Ever wondered if you can catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights right here in Seattle? The dazzling Aurora Borealis is typically associated with the Arctic and Alaska, but did you know that under the right conditions, the colorful nighttime light show can be visible even from the Emerald City? The key is knowing when the geomagnetic activity is heightened and where to find dark, secluded viewing spots away from city lights. If you’re determined to chase the Northern Lights in Seattle, the first step is checking the Aurora forecasts to see predictions for solar storm activity over the next few days and weeks. When a strong geomagnetic storm is forecast, get ready to head out for some nighttime adventure and hopefully a jaw-dropping celestial display. With the right timing and location, you just might find yourself mesmerized by the dancing lights of the Aurora shimmering across the night sky.
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The best time to spot the Northern Lights in Seattle is between 10 pm and 3 am when the sky is darkest. Check the 3-day and 27-day Northern Lights forecast to see when geomagnetic storms are predicted and the Auroras might be visible. The more intense the storm, the higher your chance of catching the show.
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You'll want to head out of the city to escape light pollution. Some top spots within an hour of Seattle are:
Deception Pass State Park: Open 24 hours with secluded beaches and viewpoints.
Mt. Rainier National Park: Head to Sunrise Visitor Center or another high-elevation area in the park after dark.
North Cascades National Park: Gorgeous night skies at spots like Diablo Lake Overlook or Washington Pass.
Even if the forecast looks promising, seeing the Auroras is never guaranteed. You need clear, dark skies, and the auroras can be fleeting. Dress warmly, bring a flashlight, snacks, and something to sit on. A camera with manual settings can capture the colorful lights.
While summer nights are short, the Auroras can appear anytime of year. The autumn and spring equinoxes, around September and March, also see increased activity.
Don't get discouraged if you don't spot them the first time. Keep checking the forecasts and head out when the storm level is high. With a little luck and patience, you'll experience the magic of the Northern Lights dancing across the night sky.
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While summer nights are short, you can spot the Northern Lights year-round in Seattle if the solar activity is high enough and you're at a dark location. Check the Kp-index, which measures disturbances in the Earth's magnetic field. A Kp-index of 6 or higher means there's a good chance of spotting the Aurora.
The key is to get away from city lights, look north, be patient and bundle up! With the right forecast and location, the spectacular Aurora Borealis may light up the sky and turn your Seattle night into a dazzling celestial show.
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Want to witness the dazzling Northern Lights dancing across the night sky? Even though Seattle’s bright city lights and frequent cloud cover can make sightings tricky, catching the Aurora Borealis is still possible if you know where and when to look.
Head to the suburbs
Venture outside the city center to escape the light pollution. Some of the best spots within an hour of Seattle include:
Wallace Falls State Park in Gold Bar
Deception Pass State Park north of Oak Harbor
Saltwater State Park in Des Moines
Flattop Mountain trailhead in Anacortes
These darker locations will give you the best chance of spotting the Northern Lights.
Check the forecasts
The University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Geophysical Institute issues Aurora forecasts for the Seattle area. They predict the likelihood of geomagnetic storms that can produce visible Auroras. Monitor their 3-day and 27-day forecasts to know when activity may be higher. The more intense the storm, the farther south the Lights will be visible. Moderate storms are often needed for sights from Seattle.
Look north
Once at your viewing spot, find a north-facing direction with an open sky view. The Aurora Borealis forms in the atmosphere above the northern magnetic pole, so you'll need to look toward the northern horizon.
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Be patient
Don’t expect to see bright, dancing lights like those farther north. From Seattle, the Lights will appear more faint and static. Your eyes need time to adjust to the darkness, so give yourself at least 30 minutes of observing. Even then, sightings are not guaranteed due to factors like cloud cover, moonlight, and the Aurora’s activity or positioning that night. With some luck and persistence, you may spot the glow of green, red, and yellow lights flickering in the distance.
Consider summer too
While winter and spring are typically better for viewing, you can spot the Northern Lights in summer as well, especially around the solstice. The long summer nights provide more hours of potential visibility, even if darker skies don’t arrive until very late. So keep an eye on those forecasts and get outside whenever the Geophysical Institute predicts a good show!
