Seeing the Northern Lights in Maine is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and lucky for me, I’ve seen them twice already! With solar activity continuing to rise through 2026, the chances of spotting the Aurora Borealis in Maine are better than ever.

Northern Lights in Maine

I packed a lot of information into this guide, so feel free to skip ahead if you’re looking for something specific by using the table of contents below!

Can You See the Northern Lights in Maine?

Thanks to its northern location, spotting the Northern Lights in Maine is rare, but it is more likely than in most other states.

Recently, solar storms have become more frequent, making the auroras in Maine more visible than ever.

We were lucky to see them twice! Once in May and again in early October. Here’s a look at both experiences!

Key Factors for Seeing the Northern Lights in Maine:

• High KP Index (KP 5-8 recommended)
• Dark, clear skies (minimal cloud cover)
• Winter months (late September – March)
• Remote locations with little light pollution

Northern Lights in Maine: October 2024 Aurora

We headed out to Phippsburg, one of Maine’s great Northern Lights viewing spots, to see the lights ourselves.

By 8:00 PM, the sky began to show a pink hue.

It was visible to the naked eye, but the camera captured it more vividly than we could see in person.

I would have stayed out longer, but I had to work early the next day.

I’m sure those who braved the cold saw the lights get even stronger.

Fortunately, the Northern Lights forecast for the KP index was the reason we decided to go out and chase the aurora.

The KP index was at 8, the highest it can go, making it a perfect night to see the Aurora Borealis in Maine

Northern Lights in Maine: May 2025

Here’s a look at the ones I saw in May. It was similar to the October show, but this time there was more green and blue.

These were shot on the Phippsburg Peninsula using an iPhone.

We watched the lights dance around the sky with the naked eye.

The photographs always capture the colors more, but we could still see pinks and greens light up the cloudless sky. It was a night I will never forget.

Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Maine

If you missed the show, thanks to Maine’s northern location, there could be more opportunities as we head into the fall of 2025.

If you’re planning to chase the Maine aurora borealis, here are the top viewing spots:

1. Popham Beach State Park

Popham Beach State Park is the best place to see the Northern Lights in Midcoast Maine. And it was one of the easiest spots to get to for Aurora Borealis viewing.

We headed down to Popham Beach and walked into the parking lot.

There were plenty of people out and about, so make sure to be careful when driving in.

Make sure to visit This Mobile Sauna at Popham Beach, which should be on your bucket list.

2. Aroostook County

Located in the northernmost part of Maine, it offers relatively dark skies and minimal light pollution. Making it ideal for viewing the Northern Lights.

Popular areas within Aroostook County include Presque Isle, Fort Kent, and Caribou.

3. Acadia National Park

While Acadia National Park is best known for its stunning coastal landscapes, it can also offer opportunities to view the Northern Lights, particularly during periods of high auroral activity.

Cadillac Mountain or Sand Beach are good spots within the park for stargazing and viewing the northern lights.

Exploring Maine’s National Park? Read all of my Acadia National Park Travel Guides!

4. Rangeley Lakes Region

The Rangeley Lakes Region in western Maine offers beautiful scenery and relatively dark skies, making it a potential spot for observing the aurora.

Rangeley Lake is popular for stargazing and Northern Lights viewing.

5. Baxter State Park

Located in north-central Maine, Baxter State Park is known for its pristine wilderness and minimal light pollution.

The park’s remote location makes it a promising spot for viewing the Northern Lights, especially on clear nights.

If you are looking to view the aurora at another state park, check out Camden State Park. You can read my Winter Hiking Guide to Mount Battie in Camden State Park

6. Sebago Lake

Sebago Lake, located in southwestern Maine, is another potential spot for viewing the Northern Lights.

While not as remote or secluded as some other locations, this area is surrounded by forests, making it a peaceful spot for stargazing and aurora hunting.

While I did go there to view them, I saw a lot of positive reports online saying they could see the Northern Lights in Maine from there!

Maine Aurora Forecast 2026

Solar activity is expected to remain strong through 2026, with frequent geomagnetic storms forecasted during the winter months

Here’s what to watch for:

• Peak Viewing Months: October – March
• Solar Activity: Expected to remain high
• KP Index: Strong solar storms (KP 6-8) possible

Check the latest aurora forecast here: NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center

How to Photograph the Northern Lights in Maine

Want to capture the aurora? Here are my best photography tips:

• Use Night Mode (iPhone) or Manual Mode (DSLR)
• Exposure time: 3-10 seconds
• ISO Setting: 800-3200 (adjust as needed)
• Use a tripod to avoid shaky images
• Avoid artificial light sources (streetlights, car lights)

Some of my pictures in this guide were taken without time-lapse, and they came out great due to how bright the aurora was.

Best App For Aurora Tracking

I use the My Aurora Forecast App! This app will show you the current KPI, its distance, and the best time to view it.

It will also notify you if your area’s lights are getting stronger.

When to See the Northern Lights in Maine

Typically, the best time for Northern Lights viewing in Maine is during the winter months when the nights are long and dark.

This is true for high-latitude regions like northern Scandinavia, Alaska, Canada, Iceland, and of course, Maine.

The optimal window usually spans from late September to late March. But we did see them in April, so keep a lookout all year long.

Explore More Of Maine

I love exploring Maine!

Check out my list of lobster rolls in the 21 Best Lobster Rolls in Maine: From A Local! (2025)!

If you are visiting in the Fall, read my Ultimate Guide to Maine’s Fall Foliage: When and Where to Go!

For a fun winter activity, visit This Mobile Sauna at Popham Beach Should Be on Your Bucket List!

If traveling around Maine, block some time to visit one of the many State Parks.

You can also visit all of my Maine Travel Guides here!

Have you seen the Northern Lights in Maine? Share your experience in the comments!