Top spots to witness the Northern Lights in all their splendor.

Get ready to perfect your best 😮 face: aurora activity is about to reach its peak. From September 2024 to March 2025, expect brighter and more frequent displays of the Northern Lights, thanks to the solar maximum when solar activity is at its height. Just in time for this, we've compiled the ultimate destinations to experience Earth’s most stunning light show, ensuring you have the prime viewing experience.

While the auroras are indeed breathtaking, there's a scientific explanation behind their occurrence. They happen when charged particles from the sun enter Earth's atmosphere and interact with the planet's magnetic field, which channels them toward the North and South Poles. (For reference, the auroras seen in the southern hemisphere are known as the Southern Lights, or aurora australis.)

Traveling further north—such as to Norway, Iceland, and Canada—increases your chances of spotting the aurora borealis. This year, as we approach a solar maximum, the list of top locations to view the Northern Lights has grown even larger.

When should I make my reservations?

The prime time to witness the Northern Lights will be from the fall equinox on September 22, 2024, to the spring equinox on March 20, 2025. Numerous locations in North America and Europe will offer fantastic views of the auroras—more details on those coming up. When planning your trip, keep a few tips in mind: avoid dates when the moon is full (or nearly full), as its brightness can obscure the fainter displays. Additionally, prepare for late-night outings, as the best viewing times are typically between 10 PM and 2 AM local time.

Where can I find the best deals?

Flight prices to aurora-viewing destinations vary, but it’s possible to score tickets at budget-friendly rates, especially if you book in advance. Dinogo has also pinpointed the best flight deals for popular Northern Lights locations in 2024 and 2025, ranging from Alaska and Montana to Reykjavík and the Shetland Islands.

Top North American destinations for viewing the Northern Lights.

• Glacier National Park, Montana: Airfare down by 10% year-over-year
• Fairbanks, Alaska: Airfare down by 9% year-over-year
• Edmonton, Alberta, Canada: Airfare down by 6% year-over-year

Top European destinations for viewing the Northern Lights.

• Tromsø, Norway: Airfare down by 22% year-over-year
• Shetland Islands, Scotland: Airfare down by 9% year-over-year
• Reykjavík, Iceland: Airfare down by 9% year-over-year

Top 5 places in North America to experience the Northern Lights.

Fairbanks, Alaska

Fairbanks, Alaska is a top contender for witnessing the Northern Lights. With optimal conditions—cold, dark nights and a prime spot right under the aurora oval—Fairbanks also offers activities like ice fishing and dog sledding, making it an ideal winter getaway. It's no surprise that searches for this destination have surged by 30% this year.

Book a flight to Fairbanks

Glacier National Park, Montana

Nestled in northwest Montana, Glacier National Park is a premier destination for viewing the aurora borealis, thanks to its seclusion and minimal light pollution. For the best light displays, visit during periods of high Kp-index (which measures geomagnetic activity) and check out top viewing locations like Looking Glass Road, Lake McDonald, and Bowman or Kintla Lake.

Book a flight to Kalispell

Headlands International Dark Sky Park, Michigan

This dark sky park in Mackinaw City, Michigan, is a paradise for Northern Lights lovers. With 550 acres of forest and over two miles of untouched Lake Michigan shoreline to explore, light pollution is almost nonexistent. However, visitors should be aware that activity low on the horizon might be obscured by trees.

Book a flight to Pellston

Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

All you need for an ideal night of aurora viewing at Voyageurs is a dark, clear sky and a great spot. Set up camp in the upper parking lot of the Rainy Lake Visitor Center or check out the Meadwood Road Day Use Area—both are recommended lookout points.

Book a flight to Duluth

Yellowknife, Canada

Known as the 'Northern Lights Capital of North America,' Yellowknife, Canada, experiences the aurora borealis over 200 nights each year. For an unforgettable experience, consider hiring a guide. North Star Adventures, an Indigenous-owned company, provides multi-day tours throughout the year. If you travel during the winter months, be prepared for extremely cold temperatures—bundle up! 🥶

Book a flight to Yellowknife

Top 5 places to witness the Northern Lights in Europe.

Shetland Islands, Scotland

Known as the 'Mirrie Dancers' in Scotland, the Northern Lights frequently grace the skies over the Shetland Islands, the northernmost part of the United Kingdom. For the best aurora experience, visit between October and March, avoid artificial lights, and make sure to wear your warmest clothing.

Book a flight to Edinburgh

Reykjavík, Iceland

Reykjavik is a prime spot for aurora enthusiasts traveling from the East Coast. It hosts Aurora Reykjavik, the country’s first Northern Lights Center, where visitors can check out exhibits or join aurora-focused tours led by local guides. It's an excellent starting point for exploring the rest of Iceland, especially if you're planning to venture into more remote areas.

Book a flight to Reykjavík

Abisko National Park, Sweden

Sweden in winter enchants for many reasons, but the vivid green auroras are a standout. For the finest views, head to Swedish Lapland, especially Abisko National Park. Here, visitors can enjoy light displays from the outdoor terrace and lookout tower at Aurora Sky Station, celebrated as the “best place on earth to witness the northern lights.”

Book a flight to Trømso

Lapland, Finland

Much like its vast tundras, the auroras of Lapland are grand in scale. Occurring between August and April, this stunning display lights up the sky about 200 nights each year. For the ultimate Finnish experience, consider an extended stay at the Arctic Treehouse Hotel, where you can gaze at the lights from the comfort and warmth of your cozy bed.

Book a flight to Lapland

Tromsø, Norway

A road trip through Norway is incomplete without a visit to Tromsø, the leading destination for Northern Lights enthusiasts for the 2024/2025 season. With a remarkable 126% increase in interest, this city is essential for its prime position within the auroral oval and a plethora of Northern Lights tours and activities.

Book a flight to Tromsø

Additional insights for experiencing the Northern Lights in 2024 and 2025.

Perfect your travel timing.

The optimal season for viewing the auroras runs from September 22, 2024, to March 20, 2025. Plan to arrive during a new moon for the darkest skies, and be ready between 10pm and 2am—the prime hours for viewing.

How can you forecast an aurora sighting?

The Kp-index is the most effective tool for predicting aurora sightings. It gauges the intensity of the Earth's magnetic field on a scale from 0 (low activity) to 9 (severe geomagnetic storm). A higher index indicates a greater likelihood of seeing the lights.

What’s the optimal way to capture photos of the Northern Lights?

You can use either a smartphone or a professional camera to photograph the Northern Lights. Just make sure to familiarize yourself with your camera's features and settings beforehand. Some cameras might struggle with focusing, so manual adjustments may be necessary.

Are there apps available to track the Northern Lights?

Easily access the Kp-index, premier viewing spots, live updates, hourly predictions, and more with a Northern Lights tracking app. We suggest using My Aurora Forecast.

Explore other winter getaway options

Did reading about the Northern Lights inspire you to plan another cozy winter escape this year? We’ve got you covered. Check out our guide to skiing in Japan, or if you prefer something closer to home, we've compiled the 10 best winter vacations in the US.