Solar activity directly affects the frequency and intensity of the aurora, but it is not the only factor. To see it, we also need sufficiently dark nights, clear skies and a location away from light pollution.
When is the best time to see the northern lights? Where can you see them?
Solar maximum and the northern lights
Solar Cycle 25 is the Sun's current cycle of activity. These cycles last approximately 11 years and are characterized by periods of greater and lower solar activity. During the peak of the cycle, the number of sunspots and phenomena such as eruptions and coronal mass ejections increases.
Solar Cycle 25 has reached its peak activity period, a phase particularly favourable for the Northern Lights. Although solar activity varies daily, the possibility of geomagnetic storms capable of produce more intense auroras and visible in areas further away from the poles.
Where can you see the northern lights?
The Northern Lights can be seen near the Arctic Circle, where long nights and high latitudes create particularly favourable conditions. Finland, Alaska and Greenland are among the most rewarding destinations for this spectacular natural phenomenon.
Which countries have northern lights?
Countries where you can see the Northern Lights include United States (Alaska), Canada, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Russia and Sweden. Each country offers different landscapes and cultural experiences, making the search for the northern lights distinctive in every destination.
For the best chance of seeing the northern lights, travel to regions near the Arctic Circle. These destinations also offer a wide range of winter activities and landscapes.
Where will we go to see the northern lights?
At nightfall, guides take us to carefully selected locations away from light pollution, chosen for their viewing prospects and beautiful scenery.
Northern Lights in Finland
In Finland, Viajes Tuareg trips to Lake Inari are our first choice for maximising your chances of seeing the northern lights. These trips run from November to March, coinciding with the best time to see the Northern Lights. Departures are timed for the Arctic winter’s longest, darkest nights, increasing the chances of sightings. Our trips include walks through Lapland’s taiga, snowmobile rides and Northern Lights viewing from carefully chosen locations.
In addition to outdoor activities, our trips also include cultural visits. You can learn about the rich history and traditions of the Sami people, the indigenous inhabitants of the region. You will visit museums and participate in traditional activities, such as ice fishing and the construction of snow shelters.
Northern lights in Alaska
Viajes Tuareg’s “The Great North” tour is an excellent way to maximise your chances of seeing Alaska’s northern lights. The itinerary combines Alaska’s nature and wildlife with the search for this stunning spectacle.
Northern Lights in Greenland
Tuareg’s “Under the Aurora Borealis” trip is an excellent way to maximise your chances of seeing the northern lights in Greenland. Its varied activities let you enjoy Greenland’s nature and culture while seeking out ideal viewing locations.
When are you most likely to see the Northern Lights?
The chances of seeing the northern lights increase in autumn and winter, especially on clear nights away from light pollution. Solar activity also plays a crucial role, so it is worth following forecasts. The solar cycle lasts about 11 years and strongly influences aurora frequency and intensity. At solar maximum, the most active phase, auroras are more frequent and visible at lower latitudes.
Peaks in solar activity
Peaks in solar activity occur approximately every 11 years. During these periods, the number of sunspots and overall solar activity increase significantly. The current cycle, Solar Cycle 25, is expected to peak in 2025.
During these peaks, the Northern Lights are more frequent and intense, making them visible even at lower latitudes. It is an ideal time to plan a trip and maximise your chances of seeing this spectacular phenomenon.
When is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Finland?
In Finland, the best months for the northern lights are September to March. Within that period, late September and mid-March are ideal thanks to increased solar activity and darker nights. During peaks in solar activity, auroras can be more intense and visible in more places.
Daylight hours in Inari throughout the year
One of the most important factors in seeing the Northern Lights is not just solar activity, but also the darkness. The fewer daylight hours, the greater our chance of enjoying the night sky. Understanding how day length changes throughout the year in places such as Inari, in Finnish Lapland, helps you choose the best dates for your trip.
| Month | Hours of daylight per day |
|---|---|
| January | 2.3 h |
| February | 7.6 h |
| March | 11.9 h |
| April | 16.2 h |
| May | 21.8 h |
| June | 24 h |
| July | 23.1 h |
| August | 17.5 h |
| September | 13.1 h |
| October | 9 h |
| November | 4.1 h |
| December | 0 h |
What does this mean for seeing the Northern Lights?
That the months of autumn and winter are best for seeing the Northern Lights, both because of auroral activity and the many more hours of darkness. In the Arctic summer, the landscape is spectacular, but continuous daylight makes aurora sightings almost impossible.
If you are thinking of travelling to Lapland to see the Northern Lights, choosing the right dates can make a big difference.
When is the best time to see the northern lights in Alaska and Greenland?
Alaska and Greenland are among the best places to see the Northern Lights, from late August to late April. Within that period, November to January is ideal thanks to the longer, darker nights. At peaks of solar activity, the lights become more intense and visible in more places.
Our northern lights trips
If you are planning a trip to see the northern lights, three destinations stand out: Finland, Alaska and Greenland. Although all are within or near the auroral oval, each offers a different experience in terms of accessibility, landscapes, type of trip and best viewing months.
In short: if you are looking for a more comfortable and balanced trip, Finland It's usually the best option.
Finland✔️ Departures 10 OCT, 4 NOV 2026
✔️ Price from 1750€
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✔️ Departures in preparation
✔️ Price to be confirmed
