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Peak Solar Activity Is Forecast For 2025: Here Are The Best Places To See The Northern Lights Around The World

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.

It’s official: The sun has reached its solar maximum.

According to NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, we’re now in the most intense phase of the sun’s 11-year cycle. This heightened solar activity means electrically charged particles are colliding with Earth’s atmosphere at a rate we haven’t seen in years, leading to more frequent and vivid displays of the northern lights as we ride the peak of Solar Cycle 25.

“During solar maximum, we see more of the solar activity that can spark the aurora,” said Dr. Elizabeth MacDonald, a space scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. “These natural light shows are stunning to see, and they provide a great opportunity for scientists to learn more about how Earth is influenced by the sun and space.”

Remember when the aurora borealis danced over places as unexpected as New York City in October — an almost unheard-of treat for urban dwellers? There could be more of that coming since we’re only midway through this peak period, which experts predict will last through 2025. That means there’s still plenty of time to catch these stunning displays. Whether you’re an aurora-chasing pro or just looking to experience this otherworldly phenomenon for the first time, now’s the perfect time to plan your trip to see the northern lights in their full glory.

Here’s your guide to everything you need to know about aurora chasing during the 2025 solar maximum, including the best places to see the northern lights, where to stay and how to photograph them.

What are the northern lights?

This phenomenon occurs when a solar flare penetrates the Earth’s magnetic field and shoots charged particles into the atoms and molecules that make up our atmosphere.

The bursts of colorful light you see are actually the colliding particles and atoms. The various colors indicate what types of atoms and molecules are interacting.

Green, pink, yellow, blue and purple are the most common colors you’ll see during a northern lights show. However, particularly intense flares can manifest as orange or white.

According to Space.com, particles colliding with oxygen produce green and yellow, while nitrogen results in red and violet. Additionally, the lights will sometimes only appear as a faint color filter across the night sky — barely a shimmer on the horizon. Part of the fun is the unpredictable nature of the lights.

Where to see the northern lights

Continental US

The northern lights over Mercer, Maine, on May 11, 2024. MICHAEL SEAMANS/GETTY IMAGES

When to visit: When there is high solar activity, which is expected to peak in July 2025 according to Weather.gov.

While rare and tough to predict, when conditions are right, you can view the northern lights from New York, Minnesota, Michigan, Maine and, occasionally, states as far south as Kansas and Colorado.

You have to be ready to go when high solar activity strikes (or be lucky enough to live in the area), so planning when to go and where to stay may be difficult.

If your schedule allows, your best bet may be International Dark Sky Parks and Sanctuaries, such as Montana’s Glacier National Park or Maine’s Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument.

The best resources: For your best shot at seeing this celestial light show, subscribe to Night Sky Alerts for $5.99 monthly or check in regularly with the Space Weather Prediction Center’s aurora forecast.

Iceland

The northern lights over Mount Kirkjufell in Iceland. SUTTIPONG SUTIRATANACHAI/GETTY IMAGES

When to visit: September to mid-April

Getting away from light pollution is simple all across Iceland. With only two major cities — Reykjavik and Akureyri — you’re a 15-minute drive from the perfect viewing spot almost anywhere in the island nation.

There is an overwhelming number of tours available for travelers seeking the northern lights, many of which are bus tours.

However, there are a few that stand out from the crowd: Special Tours’ Northern Lights by Boat experience and a photography-focused Jeep tour.

Remember, if you’re flying from the U.S., chances are your flight is overnight. Keep an eye out for the northern lights as you pass over Greenland and approach Iceland.

Where to stay: Located on an old geothermal energy site, the Ion Adventure Hotel is designed around the surrounding views: Large windows open up to the surrounding mountain range. However, the best view might be from the outdoor geothermal pool underneath the hotel. You can even request that the hotel staff call and wake you up if the northern lights are out. Rates start at $330 per night.

