Time to start practicing your best 😮 face: aurora activity is about to peak. From September 2024 to March 2025, the world will see brighter and more frequent sightings of the Northern Lights. And it’s all because of something called the solar maximum - or when solar activity is most active. Just in time, we pulled together the top destinations to catch Earth’s sickest light show. So you can be sure you have the best seat in the house.
While the auroras are certainly remarkable, there’s a scientific reason they appear. The phenomena occur when charged particles from the sun enter Earth’s atmosphere and interact with the planet’s magnetic field, which redirects them to the North and South Poles. (Note: The auroras in the southern hemisphere are aptly called the Southern Lights, or aurora australis.)
As you go further north - to places like Norway, Iceland and Canada - your chances of seeing the aurora borealis increase. This year, as we enter a solar maximum, the list of the best places to see the Northern Lights has expanded even further.
But when do I book?
The best time to see the Northern Lights will be between the fall equinox on September 22, 2024 and the spring equinox on March 20, 2025. Several destinations across North America and Europe will serve as excellent aurora viewing points - more on those below - and you’ll need to keep a few things in mind as you book your travels. For starters, try to avoid dates where a full (or nearly full) moon will be present; the light can make it difficult to see the weaker light displays. You’ll also want to be prepared for late nights, as peak viewing is usually between 10pm and 2am local time.
Where can I score a deal?
While the cost of flights to places where you can see the auroras will vary by destination, it’s possible to find tickets on the lower end of the price spectrum - especially if you book early. KAYAK was also able to identify the best price deals for flights to popular places to see the Northern Lights in 2024 and 2025 - from Alaska and Montana to Reykjavík and the Shetland Islands.
North American deal destinations to see the Northern Lights.
- Glacier National Park, Montana: 10% decrease in airfare YoY
- Fairbanks, Alaska: 9% decrease in airfare YoY
- Edmonton, Alberta, Canada: 6% decrease in airfare YoY
European deal destinations to see the Northern Lights.
- Tromsø, Norway: 22% decrease in airfare YoY
- Shetland Islands, Scotland: 9% decrease in airfare YoY
- Reykjavík, Iceland: 9% decrease in airfare YoY
Top 5 best places to see the Northern Lights in North America.
Fairbanks, Alaska
Average flight price to Fairbanks: $680
When it comes to the best places to see the Northern Lights, Fairbanks, Alaska has made a permanent mark on the map. Along with ideal viewing conditions - cold, dark nights and a location directly underneath the aurora oval - Fairbanks boasts ice fishing, dog sledding and more, making it the perfect winter escape. No wonder searches are up 30% this year.
Glacier National Park, Montana
Average flight price to Kalispell: $583
With its remote location in northwest Montana and lack of light pollution, Glacier National Park is one of the top places to see the aurora borealis in North America. For prime light show conditions, plan to visit when the Kp-index (measurement of the strength of geomagnetic activity) is high and head to the best viewing spots - Looking Glass Road, Lake McDonald and Bowman or Kintla Lake (the best watchpoints).
Headlands International Dark Sky Park, Michigan
Average flight price to Pellston: $671
This dark sky park in Mackinaw City, Michigan is a dream for Northern Lights enthusiasts. Not only are there 550 acres of woodlands and over two miles of undeveloped Lake Michigan shoreline to explore, but also the light pollution is nearly non-existent. The park does note, however, that it’s possible for skywatchers to miss activity lower on the horizon, as it can be blocked by trees.
Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
Average flight price to Duluth: $422
A dark, clear sky and prime viewing space are all you need for a perfect night of aurora-gazing at Voyageurs. Set up camp in the upper parking lot of the Rainy Lake Visitor Center or head to the Meadwood Road Day Use Area - our sources say those are the best lookout points.
