At a Glance
- Clear skies are the biggest factor for seeing the northern lights, not just distance from the Arctic Circle.
- In 2026, places like Abisko, Sweden, and Fairbanks, Alaska offer the highest chances of aurora visibility.
- Travelers should prioritize cloud-free locations over higher latitude or high solar activity.
Why it matters: Knowing where to go can turn an average trip into a guaranteed aurora experience.
The northern lights have long been a magnet for adventure seekers, but a seasoned hunter has a simple rule: clear skies matter more than latitude or solar storms. Dennis Lehtonen, a Finnish photographer who first saw the aurora in 2018 at a Helsinki observatory, says that the best chances in 2026 come from dark, cloud-free skies rather than simply heading farther north.
The Science Behind the Rule
Lehtonen’s advice stems from years of chasing the aurora across Europe and North America. He explains that clouds block the view even when geomagnetic activity is high. In winter, a single month of cloud cover can erase the display entirely.
> “If we are talking about Scandinavia or Northern Europe, the rule is usually to go as far north as you can,” Lehtonen told News Of Los Angeles exclusively. “But the problem in winter is the clouds. You can easily have a whole month of just clouds, and that makes it very difficult.”
He notes that a clear night in a high-latitude area still offers a 70 percent chance of seeing the lights, compared to a 40 to 50 percent chance on the Arctic Circle itself.
Top Destinations for 2026
Below is a breakdown of the places Lehtonen says give the best odds of aurora viewing in 2026.
| Location | Why It Works | Visibility Chance (Clear Night) |
|---|---|---|
| Abisko, Sweden | Microclimate with statistically higher clear skies | 70 percent |
| Rovaniemi, Finland | 200-300 km north of the Arctic Circle improves odds | 70 percent |
| Yellowknife, Canada | Dark skies and low cloud cover | 70 percent |
| Fairbanks, Alaska | Similar dark skies, reliable visibility | 70 percent |
| Southern Greenland | Southernmost area offers best view due to aurora oval | 70 percent |
Abisko, Sweden
Lehtonen says Abisko tops his list because of its clear skies:
> “There is a microclimate in Abisko. Statistically, you have a higher chance of clear skies there compared to many other places in Northern Europe.”
He adds that if he had to choose a destination in Northern Europe, he would pick Abisko simply because of the sky clarity.
Rovaniemi, Finland
While Rovaniemi is a popular tourist spot, Lehtonen recommends going further north:
> “At the Arctic Circle, you might have a 40 to 50 percent chance of seeing the northern lights on a clear night. But if you go 200 or 300 kilometers farther north, into northern Finland, Sweden or Norway, that chance goes up to around 70 percent.”
He also notes that in the northernmost places, the auroras are often directly overhead, which looks much better.
Yellowknife and Manitoba, Canada
Outside of Europe, Lehtonen points to Canada as offering some of the most consistent viewing conditions. Even during quieter geomagnetic activity, visibility remains strong if skies are clear.
Fairbanks, Alaska
If Lehtonen had to pick one destination in Alaska, he would choose Fairbanks:
> “If I had to go somewhere in Alaska, it would be Fairbanks.”
He stresses that even if the display isn’t a grand colorful show, a clear sky almost guarantees something.
Southern Greenland
Greenland may surprise travelers because the best viewing isn’t in the far north:
> “People think you should go as far north as possible, but in Greenland it’s actually the opposite.”
Lehtonen explains that the aurora forms an oval around the poles, and the southern part of Greenland offers the most favorable conditions.
Tips for Rare U.S. Sightings
For those in the continental U.S., opportunities are rare but not impossible during strong solar storms. Lehtonen advises:
> “If you’re in a place that doesn’t usually see the northern lights, you should go somewhere very open. A lake or an empty field helps a lot, and you need a clear view toward the north.”
Planning Your 2026 Trip
Lehtonen’s journey began in 2020 during the pandemic. He quit university to pursue his hobby full-time, traveling to remote villages and working basic jobs to support himself while chasing the aurora.
His experience shows that clear skies are the single most important factor. Solar activity is helpful, but without a cloud-free night, the lights will not be visible.
Key Takeaways
- Clear skies are more critical than latitude or solar activity for aurora viewing.
- In 2026, Abisko, Fairbanks, and Southern Greenland offer the highest visibility odds.
- Travelers should prioritize cloud-free locations and plan for clear nights.
- Even in less known areas, a clear sky can provide a spectacular display.
By focusing on the sky’s clarity rather than distance, travelers can turn a hopeful trip into a guaranteed northern lights experience.
