where can you see the northern lights in december

Art Scpae

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05-12-2024

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Chasing the Aurora Borealis in December: Your Guide to the Best Viewing Locations

December, with its long, dark nights and crisp winter air, offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the breathtaking spectacle of the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis. This celestial dance of shimmering colours across the night sky is a bucket-list experience for many, but knowing where to go to maximize your chances of seeing it requires careful planning. This comprehensive guide will illuminate the best locations to see the aurora in December, considering factors like light pollution, weather patterns, and the aurora oval's position.

Understanding the Aurora Oval and December's Advantages

The aurora borealis is primarily visible within the auroral oval, a ring-shaped zone encircling the Earth's geomagnetic poles. While the oval's position fluctuates, it generally sits over high-latitude regions. December offers several key advantages for aurora viewing:

• Long Nights: The longer hours of darkness provide ample time to observe the aurora, even if it only appears for short bursts.
• Increased Solar Activity: While solar activity is cyclical, December often falls within periods of heightened activity, increasing the likelihood of strong auroral displays.
• Clearer Skies: While winter brings snow, it also brings periods of exceptionally clear skies, offering unobstructed views of the night sky. However, this is a double-edged sword; cold, clear skies mean you'll need appropriate clothing.

Top Destinations for December Aurora Viewing:

While several locations offer good chances of seeing the Northern Lights in December, some consistently outperform others due to their geographical location, minimal light pollution, and predictable weather patterns.

1. Tromsø, Norway:

Tromsø, often dubbed the "Arctic Capital," is a popular and reliable choice. Its location well within the auroral oval, combined with its excellent infrastructure and numerous aurora-focused tours, makes it a convenient and comfortable base. December offers long, dark nights, and while snow is common, clear spells frequently occur. The city itself has some light pollution, so venturing slightly outside of the city center to darker areas significantly improves your viewing chances. Consider exploring the nearby Lyngen Alps or heading out on a dedicated aurora hunting tour.

2. Fairbanks, Alaska, USA:

Fairbanks sits beneath the auroral oval and benefits from a generally clear, dry winter climate. Its interior Alaskan location minimizes light pollution compared to coastal areas. December offers very long nights, providing plenty of opportunities. Numerous tours and lodges cater specifically to aurora viewing, offering convenient transport to dark sky locations outside of the city. Look for tours that take you away from the city lights for the best viewing experience.

3. Yellowknife, Canada:

Yellowknife, located in the Northwest Territories, is renowned for its excellent aurora viewing opportunities. Its northerly latitude places it squarely under the auroral oval, and the city's relatively small size minimizes light pollution. December offers ideal conditions with long nights and often clear skies. Aurora viewing tours are abundant, often incorporating indigenous cultural elements for a truly unique experience. Consider a trip to a remote lake or wilderness area for unparalleled views.

4. Iceland:

Iceland offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and excellent aurora viewing opportunities. While the entire island lies within the auroral oval, locations away from Reykjavik (the capital city) offer the darkest skies. The Snaefellsnes Peninsula, the Westfjords, and the highlands are all popular choices, providing breathtaking backdrops for the aurora. However, Iceland's weather can be unpredictable in December, so flexibility and preparedness are essential.

5. Northern Finland (Lapland):

Finnish Lapland, a region known for its winter wonderland charm, provides numerous locations for aurora viewing. Cities like Rovaniemi (Santa Claus Village!) offer a blend of convenience and aurora-watching opportunities, though you'll find darker skies further north and away from urban areas. Consider staying in a glass-roofed cabin or igloo for unparalleled comfort and viewing from the warmth of your bed. Many resorts offer aurora-focused packages, including snowmobile safaris and husky sledding.

Tips for Maximizing Your Aurora Viewing Chances in December:

• Check the Aurora Forecast: Several websites and apps provide real-time aurora forecasts, predicting the aurora's intensity and visibility. Use these to plan your viewing times and locations.
• Get Away from City Lights: Light pollution significantly hinders aurora viewing. Travel outside of towns and cities to darker areas for the best experience.
• Dress Warmly: December temperatures in these locations can be extremely cold. Layer your clothing appropriately, including a warm hat, gloves, and waterproof boots.
• Be Patient: The aurora is a natural phenomenon, and its appearance is unpredictable. Be prepared to wait, and enjoy the beauty of the night sky even if the aurora doesn't put on a spectacular show.
• Consider a Guided Tour: Guided tours often provide transport to optimal viewing locations, expert knowledge about the aurora, and the opportunity to meet fellow enthusiasts.
• Use a Camera: Capture the magic! While the naked eye sees the aurora, a camera can capture its details and colours more vividly. A tripod is essential for long-exposure shots.
• Check the Moon Phase: A full moon can wash out the fainter aurora displays. Consider planning your trip around a new moon or a crescent moon for optimal viewing.

Beyond the Top 5: Other areas worthy of consideration include the Lofoten Islands in Norway, Greenland, and parts of Russia's Kola Peninsula. However, access to these locations may be more challenging, and infrastructure might be less developed.

Conclusion:

Witnessing the Northern Lights in December is a truly unforgettable experience. By choosing a location carefully and understanding the factors influencing aurora visibility, you can significantly increase your chances of seeing this spectacular natural phenomenon. Remember to plan ahead, check the forecasts, dress warmly, and most importantly, be patient and enjoy the magic of the Arctic winter. The breathtaking display of colours shimmering across the night sky is a reward worth the effort.