Skip to main content

Where to See the Elusive Southern Lights

Seeing the Northern Lights is high on most travelers’ bucket lists. With a little preparation and the right timing, they’re surprisingly easy to spot throughout much of Canada and the northern United States. The Southern Lights, cousin to the Northern Lights, are however far more elusive. Blame it on the lack of easily accessible land in the Southern Hemisphere from which to view them. From Tasmania and New Zealand to Argentina and Antarctica, here are the best places to catch one of the world’s most elusive natural phenomena.

Ushuaia, Argentina

Ushuaia, Argentina
Diego Galeano/EyeEm/Getty Images

Best known as the jumping-off point for most Antarctic cruises, Ushuaia is the southernmost town in Argentina and arguably the world. The so-called “End of the World” is situated at the extreme tip of South America, making it the best spot on the continent for Southern Lights viewing. While it’s a long — perhaps overnight — flight for most North Americans, it’s likely the most convenient location on this list for catching the aurora australis. It’s more densely populated than most travelers expect, however, which means renting a car to escape the light pollution is almost required. The town is also infamous for its unpredictable weather patterns, so patience is just as essential.

Recommended Videos

South Georgia Island & Antarctica

south georgia island
Andy Rouse/Getty Images / Andy Rouse/Getty Images

The Antarctic cruise season wraps at the end of March. Unfortunately, that’s also the beginning of the unofficial Southern Lights season in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s tricky to visit South Georgia Island during winter, and nearly impossible to travel to and around the White Continent. But, with a little bit of luck and the right atmospheric conditions, travelers who time their cruise toward the end of the cruise season can see some of the most spectacular aurora displays on the planet.

Mount Wellington, Tasmania

mt wellington tasmania
Phil Kitt/EyeEm/Getty Images

After Ushuaia, Australia is likely the second most convenient destination for North American travelers seeking the best Southern Lights viewing. Naturally, the continent’s best aurora opportunities are found as far south as possible. The southernmost island of Tasmania is a natural choice — it’s rugged, isolated, and stunning in its own right. Because of its location and naturally pristine state, visitors have a 1-2% chance of spotting the Southern Lights on any given night. The likelihood increases substantially in late March through early September. Located near the capital of Hobart, Mount Wellington is arguably the best spot on the island for aurora viewing. At just over 4,000 feet in elevation, it’s a surprisingly accessible climb, and the pay-off at the top can be stunning.

South Island, New Zealand

south island new zeland
ARUTTHAPHON POOLSAWASD / Getty Images

Believe the hype: New Zealand is breathtaking. There’s a reason many of the world’s one-percenters own hundred-acre mega vacation ranches there. The same reasons that draw the wealthy — natural beauty, isolation, and crisp, clear air — also make New Zealand in general, and the South Island in particular, the perfect destination to catch the Southern Lights. Some of the island’s best-known aurora spots are found in the south, such as the village of Lake Tekapo and on Stewart Island. The phenomenon has been so active in recent years, however, that even the resort town of Queenstown has become a hotbed of aurora activity.

Astrophotography — including photographing the Southern Lights — can be tricky. Check out our primer on photographing the Northern Lights. All of the tips we recommend apply to the southern phenomenon as well.

Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
The best places to chase the northern lights without setting foot in Iceland
No Iceland required
Lapland, Finland

Iceland may be one of the most famous spots to witness the northern lights, but it's far from the only option. For travelers looking to experience this natural wonder as part of a mainland European getaway or a Canadian adventure, there are plenty of breathtaking alternatives.

According to global travel booking platform Omio, there are five must-visit destinations where you can catch the aurora borealis – without needing to fly to Iceland. From the Arctic landscapes of Norway and Finland to the remote wilderness of Canada, these locations offer opportunities to see the dancing ribbons of green, purple, and blue light that make the northern lights one of the most unforgettable sights in the world.
Norway

Read more
Denver travel guide: Where to stay, what to eat, and more
Here's how to have a great time in Denver
Denver, Colorado

Thinking about taking a trip to Denver? Denver's story began in the summer of 1858 when a small group of prospectors from Georgia crossed the vast plains of the Colorado Territory and discovered gold at the base of the Rocky Mountains. It didn't take long for tents, tepees, wagons, and makeshift log cabins to spring up along the South Platte River as fortune-seekers flocked to the area.

Fast forward to today, and Denver is thriving more than ever. As one of the best places to visit in Colorado, this bustling city is perfect for foodies craving local flavors, skiers eager to hit the slopes, and shoppers hunting for the latest trends. Denver has evolved into a top destination that draws visitors from all over the country.

Read more
Study reveals the best budget-friendly places to see the Northern Lights in 2025
Canada and Alaska offer some of the most affordable viewing options.
Whitehorse

Ready to chase the Northern Lights without breaking the bank? A new report from HomeToGo has identified the most affordable destinations for witnessing the aurora borealis in 2025. Using exclusive accommodation pricing data, the travel marketplace analyzed the cost-effectiveness of prime viewing locations, ensuring travelers can experience this natural phenomenon without stretching their budgets.

“Last year’s solar eclipse sparked an astrotourism trend among American travelers, which we are now seeing carry through into 2025,” said Eleanor Moody, HomeToGo Travel Expert and Spokesperson. “With even more travelers wanting to witness out-of-this-world celestial displays, search increases have skyrocketed for places providing strong chances of seeing the Northern Lights.”
The most affordable destinations in North America

Read more