Alaska sits directly beneath the auroral oval, making it one of Earth's best places to see the northern lights. Success comes down to three things: accurate forecasting, knowing the right spots, and patience.
This guide combines real-time aurora forecasting, local insider locations, and practical trip planning to maximize your chances of seeing the aurora borealis in Alaska.
The Alaska aurora forecast relies on several key metrics that determine visibility. The most critical is real-time solar wind data, which shows what's happening right now, not hours ago. Smart aurora chasers look beyond KP index alone because KP is a 3-hour historical average that shows what already happened, not what's coming. Real-time data gives you the edge for catching active displays as they develop.
For accurate Alaska aurora forecasting, experienced aurora chasers monitor these metrics in order of importance:
Real-Time Solar Wind Speed and Density:
Shows incoming particle streams 30-60 minutes before they reach Earth. Speed above 400 km/s combined with high density indicates potential auroral activity.
Bz Component (Interplanetary Magnetic Field):
The most critical metric. When Bz turns negative (southward), it allows solar wind to connect with Earth's magnetic field, triggering aurora. Strong negative Bz (-5 nT or lower) often produces spectacular displays regardless of KP.
Local Cloud Cover Forecast:
Clear skies complete the perfect aurora viewing conditions. Check hourly cloud predictions for your specific viewing location to time your adventure perfectly.
KP Index (with caveats):
A general planetary indicator useful for long-range planning (3-day forecasts), but understand the 3-day is predictive in nature and only represents one component out of many. In Fairbanks, aurora is visible on most clear nights regardless of Kp. Around Anchorage, you'll typically need a hemispheric power of 30 Gw for reliable viewing.
Northern Hemisphere
The aurora season in Alaska runs from August 21 through April 21, when nights are dark enough for viewing. While the lights are technically active year-round, summer's midnight sun makes them invisible from May through mid-August.
September and March stand out as the best months for northern lights in Alaska due to the Russell-McPherron effect, which increases auroral activity around the spring and fall equinoxes. During these months, your chances of seeing a strong display roughly double compared to winter solstice periods.
September offers comfortable temperatures (-1°C to 10°C / 30-50°F) and newly darkened skies after the summer solstice. Lakes and rivers are still ice-free, creating stunning reflection opportunities for photographers.
March provides clearer skies statistically, especially in Interior Alaska. Temperatures range from -23°C to -7°C (-10°F to 20°F), and the extended darkness gives you more viewing hours.
December through February brings the longest nights and coldest temperatures (-29°C to -40°C / -20°F to -40°F in Fairbanks), but also the most consecutive hours of darkness. If you can handle the cold, these months offer marathon viewing sessions.
Peak aurora activity occurs between 10 PM and 3 AM, with midnight being statistically the most active hour. However, strong displays can begin as early as 9 PM and last until dawn. Plan to stay out for at least 3-4 hours, as the aurora often appears in waves with quiet periods between substorms.
Location matters enormously for aurora viewing. The best places to see northern lights in Alaska are those positioned under the auroral oval with minimal light pollution and maximum clear sky probability.
Fairbanks sits at 64.8°N latitude, directly beneath the auroral oval. On any clear night from August through April, your chances of seeing aurora activity here approach 90% over a three-night stay.
Cleary Summit (Mile 20 Steese Highway): This high-elevation pullout at 680 meters (2,233 feet) offers 360-degree views with zero obstructions. The parking area fits about 15 vehicles, and on active nights you'll find photographers lined up along the ridge. Dress for temperatures 6-8°C (10-15°F) colder than Fairbanks due to elevation and wind exposure. The drive takes 35 minutes from downtown Fairbanks.
Murphy Dome (Mile 20 Elliot Highway): Local favorite with panoramic views from 893 meters (2,930 feet) elevation. The road is maintained but steep in sections, requiring 4WD or AWD in winter. The summit has space for about 10 vehicles and provides unobstructed northern horizon views. This spot stays less crowded than Cleary Summit. Consider a guided tour if you're uncomfortable with winter driving on mountain roads.
Chena River State Recreation Area: Multiple pullouts along Chena Hot Springs Road (especially Miles 30-50) offer riverside viewing with boreal forest foregrounds. The Granite Tors Trailhead at Mile 39 provides elevated views, while the Chena River itself creates reflection opportunities. Note that trees limit the horizon in some spots.
Ballaine Road Bridge (Goldstream Creek): A convenient option just 15 minutes from Fairbanks that requires minimal driving. The turnout near the bridge offers northern exposure, though you'll see some light pollution from the city. Good for impromptu viewing when forecasts spike unexpectedly.
Located 97 kilometers (60 miles) northeast of Fairbanks at Mile 56 Chena Hot Springs Road, this resort offers the ultimate aurora experience: watching the lights while soaking in 41°C (106°F) natural hot springs. The combination of steaming water and freezing air (-29°C to -40°C / -20°F to -40°F) creates dramatic contrasts. Book the outdoor pool area, which stays open until midnight specifically for aurora viewing.
The resort also operates Aurora Pointe, a hilltop cabin where guests receive wake-up calls when the lights appear. Day passes for the hot springs cost around $15, while overnight guests get unlimited access. Bring a waterproof camera case if you want photos from the springs.
Coldfoot (Mile 175 Dalton Highway): This tiny truck stop 97 kilometers (60 miles) north of the Arctic Circle delivers some of Alaska's darkest skies. With zero light pollution and positioning at 67°N latitude, Coldfoot sees aurora displays even during minimal solar activity. The extreme isolation means you're committing to a remote adventure, consider joining an organized tour from Fairbanks.
The drive from Fairbanks takes 5-6 hours over gravel roads requiring winter driving experience. However, flying in via Wright Air Service makes this accessible as a day trip. Coldfoot Camp provides basic accommodations.
Byers Lake Campground (Denali State Park): Mile 147 Parks Highway offers lake reflections with Denali mountain views on clear nights. This spot sits further south than Fairbanks, so target nights with KP 3 or higher. The campground provides plowed pullouts for winter visitors. Photography note: position yourself on the northwest shore for mountain and aurora compositions.
Savage River Area (Denali National Park): The park road typically closes beyond Mile 3 in winter, but Savage River at Mile 14 remains accessible by tour or with special permits. The broad valley and absence of artificial light create excellent viewing conditions. Book winter aurora viewing tours through Denali-based operators who provide transportation and cold-weather gear.
While Anchorage sits south of the primary auroral oval, strong displays (40 Gw) regularly reach this far south. The challenge is escaping the city's significant light pollution.
Glen Alps Trailhead (Chugach State Park): This parking area at 2,200 feet elevation provides the best readily-accessible viewing near Anchorage. Drive Upper Huffman Road to its end, then take a right on Toilsome Hill Drive. The trailhead offers sweeping northern views over the city. Arrive early on predicted high-activity nights, as parking fills quickly. The elevation means temperatures run 10°F colder than downtown.
Eagle River Nature Center: Located at the end of Eagle River Road (about 45 minutes from Anchorage), this spot eliminates most urban glow. The valley orientation provides excellent northern horizon exposure. The center closes at 5 PM, but the parking area remains accessible. On very active nights, aurora can fill the entire sky despite the southern location.
Knik River Valley: Head north from Wasilla on Knik-Goose Bay Road for increasingly dark skies. Any pullout beyond Mile 10 works, though locals favor the area around Mile 15-20. This valley opens to the north, perfect for aurora photography. Bring a headlamp and watch for wildlife, moose frequent this area.
Girdwood and Alyeska Resort: The mountains surrounding Girdwood block some sky, but Alyeska Resort offers “Northern Lights Wake-Up Calls” for guests. When conditions justify it, hotel staff will knock on your door between 11 PM and 2 AM. The resort's elevation (250 feet) and distance from Anchorage (40 miles) provide significantly darker skies than the city.
The drive between Anchorage and Seward offers multiple pullouts with ocean and mountain backdrops. Beluga Point (Mile 110) and Bird Point (Mile 96) are easily accessible and provide Turnagain Arm water reflections. These spots work best during high-KP events when aurora appears low on the northern horizon.
Successful aurora viewing in Alaska requires serious cold-weather preparation. Even September and March evenings can drop below -17°C (0°F), while midwinter viewing often means -34°C (-30°F) or colder.
If you're on a guided tour, your tour should have all the items you need. If you're planning your own adventure the following items are recommended:
**Avoid alcohol despite the temptation, it dilates blood vessels and increases heat loss while impairing judgment needed for safe winter travel.
Professional aurora tours solve multiple challenges simultaneously: transportation over winter roads, local knowledge of viewing spots, weather-appropriate gear provision, and expert photography assistance. For first-time visitors or those uncomfortable with extreme cold and remote driving, tours represent the smartest investment.
Most Alaska northern lights tours include heated transportation, cold-weather gear rental (parkas, boots, gloves), hot drinks, snacks, and photography instruction. Tours typically run 9 PM to 2 AM, with some offering pickup and return from your hotel. Guides monitor aurora forecasts continuously and choose viewing locations based on real-time weather and solar activity.
Premium tours offer heated viewing cabins, yurts, or “auroriums” where you can warm up between aurora waves. Some include dog sledding, snowmobiling, or ice fishing as complementary activities. Photography-focused tours provide tripods and one-on-one instruction for capturing the lights.
Consider guided tours if you're visiting during extreme cold periods (December-February), unfamiliar with winter driving conditions, or visiting locations like Murphy Dome or Coldfoot that require technical driving. Guides also help with sharp terrain features, cliffs, or areas where wildlife encounters occur. Their local knowledge often makes the difference between seeing aurora and missing it due to localized weather patterns.
The choice between these cities significantly impacts your aurora viewing success. Understanding the differences helps you pick the right base for your trip.
Fairbanks sits at 64.8°N, directly beneath the auroral oval where the lights appear most frequently. On clear nights, aurora viewing is possible even during minimal solar activity, while Anchorage requires stronger geomagnetic conditions for reliable displays.
Anchorage offers more visitor amenities and milder temperatures, but sits south of the primary auroral oval. You'll need stronger geomagnetic activity for reliable viewing.
If time and budget allow, visit both. Spend 3-4 nights in Fairbanks for maximum aurora odds, then 2-3 nights near Anchorage for different landscape compositions and more comfortable temperatures. This combination approach gives you the highest probability of success while experiencing Alaska's diversity.
After years of chasing aurora across Alaska (and the world), we've gathered knowledge that only comes from experience. These insider tips dramatically improve your success rate.
Aurora displays typically occur in 30-45 minute waves called substorms, separated by quiet periods. Patient visitors who wait through the calm are often rewarded with spectacular shows. When you see faint aurora, stay put for at least 90 minutes, most substorms come in sets of 2-3 waves.
The most breathtaking displays often appear during the second or third wave.
In Fairbanks and locations north, aurora can appear even during minimal solar activity. These displays are faint and require completely dark skies, but they're still visible. Don't skip viewing nights just because the forecast shows low activity.
We built our service to work with minimal internet connection. With a weak connection we can still send you substorm alerts to your phone via SMS.
Your camera phone likely sees more aurora than your naked eye, especially during faint displays. Modern phone cameras with night mode can detect weak aurora that appears as gray-green to human vision. Take a test photo if you're unsure whether faint glows are aurora or clouds.
Because of this remember, cameras will pick up more color than your eyes. Many photos you see online may not be a true representation.
Popular locations like Cleary Summit and Murphy Dome fill with photographers on Friday-Sunday nights. Visit midweek for solitude and easier parking. The aurora doesn't know what day it is.
Late-night staff at Fairbanks gas stations and convenience stores see aurora constantly during their shifts. Stop in around 11 PM and ask if they've seen anything, they're remarkably reliable sources.
While most people visit Chena Hot Springs Resort, few know about the pullout at Mile 39 (Granite Tors Trailhead). This elevated spot offers similar views without the crowds or resort fees. Park in the upper lot for best northern horizon exposure.
You can see the northern lights in Alaska right now if conditions align: you're visiting between August 21 and April 21, the sky is clear, it's between 10 PM and 4 AM, and you're away from city lights. Check the current solar wind data and cloud cover predictions. In Fairbanks, aurora viewing is possible on most clear nights regardless of overall activity levels. Around Anchorage, you'll need stronger geomagnetic conditions for reliable displays. Download aurora alert apps for real-time notifications when activity spikes.
The best month to see the northern lights in Alaska is either September or March, when the Russell-McPherron effect increases auroral activity around the equinoxes. September offers more comfortable temperatures (-1°C to 10°C / 30-50°F), ice-free lakes for reflections, and newly darkened skies. March provides statistically clearer skies, especially in Interior Alaska, though temperatures range from -23°C to -7°C (-10°F to 20°F). Both months give you approximately double the aurora intensity compared to solstice periods. December through February offer the longest darkness windows but also the coldest conditions and more cloud cover.
You can see the aurora in Alaska on approximately 243 nights per year in Fairbanks, assuming clear skies. That's roughly 65% of all nights when accounting for the aurora season (August 21 to April 21) and typical weather patterns. Smart planning around weather forecasts maximizes your viewing opportunities. A three-night stay in Fairbanks during aurora season gives you a 90% chance of seeing the lights at least once. Anchorage sees aurora less frequently, requiring moderate to strong geomagnetic activity, which occurs about 100-120 nights per year. The aurora is technically active every night, but summer daylight prevents viewing from May through mid-August.
