Clear Skies for the Northern Lights: How Clouds Affect Visibility

Clear Skies for the Northern Lights: How Clouds Affect Visibility

Have you ever seen the Northern Lights? They can create a picture-perfect display of natural beauty, and they’re something you’ll never forget. But if you do your research, you’ll find that there’s more to seeing the Northern Lights than just luck. Clouds can have an impact on visibility, too—so if you want to capture the full show, it’s important to understand how they affect your view.

It’s possible to see the Northern Lights through a few scattered clouds, but if there are too many, the view will be blocked completely. So, as tempting as it may be to stay in one spot and hope for the best, it can be worthwhile to do a bit of extra legwork and find a cloudless night sky (or even a few gaps between the clouds). Whether you’re planning on viewing from your hometown or travelling internationally for a glimpse of this awe-inspiring phenomenon, here are some useful tips on how clouds can influence your view of the Northern Lights.

Aurora Academy: Northern Lights Online Courses

All you need to know to see the Northern Lights. An easy way how to significantly increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights.

Find out more ↗

Check Our Ultimate Northern Lights Online Course ↗

What Are the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights are one of the most breathtaking natural phenomena you can witness. Also known as the Aurora Borealis, they're a colorful and mesmerizing spectacle of light caused by charged particles from space interacting with the Earth's magnetic field. Put simply, when these particles collide with gaseous particles in our atmosphere, it produces a spectacular light show visible in the night sky.

It's an absolute must-see for any explorer, but unfortunately, cloud cover can obscure your view and make it difficult to catch a glimpse of this awe-inspiring sight. In order to maximize your chances to get the perfect view of the Northern Lights, it's important to familiarize yourself with how clouds can affect their visibility.

can you see the northern lights on a cloudy night

Can You View the Northern Lights When It's Cloudy?

Yes, you can still view the Northern Lights on a cloudy night. Although the sky needs to be mostly clear for optimal viewing conditions, a few scattered clouds are enough for you to catch a glimpse of the spectacle. Just make sure you find the openings between the clouds, as that is where you will witness the brilliant aurora borealis in all its glory.

But if possible, it's best to aim for clear skies so that there are no obstacles between you and nature's light show. That way, you can take in all of its beauty without obstruction and admire it in its full splendor. So if cloud coverage is high on your chosen night, it might be worth checking out nearby locations with better weather outlooks! - to get a clearer view of the Northern Lights marvel.

How Do Clouds Affect the Visibility of the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights are a stunning sight—dancing curtains of green and purple, drifting across the night sky. But unfortunately, clouds can often get in the way and block your view.

But even if it's cloudy, there's still hope! If there are just a few clouds scattered in the sky you can still see an amazing show — all you need to do is find the gaps between the clouds. So look for any openings and you'll have a chance of seeing some of this natural wonder.

For the best experience though, it's best to aim for clear skies. While cloud movements can lead to variations in visibility, if you're lucky enough to watch on a night with no cloud cover then you'll have a much better chance of seeing full view of the awe-inspiring Northern Lights.

Where Is the Best Place to View the Northern Lights on a Cloudy Night?

On a cloudy night, your best bet for getting the perfect view of the Northern Lights is to go out of town. The further away you get from the city lights, the clearer sky you will have — and a clearer sky means better visibility.

You could try heading to rural areas such as national parks, so you can be close to nature while still being able to make out the Northern Lights. But even in rural areas, there can be pollution that can affect visibility. So why not hit up some remote locations?

Just make sure that wherever you go, you bring someone with you, and make sure your cell phone is charged in case of an emergency. Remember: safety first!

where is the best place to view the northern lights

What Is the Best Location for Viewing a Full Show of the Northern Lights?

If you want to get the best view of the Northern Lights, the ideal spot is somewhere far north and without any obstructions, like clouds. If the sky is clear and you have a good view of the horizon, that's your best bet. But, don't worry if there are some clouds—the holes in between will still allow you to see an amazing show!

You don't even need to go too far north—you can see them in places with a latitude greater than 66 degrees. That's up in northern Alaska or Canada, but they can also be seen as far south as New York state! So if you're planning on travel soon, check the weather forecast and look for a night with clear skies to experience a spectacular show of the Northern Lights.

best location to see the northern lights

Ways to Find Clear Skies for Maximum Visibility of the Northern Lights

There are a few different ways you can find clear skies to get the best visibility of the Northern Lights. First, keep track of cloud movement: when a cloud passes in front of the Aurora's light, it will reduce visibility.

You can also use some technology to help you out. Get online and check out local cloud movement forecasts—you'll want to know where clouds are moving and how fast they're moving in order to know where clear skies can be found.

Conclusion

The Northern Lights are a natural wonder that are worth seeking out. While the clouds can often interfere with the view, there are plenty of ways to increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. With careful planning and a bit of luck, you can still find clear skies for the Northern Lights. To maximize your chances of seeing the Northern Lights, visit locations with minimal light pollution and try to go in the dark winter months. Remember—have patience and never give up hope, as with the clouds, you never really know what you’re going to get!

Don't miss your chance to see the Northern Lights

Learn more about Aurora in our Online Northern Lights Course (Recommended for Beginners)

€19.99

Ultimate Northern Lights Course

Course
99 Lessons
Includes 1 additional product

Learn all you need to know to see the Northern Lights. The full package online course. This course includes Basic, Intermediate and Advanced knowledge about the Northern Lights. Great for Beginners. Includes Certificate.

View product

Includes 1 Additional Product

Aurora Myths & Legends (Ultimate Collection)

€9.99

Aurora Myths & Legends (Ultimate Collection)

Course
21 Lessons

Learn about the Top 19 Aurora Myths and Legends. But that's not all. Have you ever thought about how did it happen that people started to believe in these Myths and Legends? What had happened that night? 19 of Aurora Myths and Legends were turned into tales and are right here for you in this collection.

View product