The Very Best Places in the World to See the Auroras

The aurora borealis (in the north) and aurora australis (in the south) are some of the most awe-inspiring phenomena on Earth. True ribbons of color dancing across the sky in silent, otherworldly beauty.

But seeing them requires more than just luck. It takes the right combination of geography, space weather, darkness, and clear skies.

So where exactly are your best chances to see the lights? 🌌 

Thanks to advances in mapping and satellite data, we now have a clearer picture than ever before.

Cartographer Harry Kuril has put together a metric called the Aurora Score, and uses it in this amazing map of the world, to see where the very best chances for seeing an aurora are.

Here are the top destinations across the globe where auroras are not just a possibility, but a semi-regular reality.

Tromsø, Norway

Often called the gateway to the Arctic, Tromsø lies in the heart of the auroral oval, a ring-shaped zone of high aurora activity. From late September to April, the skies here frequently erupt in green, purple, and pink. Plus, it’s accessible, with plenty of cozy stays and aurora tours available.

Why? High magnetic latitude, relatively mild coastal climate, and charming Scandinavian hospitality.

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Fairbanks, Alaska, USA

Alaska offers some of the most consistent aurora viewing in the Northern Hemisphere, and Fairbanks is its aurora capital. Just below the Arctic Circle, it sits in an ideal position for frequent displays, often visible 100+ nights a year!

Why? Excellent infrastructure, dark skies, and predictably long nights in winter.

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Lapland, Finland

Finnish Lapland offers a magical winter wonderland: frozen forests, glass-domed igloos, and uninterrupted darkness. Here, the northern lights can be seen up to 200 nights a year if the skies are clear.

Why? Unique accommodations (like heated glass cabins), minimal light pollution, and long aurora season.

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Abisko, Sweden

Abisko National Park is renowned for its “blue hole”, a local weather phenomenon that keeps skies clearer than surrounding areas. That makes it one of the most reliable places on Earth to see auroras.

Why?  Clear skies, stunning mountain scenery, and consistent activity.

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Iceland

With its rugged volcanic landscapes and easy access from Europe and North America, Iceland has become a prime aurora-viewing hotspot. While the weather can be unpredictable, the scenery more than makes up for it.

Why? Dramatic backdrops (waterfalls, glaciers, lava fields) and accessible wilderness.

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Yukon & Northwest Territories, Canada

Canada’s far north offers raw, breathtaking beauty and clear views of the aurora borealis. Whitehorse and Yellowknife, in particular, are known for consistent shows and minimal light pollution.

Why it’s great: Vast, wild terrain and high frequency of auroral activity.

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Aurora Australis: Tasmania & South Island, New Zealand

While the southern lights are less commonly seen due to fewer landmasses at high southern latitudes, Tasmania and New Zealand’s South Island are your best bets. On particularly strong geomagnetic nights, the southern sky glows with soft pink and green hues.

Why? Rare and rewarding southern hemisphere viewing with stunning coastal views.

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What Makes a Great Aurora Spot?

Harry Kuril, a cartographer and geophysicist, recently mapped the best global locations to view auroras by blending:

• Auroral activity data from NASA and NOAA (to find where the skies are most frequently electrified),
• Cloud cover maps (because auroras mean nothing if they’re hidden by clouds), and
• Light pollution maps (darker skies = brighter lights).

His composite “aurora score” revealed exactly what seasoned aurora chasers already knew: the auroral ovals, circling the magnetic poles, are your golden zones.

Chasing the aurora is part science, part magic. While no sighting is guaranteed, these destinations put the odds in your favor.

Pro tip: Plan around equinox seasons (September and March), stay at least three nights, and keep your eyes on solar activity forecasts.

Via Kottke: