Direct answer: The Northern Lights are most visible in high-latitude regions near the Arctic Circle, with peak experience generally from late autumn through early spring, and the best spots are in northern Europe, North America, and parts of Asia where skies are dark and clear. What to know and where to go

• Europe
  • Swedish Lapland (especially Abisko) and Norwegian Arctic coast (Tromsø region) are renowned for reliable aurora viewing due to frequent clear skies and dark skies. Finnish Lapland towns like Rovaniemi, Levi, and Inari are also strong options, with accessible accommodations and aurora tours. [citation sources discuss Abisko, Tromsø, and Lapland as top destinations]
• North America
  • Canada’s Northwest Territories and Yukon offer excellent chances, with locations such as Yellowknife and surrounding areas often cited as prime aurora venues due to long winter nights and northern skies. Alaska also presents strong viewing opportunities across many interior and coastal sites. In the United States, northern states like Minnesota and North Dakota can occasionally feature aurora displays during strong solar activity, though visibility is more sporadic than in Canada or Alaska. [sources highlight these regions as common aurora viewing areas]
• Southern Hemisphere note
  • While not asked, it’s worth noting that the Southern Lights (Aurora Australis) are visible from parts of New Zealand and southern Australia, with best displays typically in their winter months there (March–September). [sources mention Dunedin and southern New Zealand as good vantage points]

When to plan

• Aim for dark, clear nights away from city lights. The core aurora season in most northern destinations runs from late September/October through March, with peak activity often in the heart of winter. Clouds and moonlight can affect visibility, so multi-night stays increase chances. [sources emphasize dark skies and winter timing]

Practical tips

• Check aurora forecasts and local weather: clear-sky predictions are as important as solar activity notes for a given night.
• Choose accommodations or tours that offer aurora wake-up calls or northern light alerts so you don’t miss the display if it arrives after bedtime.
• Dress warmly and bring a sturdy tripod and a camera with manual exposure settings to capture the lights if photography is a goal.

If you’d like, specify your preferred continent or country, travel dates, and whether you want self-guided viewing or guided tours, and a tailored list of top spots and a sample 7–10 day itinerary can be prepared.