The Best Places and Time to See the Northern Lights in 2025/26

Do you ever gaze at the sky and wish to see something truly magical? Then you will love what follows! We are talking about one of the most wonderful natural phenomena in the world – the northern lights. This dance of light in the sky is something you see once and never forget. If you dream of witnessing it with your own eyes, then keep reading. Together, we will look at when and where in 2025 you have the best chances of catching this natural spectacle.

Why is 2025 such a particularly good year for viewing the northern lights?

Great question! It all starts with the Sun. When the Sun sends more solar storms towards our planet, the northern lights become even stronger and more vibrant. And that’s exactly what will happen in 2025! We are expecting the peak of the solar cycle, also known as the solar maximum. More activity on the Sun means more chances for strong polar light displays – ideal, right?

What exactly are the northern lights?

Before we jump into planning your trip, let’s explain a few things. The northern lights or aurora borealis occur when charged particles from the Sun collide with molecules in our atmosphere – primarily oxygen and nitrogen. The result? Magical green, purple, red, and blue light veils dancing across the sky. And believe me, there’s no more special experience than watching this play of nature under the open polar sky!

Where to see the northern lights in 2025?

There are several excellent places within the polar circle where nature can surprise you with a personal spectacle. Here are the most popular destinations for chasing auroras in 2025:

1. Norway (Tromsø and the Lofoten Islands)

Tromsø – the center of everything related to the northern lights! The city is located far north and has excellent travel infrastructure. The options for guided tours, sledding excursions, and even viewing from warm igloos are nearly endless.
Lofoten – if you want a mix of fjords, tranquility, and a light spectacle… this is the place for you!

2. Iceland

Iceland is a paradise for adventurers. In addition to incredible landscapes, geysers, and volcanoes, it also offers numerous spots free from light pollution, which means better conditions for observing the light dance.

Thingvellir National Park and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon are among the most popular.

3. Finland (Rovaniemi and Lapland)

Finland is something special – besides the northern lights, you can also visit Santa Claus! In Lapland, there are often small “aurora cabins” with giant windows where you can watch the sky right from your bed.

4. Canada (Yukon and Northwest Territories)

If you want “true wilderness,” then Canada is the right choice. Whitehorse in Yukon and cities like Yellowknife are known for their endless celestial dances and clear weather.

5. Alaska (USA)

Fairbanks is one of the best places in the USA to see the northern lights. They also have “aurora forecasts” that help you predict when the best time for viewing is.

When is the best time in 2025?

The northern lights are not visible all year round. Here are some guidelines to help you choose the right time for your trip:

The northern lights season lasts from August to April, with peak activity during the autumn and spring equinoxes (around September 21 and March 21).
The best months for viewing are usually from September to March. During this time, the nights are long enough and dark.
In 2025, strong activity of the northern lights is expected – especially in January and February, so it’s worth planning your trip then.

How to prepare for the northern lights hunt?

The northern lights are fickle – they appear when they feel like it. So it’s important to be well prepared:

Choose the right dates. Check the moon phases (best around the new moon) and weather forecasts.
Adjust your schedule. Sometimes the lights appear in the middle of the night. Drink coffee and bring a warm blanket with you.
Be mindful of light pollution. Get away from cities where the sky is truly dark.
Use apps and websites, like Aurora Forecast or My Aurora Forecast, that help you track activity.

Is it worth it? Absolutely yes!

Let me tell you the truth – the northern lights are not something you see every day. The first time I saw them myself (in Iceland a few years ago), I almost forgot to breathe. Those dancing green curtains in the sky were like something out of a dream. And what’s most incredible? The shapes and colors change from second to second. It’s an experience worth sharing with family, friends, or even experiencing alone.

Top tips for an amazing experience

Hire a local guide. They know exactly where and when to look. Plus, they often provide photos too!
Are you photographing? Bring a tripod and knowledge about lighting. Long exposure times are your friends.
Warm accessories! Hat, scarf, gloves – don’t underestimate the Arctic cold, even if the weather is clear.

Conclusion: Capture your wonder in 2025

The year 2025 seems like the perfect year to fulfill this magical dream. Due to increased solar activity, the northern lights will be stronger, more frequent, and more spectacular than in previous years. If you have ever thought about catching them – now is the time. Grab your calendar, discover the top spots, and prepare for an unforgettable journey!

Are you already deciding where to watch the northern lights? Iceland, Norway, or maybe Canada? Let me know in the comments below, or if you have questions, I’m happy to help!