When I found out that the KP values(visibility) of the Northern Lights were going to be high in 2024, I started planning my opportunity to see them. With Alaska being the best place to see the northern lights in the United States, the planning began. The best time to see the Northern Lights in Alaska is going to vary throughout the year and depends on a variety of conditions. 

However, if I were to paint the perfect picture of when the best time to see the Northern Lights in Alaska is, in the winter months when solar activity is high, on a clear night sky, and during a new moon. Some of these conditions you can control when planning your trip to see the northern lights in Alaska, and others are a wild card. 

In this comprehensive Guide, I will share everything you need to know about northern lights, when the aurora season is, the best time of year to see the lights, why you should go to Fairbanks, AK to see the lights, and what to pack!

Just a heads up! This post may contain affiliate links which means I could earn a commission from purchases made. Thanks for your support!

Women standing in front of the northern lights
Photo by @weeden_wanders

Comprehensive Guide to Viewing the Northern Lights in Alaska

If you’re reading this guide, you’re likely planning your own trip to Alaska to see the aurora borealis. To which I say, “I am SO excited for you!” Seeing the northern lights in Alaska has been one of my favorite outdoor adventures to date. 

A quick checklist for planning purposes: 

  • Visit during a new moon or blue moon 
  • Try to stay at least three days 
  • Book between late September and March 
  • Follow the 27-day KP forecast

With that being said, let’s get into it!

What are the Northern Lights?

Northern lights with snow and trees in Alaska

If you’re unsure what the northern lights are, let’s fix that! Chances are you’ve seen a photo or video of them and didn’t realize. 

The Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis is a natural phenomenon caused by the interaction between ions(charged particles) from the sun and Earth’s magnetic field. When these charged particles from the sun collide with the gases in Earth’s atmosphere, it causes an emission of brightly colored lights that are visible in a dark sky. 

The Northern Lights can be anything from green, purple, blue, or pink and usually appear in strips of light in the sky. The most common color is green. Due to the interaction between the charged ions and the magnetic fields, the patterns will be in continuous movement. They might look dull and stagnant one moment and the next be vibrant in another location in the sky.

Where can you see the Northern Lights?

Photo of the best time to see the northern lights in alaska from NOAA
Photo from NOAA

There are multiple locations where the Northern Lights are consistently visible, so you don’t HAVE to travel to Alaska to see them. However, Fairbanks, Alaska is one of the best places to view the Northern Lights. The lights are commonly visible in high-latitude regions near the poles.

Best Places to See the Northern Lights

Any geographical location at a high elevation close to the Auroral Oval with be a fantastic place to search for the northern lights. The auroral oval is the atmospheric footprint that outlines the boundary between the polar cap and the field lines and lower latitudes.

The following are great places to travel to for Northern Lights Viewing: 

  • Norway
  • Sweden
  • Finland
  • Iceland
  • Greenland
  • Northern Scotland
  • Alaska
  • Yukon 
  • Northern Parts of Japan

Best Conditions for Northern Lights Viewing

Image of the Northern Lights

Even though you may visit an area that has Northern Light activity, there are some conditions that you should aim for in order to see the northern lights in their full glory. To track auroral activity, you can visit the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Site here which shares an aurora tracker. 

Winter Months

The northern lights are most active during the winter months between September and March. With longer periods of night sky, there are more opportunities to witness the elusive northern lights without light pollution. 

The northern lights season in Alaska peaks in March and September. Due to the equinox in both March and September, the northern lights tend to intensify as the sun aligns with the magnetic field of the Arctic Circle. 

March however is the most favorable option because there is a higher likelihood of clear skies in Alaska in the springtime, than there is in September in the late fall and early winter. 

As late April approaches and the days get longer, the spring equinox indicates the end of the solar maximum.  Summer months, May to June, are not an ideal time for spotting the auroras because of Alaska’s midnight sun.

Clear, Dark Skies and Weather Conditions

Choose nights with limited clouds and minimal light pollution. Light pollution can come from city lights, the moon, or the solar halo around the sun.

Late Evening to Early Morning

The best time to see the Northern Lights is between 12 am and 3 am. While they are active outside of those times, the prime viewing opportunity is within those ranges.

Solar Activity

The solar activity is measured by the KP index. Higher KP values of 4 and above increase the chance of seeing strong auroras. Check the KP index here.

Magnetic Storms

Geomagnetic storms which are triggered by solar flare are temporary disturbances in Earth’s outer atmosphere caused by strong solar wind.

