Aurora Borealis, Where and When to See it in 2023?
The Aurora Borealis is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, a mesmerising spectacle, unique in the world.
The enchanting dance of coloured lights in the night skies is something unforgettable.
Since the dawn of time, inhabitants of the wildest places on the planet have admired the trails of green, red, yellow, pink, purple and white lights: some have attributed this phenomenon to spirits and magic, others to ancient legends.
But how, where and when to see it? We have put together a useful guide on what the aurora borealis is, when and where to see it in 2023.
Aurora Borealis, Where and When to See it in 2023?
Reykjavik, Iceland
Kakslauttanen Artic Resort, Finland
Svalbard Islands, Norway
Tromso, Norway
Alta, Norway
Abisko National Park, Sweden
Alaska
Mucho Lake Provincial Park, British Columbia, Canada
Yellowknife, Canada
Kola Peninsula, Russia
Greenland
Farnebofjarden National Park, Sweden
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Aurora Borealis
What is the Aurora Borealis? It is a phenomenon that originates from high-energy particles from space and the sun.
The Aurora Borealis phenomenon occurs when huge amounts of particles are fired from the sun during large solar explosions and eruptions.
When these particles encounter the Earth's magnetic field, they interact with the upper layers of the atmosphere and provide this incredible spectacle.
The fluorescent green, yellow, blue and violet lights that descend on the earth form amazing colour effects; according to ancient beliefs they were the spirits of the dead returning. A Lappish legend attributes the Aurora Borealis to the 'fox fires', light effects created by the tail of a large fox hitting the snow, creating coloured trails in the sky.
To observe this phenomenon, one needs to reach 60°-70° north latitude, along the belt connecting central Alaska, Canada, the southern tip of Greenland, Iceland and the northern part of Scandinavia.
Where to see the Aurora Borealis in 2023
Science or legend, spirit or nature, the Northern Lights are one of the spectacles to be seen at least once in a lifetime.
Where? All over northern Scandinavia, in Sweden, Finland and Norway, especially in the regions of Lapland, but also in Scotland (in the Shetland and Orkney Islands) on clear winter nights. On Ronas Hill, at the highest point of Shetland, where the sun never sets in summer, admiring the Northern Lights is a timeless experience.
Canada, Alaska and Greenland are among the most privileged observatories, but also the most difficult to reach.
Here are 10 best places to see the Aurora Borealis
Reykjavik, Iceland
Kakslauttanen Artic Resort, Finland
Svalbard Islands, Norway
Tromso, Norway
Alta, Norway
Abisko National Park, Sweden
Alaska
Mucho Lake Provincial Park, British Columbia, Canada
Yellowknife, Canada
Kola Peninsula, Russia
Greenland
Farnebofjarden National Park, Sweden
Aurora Borealis in 2023
The sun has an 11-year activity cycle, during which time peaks of maximum and minimum solar activity occur. This phenomenon is directly related to the increase (or decrease) in the frequency of northern lights.
The period of maximum solar activity occurred between 2014 and 2015 and is gradually decreasing until it reaches the minimum period, which means that there will be fewer opportunities to see the Aurora Borealis in the coming years. In the next 10 years the northern lights will appear less frequently.
They will not disappear, that's for sure, you can rest assured, but until 2025 the chances of seeing them may decrease.
Among the best destinations are northern Scandinavia, Sweden, Finland and Norway (especially in the Lapland regions), Iceland, Scotland (in the Shetland and Orkney Islands) on clear winter nights, Canada, Alaska and Greenland, and all countries in the area known as the auroral oval.
Aurora Borealis when to see it? Best period
Country | Period |
|---|---|
Iceland | September/mid-April |
Norway | September/end of March |
Finland | September/March |
Sweden | September/end March |
Alaska | August/end September |
Canada | Winter season |
What is the best time?
When is it possible to admire the Northern Lights? Between February and March and between September and October more or less coinciding with the equinoxes, the phenomena of the Northern Lights are most frequent.
It is easier to admire them from February to March, during the long polar night, when the iridescence of the lights shines in the deepest darkness. What is the best time? You can see the Northern Lights from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m., but you have a better chance of seeing them between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m.
On the Finnish website aurorasnow you can find forecasts (although it is not yet possible to always reliably predict the phenomenon) of the next Northern Lights.
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Best places to see the Northern Lights
The most spectacular displays occur in the northern regions, beyond the Arctic Circle, in the Nordic countries of Sweden, Norway, Finland, Alaska, Canada and Russia. More rarely, this phenomenon can be observed in Scotland and England.
Northern Lights in Iceland
Northern lights occur all year round in Iceland, although in summer the sky is too clear for them to be seen.
The best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland is therefore from September to mid-April, anywhere in the country. Reykjavik's night lighting cannot hide them, but of course the darker and clearer it is, the more marvellous the spectacle.
Not too far from Reykjavik, you can watch the Northern Lights from the new Aurora Basecamp observation centre, an observatory and education centre built in an old lava mine. You can find forecasts of the northern lights in Iceland here.
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Northern lights in Norway
The northern region is the best place to see auroras in Norway. Between the end of September and the end of March it is dark from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m., which is the best time to see the auroras.
Northern lights in Finland
The best place to spot the northern lights in Finland is Lapland, although auroras can also be seen further south. The period from September to March is the best time of year.
Northern lights in Sweden
The Northern Lights can appear from mid-September (in Kiruna) to late March throughout Swedish Lapland.
The best place to see the northern lightsin Sweden is the Aurora Sky Station in Abisko National Park where the sky is usually particularly clear.
Aurora Borealis in Lapland
Lapland is one of the best places to enjoy the spectacle of the Northern Lights. The best time to plan a trip is from October to March.
