The below month by month tiles are geared towards the northern light ‘hot spots’ that sit generally between 55N and 70N in North America, Greenland, Iceland, and Scandinavia. Once south of 50N or so, technically you can see the aurora any time of year (as there is ample darkness), but of course to see the lights south of 45N – 50N is relatively rare. That said, during late May, June, July, and early August there is a better chance of seeing a show in the northern tier of the USA than Iceland or Norway!
January
January offers very long nights across all areas in the auroral oval which offers ample time for viewing. Weather is the biggest issue this time of year with bitter cold/deep snow across Alaska and Canada and frequent storms/cloudy skies in Iceland and coastal Norway.
February
Similar viewing conditions as January with somewhat shorter nights, especially at the end of the month; but still plenty of viewing time.
March
One of my favorite viewing months as nights (although getting noticeably shorter) still offer a good window, weather can become more forgiving, and as you approach the spring equinox, solar activity often picks up nicely.
April
Often an overlooked and underrated month for viewing, the first 20 days of April can provide a unique/beautiful viewing and photography experience with extended twilight. Although the viewing window is shorter (roughly 1030/1100PM – 230/300AM) the combination of extended twilight conditions and better weather should keep early/mid April on your chasing radar.
May
Although you might catch some brief shows early in the month, I would not actively chase in May, window is too short despite the much improved weather.
June
Viewing essentially impossible in the auroral oval locations.
July
Viewing essentially impossible in the auroral oval locations.
August
Starting early/mid month start charging your camera batteries. Weather is ‘as good as it gets’ in northern latitudes and nights become long enough for twilight shooting around the 15th.
September
Once past the 10th of the month you start hitting a ‘sweet spot’ where weather is usually still nice (on a relative basis), nights are getting longer, and as we approach the autumnal equinox solar activity is usually elevated. Late September through October is a favorite chasing period.
October
Weather is okay and nights now provide a longer window for viewing. First 10 days of the month can still have some positive impact from the equinox as well.
November
Nights now provide a very long window for viewing, and the weather is still usually more forgiving then in the months that follow.
December
Longest nights and viewing windows of the year with some areas able to see activity from 600PM – 800AM. Winter weather takes over in full force, especially towards the end of the month.
