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 discover the top destinations for witnessing the aurora borealis. Browse detailed guides for locations across Norway, Iceland, Finland, Sweden and Canada — complete with real-time aurora forecasts, cloud-cover predictions and optimal viewing seasons so you can plan your trip with confidence.

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

And find out how to make the most of your Aurora adventure

Whether you’re a first-time aurora chaser or an experienced astrophotographer, our practical tips cover everything from camera settings and exposure times to what to wear in sub-zero temperatures. Learn how to read Kp-index forecasts, find dark-sky spots away from light pollution and capture stunning long-exposure shots that do justice to the night sky’s most spectacular natural light show.

Yellowknife

Home / Canada / Yellowknife

Yellowknife, the capital of Canada’s Northwest Territories, is renowned for its breathtaking display of the Northern Lights. Nestled on the shores of Great Slave Lake, this vibrant city offers a unique blend of culture, adventure and stunning natural beauty.

Yellowknife is located directly under the auroral oval, making it one of the best places in the world to witness the Northern Lights, particularly from late August to mid-April. The region’s cold climate often results in clear nights, enhancing your chances of seeing this spectacular phenomenon.

Visiting Yellowknife to see the Northern Lights is truly a bucket-list experience, combining the magic of the aurora with the warmth of local hospitality. Yellowknife is home to Aurora Village. Are you ready to plan your adventure under the stars?

Credit: Ken Cheung
Credit: Ken Cheung
Credit: kwan fung
Credit: kwan fung
Credit: Ian Keefe
Credit: Sydney Haws
Credit: Luke Moore

How are my chances of seeing the aurora today?

Many factors contribute to your likelihood of viewing the aurora in Yellowknife. 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 2% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Yellowknife area (forecast for 12 June 2026 at 5:49pm UTC)

Kp 3.00

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 15 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 5 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.

Density 1.95 p/cm³

Solar wind density refers to the number of charged particles in a given volume of the solar wind, typically measured in particles per cubic centimetre (p/cm³).

A typical solar wind density is around 2.76 p/cm³.

The density of the solar wind affects how many particles reach the Earth’s magnetosphere. A higher density means more particles are available to interact with the Earth’s magnetic field. When these charged particles collide with the gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, energy is released in the form of light that we see as the aurora.

Speed 519.3 km/s

Solar wind speed refers to the velocity at which charged particles are ejected from the Sun’s outer atmosphere, known as the corona.

A typical solar wind speed is about 375 km/s. When both speed and density are high, the energy transferred to the Earth’s magnetosphere increases, enhancing the chances of seeing vibrant auroras.

Light Levels

Moon

Waning crescent 18%

Sunrise 3:42am

Sunset 11:32pm

Moonrise 1:53am

Moonset 9:17pm

Weather Forecast for Yellowknife

Clouds

14°C Feels like 13°C

High: 18°C
Low: 8°C

Chance of precipitation 0%
Cloud cover 32%
South-Westerly winds 4 km/h gusts of 6 km/h

Book an amazing adventure in Yellowknife

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

3-Day Guided Tour to Yellowknife Aurora Viewing

5.0 (1)

3 days From £425.78

The Aurora Borealis ignites when charged solar particles dance with Earth’s upper atmosphere. Depending on which atmospheric layer is "excited," the colors shift—most commonly manifesting as an eerie, breathtaking green glow caused by oxygen atoms colliding 120km above us. In the heart of the Northwest Territories, the Aurora graces the skies an average of 240 nights a year. That means you can witness this celestial spectacle nearly every single night from late summer through early spring! Please note: While there is a 95% chance of spotting the lights under clear skies, the Aurora is a natural phenomenon. Because weather and solar activity are beyond our control, sightings cannot be guaranteed. Premium hotel upgrades to the Chateau Nova or The Explorer may be available. Contact us today to secure your dream Arctic getaway!
Free cancellation

Northern Lights Tour Yellowknife

4.8 (398)

4 hours From £54.18

Wonderful and Amazing experience while going through the famous Ingraham trail to view the Northern Lights in our bus. There are lakes with breathtakingly beautiful landscapes on this trail for you to See Experience & Enjoy this wonderful Northern Lights tour with a tour guide who will click pictures for you. This type of tour is an amazing style of tour that increases your chances to see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) with spectacular backgrounds and landscapes in your pictures at various lakes with amazing Northern Lights. This is the only Northern Lights tour in Yellowknife where you get "Your" free Pictures and complimentary snack. This tour is cost-effective and provides Pictures, Snacks, Pick & Drop. Important Info: This is a Nature tour. During winter months, Please make sure to dress warm or rent winter clothing from any Tour Operator in Yellowknife.
Free cancellation

Yellowknife Aurora Hunting Tours by Bus

5.0 (50)

4 - 5 hours From £53.09

Our expert guides are not only knowledgeable but also passionate about sharing their love for the Northern Lights with you. They know the best spots for viewing and will go above and beyond to ensure you have a memorable experience. We also prioritize comfort and convenience by picking you up directly from your hotel, so you can relax and enjoy the journey without any hassle. Additionally, our small group sizes allow for a more intimate and immersive experience, ensuring that you get the most out of your aurora hunting adventure. Finally, safety is our top priority. Our guides are trained in wilderness first aid and are equipped to handle any situation that may arise, giving you peace of mind as you embark on this incredible journey.
Yellowknife 5-Day Northern Lights Adventure:Aurora&Arctic Wonders

4.0 (4)

5 days From £591.81

Experience an unforgettable 5-day, 4-night adventure in Yellowknife, renowned as the "Northern Lights Capital" with a 95% chance of witnessing the stunning aurora, including the rare yellow-purple display. Stay comfortably in a 4-star hotel and enjoy classic winter activities like dog sledding and ice fishing. Collect memorable souvenirs, such as aurora or Arctic Circle certificates from local tourist centers. For larger groups, each room accommodates up to four guests, and if multiple bookings are made, provide confirmation numbers to ensure you travel on the same bus.
Free cancellation Likely to sell out

Yellowknife: Cameron Falls Hike + Shore Lunch 5hrs

4.7 (23)

4 - 5 hours From £87.56

A short hike of about 1.5 hour through the pristine Cameron Falls Trail to see the waterfall at its source. A chance to see various birds and fauna, including the all wonderful Chaga fungi. After the hike, guests will visit a luxurious lodge by Madeline Lake, and enjoy a great BBQ at a spectacular lakeside setting. After lunch, guests can relax around the lake by swimming or kayaking. Life jackets is available for all adults, but no life guard will be on duty. The entire tour has AC transportation from hotel to hotel, tour pick up around 11:00am and tour will end around 4:00pm.
Free cancellation Private tour

Yellowknife Cameron Waterfalls Nature Hiking

5.0 (21)

4 hours From £53.09

Hike through ancient rock and boreal forest to scenic Cameron Falls. Spot northern wildlife like ptarmigan, whisky jacks, and ravens. Enjoy laughs, snacks, and stories with your guide on a trail full of northern charm and natural beauty