What is the best month to see the Northern Lights in 2026
Planning a Northern Lights holiday and wondering when to go? While the aurora is a natural phenomenon that can never be guaranteed, there are clear seasonal patterns and conditions that can significantly improve your chances.
As we move through the current solar maximum phase, auroral activity remains elevated. Solar Cycle 25 is near its peak, which occurred around 2024–2025, with strong activity continuing into 2026. This means the current seasons are still an excellent time to plan an aurora-focused journey.
When are the Northern Lights visible?
Although the Northern Lights occur year-round, they are only visible when the sky is dark enough. In northern regions such as Norway, Finland, Iceland and Greenland, this typically means planning your trip between early September and mid-April.
In rare cases, particularly during strong geomagnetic storms, auroras can be seen against twilight skies. It is not unusual, for example, to spot early-season displays in late August around places like Tromsø, but September onwards offers much more reliable darkness.
The darker the sky, the better the contrast and the more vivid the colours appear.
Clear skies matter more than cold temperatures
The aurora occurs far above cloud level, so clear skies are essential. Cloud cover is the single biggest obstacle to aurora viewing across northern Norway, Sweden and Finland.
When we plan Northern Lights itineraries, we typically recommend a stay of four to five nights at minimum. This allows flexibility for changing weather patterns and increases your chances of at least one clear night.
Moonlight also plays a role. While the Northern Lights can still be seen during a full moon, darker skies around the new moon provide better contrast and a more dramatic experience.
Is there a “best” winter month?
From an aurora activity perspective, you have roughly equal chances throughout the dark season. What varies is the overall travel experience.
- November, December and early January offer the darkest skies, with long nights and frequent aurora opportunities. However, daylight hours are short, often limited to blue twilight, and daytime activities are more restricted.
- Late January, February and March are often considered the most balanced months. Days become noticeably longer, making winter activities such as dog sledding, snowmobiling and snowshoeing more enjoyable, while nights remain dark enough for excellent aurora viewing.
Regardless of when you travel, we strongly recommend including at least one evening Northern Lights experience. This could be a relaxed fireside viewing with warm drinks, or a guided aurora chase by vehicle to escape cloud cover.
Autumn – fewer crowds, milder conditions
If you are keen to search for the lights but prefer less cold and less snow, autumn is a compelling alternative. From September to early October, nights are already dark enough, temperatures are milder, and landscapes are often free of deep snow.
Autumn trips can combine Northern Lights viewing with activities such as hiking, cycling, and lakeside aurora watching with open-fire barbecues. Many travellers enjoy the quieter atmosphere and flexibility of this season.
Solar activity and the Northern Lights in 2026
The Sun follows an approximately 11-year solar cycle, alternating between periods of low and high activity. The most active phase, known as the solar maximum, increases the frequency and intensity of auroras.
Solar Cycle 25 reached its peak around 2024–2025, but elevated solar activity continues beyond the maximum itself. This means 2026 remains a strong year for aurora sightings, particularly when combined with clear skies and darkness.
You can learn more about how solar activity influences the Northern Lights through official space weather sources, such as the options below.
So, when should you go?
There is no single “best” month, but:
- September and October suit travellers wanting milder weather and fewer crowds
- February and March offer the best balance of daylight, activities and aurora viewing
- November to January provide the darkest skies for those focused purely on auroras
The most important factors are time, flexibility and location, not just the calendar month.
Explore our range of unique Northern Lights tours and travel packages and find the itinerary that best matches your travel style and season of choice.
You can also read more about where and when to see the Northern Lights in our detailed planning guides.
