Friday the 13th doesn’t have to be scary! September is an excellent time of year to see the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights as they are more commonly known. To celebrate the amazing natural lighting phenomena, we’ve created a list of 13 of the best locations that you could see the Northern Lights from this September.

Tromso, Norway - An ideal location to discover one of the most remarkable phenomena on the planet. Located in the centre of the Northern Aurora zone, the lights will encase you in the middle of a glowing circular spectacle. As well as the lights, the vibrant town has terrific nightlife as well as an incredible landscape to explore. Pro tip: you will need your coat, though.

Yukon, Canada - This is a wonderful place to stay and watch. The Yukon region of Canada takes you north of Vancouver into the sparsely populated mountains that Canada has to offer. Not only is the landscape home to some of the most beautiful landscapes you’ll ever see, but it also has the renowned Takhini Hot Pools’ mineral springs where you can relax and what the show.

Ilulissat, Greenland - Believe it or not, this place is Greenland’s third-largest city with just 5,000 people. Surrounded by stunning visuals of sea, snow, and icebergs, the light show is something not to miss.

Reykjavik, Iceland - The most favourable choice on the list to watch the lights. The capital is home to geothermal pools, a fantastic array of culture and volcanoes. If you visit this place in September, you will never want to leave.

Kiruna, Sweden - Located in Swedish Lapland, this town will immerse you in a true winter wonderland. Kiruna is famous for having a sun that does not set for around a month due to its location. But when it’s not summer, the place thrives with snow in the colder months and is the perfect host for a getaway with the Northern lights.

Rovaniemi, Finland - This Finnish town of tourism is a sensational place to sit back and watch the lights. Rovaniemi hosts a famous museum visited by thousands every year called Arktikum. In addition, you can also visit a sensational ski resort where people have been known to sit and watch the aurora overhead.

Nellim, Finland - The number one spot for any self-proclaimed adventurers. Set deep within the northern forests of Finland, this place is sure to make the perfect setting for a natural experience with its overlooking forest, lakes, and snow.

Faroe Islands Archipelago, Denmark - Heading to one of the 18 Faroe Islands could be the best thing you ever do. These islands are as remote as you can get with a bustling lifestyle and culture fit to promote this gorgeous location. There are thought to be twice as many sheep as humans on the islands, making a great audience to sit by the coast and watch the light show with.

Þingvellir National Park, Iceland - Not only a great location to see the Aurora, but this national park is rich with heritage. Þingvellir is the former location of the ancient parliament for the Viking commonwealth. So, if you’re one who loves everything ghostly you won't be afraid to trek up to here and watch with some surrounding ghouls. You also may recognise this location from season 4 of the mega-series, Game of Thrones.

Murmansk, Russia - As you hunt for the clear skies opening up the perfect displaying for the show, you will stumble upon beautiful forests, tundras, crystal clear lakes and rivers designed by mother nature to put a smile on your face. Home to the Saami people, this place is sure to teach you everything you need to know about the hunting for the Aurora.

Denali National park, Alaska - The Aurora can be seen as early as August from this isolated location. The park is not too hard to get to but is far enough away from major cities to avoid light pollution affecting the spectacle. Alaska may be a bit colder than most places on this list, but the view of the Aurora is unrivalled.

Isle of Skye, Scotland - The Isle of Skye has a complication of factors when searching for the Aurora. Most Auroras appear white to the human eye (often described to give the effect of searchlights), making it a rarity for colours to be visible. But, when colours can be seen, it makes for an iridescent display. You can, however, use a long exposure lens to try and see the colours too.

Shetland Islands, Scotland - Shetland lies closer to the North Pole than any other part of the British Isles, making it the best place to see the Northern lights without leaving the UK. These small bustling villages make the perfect host to combine Aurora-watching and landscape walks. Sitting on one of the cliffs with the sound of the crashing waves and mesmerising show above could make for a euphoric experience.

Sources:

1. Fodors.
2. Best Served.
3. Aurora Hunter.