The best place in Alaska to see the northern lights is Fairbanks and locations north of it, due to their position directly beneath the auroral oval at 64.8°N latitude. Specific top spots include Cleary Summit for 360-degree views, Murphy Dome for less-crowded panoramic viewing, and Chena Hot Springs for the unique experience of watching aurora while soaking in natural hot springs. For even darker skies and more intense displays, Coldfoot on the Dalton Highway (67°N) offers extreme isolation 97 kilometers (60 miles) north of the Arctic Circle. Near Anchorage, Glen Alps Trailhead provides the best accessible viewing, while Denali National Park combines aurora with wilderness landscapes. Each location has advantages, Fairbanks maximizes frequency, while remote northern locations maximize intensity.
The northern lights are most visible between 10 PM and 3 AM, with peak activity statistically occurring around midnight in Alaska. However, strong displays can begin as early as 9 PM and continue until dawn. Aurora activity follows patterns tied to Earth's magnetic field orientation to the sun, which creates these nighttime peaks. Plan to stay out for at least 3-4 hours, as displays typically occur in waves (substorms) lasting 30-45 minutes, separated by quiet periods. Patient viewers who wait through calm periods often witness the most spectacular displays during subsequent waves. The hours between 11 PM and 2 AM offer your best statistical chances, but flexibility and patience are essential for aurora viewing success.
You do not need a tour to see the northern lights in Alaska, but tours significantly increase your chances of success, especially for first-time visitors. Independent viewing works well if you have winter driving experience, appropriate cold-weather gear, and understand aurora forecasting. Tours provide critical advantages: expert knowledge of viewing locations based on real-time conditions, heated transportation over potentially dangerous winter roads, cold-weather gear rental, and photography instruction. Tours become especially valuable during extreme cold periods (December-February when temperatures reach -40°C / -40°F), for locations requiring technical driving like Murphy Dome, or if visiting remote spots like Coldfoot. The investment typically ranges from $75-200 per person and eliminates the stress of winter navigation while maximizing viewing opportunities.
You can predict the northern lights with reasonable accuracy 1-3 days in advance using current forecasting models, with precision increasing as the event approaches. The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center provides 3-day forecasts based on solar observations, while real-time solar wind monitoring offers 30-60 minute advance warning of incoming auroral activity. For the most accurate forecasts, check predictions within 24 hours of your viewing time. Major solar events (coronal mass ejections) can sometimes be predicted 2-5 days ahead, though exact timing remains uncertain. Real-time solar wind data from satellites positioned between Earth and the Sun provide the most reliable short-term predictions. Download aurora alert apps that monitor these data streams and notify you when conditions become favorable.
You can see the northern lights in Anchorage during moderate to strong geomagnetic activity, occurring approximately 100-120 nights per year. Anchorage sits at 61°N latitude, south of the primary auroral oval, so displays require stronger solar activity than locations like Fairbanks. Excellent dark-sky viewing locations are easily accessible 30-45 minutes from the city, including Glen Alps Trailhead, Eagle River Nature Center, and Knik River Valley. When conditions align, aurora displays visible from Anchorage often appear more vibrant and colorful than in Fairbanks because you're viewing them lower on the horizon. Anchorage's aurora season also runs slightly longer (August 7 to May 7) compared to Fairbanks. For the best odds of seeing northern lights during an Alaska trip, combine Anchorage with Fairbanks visits.
The different colors in the northern lights are caused by charged particles from the sun colliding with different atmospheric gases at varying altitudes. Green (the most common color) appears when particles strike oxygen molecules at 97-241 kilometers (60-150 miles) altitude. Red occurs at higher altitudes (above 241 kilometers / 150 miles) from oxygen interactions but appears less frequently because the upper atmosphere is less dense. Blue and purple result from nitrogen collisions at lower altitudes. The altitude and type of gas determine the color you see. The intensity of the solar wind and the energy of particles also influence which colors dominate. During strong auroral displays, you might see multiple colors simultaneously as particles interact with atmospheric layers at different heights.
Both September and March are equally good for northern lights in Alaska due to the Russell-McPherron effect, which increases auroral activity during equinox periods. The choice depends on your priorities. September offers warmer temperatures (-1°C to 10°C / 30-50°F versus -23°C to -7°C / -10°F to 20°F), making outdoor viewing more comfortable. Lakes and rivers remain ice-free, providing reflection opportunities for photography. However, September sees more variable weather patterns as summer transitions to winter. March provides statistically clearer skies, especially in Interior Alaska, and extended darkness gives you more viewing hours per night. March's established winter also means better groomed roads and more tour operators running full schedules. Both months give you approximately double the aurora intensity compared to solstice periods, so personal temperature tolerance should guide your decision.
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