Aurora Borealis: Solar Maximum Magic in Autumn and Winter

If you've ever seen the sky light up with streaks of green, pink, or purple, you've witnessed one of nature’s most breathtaking displays - the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights. But what exactly are they? Simply put, auroras happen when charged particles from the sun collide with gases in Earth's atmosphere, creating brilliant light shows near the polar regions. And when the sun is at its most active, during something called the Solar Maximum, these lights become even more intense and frequent.

Image: Visit Finland/Asko Kuittinen

The Solar Maximum is a phase of the sun’s 11-year cycle, where sunspots and solar flares are at their peak. This increased solar activity releases more charged particles, boosting the chances of seeing the auroras - and making them even more spectacular when they do appear. The next Solar Maximum is expected between 2024 and 2026, so now is the perfect time to plan your aurora adventure.

While this blog focuses on the Northern Lights, it’s worth mentioning that the southern hemisphere has its own version - the Aurora Australis, or Southern Lights. This stunning natural phenomenon can be seen in places like Tasmania, New Zealand’s South Island, and even parts of Antarctica. Just like the Aurora Borealis, the Aurora Australis is intensified by the Solar Maximum, making it an exciting time to chase the lights in either hemisphere.

Now that we know what causes these cosmic wonders, let’s dive into the best times to see them in full glory - autumn or winter. Both seasons offer unique opportunities to witness the magic, but each has its own charms.

Image: Aurora Queen

Autumn Aurora Borealis: Golden Evenings and Crisp Beginnings

Autumn in the Arctic Circle offers a blend of vivid colours on the ground and swirling lights in the sky. The northern landscapes are ablaze with the deep reds, golds, and oranges of the turning leaves. Add to this the early appearance of the auroras - visible as soon as late August - and you have a setting that feels nothing short of magical.

During autumn, the skies are often clearer, and with the Solar Maximum making the auroras even more intense, the viewing conditions are optimal. The temperatures are milder than in winter, making the experience of sitting outside, watching the sky, a bit more comfortable for some. Imagine sitting by a calm lake, the waters mirroring the celestial display above - an autumn aurora experience feels both grounding and otherworldly.

Another bonus of autumn? The days are still long enough to enjoy the other highlights of the Arctic, like hiking, photography excursions, or picking wild berries, before settling in for the evening’s light show.

Image: Visit Finland/Petri Jauhiainen

Winter Auroras: Silent Skies and Snow-Laden Landscapes

When winter settles in, the Arctic transforms into a world of pure white, where silence reigns and the air is crisp and biting. It’s the time when the aurora hunting experience takes on an almost mystical quality. The sun barely peeks above the horizon, offering longer nights that are perfect for aurora viewing. With Solar Maximum in play, the lights grow more frequent and dramatic, dancing across the sky for hours on end.

There’s something about watching the Northern Lights on a snowy night that feels like stepping into a fairytale. The soft crunch of snow underfoot as you move to find the perfect vantage point, the breath of frozen air, and then - suddenly - the sky becomes alive with the dancing lights. Whether you’re bundled up on a sleigh ride or relaxing in a glass igloo, the auroras in winter have a distinctly serene and otherworldly feel.

The deep cold of winter adds a certain rawness to the experience. It’s not just about witnessing the auroras but surviving the elements - being part of something bigger, older, and more untamed. And of course, for those seeking the perfect photograph, the snowy landscapes provide an ethereal backdrop that’s hard to beat.

Image: Arctic Light Hotel

So, Autumn or Winter?

Both seasons offer something special when it comes to aurora watching during the Solar Maximum. Autumn is all about ease - warmer temperatures, clearer skies, and the chance to mix in other outdoor activities without too much hassle. Winter, on the other hand, is for those who want the full Arctic experience - snow, solitude, and those long, dark nights where the lights seem to dance just for you.

Ultimately, choosing between the two comes down to what kind of experience you’re after. If you’re drawn to the idea of combining the warmth of autumn with a vivid light show, then the golden season might be for you. If it’s the stark beauty of winter and the timeless magic of snow-covered landscapes you’re after, then the cold season holds its own enchantment.

Whichever you choose, you’re in for a remarkable adventure. Under the Solar Maximum, the Aurora Borealis won’t disappoint—whether it’s reflecting off an autumn lake or lighting up a winter wonderland. And if you find yourself in the southern hemisphere, don’t forget to look up -the Aurora Australis might just be putting on a show of its own.

Have a look at our holiday packages in Autumn and in Winter for travel inspiration.