even if the sky is dancing with geomagnetic fireworks, you won’t see a thing through all that sunlight.
That’s why the aurora “season” aligns with long, dark nights: ideally September through early April.
Add in:
Solar activity cycles (aurora is tied to the sun’s moods — more on this in our exhaustive guide: Northern Lights for Dummies).
Moon phases (a big bright moon can wash out the colors, but it can also light up the landscape if the aurora is strong enough).
Weather (clouds = heartbreak, although scattered clouds + aurora make a dramatically cool effect).
… and you’ve got the magic recipe.
Month-by-month breakdown
In October, we drove to the other side of the the Lofoten Islands to get a clear sky that night (Haukland Beach)!
September–October: The early birds
Pros: Dark skies return, aurora season kicks off, “warmer” weather to wait hours outside, less tourists.
Cons: Unpredictable clouds, less snow for that Instagram glow.
Vibe: Best for autumn colors + northern lights in the same shot.
October: the perfect bikini weather!
We took this picture in Alta (Norway) in October, with a lovely temperature of 5ºC. There’s a huge difference between -30 Cº and 5 Cº when you wait outisde!
November–January: The hardcore season
Pros: Polar nights = maximum darkness, very high aurora chances.
Cons: Bitter cold which makes it harder to wait outside, short days (think 2 hours of daylight).
Vibe: Snow globes, husky sleds, and your eyelashes freezing.
February–March: The sweet spot
Pros: Still plenty dark, clearer skies, slightly warmer temps.
Cons: Can still be brutally cold (check our Arctic gear list here).
Vibe: Ideal balance — great aurora odds without total polar night cabin fever.
April–August: The nope zone (mostly)
April: Rare sightings possible in early month.
May–July: Midnight Sun = no aurora. Period.
August: Dark skies return mid-month. Not peak, but a sneaky chance if solar activity is strong.
👉 Get Arctic gear: gloves, thermal socks, jackets, boots, etc.
Best time by location
Northern lights in full blast in Alta, Norway. As you can see, the full moon was not enough to bother Lady Aurora!
Iceland
Season: Late September to mid-April.
Best months: October–March.
Pro tip: March often gives a perfect combo of dark nights + easier travel conditions.
Check tours: Many offer free rebookings if you miss the lights.
Norway (Tromsø, Lofoten, Svalbard)
Season: September–March.
Peak: December–February.
Bonus: Svalbard has polar nights from mid-November to late January — aurora can literally appear at noon. The Lofoten Islands have unpredictable weather, but the backdrop is hard to beat.
Tours: Northern Lights tours in Tromsø are some of the most reliable in the world.
Finland & Sweden (Finnish & Swedish Lapland)
Season: September–March.
Peak: February–March.
Why here? Fewer crowds than Iceland (except around Rovaniemi in December), plus cozy glass igloos = aurora from bed.
Stays: Glass igloo hotels in Finland, or the famous Ice Hotel near Kiruna in Sweden, are a splurge but unforgettable.
Alaska
Season: August–April.
Peak: February–March.
Fairbanks is the hotspot — 3 out of 4 nights can have aurora activity in peak season.
Book: Aurora tours in Fairbanks for local guides who know the best clear-sky spots.
Canada (Yukon, Northwest Territories, Churchill)
Season: Late August–April.
Peak: December–March.
Churchill’s double bonus: Northern Lights + polar bears.
Check: Aurora lodges in Canada often include guided outings.
Aurora Australis (southern lights)
Season: March–September.
Best months: May–August (southern winter).
Where: Tasmania, New Zealand (Stewart Island, Dunedin), Patagonia, Antarctica.
Caveat: Unlike the north, the Southern Lights don’t have as many easily accessible viewing spots — most prime locations are remote, unpredictable, and weather-dependent.
Penguin Trampoline tip:
Is this an aurora?
