The Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights as it is more commonly known, is visible from nightfall to sunrise at locations all around the Arctic Circle.
This comprises multiple holiday destinations, including Canada, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. While it’s agreed that the overall best time to see the Northern Lights is somewhere between September and March, each specific destination will have its own ‘sweet spot’ time frame where you can enjoy both the aurora and a number of other exciting activities. Whatever activities you prefer, we can work with you to create a tailor made Northern Lights holiday that is sure to leave you satisfied.
When to See the Northern Lights in Canada
Canada has lots to offer throughout the entire year for those seeking the Northern Lights and a little something extra. Our Canada Aurora Dreampackage will take you to the Yukon Territory of north-western Canada to see the Northern Lights while also offering a wealth of outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, cycling, dogsledding, snowmobiling and much more. The amount of Canadian snowfall also allows for a plethora of winter sports. The Yukon’s position in the auroral oval gives it a longer aurora season than many other destinations, as such you can visit at any point from September to April.
When to See the Northern Lights in Finland
Finnish Lapland is one of the most popular destinations amongst aurora hunters. The region gives you the chance to see the lights from your dinner table, your bedroom, from sled or on foot. One of the most exciting things we can do with a tailor made holiday to Finland is take you to the three-point border of Norway, Sweden and Finland. Our Lapland Aurora tour is fantastic example of the flexibility available when visiting Finland. For the most serious aurora hunters, there is the Grand Aurora; this luxury tour runs for ten days as a one-off trip in March and encapsulates the very best that Norwegian, Swedish and Finnish Lapland have to offer.
When to See the Northern Lights in Greenland
Greenland’s landscape is filled with vistas of natural beauty and wonder, but seeing them safely requires a little forward planning. The Northern Lights of Greenland are best viewed between October and March, but travelling to the more remote areas of the country should be done with proper guidance. This is precisely where you benefit by coming to us – we can create a tailor made Northern Lights holiday that includes all of the great activities that Greenland has to offer – whether that be seeing icebergs, whales or Northern Lights themselves – all in luxury and safety.
When to See the Northern Lights in Iceland
Iceland’s position further south than other destinations means that the Northern Lights can be seen from August to April, though like the other Scandinavian nations you will find the best views during the winter season between December and March. The two cities to see in Iceland are the capital of Reykjavik in the south and its second city in the north, Akureyri. Both destinations offer incredible chances to see the Aurora Borealis along with their own local sights and sounds. While Reykjavik’s role as capital means it is always abuzz with activities, Akureyri stands as the best place in the country to go whale watching. Depending on your tastes, we can make a luxury holiday to see the Northern Lights in either city, or even both!
When to See the Northern Lights in Norway
Norway offers visitors a slightly longer optimal winter period to see the Northern lights that stretches from November to March. There are plenty of places to see the northern lights in Norway, whether that be the northern lights hotspot of Tromsø or the serenely situated city of Narvik. Whichever you choose, you can be sure of a fantastic time. For those in need of a break, our Northern Lights for the Soul package is a fine example of a luxury holiday package that can help relax and recharge. If it’s adventure that you’re seeking on your Northern Lights holiday, you we can always arrange a tour that lets you spend a night with the wolves.
When to See the Northern Lights in Sweden
Sweden has the same broad winter season to see the northern lights as its Scandinavian siblings that stretches from December to March. Sweden is also perfectly position to see another natural wonder – the Polar Nights. If you visit the northern most reaches of Sweden at the right time, you can experience 32 days of pure darkness – that means no sunlight whatsoever. Visit Sweden between December 6th and January 6th to experience the Polar nights and the Northern Lights together. A northern lights holiday to Kiruna is an excellent way to enjoy both of these phenomena.
See the Northern Lights for Yourself
Our own tailor made holiday itineraries can take you to any of these exciting destinations to see the Northern Lights with your own eyes. All of our holidays are personalised and fully customisable so that we can match your needs and requirements to make your Northern Lights holiday unique to you. Start planning your northern lights holiday today by talking to one of our personal travel experts and getting in touch.
Get in touch today
Contact one of our team for more information or to help get you a personalised quotation.