The Best Times to Experience Northern Lights in Greenland
As late August approaches and the midnight sun begins to dip below the horizon, darkness returns to Greenland, bringing with it the first glimpses of the Northern Lights. From late August to April, the Arctic night sky often bursts into a mesmerizing light show, with the Northern Lights dancing in vibrant shades of green, purple, and blue. This awe-inspiring natural phenomenon is an unforgettable experience, especially in Greenland, where minimal light pollution and clear skies make the conditions ideal for viewing.
Northern Lights: A Classic Arctic Experience
One of the greatest draws of the Northern Lights in Greenland is the untouched wilderness that surrounds you while you witness this magical display. The small towns and settlements scattered across Greenland create minimal light interference, allowing the night sky to shine brightly. Combine this with Greenland’s abundant clear-sky days, and the odds are often in your favor for catching a brilliant aurora.
South Greenland (Late August – September)
If you dream of seeing the Northern Lights but don’t want to bundle up in heavy winter gear, South Greenland is your best bet. As darkness returns to the region earlier than other parts of Greenland, you can experience the Northern Lights while still enjoying the mildness of late summer. Spend your days hiking through Greenland’s verdant farmlands or sailing its fjords, and your nights gazing at the lights overhead.
Capital Region (Late August – September)
Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, offers the unique experience of seeing the Northern Lights right from the city center. Despite being an Arctic metropolis, Nuuk’s population is small enough that the city’s streetlights barely compete with the brilliance of the auroras. You can take a late summer city break in Nuuk, enjoying its shops, restaurants, and culture during the day, then take your evening drink outside and watch the night sky come alive with color.
Destination Arctic Circle (August – September)
In Kangerlussuaq, you can join a Northern Lights driving tour to the Greenland Ice Sheet. The seasoned guides will help you frame the perfect shot of the auroras with the dramatic Russell Glacier as your backdrop. For the more adventurous, there’s also the option to spend the night on the ice, extending your opportunity to capture the light show under Greenland’s open skies.
In Sisimiut, a mountain safari on Greenland’s only open-air snowmobile bus offers a thrilling journey through the backcountry, with the Northern Lights providing the perfect conclusion to an already exciting adventure. North Greenland (August – September)
North Greenland offers photographers and nature lovers the perfect canvas for viewing the Northern Lights. The contrast between the snow-covered landscape and the vibrant lights overhead creates a magical scene that’s hard to replicate anywhere else. The further north you go, the more likely you are to see the auroras in all their glory, with a snow-covered backdrop that amplifies the display’s intensity.
In Ilulissat, for example, you can combine a dog sledding tour with a Northern Lights viewing expedition. Glide across the snow toward the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ilulissat Icefjord, where you’ll have the chance to capture the auroras with icebergs, sled dogs, and a Greenlandic musher all in one unforgettable frame. East Greenland (March – April)
East Greenland’s dramatic, high mountain landscape offers a surreal setting for Northern Lights photography. The jagged peaks and fjords around Tasiilaq and Kulusuk create a stunning backdrop for aurora sightings. Springtime is a particularly good season to visit, as the days are longer, yet the nights remain dark enough to see the lights. Adventurers and photographers from around the world gather here during the spring months to explore this rugged landscape, with the Northern Lights often providing an added bonus to their expeditions.
Local Tips for Northern Lights Watching
Dress warmly: Winters in Greenland can be bitterly cold, so make sure to dress in layers and bring hand warmers and a thermos of hot coffee or tea.
Be on standby: While the Northern Lights can appear as early as late August, the best displays often happen in the middle of the night. Sometimes, you may need to set an alarm for 2:30 AM or even 5 AM to catch the best show.
Avoid full moons: Moonlight can diminish the visibility of the Northern Lights, so plan your viewing for nights when the moon is less prominent.
FAQ
Conclusion
Seeing the Northern Lights in Greenland is an awe-inspiring experience that’s accessible from many regions of the country. Whether you prefer the warmer late summer nights of South Greenland or the snow-covered landscapes of the Arctic Circle, there’s a perfect time and place for everyone to witness this magical natural phenomenon. Pack your camera, bundle up, and prepare to be amazed by the colorful light show dancing across Greenland’s night skies.
Photography Tips for Capturing the Northern Lights
If you’re keen to capture the Northern Lights on camera, here are some tips to help you get started:
Essential Equipment
- A camera with manual settings
- A wide-angle lens
- A sturdy tripod
- A remote control or timer function
- A headlamp for nighttime setup
- Warm clothing and hand warmers
Basic Camera Setup
- Use a tripod: Keep your camera stable to avoid blurry images.
- Manual settings: Set the camera to manual focus and adjust for the conditions.
- Timer or remote control: Use a remote or set the camera’s timer to prevent movement when pressing the shutter button.
- Wide-open lens: Set your lens to its lowest f-stop (e.g., f/2.8) to let in as much light as possible.
- ISO and shutter speed: Start with an ISO of around 640 and a 5-second exposure. Adjust as needed based on the intensity of the auroras.
Framing and Focus
- Include foreground elements like mountains, glaciers, or buildings to add depth and context to your photos.
- Use the camera’s LiveView function to focus manually on bright stars.
- Keep the aperture wide open for maximum light, and adjust ISO and shutter speed for the best exposure.