Patience

The best northern lights viewing is done with immense patience. Sometimes it takes a while for the lights to become visible, while others are visible through the lens of a camera but can’t be seen by the naked eye.

Check out the Best Breweries in Fairbanks Here!

Best Place to View Northern Lights in Alaska

Bright northern lights on the horizon
Photo by @weeden_wanders

If you’re looking to travel to Alaska to see the Northern Lights look no further than Fairbanks in North America. Fairbanks, AK is known as the capital of aurora hunting. Located just under 200 miles south of the Arctic Circle in interior Alaska, it is a popular city for visiting with the intent of seeing the northern lights. 

Fairbanks is an old gold rush boomtown which offers a rich history. When traveling there you can spend your evening seeking out the northern lights in the pristine wilderness and in the daytime visit one of the many phenomenal museums like the Geophysical Institute. 

Fairbanks is a great place to book a Northern Lights vacation. With places like Murphy Dome, Chena Hot Springs, and Chena Lake, there a tons of places to view auroral activity. 

Planning a trip to see the Northern Lights in Fairbanks, AK

People walking towards a northern lights viewpoint
The moment I saw the Northern Lights for the first time

When planning your trip to see the Northern lights in Fairbanks, AK consider spending 3 plus nights in the area to increase your potential for seeing aurora activity. While you can plan your trip during the best months to see the geomagnetic activity, you never know when it is going to be cloudy, stormy, or have a low KP index.  

On your first day in Fairbanks, visit the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitor Center in Downtown Fairbanks. The people that work there are extremely knowledgeable about the area and can fill you in on the best places for viewing the lights. That is where I picked up the tip on Chena Lake.

Weather in Fairbanks in Winter

During the winter months in Fairbanks, the weather can vary drastically. I experienced temperatures 20 degrees below the average. I highly recommend going in the winter months when auroral activity is above average and the evening hours are longer. Early April is really the last month of the year that will have a decent light show before the equinox months of September.

Average Temperature in Fairbanks. AK in Winter
Where to Stay

There are plenty of places to stay in Fairbanks known for being able to see the northern lights from the hotel or vacation rental. 

Here are my top picks for places to stay in Fairbanks to see the Northern Lights:

  • Chena Hot Springs Resort – A phenomenal resort outside of Fairbanks that offers northern lights tours, dog sledding, and an on-site hot spring. 
  • Borealis Basecamp – If you have an opportunity to stay at this Northern Lights camp, you will not be disappointed. They have fiberglass igloos that you can stay in, but be aware, they are booked out almost a year in advance.
  • Rental Property in North Pole – North Pole is a city outside of the Fairbanks area. Getting outside of the large city will minimize ambient light. Consider booking a place with an outdoor hot tub to warm up on cool nights!
  • Sophie Station Suites – This hotel is located inside Fairbanks and is known for giving guests a wake-up call in the early morning hours when the aurora is visible.

Cost Breakdown of a Trip to Alaska

Activities
Woman in a blue swimsuit in the hot springs
Chena Hot Springs
Women petting a sled dog
Dog Sledding

Among having fantastic northern lights viewing in Alaska, Fairbanks is also known for having world-class cross-country skiing trails, excellent ice sculptures, and delicious craft beer. 

Here are some things you can do in Fairbanks during the day while you wait to see the lights: 

The University of Alaska Fairbanks Museum of the North

The Museum of the North is a great place to spend a couple of hours learning about the area. They have one of the largest bow whale skeletons and some other native specimens. There are interactive exhibits and local art. The cost to visit the museum is $20 per adult. 

 

Dog Sledding

Spend an hour or two dog sledding with Paws for Adventure for the perfect exhilarating and cute outdoor adventure. I found that the perfect length for a tour was 30 minutes in the extreme cold. After the mushing tour, you could spend as much time with the dogs as you want! 

The cost of a 30-minute tour was $90 per adult. 

 

Aurora Ice Museum

Located at the Chena Hot Springs Resort, the Aurora Ice Museum is full of brilliant ice sculptures and structures made by the world-renowned ice sculpturer Steve Brice. Enjoy the ice museum and drink an apple martini out of a glass made of ice. Don’t forget to make a wish and smash your glass at the end of the tour.

The tour costs $20 and the apple martini costs an additional $20. 

 

Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitor Center

The Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitor Center is the perfect location to learn more about the area. Speak with local experts, visit the museum, and shop for custom native jewelry, this is a great free location to spend an hour. Stop in and grab a local free guide or plan your trip with a local expert. Either way, you won’t regret stopping in! 

The cost to visit is free. 

