Where can you witness the breathtaking Northern and Southern Lights?

At the extreme latitudes of the Earth, the sun, atmosphere, and magnetic forces converge to create stunning light displays known as the Northern and Southern Lights.

Although both the Northern and Southern Lights can be viewed, the Northern Lights are more accessible due to easier travel locations. But, where exactly can you see the Northern and Southern Lights? What are the ideal conditions to watch the green lights twirl across a dark sky?

What Are Auroras?

Auroras, commonly known as the Northern and Southern Lights (aurora borealis and aurora australis, respectively), are natural light shows that occur in Earth's polar regions. These phenomena happen when charged particles from the sun—often referred to as solar wind—collide with gases in Earth's atmosphere, creating vibrant, moving lights. These remarkable spectacles can be seen near the magnetic poles, offering a breathtaking display in the night sky.

Auroras are not a rare sight: Around 60 to 200 miles (100 to 300 kilometers) above Earth, neon green, sometimes red or pink, and occasionally purple lights can be seen during collisions [source: Tate]. However, observing them from the ground requires specific conditions, such as total darkness (free from city lights or light pollution), clear skies, an active sun, and being within one of the auroral zones.

The two auroral zones on Earth form oval shapes above the magnetic poles, one in the north and one in the south. Sightings outside these zones are extremely rare, and even within them, sightings aren’t guaranteed. Yet, certain places at certain times offer a good chance of seeing this natural wonder.

10 Best Places to See the Northern and Southern Lights

The aurora borealis, or Northern Lights, are visible in the Northern Hemisphere. Meanwhile, the Southern Hemisphere showcases the aurora australis, or Southern Lights. Here, discover the 10 locations offering some of the best views of these dazzling auroral displays in the world.

10. Denali National Park, Alaska

Alaska, with its Arctic location, is an outstanding spot for viewing the Northern Lights. The state falls well within the auroral zone, and its winters provide nearly continuous darkness from morning to night. Fall also offers prime viewing opportunities [source: Mother Nature Network]. With a bit of luck, you might even catch a glimpse of the lights outside the peak seasons.

Denali National Park, located just south of the Arctic Circle and only a few hours from Fairbanks, boasts millions of untouched acres where city lights won’t interfere with the spectacular sky show [source: Explore Fairbanks]. Accommodations are available, so even those who aren’t fond of roughing it can still experience the beauty of the Alaskan wilderness while watching the auroras.

9. Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada

Traveling east from Denali, passing through the Yukon (another excellent aurora-viewing region), you'll reach Canada's Northwest Territories (NWT). Much of this land lies within the auroral oval, offering a great opportunity to see the aurora borealis along the way.

However, heading directly to Yellowknife, located just south of the Arctic Circle, could further improve your chances. (The town is known as the Aurora Capital of North America for a reason.)

Yellowknife, in Canada's Northwest Territories, offers an ideal spot to watch the Northern Lights. Beyond being located in the auroral zone with extended darkness for much of the year, Yellowknife's distance from nearby mountains ensures fewer obstructions and more stable weather, with skies clearer than in many other parts of the NWT [source: Aurora Village].

8. Tromsø, Norway

Northern Norway is a favorite destination for aurora hunters, with Tromsø frequently topping the list. Situated in the Northern Lights zone and north of the Arctic Circle, Tromsø lies closer to the North Pole [source: Fjord Travel].

While it’s never a 100 percent guarantee to see the aurora, Tromsø offers one of the best chances. Roughly half of the city's clear, dark nights feature spectacular light displays [source: Hansen]. With nine months of darkness, you can even spot the aurora in the afternoons [source: Fjord Travel].

Many hotels in Tromsø offer Aurora Borealis wake-up calls, ensuring you don’t miss the spectacular show even if you happen to doze off.

7. Murmansk, Kola Peninsula, Russia

While Russian winters may not be the ideal vacation climate, they can be worth braving if you're in the region to witness the aurora.

Murmansk, located at the northern tip of Russia’s Kola Peninsula, lies just north of the Arctic Circle [source: BuroMoscow]. At this latitude, daylight is scarce, and auroras are a relatively frequent sight. During peak viewing months — February, March, September, and October — if the skies are clear, the auroras can be counted on to appear, often lasting for several days [source: Gonzalez].

The downside? Rain and snow are frequent, so clear skies aren’t always a certainty [source: BuroMoscow]. It’s a good idea to check the weather forecast before your trip.

6. Kangerlussuaq, Greenland

Greenland is not for the faint of heart. Vastly covered by glacial ice, this icy land is a paradise for daring explorers [source: FDN].

