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THE MILESOPEDIA COLLECTION

Best Northern Lights Destinations

8 destinations in 6 countries. Plan your aurora chase.
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LET THE CALENDAR INSPIRE YOU

When will you go?

A month. A season. Somewhere new.

8 destinations

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The experiences

  • USA

Fairbanks

Best months
Jan · Feb · Mar · Sep · Oct · Nov · Dec
Peak month
Mar
Temperature
-15 to 5°F
  • Under the auroral oval
  • Chena Hot Springs
  • Clear Interior Alaska skies
  • Canada

Yellowknife

Best months
Jan · Feb · Mar · Apr · Sep · Oct · Nov · Dec
Peak month
Mar
Temperature
-25 to -5°F
  • Aurora Village experience
  • Great Slave Lake backdrop
  • Indigenous cultural tours
  • Sweden

Abisko

Best months
Jan · Feb · Mar · Oct · Nov · Dec
Peak month
Feb
Temperature
5 to 20°F
  • Blue Hole microclimate
  • Aurora Sky Station
  • Near-zero light pollution
  • Norway

Tromso

Best months
Jan · Feb · Mar · Sep · Oct · Nov · Dec
Peak month
Feb
Temperature
19 to 30°F
  • Midnight sun in summer
  • Arctic Cathedral
  • World-class aurora tours
  • Canada

Churchill

Best months
Jan · Feb · Mar · Oct · Nov
Peak month
Feb
Temperature
-20 to -5°F
  • Polar bear viewing
  • Beluga whales in summer
  • Hudson Bay coastline
  • Norway

Lofoten Islands

Best months
Jan · Feb · Mar · Sep · Oct · Nov · Dec
Peak month
Jan
Temperature
25 to 35°F
  • Rorbuer fishing cabins
  • Dramatic mountain scenery
  • Arctic surf beaches
  • Iceland

Reykjavik & Golden Circle

Best months
Jan · Feb · Mar · Sep · Oct · Nov · Dec
Peak month
Nov
Temperature
28 to 37°F
  • Blue Lagoon under the lights
  • Thingvellir National Park
  • Glacier walks
  • Finland

Rovaniemi

Best months
Jan · Feb · Mar · Sep · Oct · Nov · Dec
Peak month
Dec
Temperature
5 to 25°F
  • Glass igloo hotels
  • Santa Claus Village
  • Arctic Circle crossing

Best Months by Destination

  • Peak month
  • Best months
DestinationJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecOdds
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Best monthsPeak monthBest monthsBest monthsBest months8/10
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A CLOSER LOOK

A little planning. A better experience.

The context and practical tips to plan your next trip.

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.

YOUR QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions About the Northern Lights

A few answers before you book.

When 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.

Can 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.

How 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.

What 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.

Are 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.

Is 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.

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