Among the best places to go are Rovaniemi, Levi and Kemi in Finnish Lapland, Kiruna and Abisko in Sweden. Here is a video of a spectacular Aurora Borealis in Lapland, the most beautiful in recent years.
Aurora Borealis at the North Pole
If you want to admire the Northern Lights from a privileged and magical location, we recommend staying in the North Pole Igloos, the northernmost hotel in the world.
There are, however, two factors you should take into account. The first is that it will only be available for a limited time. The second is that an extremely expensive luxury hotel, it will cost around $100,000 for three nights. But it promises to be truly spectacular.
When to go and see the Northern Lights
In the northern hemisphere, the Northern Lights season runs from late September or early October to late March.
You should know that the sun has an 11-year cycle, during which its activity increases from its lowest levels to a maximum where magnetic storms become more frequent, resulting in an increase in the Northern Lights.
How long does the Aurora Borealis phenomenon last
The duration of the phenomenon is variable and depends on the intensity of the solar wind. You can see auroras lasting 10 minutes or entire nights at different intensities.
Aurora Borealis trip
How to organise a trip to see the northern lights? You can travel alone or with organised trips. If you choose one of the European destinations, you can opt for a trip on your own without spending a fortune. A guide on how to photograph the Northern Lights can be found at this link.
In Northern Europe you will also find many agencies that organise excursions to see the spectacle, you just have to worry about finding flights and accommodation.
It's a different matter if you want to travel to Alaska, Greenland or Canada, in which case, as these are remote destinations, you might want to go with an organised group.
Keep in mind that the trip is not cheap, here is a travelogue to Sweden to discover the Aurora Borealis.
Cheap places to see the Aurora Borealis
If you plan your trip in advance and choose the right destination, you will also find a chance to enjoy the show without spending a fortune.
Seeing the Northern Lights cheaply is possible, there are hostels and hotels where you can spend a maximum of EUR 30 per night to enjoy a front row seat to one of nature's best shows.
Aurora Borealis App
What are the best apps to spot the Aurora Borealis? Here's a list of the ones not to miss:
Aurora Forecast (Finland)
Norway Lights (Norway)
YR (Lapland)
Vedur (Iceland)
Live Aurora Network
Aurora Borealis, how to dress and what to bring
How to dress to see the Northern Lights? Clothing is a factor that should not be underestimated: the rule is to dress in layers and use merino wool as the layer closest to the skin to keep warm by adapting to body temperature. As a final material, a windproof jacket should be used. You can find a guide to how to dress and what to bring here.
Aurora Borealis Streaming
Unless you are lucky enough to live in Alaska, northern Canada, Iceland, northern Norway, Finland, Sweden and northern Russia, you will most likely not be lucky enough to see the Aurora Borealis in the coming months, especially due to the limitations imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic. There is, however, a way to see it from the comfort of home right now.
Thanks to a group known as 'aurora hunters', you will be able to see each explorer's expeditions directly on Instagram. Starting on 11 September, the This is Arctic Instagram account will start broadcasting live feeds and posts from each traveller in search of the Aurora Borealis. Here is the address. Here you can admire the beautiful images of the Northern Lights taken from space.
Aurora Borealis on New Year's Eve
A definitely alternative New Year's Eve is spent in search of the Northern Lights. There are as many destinations as there are places where you can admire it.
Popular destinations are Rovaniemi in Finland, Tromso and Iceland for a New Year's Eve among aurora geysers and hot pools of thermal water.
Aurora Borealis Pictures
It is very difficult for a picture to capture the magic of an aurora as it is when seen live. But there are spectacular images that will make you want to go on the hunt for the Northern Lights.
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Aurora Borealis Video Aurora Borealis Map
There is a site that shows a real-time map of the northern lights around the world. It is called Aurorasaurus and allows users to know exactly where to contemplate this incredible phenomenon. The app is based on the participation of users who report the presence of the phenomenon via the app.
Aurora Borealis and the Moon: is it possible to see it?
To the question of whether it is possible to see the aurora borealis in the presence of the moon, we answer that it is preferable to travel during periods when our natural satellite is absent.
The presence of moonlight could lower the probability of enjoying the spectacle of colours in the sky. It is therefore better to prefer a moonless sky.
Aurora Borealis by Train
One of the experiences not to be missed is admiring the Aurora Borealis spectacle from the train. You can do this aboard the Aurora Winter Train, the Alaska Railroad's convoy that will give you the magical experience of the Northern Lights from the train until May each year.
Video Aurora Borealis from space
What does the northern lights look like as seen from space?
Here is the video
Where is it possible to see the Aurora Borealis?
The Aurora Borealis is a phenomenon visible at certain latitudes in different parts of the world. Privileged places to enjoy the spectacle are Norway, Finland, Sweden, Iceland, Russia, Greenland, Canada and Alaska. Find out more
When can you see the Aurora Borealis in Iceland?
The best time to admire it is from September (sometimes even late August) to April. The best time is from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Find out more
How does the Aurora Borealis form?
It occurs when during large solar explosions and eruptions, large quantities of particles are fired from the sun. When these particles meet the Earth's magnetic field, they make this incredible spectacle by interacting with the upper layers of the atmosphere.
Where to see the Aurora Borealis in Finland?
The best place to see the Northern Lights in Finland is Lapland. We also recommend Rovaniemi, Kiruna and Alta. When? September to March 2023.
When can you see the Northern Lights in Norway?
Between the end of September and the end of March from six in the afternoon to one in the morning.
When can you see the Aurora Borealis in Sweden?
The best time to see the Northern Lights in Sweden is from October to March.
Finland
Lapland