Where can the Northern Lights be seen?
The Northern Lights can be seen in both the Northern and Southern Hemisphere’s, primarily in the Polar Regions.
Due to lack of land mass in the southern hemisphere (except for Antarctica) sightings are more limited so most aurora borealis hunting take place above 66 degrees north. This therefore takes in Alaska, Canada, Iceland, Scandinavia and Russia.
There is an elliptical oval of Northern Lights activity on a pretty constant basis siting above the geomagnetic poles and when this is disturbed by the solar winds it can intensify and result in vivid displays which can also be visible in more further afield parts of the aurora ring and beyond.
So the first recommendation is to head above the Arctic Circle for the most frequent sightings. The incidences of seeing the aurora on an ‘average night’ decreases as you move away from the Arctic Circle. The brighter/more intense the Northern Lights the further you can see them from the Arctic Circle.
Understanding the Kp Scale: Northern Lights Intensity and Visibility
The intensity, (brightness), of Northern Lights is measured on the Kp scale which ranges from 0-10. About 90% of nights in a typical season would have a Kp index of between 1-4, with the remainder of nights hitting what are called Geomagnetic storm level. Things get very exciting when there is a Kp 5, (or Geomagnetic storm level 1), and above. It is so bright that this intensity of storm can be seen as far south as Stockholm or the northern parts of Scotland and will result in much stronger displays.
At Kp = 0 you would need to be near the very top of Europe to see them. For every increase in level you can add around 350kms to the southern tip of the range for seeing them. So at a Kp 1-3 when we mention ‘average night’ this would mean that there are chances of seeing the Northern Lights across the whole of the Arctic region of Sweden, Norway, Finland as well as Iceland.
See our Northern Lights Holidays in Sweden and Iceland
Optimising Your Northern Lights Viewing Experience: Factors and Forecasts
There are a number of websites that forecast the auroras with some accuracy in the short term and are worth referencing ahead of your Northern Lights holiday. They are measuring the intensity of sunspot activity from the surface of the moon and therefore predicting when this energy will be translated into auroral activity and how far south they will be visible.
So having established how the sun’s energy translates into where you can see the Northern Lights on a given night it is worth considering other factors, particularly climate which play a big part in seeing the Northern Lights. There is nothing more frustrating than knowing the Northern Lights are out but you can’t see them due to cloud for instance.
There is no guarantee that you will get to see the Northern Lights but with expert knowledge and guidance, you can most certainly increase your odds dramatically. With the Auroras season running from late August to early April there are so many possibilities.
Worth Reading
Learn more about the Northern Lights
Our Top Picks
Northern Lights Holidays
Classic short breaks in Finland
Book a classic short break in Finland and enjoy winter adventures by day and chase the Northern Lights by night.
Classic Short Breaks in Iceland
Short Iceland breaks that combine dramatic volcanic scenery, super-jeep adventures and breath-taking Northern Lights tours. Short but spectacular.
Classic Short Breaks in Norway
Classic Short Breaks in Norway. Chase the Northern Lights over a long weekend. Our Norway short breaks pack lots of culture, adventure and Aurora hunting into one spectacular holiday.
Classic short breaks in Sweden
Experience the magic of the Arctic on a short getaway to Swedish Lapland, with up to four days of outdoor adventure and aurora hunting.
Escorted tours Iceland
On escorted tours in Iceland, just sit back and enjoy the scenery. Explore Iceland’s natural wonders, guided by our aurora experts.
Escorted tours Norway
See the best of Arctic Norway. Discover dramatic fjords, mountains and glaciers on a Norway escorted tour.
Exclusive aurora holidays in Finland
Luxury northern lights holidays to Finland are an unforgettable way to see the aurora, with exclusive accommodation and activities.
Exclusive aurora holidays in Iceland
Opt for a luxury holiday to Iceland and experience the northern lights as a VIP, with private activities and high-end accommodation options.
Exclusive aurora holidays in Norway
These luxury northern lights holidays combine private Arctic activities and high-end accommodation options for an extra-special aurora experience.
Exclusive Northern Lights holidays in Sweden
Embark on a luxury Northern Lights holiday to Swedish Lapland, staying in exceptional accommodation and enjoying private tour experiences.
Glass igloo holidays in Finland
Igloo holidays in Finland are a one-of-a-kind experience. Spend your nights in a cosy, glass-roofed igloo, with the starry sky above.
Self-drive tours in Iceland
Ready for an adventure? Then self-drive tours in Iceland give you the freedom and flexibility to explore this stunning country at your own pace.
Ready for an aurora adventure?
Book with Aurora Nights, the Northern Lights holiday experts. We will personally plan your bucket-list Northern Lights adventure holiday to Swedish Lapland, Iceland, Norway and Finland.
