2026 is the best time to see the Northern Lights! Find out where, when and how to plan a trip to see the most spectacular natural phenomenon

When the night sky flashes green, pink and purple, it seems as if the Universe itself is painting a masterpiece. The Northern Lights are one of the most mysterious and breathtaking natural phenomena on Earth. And if you have long dreamed of seeing this spectacle with your own eyes, then the winter of 2025-2026 is your perfect chance.

Astronomers predict that this season the northern lights will be the brightest and most frequent in the last decade, because the Sun reaches the peak of its activity. NASA has confirmed: we have entered the phase of the so-called solar maximum, which occurs only once every 11 years. And while this period will last until the spring of 2026, the sky promises a real light show.

Read about the countries where it is best to see the northern lights this winter in this article.

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When space comes alive: what is solar maximum?

To understand why the aurora is becoming so powerful right now, it is worth looking higher — to our star. Solar activity changes in cycles: approximately every 11 years the Sun goes through a period of rest, and then becomes active again. In the maximum phase, its surface is covered with dark spots, explosions and flares - they are the ones that throw billions of charged particles into space.

“During solar maximum, the number of sunspots, and therefore the level of solar activity, increases significantly,” explains Jamie Favors, director of the Space Weather Program at NASA Headquarters. “This increase in activity creates an exciting opportunity to observe phenomena that affect not only space, but also the Earth.”

When these particles collide with our planet’s magnetic field, they interact with nitrogen and oxygen atoms in the atmosphere. The result is a shimmering glow that we see as the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). Depending on the altitude and type of particles, the colors of the glow can vary from green and pink to purple or even red.

Tourism boom: why the world is going in droves to see the northern lights

The solar maximum is not only exciting astronomers – it has already created a real tourism phenomenon. Online travel agencies are recording an unprecedented increase in demand for trips to the northern regions.

According to eSky Group, in the 2024/2025 season, the number of bookings for “hunting for the aurora” has increased significantly:

- Finland – +2300%;

- Iceland – +2200%;

- Norway – +126%;

- Sweden – +91%.

“The Northern Lights have become a bucket list event that many people are dreaming of right now,” says Jaroslav Grabczak of eSky Group. According to him, even increases in airfare or accommodation prices have little impact on demand: tourists book trips a year in advance, and small northern cities have a limited number of hotels and glass igloos.

Where to hunt for the Northern Lights: 6 destinations that guarantee the magic of the sky

Iceland - the land of fire, ice and light

This is, without exaggeration, one of the best locations to observe the Northern Lights. From September to March, dark nights reign here, and the sky often remains clear.

Thingvellir National Park near Reykjavik provides ideal conditions for observations, while the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon creates a cinematic backdrop for photos.

The Icelandic Meteorological Office has even developed a special northern lights forecast map with the KP index, which helps to predict the intensity of the glow.

Finland – Lapland under a blanket of light

Finnish Lapland is a real winter fairy tale. Here you can admire the aurora, lying under the transparent roof of a glass igloo, or combine the trip with a visit to Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi.

In the city of Oulu, which will become the European Capital of Culture in 2026, the aurora can be observed simply from city parks.

Norway – a polar classic

The city of Tromsø, located beyond the Arctic Circle, is considered the “gateway to the aurora”. It combines the comfort of the city and proximity to dark fjords.

Even further north is Spitsbergen, where the polar night reigns in winter, and the sky is dark around the clock. This means that you can observe the aurora at any moment.

And the small fishing village of Reine, named the third most beautiful in the world by Forbes magazine, offers the perfect combination of silence, nature and magical radiance.

Sweden – scientifically accurate magic

Abisko National Park is known among astronomers as the place with the clearest sky in Scandinavia. It is home to the Aurora Sky Station, created specifically for studying the aurora. Due to the unique microclimate, the so-called “blue hole” often forms above the park – a cloud-free zone, which guarantees excellent visibility.

Canada – boundless dark skies

The northern territories of Canada, in particular the Yukon and Nunavut, provide up to 240 nights of observation per year. Minimal light pollution and crystal clear air make these regions ideal for photographers.

Cruise under the aurora

Another option is a sea voyage along the Norwegian fjords or to Iceland. On board a cruise there is practically no light pollution, so the aurora can be observed right from the balcony of the cabin.

When and how to observe the northern lights?

- The best time is from 9:00 PM to 2:00 AM.

- The observation season lasts from September to March, when the nights are the longest.

- The location is as far away from cities and sources of artificial light as possible.

- Check the KP-index forecast: a figure of 5 and above means a high probability of observation.

- Advice for photographers - use a tripod and a long shutter speed to capture all the colors of the light.

For many people, a trip to see the Northern Lights is not just a trip, but a dream come true. Some choose a romantic weekend under the stars, some choose a family adventure, and some go to catch the “perfect shot” for the album.

That is why astronomical events, such as the current solar maximum, create a wave of “nocturnism” - a new trend when people travel for the sake of night sky phenomena.

Planning your trip to one of the countries to enjoy the Northern Lights? Make it safe and comfortable with Visit World.

Use the “Travel Guide” from Visit World - in it you will find step-by-step instructions for applying for a visa, tips for booking accommodation, information on visa fees and current entry rules.

Open your sky this winter. Plan a trip to the Northern Lights with Visit World - and let every night become a memory of a lifetime.

Reminder! The best places to relax in December 2025 - from festive Paris and snowy Scotland to sunny Maldives and Sydney beaches. We have already talked about the weather, season, cultural features, gastronomy and tips for tourists in each direction.

Photo - Freepik

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