Question 1

What is the best month to see the northern lights in Yellowknife?

Accepted Answer

The best months in Yellowknife are September, October, March, November — they combine long dark nights with the equinox activity boost, when geomagnetic storms run statistically stronger. Yellowknife's overall season runs mid-august to april.

Question 2

Can you see the northern lights in Yellowknife in January?

Accepted Answer

Yes — January is one of the best months in Yellowknife: long dark nights and statistically strong aurora activity. On clear, active nights the odds are excellent.

Question 3

Can you see the northern lights in Yellowknife in February?

Accepted Answer

Yes — February is one of the best months in Yellowknife: long dark nights and statistically strong aurora activity. On clear, active nights the odds are excellent.

Question 4

Can you see the northern lights in Yellowknife in March?

Accepted Answer

Yes — March is one of the best months in Yellowknife: long dark nights and statistically strong aurora activity. On clear, active nights the odds are excellent.

Question 5

Can you see the northern lights in Yellowknife in April?

Accepted Answer

Marginal — April sits at the edge of Yellowknife's season; some dark hours, but shorter nights mean lower odds than the peak months.

Question 6

Can you see the northern lights in Yellowknife in May?

Accepted Answer

No — May is in Yellowknife's midnight-sun season, when the sky stays too bright for the aurora.

Question 7

Can you see the northern lights in Yellowknife in June?

Accepted Answer

No — June is in Yellowknife's midnight-sun season, when the sky stays too bright for the aurora.

Question 8

Can you see the northern lights in Yellowknife in July?

Accepted Answer

No — July is in Yellowknife's midnight-sun season, when the sky stays too bright for the aurora.

Question 9

Can you see the northern lights in Yellowknife in August?

Accepted Answer

Marginal — August sits at the edge of Yellowknife's season; some dark hours, but shorter nights mean lower odds than the peak months.

Question 10

Can you see the northern lights in Yellowknife in September?

Accepted Answer

Yes — September is one of the best months in Yellowknife: long dark nights and statistically strong aurora activity. On clear, active nights the odds are excellent.

Question 11

Can you see the northern lights in Yellowknife in October?

Accepted Answer

Yes — October is one of the best months in Yellowknife: long dark nights and statistically strong aurora activity. On clear, active nights the odds are excellent.

Question 12

Can you see the northern lights in Yellowknife in November?

Accepted Answer

Yes — November is one of the best months in Yellowknife: long dark nights and statistically strong aurora activity. On clear, active nights the odds are excellent.

Question 13

Can you see the northern lights in Yellowknife in December?

Accepted Answer

Yes — December is one of the best months in Yellowknife: long dark nights and statistically strong aurora activity. On clear, active nights the odds are excellent.

Month	Viewing	Why
January	Peak	Long dark nights + peak activity
February	Peak	Long dark nights + peak activity
March	Peak	Long dark nights + peak activity
April	Marginal	Short nights at the season edge
May	No — midnight sun	Midnight sun — no real darkness
June	No — midnight sun	Midnight sun — no real darkness
July	No — midnight sun	Midnight sun — no real darkness
August	Marginal	Short nights at the season edge
September	Peak	Long dark nights + peak activity
October	Peak	Long dark nights + peak activity
November	Peak	Long dark nights + peak activity
December	Peak	Long dark nights + peak activity

Best month to see the northern lights in Yellowknife

Month-by-month viewing quality

Why these months?

Where to stand in Yellowknife

Tours & stays to book

Northern lights tours from Yellowknife

Aurora chases & photo tours in Yellowknife

Cabins, lodges & glass igloos near Yellowknife