Find the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights

From the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard to the vast wilderness of Alaska, we help you find the best destinations for seeing the aurora borealis. Browse our guides for locations across Norway, Iceland, Finland, Sweden and Canada — with real-time aurora forecasts, cloud-cover predictions and optimal viewing seasons for each.

Canada

Dark skies and breathtaking wilderness, one of the best places to experience the northern lights in all their glory.

Banff •Churchill •Edmonton •Jasper •Whitehorse •Yellowknife

Faroe Islands

Dramatic landscapes with pristine dark skies, an exceptional place to witness the northern lights with a truly unique setting.

Tórshavn

Finland

Enjoy stunning aurora displays from cozy glass igloos or snowy forests in the magical northern wilderness.

Inari •Levi •Luosto •Rovaniemi

Greenland

The remote wilderness and minimal light pollution offer a breathtaking, serene setting to witness the northern lights in their purest form.

Ilulissat •Kangerlussuaq •Nuuk •Qaqortoq

Iceland

Breathtaking landscapes and long winter nights provide a spectacular backdrop for witnessing the aurora in a truly unforgettable setting.

Akureyri •Reykjavík •Vík

Norway

Stunning fjords and snowy peaks provide a breathtaking backdrop to the northern lights in one of the best locations to witness this natural spectacle.

Alta •Bodø •Lofoten •Tromsø

Shetland

A remote location and dark skies offer opportunities to witness the northern lights over rugged coastlines and peaceful seascapes.

Lerwick

Svalbard

Polar nights in the high arctic offer exceptional chances to witness the northern lights dancing across pristine, icy landscapes.

Longyearbyen

Sweden

Clear winter nights and pristine wilderness create an ideal place to experience the aurora in a magical Arctic setting.

Abisko •Björkliden •Kiruna

USA

Alaska’s vast wilderness and clear, dark skies create perfect conditions for experiencing the northern lights in a breathtaking natural setting.

Anchorage •Fairbanks •Healy

Plan your aurora adventure

Check tonight’s forecast, pick the best month to travel, learn what to pack and how to photograph the aurora. We’ve also got guides on chasing the lights from home and spotting them from lower latitudes when conditions are right.

Aurora Forecast

Stay updated with the latest aurora forecast including Kp-index, Bz, solar wind density and speed, plus a 3-day outlook, aurora map and top viewing locations.

Planning Your Northern Lights Adventure

When to go? What to wear? Things to consider when planning a trip to see the Northern Lights.

Northern Lights Photography

A complete guide to photographing the Northern Lights. Learn the best camera settings, equipment and composition tips for capturing stunning aurora photos.

Best Time Of Year To See The Northern Lights

When is the best time to see the Northern Lights? A month-by-month guide covering aurora season, solar cycles, equinox effects and what to expect throughout the year.

See The Aurora Without Leaving Your Home

Can’t travel to see the Northern Lights? Watch aurora live from home using webcams, livestreams, alert apps and space weather dashboards. A complete guide to remote aurora viewing.

Can You See The Northern Lights From Where You Live?

How far south can the Northern Lights be seen? A guide to aurora visibility by latitude, covering the UK, northern Europe, the US and beyond, including what Kp level you need and historic low-latitude sightings.

Discover the science, stories and sounds of the aurora

Learn how the solar wind creates the aurora, read about the myths and folklore behind the lights, browse a glossary of space weather terms, or put on a playlist while you wait for the sky to turn green.

Science Of The Aurora

Understanding the science behind the Northern Lights. Learn about the solar wind, Earth’s magnetic field and how charged particles create the stunning auroral displays.

Northern Lights Playlist

Pop on your headphones and relax. A curated playlist to accompany your Northern Lights experience.

Northern Lights Myths And Legends

Exploring the myths and legends surrounding the Northern Lights, from Norse Valkyries and Inuit spirits to Sámi beliefs, Finnish folklore and beyond.

Aurora Glossary

A comprehensive glossary of aurora and space weather terms. Understand Kp, Bz, solar wind, CME, substorms and more to improve your Northern Lights viewing.

Edmonton

Home / Canada / Edmonton

Edmonton, the vibrant capital of Alberta, offers a surprising gateway to the wonders of the northern lights. While the city itself buzzes with arts, festivals and culinary delights, its northern latitude means that, on clear winter nights, the aurora borealis can sometimes be seen dancing above the skyline. For the best experience, visitors often venture just outside the city limits, where the dark prairie skies provide a perfect canvas for the shimmering greens and purples of the aurora. The spectacle is most likely from late autumn to early spring, when long nights and crisp air set the stage for nature’s light show.

Beyond aurora hunting, Edmonton invites travelers to explore its unique blend of urban and natural attractions. Stroll along the scenic North Saskatchewan River Valley, visit the renowned Royal Alberta Museum, or warm up in one of the city’s cozy cafés after a night of skywatching. Whether you’re chasing the northern lights or discovering local culture, Edmonton offers a memorable Canadian adventure with a touch of celestial magic.

Credit: Condor Wei
Credit: Olga MikKo
Credit: Condor Wei
Credit: Darby P
Credit: Jigar Patel
Credit: Jimmy Liao
Credit: Henry C Wong
Credit: Ali Kazal

How are my chances of seeing the aurora today?

Many factors contribute to your likelihood of viewing the aurora in Edmonton. Geomagnetic activity, cloud cover and the amount of ambient light all play a big part. Check the forecasts for how good the viewing conditions are today.

Aurora Probability and Atmospheric Conditions

There is a 1% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Edmonton area (forecast for 27 July 2026 at 12:15pm UTC)

Kp 2.00

The Kp-index is a scale used to measure geomagnetic activity. It ranges from 0 to 9, with higher values indicating greater geomagnetic activity.

