What time is the northern lights tonight? |
If you have ever thought “I’ll wait for the perfect aurora show”, tonight could be your moment. Space-weather forecasters are calling for high geomagnetic activity, making the night of November 13, 2025 one of the best chances in recent memory to catch the northern lights (aurora borealis) across large parts of the world. An extraordinary geomagnetic storm has expanded the aurora’s reach far beyond its usual high-latitude domain. Forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and other space-weather authorities indicate a strong chance for aurora sightings in many locations across the northern hemisphere. Here’s a continent-by-continent guide:
North America
- Fairbanks, Alaska, USA — Much-loved aurora destination; tonight seeing strong conditions.
- Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada — Flat terrain, dark skies; prime if clear.
- Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA — More southerly than usual but tonight’s storm could bring the show.
- Chicago/Milwaukee region, USA — Possible for the horizon to glow north around 21:00–01:00 local time.
Europe and high latitudes
- Tromsø, Norway — Arctic city, excellent odds with clear skies.
- Reykjavík, Iceland — Convenient base, with dark-sky side trips possible.
- Shetland Islands/Northern Scotland, UK — Rare displays farther south possible, timing around 22:00–23:59 GMT.
- Murmansk, Russia — If weather cooperates, strong visibility northward.
Asia (northern parts)
- Murmansk-region equivalent in Siberia, Russia — Remote but high-latitude advantage.
- Northern Japan (Hokkaidō), Japan — Under strong storm conditions, aurora can push farther south.
- Northern China/Mongolia — Rare, but tonight’s conditions might allow a faint horizon glow if skies are clear.
Southern hemisphere
While the aurora australis or Southern Lights is not the main focus tonight, intense storms like this have historically pushed visibility into unexpected places.
- Tasmania, Australia — On the edge of possibility if the storm strengthens further and skies clear.
- Southern Chile/Argentina (Patagonia region) — Very rare but under extreme activity events, sightings happen.
When to look up: Timing and tips
According to the NOAA and other space-weather trackers, the best window is from around local sunset into the early hours of the morning, especially between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. Real-time forecast maps list the viewline (southernmost visible region) for auroras tonight or check the NOAA “Aurora Viewline” tool for exact local times, as per the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center. Clear, dark skies are key so head away from city lights, face north and give your eyes a chance to adjust for ~15-30 minutes.
| Region | Example City / Country | Approximate Viewing Time | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern U.S. & Canada | Anchorage, Alaska (USA); Yellowknife, Northwest Territories (Canada) | After local sunset, roughly 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. local time | |
| Mid-United States | Minneapolis, Minnesota (USA); Chicago, Illinois (USA) — possibly farther south during strong storms | From dark (~6–7 p.m.) continuing toward midnight/early morning | |
| Northern Europe | Tromsø, Norway; Kiruna, Sweden; Reykjavik, Iceland | After sunset and into the late night hours — around 18:00–23:00 local time | |
| UK / Ireland High Latitudes | Northern Scotland, Shetland Islands (UK) | Late evening, around 21:00–01:00 local time | |
| Southern Hemisphere (Southern Lights) | Tasmania, Australia (for the Aurora Australis) | Similar time frame for local evening — after dusk into the night | |
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(Times are approximate; actual visibility may vary especially based on clear horizon and exact geomagnetic conditions.)
The practical checklist for chasing the lights tonight
- Time window: Between sunset and around 2 a.m. local time.
- Direction: Face toward the northern horizon (southern hemisphere: northern horizon).
- Location: Choose a dark spot away from city lights, clear sky, minimal cloud cover.
- Weather check: Clear skies are essential; clouds will ruin the show.
- Photography tip: Use night-mode on your smartphone or long-exposure setting; auroras often show up in photos even when faint.
Why this feels bigger than a travel moment
Seeing the Northern Lights is not just about an astrophotography tick-box. It is a reminder that our everyday lives, from travel plans to evening routines and destinations, are more connected to cosmic weather than we usually admit. A high-latitude city becomes a stage. A normal evening outdoors becomes extraordinary.Tonight is more than just another evening, it is a chance for nature to remind us that the cosmos still plays for us, not just around us. Whether you are a seasoned aurora-hunter or simply curious, don’t let this pass unnoticed. Step out, look up and let the night sky become your stage.So whether you are in Alaska, Scotland, Japan or perched somewhere under awe-inspiring skies, tonight is a chance. Not just to see the lights but to feel how small moments can align with vast forces. Look up. Let the sky surprise you. Happy sky-watching!Note: This guide is based on current forecasts and may change with cloud cover, geomagnetic fluctuations or local conditions. Always check local weather and aurora-forecast tools before expecting a display.