About an hour’s drive from Reykjavik near the Golden Circle is Thingvellir National Park; it’s a drive worth experiencing to get away from the city lights. If you want to stay in the capital, book a room at the Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre. Rates start at $225 or 63,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

The best resource: The Icelandic Meteorological Office website does a great job of tracking all things weather-related. The aurora tracker even shows cloud coverage across the country and a forecast for how likely it is to catch the northern lights on any given day.

There are a lot of apps that indicate they’ll alert you when the lights are making an appearance in your location, but unless you’re constantly updating the app, chances are it isn’t accurate.

Alaska

Northern lights over the Atigun Pass along the Dalton Highway outside of Fairbanks, Alaska. NOPPAWAT TOM CHAROENSINPHON/GETTY IMAGES

When to visit: Late August to mid-April

When the northern lights are especially strong, you could catch a glimpse anywhere around the state. However, if you want a sure sighting, consider Fairbanks, Anchorage or the Brooks Range.

Fairbanks is known as the most reliable location for spotting the aurora borealis, and the best time to see it is generally between 11:30 p.m. and 3:30 a.m. Later in the year, that time range shifts from 12:30 a.m. to 4:30 a.m.

Consider a northern lights photography workshop with The Aurora Chasers or a dog sledding tour with Last Frontier Mushing Co-Op. Whether you want to brush up on your nighttime photography skills with professional photographers or have a private view of the show, these two tour operators will get you away from the crowds and into the wilderness.

Where to stay: If either of these tours sounds like your ticket to the northern lights, consider making Fairbanks your home base. There are several points hotels worth checking out.

The best resource: Much like Iceland’s weather website, the online forecast from the University of Alaska Fairbanks details the likelihood of seeing the aurora borealis and where. There’s also a scale of one to nine that shows the strength of the solar activity.

Northern Norway

The northern lights visible over Lofoten, Norway. KHANH BUI/GETTY IMAGES

When to visit: September to early April

Northern Norway is where you’ll really want to travel to see the northern lights. Tromso, one of the country’s northernmost cities, is right in the center of the aurora borealis zone.

Where to stay: Off the Map Travel offers a Panoramic Luxury in Tromso trip launched to coincide with the peak solar cycle. The itinerary, which includes guided tours in a Tesla and activities each day, is perfect for stargazers and adventure seekers. It includes three nights in a three-bedroom apartment with views of the Norwegian fjords in Tromso and two nights in a sustainably focused (and luxurious) glass lodge just outside the city. Each lodge is designed for optimal viewing of the aurora borealis and comes equipped with a king-size bed, luxury bathroom, kitchenette and dining area. Rates start at $6,900 per person and include accommodations, ground transfers and excursions listed in the itinerary.

You can also stay in a traditional lavvu, or temporary Sami dwelling, at Green Gold of Norway; there, you’ll find yourself far, far away from light pollution. Travelers are driven to the Lyngen Alps for dinner and to enjoy a quick photography workshop before tracking down the northern lights. After a night in your lavvu, you’ll pack up for the beautiful drive back to Tromso.

The best resource: The experts at Visit Norway created the Norway Lights app. It’s a super-simple interface with information about the forecast and the cities where you’re most likely to see the lights. Think of it as a forecast, itinerary and guide to use while killing time waiting for the auroras to show up.

Northern Finland

Hiker watching the northern lights in Finnish Lapland. ROBERTO MOIOLA/SYSAWORLD/GETTY IMAGES

When to visit: Late August to April

According to Visit Finland, the northern lights are out and about approximately 200 nights of the year. Head to Finnish Lapland — a region bordering Russia, Norway and Sweden — for your best chances.

Where to stay: Looking to cozy up under the northern lights? Finnish Lapland has some amazing new spots opening just in time for winter. The brand-new Silver Birch Resort in Rovaniemi is taking reservations for stays starting this February. Tucked away on a private peninsula, it offers exclusive lake-view cabins where you can soak in the beauty of the Arctic. Plus, their expert guides will help you explore the wild landscapes with perfectly curated adventures. Four-day packages, which include accommodations, full board and activities, start at $11,443 for a family of four.

