Recently updated on January 30th, 2025 at 12:53 am
The vivid pinks, purples, reds, blues and greens of the aurora borealis are lighting up social media as they dance over northern Europe and North America right now. And If you’ve been wondering when the best time is to see the ultimate glow show for yourself, the good news is that the current displays are just a warm-up for the main event: as the solar maximum approaches, the aurora is forecast to peak in 2025. Follow our guide to learn more about what to expect and how to plan your aurora viewing holiday. But first, a quick look at the science…


What are the Northern Lights?
Also known as the aurora borealis, the northern lights form when charged particles from the sun, known as solar wind, collide with Earth’s atmosphere. As these particles interact with oxygen and nitrogen, they release energy in the form of light. This creates a spectacular display of shimmering curtains, dynamic spirals, or arcs in colours like green, purple, red, and blue, with oxygen producing greens and reds, and nitrogen creating purples, blues, and pinks. The various shapes are influenced by Earth’s magnetic field.
The aurora borealis is usually visible in regions above the Arctic Circle, such as Alaska, Canada, and the northern reaches of Sweden, Norway, Iceland, and Finland. Its counterpart, the aurora australis (southern lights), occurs near Antarctica, but can sometimes be visible in southern Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and parts of South America. Both auroras form in the same way – solar particles are channelled towards the poles by Earth’s magnetic field, just in opposite hemispheres. While both displays are breathtaking, the aurora borealis is generally more accessible, especially during solar maximum, the peak of the sun’s 11-year activity cycle, when solar activity intensifies the auroras.
Why 2025 will be an excellent year for aurora viewing
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA’s) Space Weather Prediction Center, solar maximum is expected in July 2025, bringing a peak of 115 sunspots – areas where solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) occur. These events power up solar winds, sending more charged particles into Earth’s magnetic field which, for aurora chasers, is excellent news: solar maximum means more frequent and vibrant auroras, potentially visible at lower latitudes than usual. This heightened activity is predicted to last anywhere from a few months to a couple of years. While the midnight sun of the northern summer will make the skies too bright to see the aurora borealis in July, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to catch the increasing action in autumn, winter, and spring.


The best months to see the northern lights
The best time to see the aurora borealis is from late September to March, with December through to February bringing the most favourable conditions. This is because in winter, the Earth is tilted in such a way that the polar regions receive extended hours of darkness and the weather is often clear, with the cold air offering less cloud cover and better visibility. And the further north you go, the better your chances of seeing them. Another factor to consider is the moon’s phases: a bright full moon can wash out the aurora’s colours and reduce visibility, so plan your aurora-viewing holiday around a new moon or a crescent moon phase. This handy calendar from the Perth Observatory shows the moon’s phases for 2025 while NASA’s interactive moon guide has daily updates.
Why the northern lights are more active around the equinoxes
Around the equinoxes in March and September, geomagnetic activity ramps up, making the Northern Lights easier to spot. At these times, Earth’s orientation allows solar wind to interact more directly with the magnetosphere, enhancing geomagnetic storms that fuel the auroras. Plus, the polar regions are in just the right spot to get a better view of all the action, as the Northern Lights dance more brightly and frequently. For 2025, the equinoxes will occur on March 20 (vernal/spring equinox) and September 22 (autumnal equinox), while the solstices occur on June 20 (summer); December 21 (winter).


