Mother Nature has plenty of tricks up her sleeve and never fails to impress with her many marvels. And while there are myriad man-made wonders worth travelling to, there’s something special about witnessing the natural world at its most powerful. From the otherworldly spectacle of the Northern Lights to the sci-fi splendour of a solar eclipse, the natural world really puts us in our place. Part of their charm lies in their transience, so travelling to see them requires careful calendar coordination. Trips are planned around experiencing these ephemeral events rather than simply placing pins on the map. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most spellbinding natural phenomena around the world; read on to find out about the Earth’s breathtaking bounty and where best to harvest it...
1. Northern Lights, Norway
2. Wine harvest, Portugal
3. Black-necked cranes, Bhutan
4. Diamond Fuji, Japan
5. Fluo diving, Indonesia
6. Fynbos season, South Africa
7. Great Migration, Kenya
8. Green season, Botswana
9. Monarch butterfly migration, Mexico
10. Leaf peeping, New England
Northern Lights, Norway
The Northern Lights have long been topping travellers’ bucket lists. Head to Norway’s remote Lofoten Islands in autumn, when the nights are long, and the skies are clear, for the chance to witness the otherworldly Northern Lights. It’s possible to see nature’s light display here from late August, while in Svalbard, they’re at their most visible between February and March (during the twilight season).
Wine harvest, Portugal
Calling all oenophiles and wine aficionados, the vineyards of Portugal’s Douro Valley are at their most abundant from April to June and between September and October. The famous harvest takes place during these months, and renting a car to drive from Porto to the Douro Valley – the world’s first designated wine region – is one of the best ways to experience this fruitful phenomenon. Alternate wine tastings with leisurely hikes through the honey-hued plains of Alentejo.
Image by Bruno Ismael Alves/stock.adobe.com
Black-necked cranes, Bhutan
Unfortunately, timings can often be tricky to predict when it comes to natural phenomena around the world. This is the case with the arrival of Bhutan’s elegant black-necked cranes. Visit around November, and you’ll hopefully witness the migration and be able to celebrate their arrival with locals at Gangtey’s Black-Necked Crane Festival (the exact dates vary each year).
Diamond Fuji, Japan
Another bucket-list favourite is Diamond Fuji, the jewel in Japan’s intricate crown. This natural phenomenon showcases the staggering summit in all its glory when the rising or setting sun directly aligns with its peak. The exact date of Diamond Fuji varies depending on where you stand, but if you view it from Mount Hakone, then the sunset is due to take place on 5th June and 7th July 2025.
Fluo Diving, Indonesia
Now, one for the aquanauts and underwater explorers: head to Indonesia to experience the magic of biofluorescence (living creatures that emit light). Armed with a UV light, see eerie critters and coral in a whole new way during a night dive in Wakatobi – one of the most magical (and luminous) natural phenomena around the world.
Fynbos season, South Africa
Flowers are another of the most beautiful natural phenomena around the world, and springtime sees them blooming across the globe. South Africa’s fynbos season, which takes place between late July and early September, is among the most glorious of Mother Nature’s floral fanfares. Native to the country, the vibrant-hued blooms can be witnessed in full splendour within the wildflower area of Namaqualand.
Great Migration, Kenya
Africa’s wildlife-related natural phenomena know no bounds, and you can combine two epic animal encounters during a trip to Uganda and Kenya. See endangered primates in Uganda’s Bwindi Forest – a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience – and witness the legendary Great Migration of one-and-a-half million wildebeest in Kenya’s Masai Mara.
Green season, Botswana
Every country has a peak visiting season, but with optimal conditions often come more crowds. Lucky for Botswana (and us), the nation’s off-season – or green season – is just as inviting as its most popular months. Holidays here between January and April promise lush plant life and unrivalled wildlife sightings. See zebras migrating in the Makgadikgadi Pan and witness colourful birdlife during a boat safari through the Okavango Delta.
Monarch butterfly migration, Mexico
Plan a trip to Latin America between January and March to see orange-hued monarch butterflies migrate from their wintering grounds in central Mexico. These winged beauties aren’t the only wildlife wonders to grace Mexico during this period; blue and humpback whales can be spotted in the Sea of Cortez while calving grey whales are found off the Pacific Coast of Baja California.
Leaf peeping, New England
Come autumn, ‘leaf peeping’ is the activity of choice in New England, with trees like maples, oaks, birches and aspens turning gorgeous shades of amber and gold. The foliage of Canada’s Eastern states is painted with the same autumnal brush; continue your US road trip further north to see an extended fall palette of pumpkin orange, ochre yellow and maple leaf red.
Image by Corey Hendrickson/Gallery Stock
Written by Luisa Watts
