Will 2023 finally be the year you see the Northern Lights?! We say yes, and for one good reason.
The Northern Lights depend on solar activity, which follows an 11-year cycle. During this cycle, the sun goes through a period of intense activity (known as the solar maximum) and one of lower activity (called the solar minimum).
And guess what?!
Right now, we are approaching the solar maximum!
If you want to learn more, in this article we’ll tell you when and where to enjoy one of nature’s most spectacular shows.
When (and where) to see the Northern Lights in 2023
Why 2023 is the right year to see the Northern Lights
As we mentioned a moment ago, as another solar maximum approaches, activity will begin to increase and auroras are expected to become more frequent.
In fact, during the winter of 2020, Northern Lights sightings showed the typical characteristics of a solar minimum year. Starting in 2020, however, we began to see a slight increase in solar activity, thanks to which auroras should become more frequent, reaching their peak in (wait for it!) 2024/2025 with the solar maximum.
So, a solar maximum (or solar max) is a regular period of the Sun’s highest activity during the 11-year solar cycle.
That said, what would be the ideal time to witness this unique event?
Let’s say that the Northern Lights are present all year round, but there are certain months when your chances of seeing them are higher because:
- the sky is darker;
- weather conditions are ideal;
- there are far more hours of darkness than daylight.
In general, in northern Norway, Iceland, Greenland, and Finland, you need to plan your Northern Lights tour between the beginning of September and mid-April.
However, if the Northern Lights are strong enough, it is possible to see them in a twilight sky, and it is not unusual to spot them from Tromsø on an August evening.
But let’s look at the details, country by country.
| Country | Best time |
|---|---|
| Norway | September–late March |
| Sweden | September–late March |
| Finland | September–March |
| Iceland | September–mid-April |
| Scotland | Autumn and winter seasons |
| Canada | Winter season |
That said, you’ve probably already figured out where this natural phenomenon can be seen, but let’s go a little deeper.
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These are the countries where you can see the Northern Lights in 2023
Norway (Tromsø, Alta, Svalbard)
In the northernmost parts of Norway, it is possible to see the Northern Lights as early as September.
The port city of Tromsø is a popular destination and offers the chance to book a boat trip away from the town center to see the aurora diving and sweeping down over the ocean. Even farther north is the town of Alta, surrounded by tundra, mountains, and forests.
The aurora appears almost every night and, while you’re there, you can also head up the fjords to watch whales or go snowmobiling. Finally, the Svalbard archipelago, a remote collection of icy islands in the Barents Sea, is the perfect place to witness this natural phenomenon.
Sweden (Abisko, Kiruna)
Northern Sweden and Lapland are also top destinations for aurora chasers.
Just across the border with Norway, the village of Abisko and the national park of the same name are popular spots. The Aurora Sky Station is a mountaintop observatory described as “the best place in the world to see the Northern Lights”... although we’re sure other places might claim the same!
Kiruna, Sweden’s northernmost city, also attracts tourists from all over the world during winter. If you decide to stop there, don’t miss a visit to the famous Icehotel!
Finland (Revontuli, Nellim, Kakslauttanen)
Finnish Lapland is home to a range of places where you can admire the lights, some more scientific and unusual than others. The Hankasalmi Observatory, around 15 minutes from the winter resort of Revontuli and home to a classic Finnish sauna and spa, is an excellent place to start. It is located in the middle of one of the darkest rural areas in the country, right in central Finland, and is surrounded by lakes.
Much farther north lies the village of Nellim. Admire the lights from the frozen shores of Lake Inari before heading back indoors to warm up. For something truly special, try the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort. Here you can watch the lights from your warm, cozy glass igloo inside a beautiful structure made from local kelo pine and equipped with a kitchen, bedroom, fireplace, and yes, even a private sauna!
Iceland (Thingvellir, Kleifarvatn)
You can admire the Northern Lights from almost anywhere in Iceland, but Thingvellir National Park is the mecca for aurora hunters.
Iceland has built an entire industry around the Northern Lights, so there are stays and tours to suit every budget and length of stay. In fact, with the right weather conditions, it’s possible to see the aurora anywhere in Iceland, even in Reykjavík.
However, if you really want to give yourself the best possible show, you do need to get out of the city, even if only a little. Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park is just 20 minutes from Reykjavík, but it is known as Iceland’s mecca for Northern Lights watchers. Alternatively, head to Lake Kleifarvatn, just 30 minutes from the capital: nine square kilometers of eerie calm with exactly the right atmosphere.
If Iceland is your choice, take a look at our amazing trip to chase the Northern Lights (and much more)!
Scotland (Orkney, Shetland)
It doesn’t appear on most lists of places to see the lights, but there are parts of Scotland where it is absolutely possible, although you will probably need to get away from the mainland.
The Orkney and Shetland Islands are your best bet: their treeless, windswept beauty is perfect for a bit of aurora hunting. In Shetland, the lights are known as the Mirrie Dancers, a beautifully poetic expression that describes their shimmering, fluttering movement.
Canada (Northwest Territories, Yukon)
North America also has its share of Northern Lights, and in Canada, once again, you’ll want to go as far north as possible. The Northwest Territories and their remote landscape of forests, mountains, lakes, islands, and tundra will make you feel like the last person on Earth, a feeling made even stronger during the darkest, emptiest nights, lit only by the stars and the silent magic of the lights.
The Yukon, between the Northwest Territories and Alaska, is another option offering equally spectacular scenery. However, it caters even more to aurora lovers, with attractions such as Dawson City’s Midnight Dome, a panoramic lookout above the town where locals gather to admire the lights in winter and the midnight sun in summer. The viewpoint overlooks the Yukon River and the Klondike Valley, which means that even if you don’t see the lights that night, you can come back during the day to enjoy some of the country’s most spectacular landscapes.
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What are the best outdoor conditions for seeing the Northern Lights?
As a rule, as we said, the darker the night, the better the view. Although strong auroral displays can hold their own against moonlight, your chances are better on nights with a new moon or a waxing moon.
It may seem obvious, but a clear sky also helps. However, it is a myth that it has to be extremely cold; rather, the best auroras occur in the far north on clear nights which, because of these factors, tend to be cold.
Finally, make sure you are not near sources of light pollution, by getting as far away as possible from cities and towns.
Conclusions
In this article, we’ve seen when and where to observe the Northern Lights in 2023. As you’ve read, this is the best time to do it, because we are approaching the solar maximum phase, when there will be greater chances of witnessing this wonderful phenomenon.