If you notice a strange cloud drifting across the sky but the stars are still visible through it, chances are it’s not a cloud at all. Grab your camera, switch to manual mode, and snap a shot. If the “cloud” shows up green in your photo, congratulations — you’ve just spotted the Northern Lights, and it’s worth hanging around to see if they grow brighter.
Insider tips to boost your chances
Avoid the full moon. Dark skies let the colors pop. That being said, if Lady Aurora is intense enough, the moon can light up the backdrop for better pics!
Stay up late. Best time is usually 10pm–2am.
Stay 3+ nights. Aurora (and Mister weather) is unpredictable — give yourself a buffer.
Use apps. We swear by My Aurora Forecast — it sends push alerts when activity spikes.
Think beyond peak. Shoulder months (September, March) often mean fewer tourists and lower prices.
Bring a tripod. A lightweight travel tripod will make or break your photos.
Big thanks to My Aurora App for featuring our aurora picture!
When to see the northern lights: FAQ
Can you see the Northern Lights in summer?
Nope. Midnight Sun = no dark sky = no aurora visible.
What time of night is best?
Between 10pm and 2am, though it can vary.
Do you need to go north of the Arctic Circle?
Not always. Strong solar storms can push the aurora south into Scotland, Canada’s prairies, or even northern US states.
How long should I plan a trip?
At least 3–5 nights for a good chance. The aurora doesn’t care about your weekend getaway schedule.
What should I wear for a night of aurora chasing?
Think onion-style: a warm merino base, an insulated middle layer, and a windproof outer shell. Add a beanie, gloves, and sturdy boots that laugh at snowdrifts. We’ve put more detailed advice (and packing hacks) in our Ultimate Arctic Travel Guide.
Do I really need travel insurance for this kind of trip?
Short answer: yes. The Arctic is unpredictable — snowstorms, icy roads, even curious reindeer. If you’re heading out dogsledding or snowmobiling, good coverage is essential. We use Heymondo, which protects outdoor activities and usually offers 5–15% off. You can grab your discounted policy here.
Do the Northern Lights look the same in real life as in photos?
Not exactly. Cameras pick up more color and detail than the naked eye, especially in faint displays. In person, the aurora can look like pale green wisps or even greyish clouds at first, especially if the activity is weak. When the activity is strong, though, you’ll see vibrant greens, purples, and reds dancing overhead — no filter needed, and much more impressive than any pic you could see on Insta!
Any quick tips before I head out?
We’ve bundled our favorite tricks — from checking the KP index to keeping your camera batteries alive in –20°C — in our big guide, Northern Lights for Dummies. Give it a read before you go, and may the cosmic luck be with you!
Here is our playlist to call Lady Aurora:
Catching the Northern Lights isn’t just about ticking off a bucket list — it’s about waiting in the cold, staring into the dark, in complete silence, except the howling sled dogs, and then suddenly feeling the world light up just for you. You’ll never forget that first ripple of green across the sky, or the hush that falls when everyone around you gasps at once. Go at the right time, bundle up, and let the aurora remind you how small — and how lucky — we are under this enormous, electric sky.
And, no matter how many apps you have, and how many nothern lights you’ve seen, it will always be pure magic.
The northern lights are all you talk and dream about? Don’t miss our dedicated aurora guides:
✨ Northern Lights for Dummies — How to actually see the aurora (without freezing your butt off or waiting 12 nights in vain).
🌍 Best Places to See the Northern Lights in the World — From Alaska to the Southern lights, the aurora knows no borders (coming soon).
🇪🇺 Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Europe — Iceland, Norway, Lapland and beyond.
📸 Northern Lights Photography Tips — Camera settings, tripods, and how not to end up with 200 blurry green smudges (coming soon).
🌌 What Are the Northern Lights? — The science, the legends, and the cosmic drama behind those glowing ribbons (coming soon).
🧤 What to Wear for a Northern Lights Trip — Layer up or freeze up: the packing list you actually need at –30°C.
