Northern Lights holidays are a hit with intrepid explorers over the winter season but 2026 is well worth having on your radar as it’s one of the ‘best years in a decade’ for booking
If you’ve always dreamed of seeing the Northern Lights, then this winter might be the time to finally do it.
In fact, you may want to consider a trip in January or February, as 2026 is expected to be the best year in a decade for Aurora viewing opportunities.
That’s because next year will bring with it a once-in-a-decade phenomenon; the solar maximum. This rare event sees the Sun’s heightened magnetic activity release charged particles that collide with Earth’s atmosphere, creating brighter and more frequent auroras. Scientists are expecting it to peak until March 2026, before fading again until the mid 2030s.
The good news is that you don’t need to head into the deep depths of the Arctic if you want to try and spot the lights. There are plenty of European destinations including Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Finland where you can watch the Aurora because of their proximity to the Arctic Circle.
READ MORE: ‘I went to the world’s most beautiful bookshop – there’s just one catch’
The experts at Travel Republic recommend the likes of Iceland, Sweden and Finland as these destinations offer over 200 nights of Northern Lights activity every year, so they’re the spots where you’ll be putting the odds in our favour. The travel insiders also suggested Norway, specifically areas such as Tromsø, the Lofoten Islands, Alta, and Svalbard.
If you want to go further afield, Canada’s northwest territories offer Northern Lights viewing opportunities for up to 240 nights annually, while Alaska’s Fairbanks promises an 80% chance of seeing the aurora.
The best time to spot the aurora typically falls between October through to March; some destinations do have sightings in February and April but the likelihood of getting a great view is reduced.
READ MORE: World’s ‘most peaceful country’ is real-life winter wonderland just 3 hours from UKREAD MORE: Europe’s ‘most charming Old Town’ also has one of the best cheap Christmas markets
If you are thinking of booking that dream getaway, the Travel Republic team shared some of their top tips for planning the ultimate trip – check out their advice below.
- Choose dark, remote locations: Rural or wilderness areas, away from buildings and vehicles, with minimal artificial light, offer the most vivid aurora displays.
- Monitor the weather: Clouds can get in the way, even during peak aurora activity. Check forecasts and aim for clear nights in regions known for stable winter weather.
- Consider guided tours: Experienced operators know the best locations and conditions, helping you chase clear skies and capture unforgettable sightings of the Northern Lights.
You don’t necessarily have to go abroad as there are parts of the UK where you can spot the Aurora when there are clear, dark skies over the winter months. Scotland will be your best bet, especially regions such as Caithness, Lewis and Harris, the Moray Coast, the Isle of Skye and the Cairngorms, thanks to their remote landscapes and dark, clear skies. Over in England, the likes of Cumbria and Yorkshire have also been the setting for Northern Lights spotting.
In fact, earlier this month the Met Office said that the Aurora Borealis would be visible across parts of the UK, as the enhanced geomagnetic activity created conditions that could allow the lights to be visible further south than usual.
Do you have a holiday story that you want to share with us? Email us at [email protected].