Yellowknife, Canada
Average flight price to Yellowknife: $757
Yellowknife, Canada - otherwise known as the “Northern Lights Capital of North America” - sees the aurora borealis more than 200 nights a year. For the best experience, we recommend booking a guide. North Star Adventures, an Indigenous-owned company, offers multi-day tours throughout the year. If you visit in the colder months, keep in mind that winter in Canada isn’t for the fainthearted. Be sure to bundle up. 🥶
Where to see the Northern Lights in Europe: top 5 best places.
Shetland Islands, Scotland
Average flight price to Edinburgh: $900
The “Mirrie Dancers,” as the Northern Lights are called in Scotland, are known to make an appearance above the Shetland Islands, an archipelago that is the northernmost region of the United Kingdom. For an epic aurora adventure, plan your trip between October and March, steer clear of artificial light and bring your warmest layers.
Reykjavík, Iceland
Average flight price to Reykjavík: $660
Reykjavik is one of the most accessible European cities for aurora-chasers coming from the East Coast. It’s also home to Aurora Reykjavik, Iceland's first and only Northern Lights Center. Here, travelers can explore the museum or book guided aurora-focused tours with local experts. Think of it as a good jumping-off point for the rest of your Iceland trip - especially if you’re headed to more remote parts of the country.
Abisko National Park, Sweden
Average flight price to Trømso: $822
Sweden in the winter is magical for many reasons, but its bright green auroras top the list. For the best views, you’ll want to visit Swedish Lapland - particularly, Abisko National Park. It’s here where travelers can see the light shows from the outdoor terrace and lookout tower at Aurora Sky Station, known as the “best place on earth to experience the northern lights.”
Lapland, Finland
Average flight price to Lapland: $1192
Like its tundras, Lapland’s auroras are expansive. Running between August and April, the phenomenon appears around 200 nights a year. For the ultimate Finnish Lapland experience, book an extended stay at the Arctic Treehouse Hotel and spend your nights admiring the lights from the comfort (and warmth) of a cozy bed.
Tromsø, Norway
Average flight price to Trømso: $822 (22% cheaper this year)
A road trip through Norway wouldn’t be complete without a stop in Tromsø, the top trending Northern Lights destination for the 2024/2025 season. With a whopping 126% spike in searches, this city is a must-visit for its central location in the auroral oval and variety of Northern Lights tours and activities.
What else to know about seeing the Northern Lights in 2024 and 2025.
Time your travel to a T.
Prime aurora-viewing season falls between September 22, 2024 and March 20, 2025. Aim to arrive during a new moon, when the night sky is darkest. 10pm to 2am are your magic hours (aka when to post up).
How do you predict an aurora sighting?
The Kp-index is the best way to predict an aurora sighting. It measures the strength of the Earth's magnetic field, ranging from 0 (low activity) to 9 (a strong geomagnetic storm). The higher the index, the more likely the lights will be visible.
What’s the best way to take photos of the Northern Lights?
You can either use a smartphone or a professional-grade camera to take photos of the Northern Lights. Just be sure to research the camera’s capabilities and settings before the main event. For instance, some cameras may have difficulty focusing, so you’ll need to adjust it manually.
Are there any apps that will track the Northern Lights?
Easily access the Kp-index, top viewpoints, live feeds, hourly forecasts and more with a Northern Lights tracker app. We recommend My Aurora Forecast.
Discover other cold-weather vacations
Did reading about the Northern Lights make you want to plan another cozy winter trip this year? We’ve got you covered. Check out our guide to skiing in Japan, or, if you want to stick to something closer to home, we rounded up the 10 best winter vacations in the US.
Methodology: KAYAK considered destinations known to be popular Northern Lights viewing areas with the greatest year over year decrease in airfare and the lowest average airfare for searches between January 15 and July 14, 2024 for travel between September 1, 2024 and March 31, 2025. For year over year comparison, KAYAK considered searches between January 15 and July 14, 2023 for travel between September 1, 2023 and March 31, 2024. All flights considered are for round-trip, economy itineraries. Prices and savings are on average and are subject to change.