Where to See the Northern Lights in Fairbanks
iPhone photo of the Northern Lights in Alaska

There are some great outdoor destinations in Fairbanks. Whether you choose to seek out the northern lights on your own or join a tour, here are some great places to do so. 

 

Chena Lake

Located in North Pole there are some winter trails to hike on and some great viewpoints that overlook the lake. I recommend driving there in the daytime to get a feel for the area before going there in the dark. Day use of Chena Lake is free. 

 

Murphy Dome

Murphy Dome is the highest viewpoint close to Fairbanks for aurora viewing. There is a dirt road up to the dome, which can get icy and hazardous. Pay attention to road conditions and chains are recommended during winter months. There is no cost to go to Murphy Dome on your own.

Snow bus that took us to the northern lights

Northern Alaska Tour Company 

The Northern Alaska Tour Company is one of the top-rated Northern Lights tour companies in the area. They have four different tours to choose from whether you want to see the lights by air or by land. Plus if you’re looking to see Denali National Park, they do a tour by air of the area. Rates of the tours will vary. For their northern lights tours, expect to stay out until 3:30-4:30 AM. 

 

Salmon Berry Tours

If you’re looking for a full-immersive northern lights experience, look no further than the Salmon Berry Tours for a 6-day, 5-night all-inclusive northern lights stay. This outdoor adventure is unique in every faucet as you experience the best spots to see the lights.

What to Pack to See Northern Lights in Alaska

Women with a hoo don

When I was in Alaska for Northern Lights chasing, it was -40 during the day and at night. Thankfully there was not an additional wind chill. Check out my comprehensive guide for what I brought here. 

Check out this list to improve your aurora viewing experience!

Clothing

Women standing in front of the northern lights

Incorporate simple layering into your packing list for the trip which includes a base layer, insulating(mid) layer, and outer layer.

  1. Tops:
    • Base Layer: Wear a merino wool top. 
    • Insulating Layer: Down jacket or fleece pullover. (or both)
    • Outer Layer: Ski Shell
  2. Bottoms:
    • Thermal Pants: Wear thermal leggings or insulated pants.
    • Snow Pants: Waterproof snow pants are ideal for extra protection.
  3. Headgear:
    • Warm Hat: Cover your head to retain body heat.
    • Balaclava or Neck Gaiter: Protect your face and neck from the cold.
  4. Gloves and Mittens:
    • Insulated Gloves: Opt for waterproof gloves or mittens to keep your hands warm.
  5. Footwear:
    • Insulated Boots: Waterproof, insulated boots are essential for walking in snow.
    • Wool Socks: Layer up with warm socks.
  6. Accessories:
    • Hand and Foot Warmers: These disposable warmers can be a lifesaver.
    • Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from snow glare during the day.

Gear

Here is a list of some basic gear to pack on your trip to see the northern lights. Both for capturing them on film and for keeping you comfortable and safe.

    1. Camera and Tripod: Capture the dancing lights with a mirrorless camera. Use a tripod for stable shots during long exposures.
    2. Headlamp or Flashlight: Essential for navigating in the dark. When dark sky viewing use the red light feature.
    3. Power Banks: Cold temperatures drain batteries faster. Carry extra power banks for your devices.
    4. Thermos with Hot Drinks: Warm beverages like hot cocoa or tea keep you cozy during aurora waits.
    5. Aurora Forecast Apps: Install apps like Aurora Alerts or My Aurora Forecast to track aurora activity.
    6. Emergency Kit: Include essentials like first aid supplies, matches, and emergency blankets.
    7. GPS Device: If viewing on your own, have a GPS device that you can use in case of an emergency. There is little cell service in some remote areas of Alaska. 

Remember, dressing in layers allows you to adjust your clothing as needed. Stay warm, be patient, and seek out the Northern Lights.

Pack It Up

Planning your trip to see the northern lights in Alaska should revolve around the best viewing conditions. There are different times of year that viewing the northern lights is more optimal and different weather patterns will increase visibility. While the northern lights are known as being rather elusive there are some opportunities in your planning that would increase the probability of catching them.

My best recommendation for viewing the Northern Lights is to book Northern Lights Tours. After three days of trying to see the northern lights on my own, I decided to book a tour and that is when I had the BEST viewing experience. We were able to take trucks into a more secluded area and had warming huts available to use to warm up in the freezing temperatures. 

If you have any questions about planning your own Northern Lights trip to Alaska, do not hesitate to comment on this post! I would be happy to help you experience this bucket list opportunity.

Northern Lights Guide in Alaska Pinterest Pin
When is the BEST Time to see the Northern Lights in Alaska Pinterest Pin