July is the deepest point of summer in the northern hemisphere and the most difficult month for aurora observation anywhere above the equator. The midnight sun covers everywhere above 65°N without interruption. Below that - across Scotland, southern Scandinavia, the Baltic states, northern Germany, and much of Canada - persistent astronomical twilight keeps skies bright throughout the short night. No geomagnetic activity, however extreme, can overcome the absence of darkness.
All northern hemisphere aurora locations are outside their season in July. The auroral oval still exists above the Arctic and activity continues in space - but the sky is too bright to register it visually from the ground at any northern latitude. Cameras set to long exposures sometimes capture faint colour in the twilight near the horizon, but this is not a reliable viewing experience.
July is, however, deep into the best part of the southern hemisphere aurora season. All tiers of southern location - Ushuaia and Punta Arenas in Patagonia, Stewart Island and Queenstown in New Zealand, Hobart and Cradle Mountain in Tasmania, and mid-latitude sites across South Africa and Victoria - are in good condition. Nights are at their longest across the southern winter. Aurora australis is regularly visible from clear, dark sites on any night with elevated Kp. The June through August window is the southern equivalent of October through February in the north.
Planning your trip in July
Deep winter in all southern aurora destinations. Ushuaia sees temperatures around -2°C to 5°C with strong westerly winds off the Beagle Channel. Queenstown is cold and can be snowy at altitude. July is one of the wetter months in Tasmania. Cradle Mountain regularly has frost and snow. Warmth and waterproofing matter more in July than at other times of year.
No aurora darkness in the northern hemisphere. In the southern hemisphere, July sits at peak darkness. Ushuaia has around 15 hours of darkness per night. Stewart Island and Queenstown have 14 hours. Hobart has 13 hours. These are among the longest aurora-watching windows available anywhere on Earth.
July is peak tourist season in Queenstown due to skiing, and prices are high. Ushuaia is quieter in July than its summer cruise months and more affordable. Hobart and Tasmania attract visitors but are not overwhelmed. Southern hemisphere aurora tourism is less commercialised than the Norwegian equivalent - dedicated tours are available but the scene is smaller.
