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Best time to see the Northern Lights: Why you should go in autumn
It's the underrated season
Autumn is one of the best times to see the Northern Lights, when you can combine your Aurora-hunting holiday with walks in the forest, wildlife spotting, foraging and a whole host of other warm weather activities before the winter months set in.
Research has found that autumn offers a very high chance of witnessing the magnificent Aurora Borealis displays in northern Europe, with the weeks around the equinox (20th/21st September) often providing the best time to observe the natural phenomenon.
Renowned scientists and Aurora experts Professor Christopher T. Russell and Professor Emeritus Robert L. McPherron, from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), say: “This is because it is becoming increasingly darker in the Auroral Zone and there is less cloud cover in the sky – both of which are essential for successful viewing.
“Furthermore, the orientation of the Earth’s axis is nearly perpendicular to the solar wind flow, greatly increasing the number of Northern Lights displays.”
Meanwhile, Ali McLean, the founder of Northern Lights holiday specialist The Aurora Zone, adds: “Autumn has very often been overlooked in favour of the winter months but, in my experience, it is one of the very best times to go Northern Lights hunting.
“In fact, the most spectacular Auroral display I have ever seen occurred in Finnish Lapland during September.”
With this in mind, we’ve rounded up some of the best Northern Lights holidays for autumn…
Glamp under the Aurora in a Norwegian teepee
Combine the vibrant Arctic city of Tromso with an escape to the stunning Lyngen Alps for an unforgettable glamping holiday under the Northern Lights. You can spend the night in a glass-roofed Crystal Lavvo (a traditional tepee) situated in a forest far from light pollution, ensuring prime Aurora spotting opportunities, all from the comfort of a cosy bed.
With the added adventure of a RIB (rigid inflatable boat) ride, you'll also see some wildlife along the way. Viator offers an overnight Crystal Lavvo experience that you can add on to a Tromso city break. BOOK NOW
Take a slow adventure to see the Lights in Iceland
Give yourself the freedom to explore Iceland how you wish on a self-drive holiday, with stays at two remote and stylish hotels that were built with Northern Lights viewing in mind - you can even ask the staff to wake you if the aurora appears once you've gone to bed.
With five days to discover beautiful Iceland, you'll have more of a chance of spotting the Lights than those who travel for long weekends. BOOK IT
Catch a view of the Lights from Sweden's ice hotel
Explore spectacular Swedish Lapland during the magic of autumn, when you can experience the thrill of hunkering down on a bed of ice in the iconic Icehotel before the winter tourists arrive.
Your days can be spent foraging in forests, ice sculpting, fishing and white river rafting, culminating with a sauna session and fresh fish or moose dinners just before you head outside to spot the autumn Aurora. BOOK IT
Grab a last-minute Northern Lights deal
Luxury holidays site Secret Escapes offers huge discounts of up to 60 per cent off Northern Lights trips for its members, which means you could head to Lapland to sleep in a glass igloo for around £399 per person or visit Iceland on an adventure tour for £299.
There are deals available for October and November holidays that take in the Northern Lights and so much more. BOOK IT
Set sail in search of the Aurora in Norway
Embark on an alternative Northern Lights cruise by sailing the entire coastal route of Norway, with more than 100 fjords, 1,000 mountains and 34 ports to explore over 12 days.
Hurtigruten's Astronomy Voyage has departures in September, October and November, and includes a Northern Lights promise - so if you don't see the natural phenomenon you get another cruise for free! BOOK IT
Roshina is a contributing editor to Hearst UK. She was previously Senior Travel Editor, where she covered titles including Country Living, Red, ELLE, Harper's Bazaar and Good Housekeeping.
When she's not scoping out the next destinations we should explore (Uzbekistan, the Austrian Alps, Tbilisi), she loves revisiting old favourites (Mauritius, the Dolomites, Istanbul) and spending summer in the mountains - especially when hiking or wrapped in a spa robe.
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