How to see the Northern Lights: best places, times, and what they are

Experiencing the beauty and magic of the Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, is something everyone should put on their bucket list. The breathtaking display is unlike anything you can see, as nature’s lights dance around you with an otherworldly essence that will leave an everlasting impression and a deeper appreciation of our planet and the galaxy above us. 2025 is shaping up to be an incredible year for the auroras, with some people spotting them in unexpected places, like the United States. The sun follows an 11-year cycle of activity, and 2025 marks the peak of Solar Cycle 25, meaning stronger solar storms, which result in more frequent and vibrant auroras. If you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to see them, this is it.

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If you have the opportunity to travel this year, make it a goal to see the northern lights. However, remember that nature is random and unpredictable. If you go somewhere like Iceland, make sure you have other exciting activities planned. Keep your expectations in check to avoid disappointment. Give yourself a few days—don’t expect a beautiful display of green light on your first night.

What Are the Northern Lights?

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The northern lights are a natural light display that begins on the surface of the Sun when solar activity ejects a cloud of gas. The electrically charged particles from the sun enter the Earth's atmosphere, leading to collisions between these particles and the gases in Earth's atmosphere. The lights are most visible above the magnetic poles of the northern and southern hemispheres.

They appear in a variety of colors, depending on the type of gas particles colliding. Yellowish-green is produced by oxygen molecules located about 100-140 km (60-90 miles) above Earth. Rare, all-red auroras are produced by high-altitude oxygen at heights of 200-400 km (125-250 miles). The lowest auroras, from 60-100 km (40-60 miles), are produced by nitrogen and create purplish-red or violet hues. The lights can appear in many forms: rippling curtains, calm static auroras, streams of light, rainbow-like arcs, or active auroras that change constantly.

Best Places to See the Northern Lights in 2025

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To get the best view, you’ll want to be as close to the Arctic Circle as possible in areas that are free from light pollution. Here are some top locations:

Reykjavik and South Iceland – Iceland is often the first place that comes to mind when you think of the northern lights. The country offers easy access to auroras and otherworldly landscapes. You can see them by boat or even right outside your hotel. Many tours offer to take you out again the next night if the lights don’t appear. The best time to watch for auroral displays in Iceland is from September to mid-April, typically between 9:00 PM and midnight. 

Tromsø, Norway – A northern lights hotspot with breathtaking fjords and minimal light pollution. 

Fairbanks, Alaska – Known for some of the most reliable aurora activity in North America. 

Abisko, Sweden – Home to the Aurora Sky Station, where clear skies make sightings more likely. 

Churchill, Canada – A lesser-known gem with spectacular light shows.

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Best Time to See the Northern Lights in 2025

The northern lights are visible from late August to early April, but the peak season is from September to March, when nights are longest. The best viewing hours are typically between 9 PM and 2 AM, when the sky is darkest and aurora activity is strongest.

Tips for the Best Northern Lights Experience

There are apps that can help you determine when the lights might be visible, but don't always rely on them—chasing the lights is part of the fun!

• Check the forecast – Websites like NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center track aurora activity. 
• Get away from city lights – The darker the sky, the better the view. If you see stars and there aren’t many clouds, you may have a good chance of seeing them. 
• Stay warm – Arctic temperatures can be brutal, so bundle up with gloves and a warm jacket.
•  Be patient – The auroras don’t operate on a schedule, so give yourself a few nights to maximize your chances.

How to Photograph the Auroras

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You can use a camera with manual settings to photograph the lights properly, but your iPhone does a pretty good job too. It may take some time for your eyes to adjust to the night sky and the colorful hues, so don’t get discouraged if your phone or camera captures them more vividly than you see with your eyes at first.

iPhone: There are apps that help you shoot the auroras, but you might be surprised by what your iPhone can capture. When you see the lights, make sure Night Mode is activated, turn off the flash, and start shooting. Cinematic mode might help you get them on video.

Android: Android phones do an incredible job capturing the auroras, probably even better than the iPhone. 

Manual Camera: 

• Don’t use flash or a filter, and start with focus set to infinity (endless). 
• Autofocus doesn’t work well for northern light photography. 
• Use the smallest setting possible for your lens, such as f/1.4–f/4. 
• A higher ISO adds more light to your photo. Between 800 and 6400 ISO is a good place to play with depending on how bright it is.
• Be sure to keep the camera still—use a tripod or place it on a solid surface like a chair or table. You can also use a cable release to avoid touching the camera button. 
• For long exposure, try 8-15 seconds to start, then experiment with different settings.
• Lower your LCD brightness if possible to maintain your night vision.