The Northern Lights are one of the most beautiful natural spectacles in the world, and seeing them for yourself should be on everyone's bucket list. They have inspired fairy tales, scientific investigation, and awe from those lucky enough to witness them.
When to See the Northern Lights
When you have big plans to go on a Northern Lights holiday, they might ask you what season you should go in. The short answer is any time from September to April! However, if you're looking for a specific time of year, February and March have fewer daylight hours and, therefore, longer periods when the lights may be visible. The weather is generally freezing, but the skies are clear and dry, making it the perfect time to see these stunning displays of color. You may even be lucky enough to see the lights dancing in the sky over the snowy landscape. If you want to increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights, it's an excellent idea to visit a country with optimal viewing opportunities, such as Yellowknife or Iceland.
Is 2022 a Good Year to Plan a Trip to Watch the Northern Lights?
Northern Lights are caused by solar winds—electrons from the sun that travel towards the Earth at extremely high speeds, drawn in by its magnetic field. When these electrons hit atoms of gas up in the atmosphere, they transfer their energy and make those atoms glow. The colors you see depend on which gas atom is glowing: green for oxygen and red for nitrogen.
The best time for viewing is during periods of increased solar activity when more particles are being ejected from the sun. These periods occur every 11 years or so; we're currently in one right now. That means you'll have good chances of seeing them between now and 2024, with 2022 being one of the peak viewing years.
5 Tips to Plan an Enjoyable Northern Lights Gateway
Know Your Destination
The Aurora Borealis isn't visible everywhere on Earth, so you'll want to check out a map that tells you where it's concentrated and how often. Also, check out other factors like daylight hours, as well as the weather and temperature.
Be Patient
Seeing the Northern Lights isn't a given, so you might need to try several nights before getting lucky. We suggest that you plan for a long trip, at least four nights.
Pack Warm Clothing
The temperature can drop below zero degrees Fahrenheit at night—and most of your time will be spent outside, so bring warm clothes with you.
Research Tour Companies
If you are looking for complete peace of mind, it's best to plan ahead for your trip by booking a Northern lights guided tour with an established company. They offer pre-arranged holiday packages and do the heavy lifting for arranging accommodations and transportation.
Bring Your Camera
The Northern Lights can change rapidly—it'd be disappointing if you missed out on getting a shot of them because your camera was still back home or in your hotel room. Bring it with you!
Are you planning a getaway to see the aurora borealis in Yellowknife and looking for the best Northern lights holiday packages and deals? Yellowknife Tours can help you plan a trip to see this atmospheric, natural wonder of the world and have an unforgettable experience. Call 867-873-4600.