The best places to see the northern lights in 2025
The ideal locations to view the aurora borealis are within or near the Arctic Circle with clear, with dark skies away from light pollution. Here, just a few standout locations for 2025 and beyond:
Norway
Alta is known as the City of the Northern Lights and has a long history of aurora research. It offers clear skies and dry conditions, making it an ideal spot for sightings, plus it also has several hotels designed for aurora viewing, including glass igloos! Tromsø is the Gateway to the Arctic, and its accessibility, vibrant city life, and surrounding wilderness make it an ideal base for aurora chasers. And, the Lofoten Islands are renowned for their dramatic landscapes, with rugged peaks, fjords, and picturesque fishing villages – the perfect setting for aurora viewing.
Standout holiday: Authentic Fjords of Norway
Located between the 74th and 81st parallels north, the Svalbard Archipelago is closer to the North Pole than it is to Norway – making it a great place to look for the northern lights alongside Tromsø, the Lofoten Islands and Alta. You’ll visit them all and more on this stellar 12-day adventure.
Churchill, Canada
Churchill offers prime conditions for aurora viewing thanks to its position on the western shores of Hudson Bay under the auroral oval, clear skies, minimal light pollution and extended winter nights, with the peak season being February to March. However, if you’re also a wildlife lover, it may be worth considering October-November: even though the aurora may be a little less reliable, it’s also peak season in the Polar Bear Capital of the World
Standout holiday: Polar Bears At Tundra Buggy Lodge
Speak to Adventure World’s experts about Churchill’s specialised aurora-viewing adventures, but if you love wildlife, this excellent itinerary doubles down on the wonders as you can watch polar bears by day then look for Lady Aurora each night on the tundra.
Iceland
The intriguing island nation’s hottest aurora spots include Thingvellir National Park, with its dramatic landscapes and minimal light pollution; Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where the auroras reflect off the water; and Vik, where rugged beaches add an extra layer of magic. While Reykjavik has some light pollution, it can still be a good base for seeing the Northern Lights, especially if you’re willing to drive a short distance out of the city to darker areas, including the Grótta Lighthouse or the Reykjanes Peninsula. The Snaefellsnes Peninsula and Húsavík, known for whale watching, also offer excellent aurora viewing away from the crowds.
Standout holiday: Hidden Powers And Northern Lights
This 5-night journey takes you to the wild heart of the south coast where you’ll find a range of aurora-friendly locations and visit more Iceland must-sees including Thingvellir, Reykjavik, Gullfoss, Diamond Beach, the Eyjafjallajökull volcano, and the Blue Lagoon.
Alaska, USA
Located directly under the auroral oval in central Alaska, Fairbanks is one of the best places on Earth to see the northern lights, with consistent activity and a long aurora season from August to April, dark skies and minimal light pollution.
Standout holiday: Authentic Alaskan Aurora Adventure
On this 9-day itinerary you’ll take a flightseeing tour across the Arctic Circle and stay just outside of Fairbanks at Borealis Basecamp, where your fibreglass igloo is designed to maximise your aurora views.
Finland
Finnish Lapland is famous for its aurora viewing opportunities, thanks to its vast wilderness, dark skies, and high-latitude viewpoints. In the heart of the region at Rovaniemi, you can stay in glass igloos or cabins with clear roofs to watch the lights in comfort. Nearby the well-known ski resort, Levi, offers both stunning aurora displays and winter activities like snowshoeing and dogsledding. Similarly, serene Inari is an ideal spot to see the Northern Lights while also experiencing Sami culture.
Standout holiday: Best of Lapland
This five-night adventure is designed to maximise your northern lights action, taking in the best of Levi, staying in an Aurora Cabin, aurora hunting by snowmobile, taking part in a northern lights photography workshop, and more.
Sweden
Check out our blog, Unique Stays in Swedish Lapland, for aurora-viewing adventures that’ll see you enjoying the show in chic suites, rooms made of ice and UFOs!


How to photograph the northern lights
While it’s important to enjoy the experience with your own eyes, you might only see a faint, wispy, or muted glow, with colours ranging from pale green to pink, and generally more subtle than what your camera can capture. That’s because our eyes are less sensitive to light than the camera, especially in the dark. By using longer exposure times, the camera can accumulate the aurora’s light, making it appear brighter and more detailed in the photo than you’ll see in person. If you’re hoping to capture the action, these northern lights photography tips will get you started:
If you have a mirrorless or DSLR camera:
- Use a tripod to stabilise your camera for sharper images.
- Choose a wide-angle, fast lens (f/2.8 or wider, 14-24mm is preferred although you could also experiment with longer focal lengths).
- Set the lens focus to Infinity.
- Switch the camera to Manual mode (M).
- Set the ISO to between 800-3200, depending on the aurora’s brightness.
- Open the aperture to f/2.8 or the widest your lens allows.
- Shutter speed: start with 10-20 seconds; adjusting up or down according to the conditions and the effects you’re after.
- Use a remote control or timer to avoid camera shake.
If you’re using an iPhone or Android smartphone:
- Use a small tripod to stabilise your camera for sharper images.
- Activate Night Mode. On iPhone 11 and later, Night Mode activates automatically. If not, tap the moon icon and adjust the exposure slider.
- Turn off your flash.
- Tap the screen to focus and fine-tune the brightness using the exposure slider (try -1 to -2 stops).
- Set the lens focus to infinity by tapping on the aurora or a distant object.
- Try different exposure times (4-10 seconds) to capture more light.
- Use a 10-second timer or Bluetooth remote to avoid camera shake.
- You could also consider apps like https://www.procamera-app.com/en/


