The Rising Star “Supporting Actor”! Travel Experts: Go Aurora Mad – Here’s What to Know Before You Go

Winter is the best season to see the aurora each year. In the Northern Hemisphere, from September to April of the following year, nights get longer and sunlight pollution decreases, offering the best chances to witness the aurora. (Photo provided by Shutterstock)

The aurora is hailed as a natural wonder that everyone should see in their lifetime, drawing people to brave the bitter cold just to witness its magical brilliance. However, some travel experts believe that the aurora is like the “A-list supporting actor” of Nordic travel. This craze has opened the world’s eyes to the Nordic region, leading travelers into fairytale-like snowy landscapes. But no matter how dreamlike it may be, don’t mistake the “supporting actor” for the “main character.” Here are a few essential things to know before you set out to chase the aurora.

● Weather Is the Key Factor in Seeing the Aurora

Winter is the best season to see the aurora each year. In the Northern Hemisphere, from September to April of the following year, nights get longer and sunlight pollution decreases, offering the best chances to witness the aurora, especially between 6 p.m. and 4 a.m. daily, with peak aurora activity occurring between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m.

Wu Mengzhao, Product Department Manager at You Tai Travel Agency, who has traveled to the Nordic region multiple times, shared that when it comes to seeing the aurora in polar regions, the focus is “not on where you stay or where you go to see it.” Aside from predicting aurora activity frequency, the main factor depends on the actual weather conditions of the day.

The polar climate sees drastic weather changes within 24 hours—don’t go to bed too early if you want to see the Nordic aurora. (Photo provided by Wu Mengzhao of You Tai Travel Agency)

Witnessing the aurora burst into a grand display for the first time can be so thrilling that you might just dash out into sub-zero snowy landscapes wearing nothing but a thin T-shirt and slippers, all to witness the awe-inspiring power of nature firsthand. (Photo provided by Wu Mengzhao of You Tai Travel Agency)

● Don’t Go to Bed Too Early at Night – You Might Regret It

The polar climate sees drastic weather changes within 24 hours. Wu Mengzhao recalled the day she first witnessed a major aurora event. The sky over Ivalo, Finland, was cloudy and rainy, and she thought there was no chance of seeing the aurora. But around 11 p.m., the aurora appeared, prompting her and other travelers in the group to rush out into the sub-zero snowfields in nothing but thin T-shirts and slippers. Even passengers who had already gone to bed ended up lying in their beds watching the dancing aurora through the window.

She described the scene before her eyes as “the aurora flowing like clouds, with beams lighting up the sky in shades of red, green, and blue, appearing and disappearing unpredictably. No matter where you pointed your camera, it wasn’t enough”—the level of awe led her to describe the moment as simply “mind-blown.”

● Chasing the Aurora in Both Hemispheres – What’s the Difference?

Multiple countries around the world offer opportunities to see the aurora, but Wu Mengzhao believes the aurora is more like an “A-list supporting actor” rather than the “main character” of Nordic travel. After all, seeing the aurora depends entirely on weather and luck. Planning unique local experiences is key to enjoying your trip—otherwise, you might end up disappointed if the aurora doesn’t show.

For those traveling to the Nordic region to see the aurora, classic activities include soaking in the Blue Lagoon hot springs, dog sledding across snowy fields, taking icebreaker cruises, exploring glacier trails, and indulging in all-you-can-eat king crab. Treating the aurora as a supplementary part of your Nordic adventure is something every traveler should know before setting out.

Want to learn more about the aurora and Nordic travel? The “Magical Nordic 'Happy Aurora'” travel seminar will be held on July 8th, led by travel experts from the newsletter and You Tai Travel Agency, taking everyone into the magical world of the Nordic region.