Even farther north, Hotel Yllasrinne Deluxe opened in December with all the cozy, Nordic vibes. Expect rooms with massive windows that give you panoramic views, along with eco-friendly touches, private saunas and kitchenettes for that home-away-from-home feel. And here’s the real treat: Book one of the top-floor rooms with glass ceilings to catch the northern lights from the comfort of your bed. Rates start at $218 per night.

The best resource: Add your location to the My Aurora Forecast & Alerts app, and you’ll receive real-time alerts when the probability of northern lights spikes. It will also provide the top spots for viewing the aurora across the world at any given time.

Northern Sweden

The northern lights seen from the Aurora Sky Station in Sweden. ARCTIC IMAGES/GETTY IMAGES

When to visit: September to March

You can see the northern lights throughout the Swedish Lapland region. You usually won’t catch sight of the lights in southern Sweden, so plan accordingly. The best part? Sweden’s weather is a tad bit milder than that of its Scandinavian neighbors.

Consider venturing to the Aurora Sky Station in Abisko National Park, a popular spot for aurora borealis enthusiasts. The station is nearly 3,000 feet above sea level in an area clear of light and sound pollution. Here, you can take a Night Visit tour, which brings you to the station on a chairlift (the incredible mountain views are a highlight). If you take the guided Night Visit tour, you’ll be equipped with warm overalls for northern lights spotting.

Where to stay: Fall asleep under the northern lights in the elevated 7th Room at Treehotel, where rates start at $680 per night. It features panoramic windows that offer 360-degree views of the night sky.

The best resource: Don’t let the scant website turn you away — locals and travelers who have spotted the lights will tell you the same thing: The personal alerts from Soft Serve News are the real deal. A monthly $3.10 subscription gives you access to immediate aurora alerts as they’re happening. You will also receive updates on potential future solar activity, outlining three-day forecasts for when the weather looks ideal for a sighting.

Northern Canada

Northern lights over Aurora Village in Yellowknife, Canada. SOMPOTE SAELEE/GETTY IMAGES

When to visit: November to April

Compared to other destinations, there are a lot of places in Canada to view the northern lights. Head to the Yukon, Nunavut and the Northwest Territories, or the northern parts of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Alberta and Newfoundland for your best chance at catching the show. In the Rockies, Jasper National Park is the world’s second-largest Dark Sky Preserve, with the northern lights visible more than 300 nights per year (best viewed from October to April).

Aurora Village — a northern lights-focused community in Yellowknife — is family- and Aboriginal-owned and focuses on the heritage, culture and traditions of the Northwest Territories. Aurora viewing tours start at $80 per adult and include transfers from downtown Yellowknife. The highlight may be the heated outdoor seats designed for spending hours outdoors waiting for (or admiring) the auroras. The seats even spin 360 degrees for optimal viewing.

Where to stay: Some say Blachford Lodge is the ultimate northern lights getaway. Just a quick bush plane hop from Yellowknife, this lodge sits high on a rocky perch with jaw-dropping views of Blachford Lake. It’s as off-the-grid as it gets (think: no roads, no city lights, just endless wilderness), yet somehow it still feels like a cozy, luxury escape. Rates start at $2,503 per person for a three-night package, including room and board.

The best resource: The Northern Lighthouse Project aims to raise awareness of local weather, the northern lights and other space-related phenomena. Each lighthouse works on a color system. Flashing blue signifies low solar activity. Flashing green means the geomagnetic field is quiet, and auroras could be expected. Flashing red indicates that there has been a recent solar flare that could spark vibrant auroras.

Scotland

The Callanish Stones in Outer Hebrides, Scotland. LUCA QUADRIO/500PX/GETTY IMAGES

When to visit: September to March

Northern Scotland shares the same latitude as some Scandinavian locations. That means there’s a good chance you could spot the northern lights here if conditions allow.

