Top 7 Places to See Northern Lights in 2025

Watching vibrant strands of green light against purple and red dance across the night sky is a sight to behold. The northern lights aurora borealis are one of the most majestic natural wonders of our planet. If you’re planning to visit northern lights hotspots in 2025, we’ve compiled the best places to see northern lights to ensure you witness this celestial wonder.

Destination	Best time to visit	Accessibility
Tromsø, Norway	December and March	Easy (direct flights)
Abisko, Sweden	December to February	Moderate (train from Kiruna)
Reykjavik, Iceland	November to February	Easy (international airport)
Fairbanks, Alaska, USA	Late August to Mid-April	Moderate (domestic flights)
Yellowknife, Canada	January to March	Moderate (domestic flights)
Rovaniemi, Finland	September to March	Easy (direct flights)
Stewart Island, New Zealand	April to September	Moderate (domestic flights and ferry)

1. Tromsø, Norway

Tromsø is often considered one of the best northern lights destinations. This Norwegian city, in the Arctic Circle, has some of the best aurora light displays from September to April. The best month to see northern lights up here is between December and March, when the skies are at their darkest. You can also add reindeer sleds and fjord cruises in your list of places to see Northern Lights.

2. Abisko, Sweden

Abisko in Swedish Lapland is known for the “Blue Hole,” a microclimate that guarantees cloudless skies even when nearby areas are overcast. This is one of the reasons why Abisko is one of the best places to see the aurora northern lights. December to February is the best months to see northern lights here. Check into the Icehotel or ride a chairlift up Mount Nuolja for views of the northern lights aurora borealis.

3. Reykjavik, Iceland

The city of Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, is a great launching pad to see northern lights hotspots. Remote landscapes such as Thingvellir National Park and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon in the country provide stunning backdrops for seeing the aurora borealis. Although the lights can be seen from September through April, the prime time to see northern lights in Iceland are November through February when the nights are longest.

4. Fairbanks, Alaska, USA

Fairbanks rests just beneath the aurora borealis oval, making it one of the most consistent places to view the northern lights. The best northern lights viewing season runs from late August to mid-April. Fairbanks also offers a taste of everything from hot springs, dog sledding, and ice sculpting between appearances of the aurora lights.

5. Yellowknife, Canada

Famous as the “Aurora Capital of North America,” Yellowknife in Canada’s Northwest Territories is a favorite destination for northern lights aurora borealis chasers. The flat terrain and low light pollution in the region offers an unobstructed view of the aurora northern lights. January to March is an ideal time to view the best of what this place has to offer.

6. Rovaniemi, Finland

One of the most magical places to see the aurora lights is Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus! Experience the northern lights like never before by staying in a glass igloo or a comfortable cabin in the Arctic wilderness. September to March, an ideal period to visit Finland to get assured breathtaking view of the aurora borealis. 

7. Stewart Island, New Zealand

The northern lights may get all the praise, but don’t forget about its southern counterpart, Aurora Australis. If you want to go south, Stewart Island, New Zealand has some of the best southern lights in the world, especially between April and September. A terrific complement to your 2025 itinerary for those wishing to hunt both hemispheric auroras.

Tips for the Best Aurora Viewing Experience

• Check the forecast: Websites such as the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center provide real-time updates on aurora borealis activity.

• Visit during the right season: The best month for northern lights depends on the area, but winter months typically provide the best visibility.

• Find dark skies: Get away from city lights to remote locations to see the aurora northern lights more clearly. This list of places to see Northern Lights will help you plan your getaway more precisely. 

• Be patient: The northern lights don’t show up on cue. At times, a few hours of patience pays off with a dazzling display.

• Dress warmly: Winter temperatures in top northern lights destinations can be frigid, so bring plenty of layers!

Experiencing the northern lights aurora borealis is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, and 2025 is a great year for exploring them. So, book your trip to Norway, hop on a plane to Canada or even go to New Zealand for the southern lights, planning ahead will ensure you see this spectacular phenomenon at the right time in the world’s best northern lights destinations. So, pack your bags and be prepared to marvel at the beauty of the aurora borealis!