As 2026 approaches, skywatchers are entering a once-in-a-decade opportunity: the solar maximum. This rare event will bring the brightest and most frequent Northern Lights in over 10 years, before fading again until the mid-2030s.
Scientists predict that the solar maximum, when aurora activity is most vibrant, will be at its peak until March 2026. During this time, the Sun’s heightened magnetic activity releases charged particles that collide with Earth’s atmosphere, creating brighter and more frequent auroras.
Interest in the Northern Lights is skyrocketing, with global Google searches for “Northern lights aurora” up by 408% and “best places to see northern lights” up by 1,339% in the past month.
Holiday experts at Travel Republic have shared the top destinations to see the aurora borealis with peak viewing conditions over the next year.
Top destinations to see the Northern Lights
The best viewing regions are close to the Arctic Circle, where long, dark winters and minimal light pollution provide ideal conditions.
For those eager to maximise their chances of seeing the aurora borealis, Iceland, Sweden, and Finland stand out as top choices. Each offers over 200 nights of potential Northern Lights activity each year thanks to their high-latitude locations and long, dark winters.
Top spots in Iceland include Þingvellir National Park, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and the remote Westfjords. Sweden’s Abisko National Park and Kiruna are renowned for clear skies and reliable activity, particularly from November to March. While Finnish Lapland offers remote wilderness settings perfect for sighting, plus fun unique winter activities such as reindeer sledging or staying in glass igloos.