Visit Scotland recommends several destinations for aurora viewing. They include Orkney, Caithness, the Moray Firth coast, Aberdeenshire, Lewis, Harris, Skye, Applecross, Lochinver, Cairngorms National Park, Galloway Forest Park, Rannoch Moor, Perthshire, Angus and Calton Hill.

The northern lights have also been known to appear as far south as Edinburgh during especially strong storms. If you really want to fit in, refer to the northern lights as “mirrie dancers” for local cred.

Where to stay: The Isle of Skye is a dark-sky enthusiast’s dream. With seven Dark Sky Discovery Sites on the island, it’s the perfect spot for stargazing and checking out the northern lights. If you’re dreaming of catching the northern lights with a side of Scottish charm, Flodigarry Hotel will deliver just that once it reopens after renovations this March. Curl up by a crackling fire with a welcome dram in hand while the auroras dance over the Atlantic. With cozy rooms, hearty local dishes and jaw-dropping views, this spot turns your northern lights chase into a luxe, laid-back escape. Rates start at $221 per night.

The only thing second to the views may be the local wildlife: You can spot sheep, rams, chickens, sea eagles, buzzards and minke whales all within walking distance of the property.

The best resource: AuroraWatch UK will send real-time alerts via X, Facebook or the messaging app Telegram. The site also offers an AuroraWatch API, showcasing historical data you can (theoretically) use to build your own alerts.

Greenland

The northern lights above Nuuk, Greenland. KELL B. LARSEN/GETTY IMAGES

When to visit: From September to April

Greenland is about to become much more accessible in 2025, now that Nuuk’s new international airport is officially open. However, United Airlines’ upcoming direct flight from Newark to Nuuk is only available in the summer, so aurora chasers will still need to fly via Reykjavik or visit on a cruise in the fall once the skies are dark enough again.

Where to stay: Secret Atlas offers an eight-day tour of Scoresby Sund, the world’s largest fjord system, on a small expedition ship from Sept. 30-Oct. 7. Hosted by northern lights photo expert Virgil Reglioni, the tour is limited to 12 guests. Rates start at $15,495 per person.

Quark Expeditions also offers an 11-day Adventures in Northeast Greenland: Glaciers, Fjords and the Nothern Lights cruise on a 138-person ship with four departures from late August through September. Rates start at $9,581 per person.

For a land-based option, Tasermiut South Greenland Expeditions has an eight-day Greenland Northern Lights tour with accommodations at a camp near Qaleraliq Glacier and a hostel in Tasiusaq with ice hiking and kayaking excursions during the day. Rates start at $2,812 per person for five departures in September.

The best resource: To make sure you catch the northern lights in all their glory, check out AuroraReach. Whether you use the app or access it online, you’ll get real-time updates on the best spots for viewing, so you never miss a moment of the Arctic’s most spectacular show.

How to photograph the northern lights

If you plan on capturing the light show with your iPhone camera, think again. Unless you’re lucky enough to catch some seriously strong collisions, you’ll need some equipment, including a camera, tripod, wide-angle lens and even a flashlight.

Camera: No matter how powerful the lens is, don’t depend on your phone camera for this task. Any digital single-lens reflex camera with a manual settings option will do the trick.

Tripod: You’ll need a steady surface to take photos of the northern lights, as your f-stop (aperture) will be set at a minimum value. The smaller the value, the more light your camera will let in during the exposure. This helps capture as much of the northern lights’ movement as possible. All of this being said, you don’t want to move your camera around while this is happening, or you’ll blur the image.

Wide-angle lens: Not a requirement, but the best way to capture a stunning pro-quality shot of the horizon.

Flashlight: If you specifically want to take portraits in front of the northern lights, you will need to light up your subjects. This is where a flashlight is handy. As soon as you click the shutter, shine the flashlight toward your subjects, at the ground, and then back at your subjects.

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