5 Best Places to See the Northern Lights in 2025
The Northern Lights are the stuff of celestial dreams—ribbons of green, purple, and gold that swirl and shimmer across the night sky. And if chasing this magical phenomenon is on your bucket list, then 2025 might just be the year to make it happen.
Why 2025 is THE Year to Witness This Natural Phenomenon
Scientists have confirmed we’re approaching the peak of the sun’s 11-year solar cycle, known as the “solar maximum,” which means a greater chance of dazzling aurora displays lighting up the Arctic skies—and perhaps even sneaking into lower latitudes!
What exactly makes 2025 so special? Solar activity is currently at its most energetic in two decades, with NASA predicting continued excitement well into the year. The last time we saw this level of cosmic theatrics was during the Great Halloween Storms of 2003, when the aurora borealis danced as far south as Florida and the Mediterranean. While we can’t promise a repeat performance, the heightened solar activity is enough to inspire an adventurous spirit—and maybe a bit of hope for an unforgettable show.
How to Maximize Chances of Seeing the Northern Lights
While there’s no guarantee you’ll witness the lights—even on a lavish aurora-hunting expedition—there are clever ways to increase your chances. Here’s how to make your dream of seeing the northern lights a glowing reality.
Step 1: Escape the City
The golden rule of aurora hunting? Avoid bright lights. The glow of bustling cities will overwhelm the delicate hues of the northern lights, so you’ll want to head to a remote spot with truly dark skies. International Dark Sky Parks or Sanctuaries are ideal - better yet, find a prime location and make a Northern Lights adventure out of it.
Hot tip: Don’t forget to consult a moon calendar—an aurora display under a crescent moon is far more vivid than one competing with a full moon’s glare.
Step 2: Time It Right
Timing is everything when it comes to aurora spotting. The lights are most active between 10 pm and 2 am local time, though this can vary depending on the season. Your best odds come during the equinox months—March and September—when solar winds tend to be strongest.
Hot tip: Consider this a sign to start planning your next outdoor adventure!
Step 3: Keep an Eye on the Weather
Even with everything else in place, clear skies are essential. Heavy clouds will hide even the most vibrant display, so check local weather forecasts before setting out. Just remember, forecasts aren’t foolproof—Mother Nature has a mind of her own!
Hot tip: Apps like NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center and My Aurora Forecast and Alerts are helpful tools.
Step 4: Choose the Best Spots
Location, location, location! While solar maximum conditions mean the aurora could make surprise appearances in lower latitudes, your best bet is to head to the Arctic Circle. Northern Canada, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Finland are perennial favourites, offering some of the most reliable displays of the aurora borealis.
Hot tip: The farther north you go, the better your chances - so set your sights up North!
The Final Touch: Patience
Aurora hunting requires more than a plane ticket and a camera—it demands patience and a sense of adventure. Even with all the planning in the world, the northern lights remain elusive and unpredictable. But when they do appear, the sheer beauty of their cosmic ballet will make every cold night and sleepless hour worthwhile.
5 Prime Spots to See the Northern Lights this 2025
Speaking of location, here are five enchanting destinations to consider for your aurora adventure:
Swedish Lapland
Swedish Lapland’s pristine wilderness offers some of the clearest views of the aurora borealis. Notable spots include the Aurora Sky Station in Abisko and the Ice hotel in Jukkasjärvi. Beyond aurora watching, visitors can engage in snowshoeing, backcountry skiing, and reindeer herding.
For an immersive experience, consider joining the Gutsy Girls Lapland Winter Adventure Holiday, which combines aurora hunting with cultural and winter activities.
Dalarna, Sweden
While Dalarna may not be as renowned for auroras as Lapland, its secluded, dark locations provide excellent opportunities for Northern Lights viewing. The region also offers winter adventures like backcountry cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, with evenings spent in cozy, off-grid cabins.
The Gutsy Girls Backcountry Cross-Country Ski and Snowshoe Adventure in Sweden is an ideal way to explore this magical area.
Tromsø, Norway
Known as the “Gateway to the Arctic,” Tromsø is a vibrant city popular among aurora seekers. Visitors can embark on guided Northern Lights safaris by snowmobile or husky sled and stay in unique accommodations like glass igloos and Arctic lodges. Pairing aurora spotting with whale watching or Sami cultural experiences enhances the adventure. The optimal time to visit is from late September to early April.
Finnish Lapland (Rovaniemi and Beyond)
Finnish Lapland boasts some of the darkest skies, ideal for aurora viewing. Staying in luxury glass igloos or traditional Finnish cabins offers a cozy aurora experience. Activities such as cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and traditional sauna experiences complement the trip. Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus, adds a festive touch. The best time to visit is from December through February, when the nights are longest and darkest.
Yukon, Canada
Canada’s Yukon Territory provides a rugged wilderness setting for unparalleled aurora viewing. Whitehorse serves as a convenient base for guided tours or independent adventures. Unique activities like dog sledding and Indigenous cultural storytelling enrich the experience, with cozy lodges offering panoramic views of the night sky. The prime viewing period is during the winter months, particularly January and February.
Going on an adventure holiday to these destinations in 2025 promises not only the chance to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights but also to engage in unforgettable cultural and outdoor experiences. More than just ethereal ribbons of light dancing across the sky, each offers unique cultural immersions and outdoor adventures for an unforgettable journey.
Whatever catches your fancy - whether it be gliding across snowy landscapes on a husky sled in Tromsø, soaking in the silence of off-grid cabins in Dalarna, or warming up in a traditional Finnish sauna under the aurora’s glow - there’s a destination perfectly tailored to your sense of wonder. And for those eager to combine aurora hunting with even more adventure, the Gutsy Girls Lapland Winter Adventure Holiday and the Backcountry Cross-Country Ski and Snowshoe Adventure in Sweden provide eco-friendly, immersive experiences that are nothing short of spectacular. Book your next holiday (and celestial!) adventure in Lapland or Sweden now — or head on over to www.gutsygirls.co.uk for more information!