Like the other northern locales, Kangerlussuaq lies beneath the auroral oval; much like Tromsø and Murmansk, it sits north of the Arctic Circle. What sets Kangerlussuaq apart for Northern Lights watchers is its annual 300 days (and nights) of clear skies [source: WOGAC], combined with minimal light pollution. The likelihood of witnessing at least one awe-inspiring Northern Lights display here is incredibly high.

The area lacks the development of other destinations on this list. Travelers rely on dog sleds and snowmobiles for transportation, and accommodation is sparse — consisting of a hotel, a few cabins, and rooms rented from local homes [source: Mother Nature Network]. While some may be deterred by these limited facilities, others will find it the ideal starting point for their Northern Lights journey.

Though rare globally, the Northern Lights are far more common in the north compared to their southern counterpart. To witness the aurora australis, one must travel to even more extreme southern locations.

5. South Pole, Antarctica

At the southernmost point of the Earth, another mesmerizing light display takes place. The aurora australis, or Southern Lights, are essentially the southern counterpart to the northern auroras. If you're fortunate enough to be at one of the research stations in Antarctica, you'll be able to experience this spectacular phenomenon firsthand.

The South Pole holds a prime spot in the auroral zone, naturally sitting farther south of the Antarctic Circle than any other location on the planet. The Southern Lights are a frequent occurrence here, making it an ideal location for viewing.

However, the continent is far from hospitable. Although tours and cruises make their way to Antarctica during the more favorable months, the winter period is the optimal time to witness the lights [source: IAATO]. Still, the Antarctic tourist season remains the best opportunity to catch a glimpse of the aurora australis.

There are more welcoming destinations where you might have the chance to witness the phenomenon, particularly when the sun is in a highly active phase, resulting in intense solar storms.

4. Tasmania, Australia

Although Antarctica is the only landmass located entirely south of the Antarctic Circle, there are a few regions north of it where the Southern Lights occasionally light up the sky on rare nights, such as Tasmania, an island known for this phenomenon.

Located off Australia's southern coast, Tasmania is one of the closest landmasses to the Antarctic Circle. While the chances are slim, on a clear night, you might just catch a glimpse of the aurora australis — about a 1 to 2 percent likelihood.

Catching a glimpse of the aurora is a matter of chance. However, Tasmania is a prime tourist destination, ensuring plenty to explore even if the australis stays out of sight.

3. Stewart Island, New Zealand

New Zealand’s Southland region is one of the places that contributes radar data to a global network monitoring auroral activity. Tasmania is another such location. Stewart Island is part of Southland.

Stewart Island, also known as Rakiura — meaning 'glowing skies' in Maori — could be a hopeful sign or just a bit of wishful thinking. While it's one of the top spots outside of Antarctica to witness the aurora australis, the chances are still quite low, especially given the area's notorious rainy weather.

A dark, clear night with impeccable timing can work wonders in viewing the aurora.

2. South Georgia Island

South Georgia Island, home to the King Edward Point Research Station, offers a prime location for studying atmospheric and astronomical phenomena, such as magnetic storms and their impact, including the intensity of auroras [source: Turbitt].

South Georgia Island could be a potential spot for aurora sightings, but its remote, icy landscape primarily serves scientific research. Accessing the island is difficult—boats and boat-based aircraft are the only means of transport [source: BAS]. Most visitors who come (and may catch a glimpse of the aurora) typically do so via cruise ship.

1. Ushuaia, Argentina

Situated at the southernmost tip of Argentina, Ushuaia is among the farthest cities on Earth from the equator [source: Aurora]. It's even closer to the Antarctic Circle than Tasmania, South Georgia, or Stewart Island. This makes it a prime candidate for aurora sightings.

And indeed, it is—but with the aurora australis, "prime" means "possible." The Southern Lights do show up over Ushuaia, and it's much easier to visit, stay, and explore than, for example, South Georgia Island or the South Pole.

During winter, Ushuaia experiences about 17 hours of darkness daily, which increases the chances for aurora sightings—if the conditions align correctly [source: Patagonia]. However, the region's unpredictable weather adds an extra element of uncertainty [source: Patagonia].

Perhaps that's the essence of it—adventure, serendipity, and the thrill of witnessing the sky suddenly ignite with vibrant ribbons of neon light. Catching the aurora australis can be elusive, and even the most determined attempts might fall short. For some aurora enthusiasts, this uncertainty is exactly what draws them in.

For others, and for those who try their best but still miss the spectacle, the aurora borealis awaits in the northern skies—more accessible, more likely to appear when desired, and a counterpart to the southern lights. Ultimately, the only distinction is latitude.