Check the Aurora Forecast Before heading out, check real-time aurora forecasts or apps like "Aurora" or "My Aurora Forecast" to see if the Northern Lights are likely to appear in your location tonight. These tools give you the best chance of spotting them.
Find a Dark Spot Light pollution can significantly affect your view of the Northern Lights. Find a location away from city lights or street lamps, such as a rural area, a park, or near a lake.
Head North (If Possible) The Northern Lights are best seen in regions closer to the Arctic Circle. If you’re in a lower latitude, try to get as far north as possible, as the lights are more visible the further north you go.
Look for Clear Skies Cloud cover can block your view of the auroras, so make sure the weather forecast predicts clear skies for the night. Check apps or websites for real-time weather updates.
Time It Right The best time to see the Northern Lights is typically between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m., but they can appear at any time during the night. Be patient and give yourself a few hours of waiting.
Dress Warmly Even if you’re in a rush, don't forget to bundle up! It can get extremely cold in northern areas, especially during late-night hours. Wear layers, hats, gloves, and insulated footwear.
Bring a Camera If you want to capture the Northern Lights, bring a camera with manual settings and a tripod. Set your camera to a low ISO, long exposure (around 10-20 seconds), and wide aperture to get the best shots.