If you’re wondering where to see the northern lights, you’re not alone. As astrotourism increases in popularity and more travelers than ever before seek out dark, starry skies, the aurora borealis remains at the top of many people’s bucket lists. The tricky part? Encountering the natural phenomenon is not only about finding the best location, but also timing (December to March is ideal in many instances; August through April in other parts of the world), positioning (typically from latitudes 65 to 72 degrees North), and plain ol’ luck (a clear and cloud-free sky).

The spellbinding sight occurs when solar storms blast electrically charged particles through the Earth’s magnetic field. The interaction of particles with gasses in the earth’s atmosphere releases dancing light and different shades of color, ranging from green (the most common) to electric pink.

To enjoy the show, head to rural areas where little light pollution allows the aurora to shine its brightest. (Even the glow of a full moon can ruin your fun, so plan to go when it’s a crescent if possible). They’re called the northern lights for a reason; aurora hunters traditionally head to high-latitude sites above the Arctic Circle along a ring known as the Aurora Oval or Aurora Zone in places like Norway, Canada, Iceland, Finland, Alaska, Sweden, and Greenland. While the phenomenon is never guaranteed, this area close to the Earth’s northern pole provides the highest chance of success.

There’s never been a better time to view this ethereal display. Scientists (including NASA) say the sun has reached its solar maximum, the peak of an 11-year cycle when the frequency and intensity of solar storms (also known as auroras) are at their greatest. Last year saw a significant upswing in aurora activity around the world. The spike will likely continue into 2025, making travelers’ favorite hotspots glow more than ever and putting less expected destinations—such as Scotland and Michigan—on the map.

With the recent surge in action, more outfitters are offering unique ways to chase the northern lights by cruise, snowmobile, or even plane. When possible, go with Indigenous guides from communities who have long had ties to and found deeper meaning in the aurora—they can make your northern lights experience all the more special, even when the meteorological magic doesn’t happen.

Read on for the best places to see the northern lights, all around the world.

This story has been updated since its original publish date.

Bláskógabyggð, Iceland

Almost every picture we see of Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes makes us stop in our tracks—especially those with that famous glow against the winter night sky. While many spots along this country’s coastal ring road lend themselves to northern lights-watching, the flat terrain of Thingvellir National Park in southwestern Iceland and its proximity to Reykjavík (which is just 25 miles southwest) make it one of the best—and most easily accessible—spots for getting those prize-worthy, slow shutter speed shots of the northern lights.

Svalbard, Norway

Northern Norway undoubtedly ranks as one of the best places to see the aurora—but Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago between the mainland and the North Pole, is the only inhabited destination in the world where you can witness the northern lights at any time of day. To experience the phenomenon while you’re having breakfast or lunch, head to Svalbard during Polar Night—the country’s longest dark season—which lasts a full 113 days between November and January. With so many hours spent in darkness, you’ll have plenty of opportunities for aurora chasing. Embark on a northern lights safari by dog sled, snowcat, or snowmobile, or learn how to capture the aurora in all its brilliance during a hands-on photography workshop.