Ultimate Northern Lights Holiday Guide
15/01/2026
Few travel moments feel genuinely magical. But seeing the Northern Lights is one of them. It’s the kind of once-in-a-lifetime experience that makes you forget your cold toes, stop mid-sentence, and simply stare skywards in silence. So, if a Northern Lights holiday has been lighting up your bucket list, now is the moment to book... because 2026 is the best year to see them until 2035! And we don’t know about you, but that’s too long to wait.
Why 2026 Is One of the Best Years to See the Northern Lights
Ok, for this bit, we’re jumping into a quick astronomy lesson.
The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, follow the rhythm of the sun. Solar activity rises and falls in roughly 11-year cycles, and, lucky for us, we’re currently in a period of heightened aurora activity, meaning brighter, more frequent, and more widespread displays!
This means, in 2026, travellers will benefit from:
💚 Increased aurora visibility across multiple destinations
💜 Strong displays even on nights with mild cloud cover
🩷 Higher chances of seeing colour, movement and long-lasting shows
Add improved forecasting apps, better access to Arctic destinations and more specialised Northern Lights tours, and you’ve got a near-perfect storm for unforgettable Northern Lights Holidays.
Ready for the unlucky news? 2026 marks the end of Solar Cycle 25's peak. And it’s predicted that the next solar spike may not return until the mid-2030s. So... Last-minute Northern Lights Holiday, anyone?
Best Destinations to See the Northern Lights
From easy to book excursions and regional flights to central hotels and affordable holiday packages, these are our top destinations to see the Northern Lights, especially for first-timers and families!
Tromsø, Norway
Think mystic fjords, snow-covered peaks and cosy wooden cabins glowing with candlelight. Often dubbed the “Aurora Capital of the World”, Tromsø sits right beneath the auroral oval, meaning this frost-topped city offers frequent Northern Lights sightings paired with jaw-dropping scenery. By day, enjoy dog sledding or Arctic saunas; by night, chase shimmering green ribbons across the sky.
⚓Fancy a cruise holiday? Tromsoøis the top port of call on dedicated Northern Lights Cruises!
Finnish Lapland
Lapland feels like stepping into a snow globe. Vast wilderness, frozen lakes and glass-roofed igloos make it one of the most romantic places to see the Northern Lights. Thanks to minimal light pollution and excellent infrastructure, Finland is perfect for first-time aurora hunters who want comfort without sacrificing wilderness magic. Plus there's always the added bonus of reindeer rides at Santa's Grotto!
📍Top Lapland Destinations: Rovaniemi, Inari, Saariselkä
Iceland
The Land of Fire and Ice... and dancing lights! Iceland offers a dramatic backdrop like no other. Imagine the Northern Lights reflected in icy lagoons, dancing above waterfalls or curling over black-sand beaches. With easily accessible viewing spots and plenty of recommended guided tours, Iceland is ideal if you want tried and tested aurora sightings paired with epic landscapes and road-trip freedom.
📍Top Viewing Spots: Thingvellir National Park, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and the Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Best Time of Year to See the Northern Lights
Timing is everything when it comes to Northern Lights holidays. The best time of year to see the Northern Lights is from late September to late March . Why? You need dark skies, and summer’s midnight sun makes aurora viewing impossible in Arctic regions.
Best Months
💚 September & October – The start of Northern Lights season with dark nights and heightened solar activity thanks to the autumn equinox.
💜 November to January – Long dark nights, ideal for seeing fainter Northern Lights.
🩷 February – Prime time for spotting northern lights and enjoying daytime activities.
💙 March – Another sweet spot thanks to the spring equinox.
Cold, clear nights with minimal moonlight offer the best conditions. Meaning between 10am and 2pm are the best times to see the Northern Lights.
3 Unusual (But Brilliant) Hidden Gems for Aurora Spotting
Want a Northern Lights Holiday that's a little outside the box? From remote Arctic villages to sky-clear microclimates, these hidden spots deliver breathtaking Northern Lights displays without the big crowds.
The Scottish Highlands & Shetland
We know what you're thinking....Yes, you can sometimes see the Northern Lights in the UK. Known locally as the “Mirrie Dancers”, auroras occasionally shimmer across Scotland’s northern skies. While sightings are less frequent, catching them above ancient castles or quiet lochs feels incredibly special. And it requires no Arctic flight! A bonus for you staycation lovers out there.
Abisko, Sweden
Abisko is famous for its unique “Blue Hole” microclimate, which often keeps skies clear even when the surrounding areas are cloudy. Nestled in Swedish Lapland, it’s quieter, calmer and less crowded than its Finnish neighbour. Perfect if you want uninterrupted nights of aurora gazing wrapped in Arctic stillness. For incredible views, take a chairlift to the Aurora Sky Station observatory on Mount Njulla!
Fairbanks, Alaska
Experience the magic of a Northern Lights holiday in Fairbanks, Alaska, one of the best places in the world to see the aurora borealis. Located beneath the Aurora Oval, Fairbanks sees star-filled skies dance with ribbons of colour. Offering incredible viewing, winter adventures, cosy lodges and unforgettable wildlife, this is the Northern Lights at its most other-worldly.
With heightened solar activity, more accessible destinations and incredible travel experiences available, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting times for Northern Lights holidays. Whether you’re dreaming of glass igloos in Lapland, chasing the aurora across Iceland’s wild landscapes or discovering a lesser-known gem, this is your sign to go. Because some moments aren’t meant to stay on a bucket list. They’re meant to light up the sky above you.