Have you ever dreamed of witnessing one of nature's most spectacular shows? We're talking about the stunning Northern Lights dancing across an inky black Alaskan sky. As a bucket-list experience, seeing the Aurora Borealis should be at the very top. The best part is, with the right timing and location, you can easily make this dream a reality.
In Alaska, the Northern Lights are most visible between late August and early April. The optimal months are September through March when the nights are the longest. And while the Lights can appear anytime after dark, your best chances are between 10 pm and 3 am.
As for location, one spot rise above the rest. Head to the interior around Fairbanks, the Chena Lakes Recreation Area is a prime viewing spot. Bundle up, grab your camera, and get ready for a sky-high spectacle of red, green and purple lights dancing across the night. The Aurora Borealis awaits!
The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are one of the most spectacular natural phenomena on Earth. They are collisions between electrically charged particles from the Sun that enter the Earth's atmosphere. When the particles collide with gasses such as oxygen and nitrogen, the energy is released in the form of light, producing dazzling displays of color in the sky.
Before going out for your first Aurora hunt it's a smart move to take Northern Lights Online Course where you will learn all you need to know to successfully hunt for the Northern Lights. This course is designed for beginners so you don't need to worry about not knowing much yet.
Did you know that over 80% of tourists miss the Northern Lights due to the lack of Aurora knowledge? Don't let that be you! The right time and the right place are the key. Northern Lights Online Course and Aurora mobile app designed for beginners will significantly increase your chances.
Designed For Beginners
Designed For Beginners
The best time to see the Northern Lights in Alaska is between 10 pm and 3 am. The best months are from late August through early April, especially around the equinoxes in September and March. Here are the top 2 places to see the Northern Lights:
Fairbanks - Located in the interior of Alaska, Fairbanks offers pitch-black skies and prime viewing spots. Head to Cleary Summit or Murphy Dome for panoramic views.
Denali National Park - Miles away from city lights, Denali is one of the best spots for sky watching. For the best views, go to Eielson Visitor Center or Wonder Lake.
So bundle up, set your cameras to long exposure, and get ready for a dazzling display of celestial wonder. The Northern Lights are a true spectacle of nature and a must-see on anyone's Alaska bucket list. When those colors start dancing across the sky, you'll understand why.
The best time to see the Northern Lights in Alaska is between 10 pm and 3 am. The further north you travel in Alaska, the better your chances are of catching the show. The best months for optimal viewing are September through April, when the skies are darkest.
The Top 2 Places to See the Northern Lights in Alaska
Fairbanks - Located in the interior of Alaska, the city of Fairbanks is one of the top destinations for Aurora viewing. With over 200 clear nights per year, your odds of seeing the lights are very high. Head to Cleary Summit or Murphy Dome for stunning views.
Denali National Park - The stunning wilderness of Denali NP is an ideal setting for watching the Aurora Borealis. Go deep into the park for the darkest skies and least light pollution. Some of the best spots are Eielson Visitor Center, Wonder Lake, and Mt. McKinley.
With the right timing and location, you'll be dazzled by the gorgeous neon lights dancing across the night sky. An Alaskan aurora show is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you'll never forget.
Alaska’s stunning Northern Lights are best viewed in the northern parts of the state, away from city lights. Four of the top places to catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis in Alaska are: Coldfoot, Wiseman, Barrow and Deadhorse.
Alaska is truly a captivating destination, offering breathtaking sights that are bound to leave you in awe. If you're seeking an unforgettable experience, witnessing the Northern Lights should be at the top of your list. In the previous sections, we explored the best places and times to catch this mesmerizing celestial phenomenon. Now, let's delve into a few more incredible locations where you can witness Alaska's stunning sky lights.
Coldfoot - Nestled in the northern reaches of Alaska, Coldfoot is a hidden gem for Northern Lights enthusiasts. With its remote location and minimal light pollution, this charming town provides an ideal vantage point for observing the dancing colors in the night sky. Bundle up and prepare to be amazed as the auroras illuminate the vast wilderness surrounding Coldfoot.
Wiseman - Tucked away in the heart of the Brooks Range, the historic community of Wiseman offers a truly immersive Northern Lights experience. Surrounded by pristine nature and far from any major light sources, Wiseman provides an enchanting backdrop for observing the auroras. Imagine standing beneath a canopy of stars as vibrant hues paint the heavens above – a moment that will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on your soul.
Barrow - Located at the northernmost point of Alaska, Barrow is a place of unparalleled beauty and mystique. As you venture to this remote Arctic town, prepare to be greeted by the magic of the Northern Lights. The clear, dark skies of Barrow offer an optimal setting for witnessing nature's light show. Embrace the serenity of this extraordinary destination as the Auroras weave their ethereal tapestry across the Arctic horizon.
Deadhorse - Situated on the northern coast of Alaska, Deadhorse is a gateway to the mesmerizing wonders of the Arctic. Here, amidst the untamed wilderness, you'll have the opportunity to witness the Northern Lights in all their glory. With its remote location and minimal light pollution, Deadhorse provides an idyllic setting for capturing stunning photographs and creating lifelong memories.
These additional locations offer unique experiences for those seeking to witness the Aurora Borealis in all its splendor. Whether you choose to explore the remote charm of Coldfoot, the tranquility of Wiseman, the Arctic wonders of Barrow, or the captivating beauty of Deadhorse, Alaska promises to deliver a truly awe-inspiring adventure. So prepare yourself for an unforgettable journey as you chase the magical dance of the Northern Lights across the Alaskan skies.
The most useful Northern Lights online tools for a successful Aurora hunt. Are you about to hunt the Northern Lights on your own? Then you will find these resources helpful. If you are trying to see Aurora for the first time we recommend signing up for the Northern Lights Online Course where is explained step-by-step all you need to know to see the Northern Lights in an easy way.
Northern Lights essential online tools designed for beginners to help you see Aurora like the handy Aurora Mobile App and Northern Lights Online Course will help you to understand how Aurora works and to monitor real-time activity.
The Northern Lights Forecast for 3 days and long-term Aurora forecast for up to 27 days ahead can be found here: Geophysical Institute Forecast, NOAA Aurora Forecast, Spaceweatherlive Forecast or in the Northern Lights App.
Find the best Aurora spots with the light pollution map and cloud cover prediction.
Northern Lights activity in real-time: Real-time Aurora activity (worldwide magnetometers), Solar Wind activity, Sun's activity, Aurora live Boreal webcams list or Aurora App.
Additional resources to know when it will be dark enough Darkness graph & Map and how much the moon will illuminate the sky Moon Phase + Moonrise & Moonset.
If you decide to go with professional Aurora hunters here you can find the top-rated Aurora Tours.
So there you have it, everything you need to know to experience one of the greatest natural wonders on the planet. Make your plans, book your tickets, pack your warmest gear and get ready for a life-changing adventure under the dancing lights of the Aurora Borealis. Whether you chase the lights around Alaska's interior, cuddle up in a cozy cabin outside Fairbanks or hop on a cruise to get the best views, you'll be creating memories that will stay with you for years to come. What are you waiting for? The Northern Lights are calling your name. Time to start planning your Alaskan adventure - the trip of a lifetime awaits!
Learn more about Aurora Borealis in Online Northern Lights Course (Recommended for Beginners). Enroll Now!