Experts Say These Are The Best Places For Northern Lights In 2024

According to National Geographic, 2024 will offer the best opportunity to see the Northern Lights in 20 years. While sometimes you are disappointed, with these opportunities there is much more chance of enjoying the spectacular Aurora Borealis lighting up your sky.

Northern Lights in 2024

National Geographic notes, “Our sun is reaching the peak of its roughly 11-year cycle when the Northern Lights are most visible. Experts say we may see even more auroras in regions they’re not usually spotted.”

The Space Weather Prediction Center at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts that with large events this year, the aurora borealis will be visible as far south as the US, Asia and Europe.

AARP quotes NOAA research scientist Mark Miesch as saying, “Activity is expected to increase until fall 2024 when the lights will be at their brightest.”

Meanwhile, there is no guarantee that you will see the Northern Lights due to weather phenomena such as cloud cover and light pollution. However, several locations offer visitors the best chance to witness the spectacular display, especially in Dark Sky locations.

See the Northern Lights in Alaska

Fairbanks, Alaska is always a good bet to see the aurora borealis and that far north, they are especially spectacular. If you visit in March or September, you will likely see the Northern Lights. Reportedly, this is due to the tilt of the Earth lining up with the protective magnetic field.

Northern Minnesota for aurora borealis

Northern Minnesota features several locations to view the Northern Lights. These include the Northwest Angle, Cook County, Lake of the Woods and Voyageurs National Park. Moreover, there is also a chance to spot them in the mid-to southern areas of the state, including Park Rapids, St. Cloud, Lake City, Mankato, Stillwater and Rochester, which are known for occasional aurora borealis shows. Here, the best months to witness them are April, August, September and October.

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

Up north in Michigan, especially near Lake Superior, offers the chance of spectacular Northern Lights. Moreover, the Headlands International Dark Sky Park in Mackinaw City is an excellent location, due to the absence of light pollution. Meanwhile, Port Crescent State Park is an excellent Dark Sky location that could also feature the aurora borealis. The best time to see them here is in April, October and November.

Northern Maine aurora borealis

Heading to Northern Maine, which features some of the darkest night skies, Aroostook County has an excellent chance. Moreover, the International Dark Sky Sanctuary at Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is an excellent spot, as well as Moosehead Lake and Acadia National Park. The Northern Lights usually start around September and last until the spring.

Northern Lights in Iceland

Naturally, Iceland is an excellent location to see the aurora borealis between October and March. However, they can also be seen as early as mid-August to mid-April. The best spots for a spectacular sky include the Golden Circle, Reykjavik and its surrounds, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and the Vatnajökull National Park.

Aurora borealis in Norway

Like Iceland, Norway is an excellent country when it comes to seeing the Northern Lights from several locations. Meanwhile, the best zone to spot them is around Tromso, which is considered one of the best places to see those colorful skies. The best time of year for the experience is the aurora season from September to March.

Experience the Northern Lights in 2024. Make sure to capture the skies in photos or video to relive the experience again.