Best Time to See the Northern Lights

If you are looking what is the best time to see the Northern lights, There is no as such season or best time to view the Northern Lights. You can watch these Northern Lights from any place near the Arctic Pole.In some locations, they are even visible throughout the year. We make the best time as per our convenience, weather, accessibility, and visibility that matter only for our comfort. This blog will guide about the best time to See the Northern Lights i.e Aurora Borealis from different locations.

Why timing matters for the best experience of Northern Lights?

Aurora Borealis means the light of the dawn. The table suggests the best time and season to watch the Northern Lights. You can watch them in a clear, cloudless sky.

Northern Lights Occurrence Timings	11 p.m. and midnight
Best Time to watch the Northern Lights	9 p.m. and 2 a.m.
Other Times to watch the Northern Lights	4 a.m. and 5 p.m

Higher latitudes like Svalbard, where it stays dark all day from mid-November until the end of January, and the darkest months of the year are the sole exceptions.

The ideal time to see the Northern Lights is during the spring and autumn equinoxes: 21 September–21 March.

Axial trends mean that when the Earth orbits the Sun, the angle of the magnetic field changes in relation to the solar wind magnetic field. “Magnetic cracks” increase the chances of seeing the Northern Lights by allowing the solar particles to begin the aurora storm cycle in the optimal configuration where they occur during the subtraction.

Best time to see the Northern Lights 

The best season to watch the Northern Lights is from late August to mid-April.  Although they are present all year round, observations are impossible from May through July and for the majority of August because of the strong sunlight in the summer months. 

So, the reasons why the above-mentioned seasons of the year are considered the best to see the Northern Lights are as follows:

Spring (March-April)

The temperatures become milder and the evenings are still long, so spring is the best time to observe the aurora. Due to the high sun activity this month, bright aurora can be seen in March. The weather is not as serious as winter, so it’s a little more comfortable for the Aurora Hunt. The sky is often clear, which improves visibility. Additionally, you can still see snow-covered scenery.

Autumn (October-September)

There is another great season in autumn to see the aurora, especially from the end of September to early October. After summer, the evening will be extended during this period, increasing the chances of seeing the aurora. The temperatures are much warmer than in winter, so it’s easier to spend more time outside. The sky is clean, and the vision is improved, as autumn is determined to have fewer clouds. The travel is much better due to the tree’s breathtaking autumn leaves bonus.

Winter (November-February)

The nights are the longest in winter, sometimes over 18 hours. Therefore, winter is the most popular season to see the aurora. You’ll be more likely to see the amazing Aurora Show in the darkness. However, it is the coldest season when temperatures are at the freezing point, so wearing thick clothes is essential. When light reflects off snowy terrain, a beautiful photo is created.

Aurora dancing across the winter sky is a truly magical experience, but it can be quite cold. Winter brings cold temperatures and the longest nights, and you have to bring warm clothes when you’re on the Northern Lights Hunt.

Best time to view Northern Lights at night

Best Time to watch the Northern Lights in Summer	10pm and 2 am
Best Time to watch the Northern Lights Winter	9 p.m. and 4 a.m.

Best locations to see the Northern Lights

The best places to view the Northern Lights are the places in the Northern Hemisphere near the Arctic Pole. 

It includes mostly European countries: Finland, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, and Norway. Some Asian countries are also on the list: Alaska, Scotland, and Russia. According to the accessibility and accommodations, there are a few spots in each country where one can get the best sightings of the Northern Lights. 

The prime locations in these countries are given below:

1. Fairbanks, Alaska
2. Tromsø, Norway
3. Reykjavík, Iceland:
4. Rovaniemi/Luosto, Finland
5. Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
6. Lapland, Sweden
7. The Murmansk Region, Russia
8. The Hebrides Islands, Scotland

Factors affecting visibility of Aurora Borealis

The factors that affect the visibility, accessibility, and quality of the Northern Lights’ sightings are as follows:

• Longer nights: The longest durations of darkness are available in winter, spring, and autumn, which is crucial for aurora observation. The chances of seeing them spread across the sky increase with the length of the night.

• Increased Solar Activity: The Earth’s magnetic fields are aligned and are susceptible to solar winds around the spring and autumn equinoxes. Auroras are caused by these solar winds, so if there is more activity, you are more likely to observe them.

•  Vivid skies: Spring and autumn often have more consistent weather patterns with lighter skies and improved visibility. However, this may vary from region to region.

• Accessibility: It is important for the place to be accessible by transportation like flight, sea, train, or sledge. You should look into guided trips for aurora watching. Many companies and resorts in the Northern Lights’ places offer day trips, added benefits, trekking, and sledge expeditions along with good food and drinks to ease your journey and level up your comfort. For example, it is better to go to Norway or Finland rather than Greenland since they’re accessible by flights and there are many resorts to serve you.