When to Go
Timing is everything in polar travel. The difference between a magical aurora display and an overcast sky often comes down to picking the right month. Here's your guide.
Aurora Season
🌌 September – March
The dark skies of the Arctic winter are prime time for the northern lights. Peak aurora activity hits from late September through March, with the equinox months (Sep/Oct and Feb/Mar) often delivering the strongest geomagnetic storms.
Midnight Sun
☀️ May – July
Above the Arctic Circle, the sun never sets in summer. Endless daylight means 24-hour hiking, wildlife watching, and glacier treks. No auroras, but the landscapes are spectacular under golden light.
Antarctic Summer
🧊 November – March
Antarctica is only accessible during the Southern Hemisphere summer. November brings pristine snow and penguin courtship; January has the warmest temps; February and March offer whale sightings as the ice breaks up.
Browse by Month
Quick Tips
Best aurora odds: Late September/October and February/March — equinox periods bring stronger geomagnetic activity. Aim for locations with Kp thresholds of 2 or less (Tromsø, Abisko, Fairbanks).
Budget-friendly: Shoulder months (Sep, Oct, Mar, Apr) offer lower prices and fewer crowds than peak December/January. Iceland in September is significantly cheaper than Christmas week.
Photography: The "blue hour" in November–January above the Arctic Circle creates stunning twilight that lasts for hours — perfect for landscapes even without aurora.
Antarctica: Book 12–18 months ahead for expedition cruises. November for pristine ice and penguins, late February for whales. Last-minute deals from Ushuaia are possible but risky.