Northern Lights Greenland: Top Spots to See Northern Lights

Northern lights are a treat to the eyes, but more beautiful when they are seen from Greenland. Despite its name, 80% of Greenland’s landmass is covered with a thick ice sheet. The best climate and weather in Greenland keep it away from pollution, hundreds of clear skies mean the odds are often favorable. One of the world’s largest islands. It is home to growing urban communities, people visit to see breathtaking natural wildlife and landscape. 

One of the must-see destinations for Aurora hunters is Greenland, and if you are planning your trip to Greenland then we are to help you. We will provide you with complete details about how when and where to witness these dancing lights. Let’s start your journey of Northern Lights Greenland with us!

Introduction To Northern Lights Greenland

During the late summer and early autumn, watching northern lights as soon as the nights get darker. If you dream of experiencing this natural light show without committing to the heavy parka or frozen cheeks, South Greenland is for you.  

The process starts when energized particles from the sun escape its gravitation field and create a solar wind that travels towards Earth around 800 km/sec. The earth’s magnetic field protects us from most of the solar particles, but some are deflected towards the earth’s North and South poles. These deflected particles penetrate our atmosphere and interact with the gases inside it. Each gas emits a different colored light when heated by the solar particles – oxygen gives us a range from green to yellow, while nitrogen offers blues, purples, and crimson. When oxygen is found high in the atmosphere, it can glow red and, rarely, orange or white.

What is The Best Location To See The Northern Lights in Greenland?

Northern lights can be viewed from many places in Greenland. These dancing lights are best to watch during darker and longer nights. Depending upon the location you can see northern lights at different times. Below we have mentioned some of the best locations in Greenland to witness northern lights:

Kangerlussuaq

Kangerlussuaq is the only place that pops up over and over again when we talk about the best and most accessible destination for Northern Lights Greenland: Kangerlussuaq with its unique leeward location away from mountains and ice, experiencing more than 300 clear nights per year is a delicacy for lovers of the Northern Lights. There are different opinions on where to spot the Northern Lights best. Still, there is no scientific evidence on where it is best to view them. However many research stations in Kangerlussuaq for decades focused on research on the ionosphere and the Northern Lights.

Sisimiut

Sisimiut is a place that drives one out into nature, far from the artificial lights created by houses and street lamps. Of course, it is possible to view the Northern Lights within the town, but the conditions away from artificial street lights are easy and beautiful. Sisimiut is directly north of the polar circle. Get there by plane from Kangerlussuaq. The flight only takes about 30 minutes. In the winter, many travelers combine visiting Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut on the same trip.

Ilulissat

There are great conditions for Northern Lights in Ilulissat in the Disco Bay. Ilulissat means icebergs. It refers to this particular town’s location near its neighbor, the Ilulissat Icefjord. You will also enjoy the dancing Northern Lights dancing above the impressive icebergs. Some of our most popular trips include Kangerlussuaq and Ilulissat. On such a trip experience the Ice Cap, the Icefjord, and the Northern Lights all at once.

Nuuk

Nuuk is the capital of Greenland located below the polar circle. In many instances, the Northern Lights assume enormous importance in Nuuk. Nuuk is the most lit town in Greenland with plenty of street lights. Although they light up the darkness of the arctic night, there are a good number of places to easily take a proper view of the Northern Lights.

What is the Best Month to See The Northern Lights in Greenland?

Northern lights appear throughout the year, but see them in a dark sky. The best month to watch them in green; is between September to March or April. Kangerlussuaq, Sisimiut, and Ilulissat are the best places to witness these magical lights. 

• Between September to November, the darker nights offer a good chance to witness these lights. As nights grow longer. 
• December to February the Greenland Northern Lights best time. During these months get longer nights with clear skies, which offers a higher likelihood of witnessing auroras. 
• Mid-March and early April give excellent opportunities to see northern lights, nights are still long, and the weather makes outdoor activity more comfortable.  

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