0-2 (Very low) Far north, quite dim, and not very active.
3-5 (Moderate) Can be seen further south, with increased brightness and activity. Chance of good viewing conditions nearer the pole.
6-7 (High) Visible in many northern regions, with vibrant displays.
8-9 (Extreme) Widespread visibility, often seen in areas much further south than usual, with intense and colorful displays.

HPI 14 GW

The Hemispheric Power Index (HPI) is a vital measure used to assess the strength of auroral activity at the poles. It estimates the total auroral energy input, with values above 20 GW indicating an aurora-active state. When the HPI reaches levels of 100 GW or more, it signifies a very significant geomagnetic storm, which can lead to spectacular auroral displays.

Bz 2 nT

Bz refers to the north-south orientation of the magnetic field embedded in the solar wind. It is measured in nanoteslas (nT).

When Bz is negative (southward), it allows solar wind particles to penetrate the Earth’s magnetic field more easily. A strong negative Bz is often associated with increased chances of seeing the Northern Lights.

Conversely, when Bz is positive (northward), the Earth’s magnetic field tends to block the solar wind, resulting in reduced aurora activity.

Bt 4 nT

Bt measures the overall power of the Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF) from the Sun; higher numbers (e.g., above 20 nT) mean more energy available for aurora.

Light Levels

Moon

Waxing gibbous 88%

Sunrise 5:41am

Sunset 9:39pm

Moonrise 9:17pm

Moonset 3:00am

Weather Forecast for Edmonton

Rain

18°C Feels like 18°C

High: 28°C
Low: 13°C

Chance of precipitation 100%
Cloud cover 66%
Northerly winds 5 km/h gusts of 8 km/h
Rain 12 mm

Book an amazing adventure in Edmonton

Explore this selection of tours and activities to make the most of your visit to Edmonton.

Free cancellation

Edmonton River Valley 60-Minute Segway Adventure

4.7 (76)

1 hour From £32.68

On this 60-minute Segway tour in Edmonton, Alberta, you will receive in-depth training from a certified Segway trainer. After the training, get ready for the experience of a lifetime as you ride through Edmonton’s world famous river valley. This tour offers multiple departure times throughout the day. Please Note: A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
Free cancellation Private tour

Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Edmonton by Crazy Dash

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2 hours From £7.63

Walk around Edmonton while completing the Crazy Dash scavenger hunt! Use an app to find a list of objects around the city in any order you choose and participate in fun challenges for points. Collect points and take a look at your score compared to others around the country! All scavenger hunts have a remote host via chat to help along the way. Crazy Dash is our most relaxed scavenger hunt. Come spend your afternoon with us in Edmonton!
Private tour

Edmonton Self Guided Audio Experience

3.0 (2)

3 - 9 hours From £4.58

Experience Edmonton like never before with complete freedom to discover the city's treasures at your own rhythm, uncovering exclusive historical insights and hidden stories that most visitors never hear. This authentic local experience puts you in control of your adventure, allowing you to linger at captivating locations or move quickly through areas that interest you less, while enjoying the flexibility to visit attractions in any order that suits your schedule. Unlike traditional guided tours that rush you through predetermined routes, this premium audio experience delivers superior storytelling through expertly crafted narration that brings Edmonton's history to life with crystal-clear delivery, engaging content that captures your attention from the first moment, and an interesting voice that makes every story memorable and easy to understand, transforming ordinary sightseeing into an extraordinary journey of discovery.
Free cancellation

Edmonton Explorer | Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour

4.6 (10)

1 hour 30 minutes - 2 hours From £27.45

Edmonton Explorer provides the premier vintage trolley sightseeing experience in Alberta. Join a hop-on, hop-off tour on our 1920s-inspired Molly Trolley’s to connect 20 curated stops. With 24-hour and 72-hour tickets, you can pick where you jump on and off to discover all of Edmonton’s best attractions, enjoying a seamless, story-driven journey. As the official ride of the Discover Edmonton Pass, we make it easy to connect West Edmonton Mall, downtown, and the River Valley into a seamless, stress-free adventure—whether you're here for a quick day trip or a full long weekend - you'll be able to get everywhere you want to go easily!
Free cancellation Private tour

Edmonton Airport (YEG) to Edmonton - Arrival Private Transfer

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40 minutes From £87.90

Book your Private Arrival Transfer from Edmonton Airport (YEG) to Edmonton hotel or address. Don't go through all the hassle of waiting in a long taxi or shared shuttles queues and use our private, door to door airport transfer. Your driver will be waiting for you at a scheduled time and you will travel comfortably to your destination. • Meeting with a Nameplate • We track your Flight • Door-to-door Service • No Hidden Charges • Clean cars & Professional drivers
Free cancellation

Edmonton City Highlights 3 Hour Walking Tour Gratuity-Based

4.9 (27)

3 hours From £3.82

Join us on a 3-hour Pay-What-You-Feel walking tour to explore Edmonton through the eyes of a knowledgeable local guide. As Canada’s most northern major city, Edmonton offers a captivating mix of rich history and modern innovation, making it a must-see for any traveler. On this engaging tour, uncover Edmonton’s pivotal role in shaping Alberta and Canada. Visit iconic landmarks, learn about local legends, and discover the hidden gems that make this city unique. Your expert guide will provide insightful commentary, share stories of Edmonton's dynamic growth, and offer practical recommendations to enhance your visit. Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning, this tour provides a comprehensive view of Edmonton's charm, with plenty of photo opportunities in the city’s most picturesque locations. The tour is tip-based, after the tour, you decide how much value you received on the experience and tip your guide accordingly.