How Often Are the Northern Lights Visible in New Hampshire?
PRIVATE & SMALL GROUP TOURS TO THE WORLD'S BEST DESTINATIONS
Are You Planning A Trip To See The Northern Lights?
Can You See the Northern Lights in New Hampshire? What You Should Know
New Hampshire occasionally makes headlines for rare Northern Lights sightings — but these are the exception, not the norm. Due to its location well south of the auroral oval, witnessing the aurora borealis here is extremely unlikely. That said, a small window of opportunity may exist in the far northern parts of the state during powerful solar storms.
Is Aurora Viewing Possible in New Hampshire?
While technically possible, viewing the Northern Lights in New Hampshire is rare and typically requires exceptional solar activity combined with perfectly clear, dark skies. The state's southern position and widespread light pollution reduce visibility even during strong geomagnetic events.
Areas With the Slightest Possibility
- Far northern New Hampshire near the Canadian border
- Dark sky zones such as the White Mountain National Forest, away from urban glow
Can You See the Northern Lights in Concord or Manchester?
It's extremely unlikely. Urban areas like Concord, Manchester, and Portsmouth experience heavy light pollution and lie too far south to make aurora sightings realistic. Residents should not expect to see Northern Lights in these cities.
Aurora Forecast Outlook (2026–2030)
The following forecast reflects global solar activity linked to Solar Cycle 25. These predictions relate to auroral activity around the Earth’s magnetic poles, primarily impacting high-latitude regions.
| Year | Aurora Activity Forecast | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very High | Solar Cycle 25 peaks. Ideal for high-latitude aurora viewing. |
| 2027 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ Extremely High | Lag year with ongoing strong geomagnetic activity. |
| 2028 | ⭐⭐⭐ Moderate to High | Activity begins to decline but strong storms still possible. |
| 2029 | ⭐⭐ Low to Moderate | Geomagnetic activity weakens. Fewer storm events overall. |
| 2030 | ⭐ Low | Solar minimum approaches. Rare auroras, even at northern latitudes. |
Where You Should Go Instead
If seeing the aurora is a top priority, consider planning a trip farther north. Regions like Alaska, northern Minnesota, and North Dakota provide far better odds. Explore our full guide here: Top U.S. Northern Lights Viewing Locations.
Sources: NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, NASA, Aurora Tracks, Space.com
Download all three Alaska tour brochures for tour dates and pricing.
About Gondwana Ecotours
Gondwana Ecoutours specializes in small group and private tours to bucket list destinations around the world. Our itineraries are carefully curated to include both unique nature and culture and fun activities are suitable to most travelers. Traveling with guides who live in the communities we visit add depth and authenticity to the experience.
| See All Tours > |