Handy aurora forecasts and northern lights tracking tools
Bookmark or download these excellent resources to stay in the know:
Space Weather Live offers real-time data on solar activity, including aurora forecasts, the KP index (which measure the aurora’s intensity) and solar wind conditions. The website provides interactive maps to track aurora forecasts globally and includes a forecast for upcoming days.
This clever resource features a detailed 30-minute aurora forecast complete with maps to show you the predicted extent of the auroral oval and the probability of seeing any action.
This academic site offers three-day Northern Lights forecasts with updates on aurora activity, especially for Alaska and the surrounding region, with a real-time auroral oval map and detailed predictions.
My Aurora Forecast & Alerts
Download this app to your iPhone phone or Android device for maps and forecasts, as well as to view live aurora footage from around the world.
5 common aurora questions, answered
What time of the night is the best for aurora viewing?
Generally, 10pm to 2am is thought to be the best time to see the northern lights. That’s because, according to NASA’s Space Weather Research, the activity tends to peak around midnight, when the solar wind is most active and the Earth is in the best position to receive it. In saying that, in dark sky areas, if the aurora’s KP index is high, it may be possible to see the aurora earlier in the evening.
What is the KP Index?
You’ll see this term on various forecasting and tracking websites and apps – it refers to the aurora borealis’ intensity on a scale of 0 to 9, based on solar wind and geomagnetic conditions. The higher the KP value, the more geomagnetic activity there is. A KP of 4 or higher typically offers the best chance of seeing strong, colourful auroras, especially in regions close to the Arctic Circle. A KP of 6-9 indicates a high chance of seeing the aurora at lower latitudes or with enhanced intensity.
What is a STEVE and how is it different to the aurora borealis?
STEVE (Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement) is a rare aurora-like phenomenon characterised by purple or pink streaks of light. It occurs at lower latitudes and forms a little differently to the aurora borealis: STEVE is caused by thermal emissions in the ionosphere, while the aurora occurs when solar particles collide with Earth’s atmospheric gases. While it often appears alongside the Northern Lights, STEVE has a narrow, vibrant appearance. It was first documented in 2016 by a group of citizen scientists and researchers from the University of Calgary, who were observing auroral activity in northern Canada. Since then, it’s been most typically seen in northern Canada, Alaska, and Scandinavia, especially during spring and autumn.
When viewing the aurora what should I wear for the cold weather?
As you’ll be standing still for long periods in the cold, polar night, it’s important to dress in warm layers. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer (merino wool or synthetic polypro technical fabrics) to keep sweat off your skin. Add a mid-layer for insulation, such as polar fleece or a down vest. For your outer layer, choose a windproof, waterproof jacket, weatherproof, insulated trousers (Gore-Tex is ideal), waterproof boots and thermal socks. Warm your head with a beanie or balaclava, and your hands with insulated gloves (or a wool pair under mittens). And add a scarf or neck gaiter to protect your neck.
What else should I bring?
Hand and feet warmers will keep your extremities warm and will fit inside your socks or gloves – you’ll find a wide selection of rechargeable electronic options on Amazon. It’s also worth bringing a few extra layers in your backpack, as temperatures in the polar north are very changeable, especially at night. As the cold can be dehydrating, bring warm fluids to sip and snack on high-energy bites to keep your inner furnace stoked. In terms of your phone or camera gear, be aware that the cold can zap battery power more quicky than normal conditions, so it’s worth bringing a portable charger or spare batteries. And, just as importantly, bring your patience! The aurora borealis makes its own rules, but even if doesn’t appear when you expect, it’s always well worth the wait.