Best Northern Lights Destinations
8 destinations in 6 countries. Plan your aurora chase.
8 destinations
Fairbanks
🇺🇸📍 USA · 64.8°N
💡 MinimalProbability
Best Months
Sep, Oct, Nov...
Temperature
-15 to 5°F
Activities
🐕 🏔️ 🎣 ♨️
Yellowknife
📍 Canada · 62.5°N
💡 MinimalProbability
Best Months
Sep, Oct, Nov...
Temperature
-25 to -5°F
Activities
🐕 🏔️ 🎣 📸
Abisko
📍 Sweden · 68.3°N
💡 NoneProbability
Best Months
Oct, Nov, Dec...
Temperature
5 to 20°F
Activities
🐕 ⛷️ 🏔️ 📸
Tromso
📍 Norway · 69.7°N
💡 LowProbability
Best Months
Sep, Oct, Nov...
Temperature
19 to 30°F
Activities
🐕 🐋 🏔️ 📸
Churchill
📍 Canada · 58.8°N
💡 NoneProbability
Best Months
Jan, Feb, Mar...
Temperature
-20 to -5°F
Activities
🐻❄️ 🐕 🐋 📸
Lofoten Islands
📍 Norway · 68.2°N
💡 MinimalProbability
Best Months
Sep, Oct, Nov...
Temperature
25 to 35°F
Activities
🥾 📸 🛶 🏄
Reykjavik & Golden Circle
📍 Iceland · 64.1°N
💡 LowProbability
Best Months
Sep, Oct, Nov...
Temperature
28 to 37°F
Activities
♨️ 🤿 🧊 🥾
Rovaniemi
📍 Finland · 66.5°N
💡 LowProbability
Best Months
Sep, Oct, Nov...
Temperature
5 to 25°F
Activities
🎅 🦌 🧖 🐕
Best Months by Destination
| Destination | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✓ | ★ | ✓ | - | - | - | - | - | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 8/10 | |
| ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | - | - | - | - | ✓ | ✓ | ★ | ✓ | 7/10 | |
| ✓ | ✓ | ★ | - | - | - | - | - | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 9/10 | |
| ✓ | ✓ | ★ | ✓ | - | - | - | - | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 9/10 | |
| ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | - | - | - | - | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ★ | 7/10 | |
| ✓ | ★ | ✓ | - | - | - | - | - | - | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 9/10 | |
| ✓ | ★ | ✓ | - | - | - | - | - | - | ✓ | ✓ | - | 8/10 | |
| ★ | ✓ | ✓ | - | - | - | - | - | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 8/10 |
Chasing the Northern Lights: A Guide for American Travelers
Seeing the aurora borealis is one of nature's most awe-inspiring spectacles, and it's more accessible to American travelers than many realize. From Alaska's Fairbanks to Iceland's Golden Circle, from Norway's Tromso to Finnish Lapland, there are numerous destinations where the northern lights dance across the sky. With smart planning and the right credit card strategy, this bucket-list experience can become a reality.
Alaska: Northern Lights Without a Passport
Fairbanks, Alaska, sits directly under the "auroral oval" and offers some of the best northern lights viewing in North America. The viewing season runs from September through March, with peak activity around the equinoxes. Chena Hot Springs Resort combines aurora viewing with natural hot springs, creating an unforgettable experience. Flights from Seattle, LAX, and other West Coast hubs to Fairbanks are available using Alaska Airlines miles.
Iceland, Norway, and Finland: The European Aurora Belt
Iceland's combination of northern lights, geothermal wonders, and dramatic landscapes makes it the most popular aurora destination for Americans. Reykjavik is just 5 hours from JFK, with frequent flights on Icelandair and Delta. Tromso, Norway, lies well above the Arctic Circle and offers consistent aurora viewing plus whale watching. Finnish Lapland adds glass igloos and reindeer safaris to the aurora experience.
Booking Aurora Trips with Points
Flights to Iceland from the US East Coast are excellent value on miles, especially through Delta SkyMiles or transferred Chase Ultimate Rewards to partner airlines. Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan offers great rates to Fairbanks. For European destinations, transfer Amex Membership Rewards to SAS or ANA for connections to Tromso and Helsinki. Hotels in aurora-viewing regions include Hilton properties in Reykjavik and Marriott options in northern Scandinavia.
Aurora Viewing Tips
Check the KP index forecast (aim for KP 3+) and cloud cover predictions before heading out. Move away from city light pollution for the best views. Dress in warm layers and bring a tripod for photography. The best viewing hours are typically 10 PM to 2 AM. Book accommodations with large windows facing north, or choose lodges that offer wake-up calls when the aurora appears.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Northern Lights
1When is the best time to see the northern lights?
The aurora viewing season runs from September through March, with peak activity around the equinoxes (September-October and February-March). Dark skies are essential, so avoid the summer midnight sun months. January and February offer the longest dark hours but also the coldest temperatures.
2Can I see the northern lights from the United States?
Yes. Fairbanks, Alaska, is one of the world's best aurora viewing locations. During strong solar storms, the aurora can occasionally be visible from northern states like Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Maine, but for reliable viewing, Alaska or international destinations are recommended.
3How do I fly to aurora destinations using points?
Use Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan for flights to Fairbanks. Transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards to partners like Air France/KLM for Iceland and Scandinavia. Delta SkyMiles offers good value to Reykjavik. Amex Membership Rewards can transfer to ANA or SAS for routes to Northern Europe. Book award flights 6-11 months in advance.
4What should I pack for a northern lights trip?
Layer thermal underwear, fleece, and a windproof outer shell. Pack insulated boots rated to -30F, thick gloves, a warm hat, and hand warmers. For photography, bring a tripod, a camera with manual settings, and extra batteries (cold drains them quickly). A headlamp with a red light mode preserves night vision.
5Are northern lights trips expensive?
Costs vary significantly. A DIY trip to Iceland can cost $1,500-$3,000 per person for a week (flights, rental car, accommodation). Guided aurora tours in Norway or Finland run $3,000-$6,000. Using miles for flights and hotel points for accommodation can reduce out-of-pocket costs by 50-70%. Alaska trips are often the most affordable option for Americans.
6Is a guided tour or independent trip better for seeing the northern lights?
Independent travel offers flexibility to chase clear skies and is more affordable. Guided tours provide expert knowledge about optimal viewing locations and often include unique experiences like dog sledding or snowmobiling. For first-timers, a mix works well: book accommodation independently but join a local aurora tour for one or two nights.