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If you’re determined to spot the Northern Lights from Seattle, here are some tips to help increase your chances.
Find the Darkest Skies
The aurora borealis is often faint, so getting away from city lights is key. Head to one of the darkest places within an hour or two of Seattle, like Deception Pass State Park, Mt. Rainier National Park, or the San Juan Islands. The further from Seattle, the darker the skies.
Pack Warmly
You’ll likely be outside for hours in the middle of the night, so bundle up! Thermal underlayers, insulated pants, heavy jackets, hats, gloves, and thick socks are must-haves. Don’t forget a blanket, hand warmers, a chair, and snacks too.
All you need to know to see the Northern Lights. Step-by-step online course teaching you all you need to know. Designed for Beginners.
Check the Forecast
Monitor the aurora forecast for the next 3 to 27 days. When there’s a high chance of activity coinciding with clear skies, that’s your night to head out. The Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks issues forecasts you can check. Look for geomagnetic storm warnings indicating the Aurora may be visible further south.
Use a Camera
To capture the Northern Lights, use a camera with manual controls that can take long exposure photos. A DSLR is ideal, but newer mirrorless cameras and even some point-and-shoots will work. Use a wide-angle lens, open the aperture, bump up the ISO, and use exposure times of 5 to 30 seconds. A tripod is a must for stabilizing the camera.
Be Patient
Don’t expect to see vast, colorful displays like those further north. The Aurora over Seattle may appear as a faint green glow low on the horizon. Watch for subtle variations and flickering. As your eyes adjust to the dark, more details may emerge. Movement helps too, so scan the sky. With luck and persistence, you might spot the unmistakable shimmering curtains of the Aurora dancing on the horizon!
Seeing the Northern Lights from Seattle takes planning and patience but can be a magical experience. With the right conditions and in the darkest locations, the aurora borealis is within reach for Seattle skywatchers determined to catch a glimpse of nature’s greatest light show.
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Seeing the Northern Lights in Seattle during the summer months can be challenging but not impossible. The long daylight hours mean less opportunity for the night sky to darken enough for the Auroras to be visible. However, around the summer solstice in late June, Seattle experiences its longest day of the year with up to 16 hours of daylight.
Late Night and Early Morning
Your best chances are in the late evening after 11 pm when the sky is at its darkest, or in the early morning before dawn around 3 to 4 am. Even then, there needs to be sufficient solar activity and a clear night sky. Check the aurora forecasts and any alerts issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to see predictions of any geomagnetic storms that could produce visible Northern Lights.
Get Away from City Lights
Head out of the city to escape the light pollution. Some of the closest spots within an hour of Seattle include:
Baker Lake - A picturesque lake in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest with numerous viewpoints.
Deception Pass State Park - Gorgeous park with secluded beaches and hiking trails on two islands an hour north of Seattle.
Mt. Erie Park - A park atop a hill on Fidalgo Island with panoramic views of the San Juan Islands and North Cascades.
Even at these locations, your eyes will need at least 15 to 20 minutes to adjust to the darkness for the best chance of spotting the auroras on the horizon.
Patience is Key
Don't expect to see dramatic, colorful displays like those farther north. Seattle is at the southern edge of the auroral oval, so sightings tend to be more muted greenish glows closer to the horizon. Some nights you may only catch a faint, fleeting glimpse. But with patience and persistence, you stand a chance of witnessing the Northern Lights shimmer and dance across the summer sky.
All you need to know to see the Northern Lights. Step-by-step online course teaching you all you need to know. Designed for Beginners.
So there you have it, fellow Seattleites. While we may not always get the dramatic, dancing lights displays of our Alaskan neighbors, with the right conditions and in the right locations around the city, you absolutely can spot the Northern Lights right from our own backyards. By checking the forecasts, finding darker viewing spots away from the city lights, bundling up for potentially long and chilly waits, and exercising patience, you'll increase your chances of witnessing one of nature's most spectacular shows. The thrill of seeing those first green glows appear and start to sway and shimmer across the night sky will make all the effort worth it. So get out there this season, chase down those Auroras, and don't forget to glance up - the sky could be putting on a show for you.
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