Best time to see the aurora borealis

When to See the Northern Lights In North America

Here Are A Few Things You Should Know About Seeing The Northern Lights In Alaska

orange-taiga-tent-glow-under-northern-lights-flareDoes Alaska have the Aurora Borealis? If you are curious to know if you can see the Northern Lights in Alaska, when the best time to see the Northern Lights In Alaska is, or when the Northern Lights are most visible in Alaska then, read on! Alaska is one of the best places to see aurora borealis! The beautiful and colorful bands of light dance through the dark Alaska night skies. The most common color that appears is yellow-green, but there are also reds, blues, and even purples. Many people travel to see the Alaska aurora borealis. You can also find out when the Northern Lights occur in Alaska below, and when it is the best time to visit Alaska to see the Northern Lights.

Most people are surprised to find out that you do not need to travel outside of the United States to see the Northern Lights with a Northern Lights Alaska tour and that Alaska does have the Aurora Borealis. They are even more surprised to learn when the best time to see the aurora borealis in Alaska is! Though Norway’s aurora display is fantastic, the Northern Lights of Alaska are certainly a bucket list item for many of our travelers. Regardless of where you plan your Northern Lights viewing, there are a few things you need to know. For example, when can you see the Northern Lights in Alaska, when is the best time to visit Alaska to see the Northern Lights in Alaska, what is the best month to see the Northern Lights in Alaska, and what affects when you can see the Northern Lights when the Northern Lights are visible in Alaska and other scientific details about the aroura you should know before planning your trip.

When Are The Northern Lights Visible In Alaska?

What Part Of Alaska Can You See The Northern Lights And What Is The Best Time To See The Northern Lights In Alaska?
(When Can You See The Northern Lights In Alaska? What Is The Best Month To See The Northern Lights In Alaska? When Are The Northern Lights Visible In Alaska?)

You may wonder when it is the best time to visit Alaska to see the Northern Lights. Simply put, the best time to watch the aurora borealis in Alaska is during cold months. This time usually ranges from September to March. Areas near the magnetic north pole see the most brilliant displays, which become more intense as the temperature drops. Although the aurora technically occurs year-round, dark, cold night skies provide the best time to watch the northern lights in Alaska’s fall and winter months. You may ask yourself when are the northern lights in Alaska, and are the summer months the best time to spot them? If you are planning to witness a spectacular event, the summer months are not the best months to visit since the sky does not get dark enough. Making a trip to Fairbanks and the Aurora Oval can greatly increase your chances of seeing these lights cascade into the sky. Plan for 5 to 7-day trips to increase the chance of having clear enough skies to dedicate your time to locate them.

Northern Lights TravelThough we aren’t able to predict the solar activity that will cause the northern lights to appear, we have a few tips that help understand when the northern lights are going to show up and when they are most visible; including climate, time of year, and geographic location. All of these factors can influence when it is the best time to go to Alaska to see the Northern Lights and what part of Alaska you can see the Northern Lights.

Can you see the Aurora Borealis in Alaska? When can you see the Northern lights in Alaska? The northern lights actually take place 24 hours out of the day all year round. Being at the right place and time is key to viewing the northern lights. Viewing these mesmerizing hues of green, yellow, blue, pink, and violet are best on the shortest day of the year, which normally falls between December 20th and the 23rd, Fairbank’s has about 3 hours and 43 minutes of daylight making it another great time for when you can see Northern Lights in Alaska.

With that being said, the best time to see the northern lights in Alaska is hard to predict on a day-to-day or hour-by-hour instance, but if you want to know when the best time to see the northern lights in Alaska is, you are likely more concerned with the time of year, not the time of day. So, if you travel to Alaska from September -through- March then your chances of seeing the northern lights in Alaska are increased. In fact, the best time to see the Northern Lights in Alaska, as well as the best months to see the Northern Lights in Alaska, centers around the solar activity during the Equinoxes – the last two weeks of September and the second and third week of March.

Increase Your Chances Of Seeing The Northern Lights In Alaska

So when can you see the Northern Lights in Alaska and what part of Alaska can you see the Northern Lights? What can I do to increase my chances of seeing them? Low levels of precipitation as well as being positioned under the Auroral Oval are responsible for this phenomenon that dances so boldly in the night sky. So of course you want to witness it! There is no guarantee for sure if you are going to see the northern lights in Alaska. Many factors can play into seeing or not seeing these beautiful Alaskan northern lights. There could be clouds that can cover them or they just might not show up in the location you are in. Luckily there are a couple of ways that can increase your chances of viewing the northern lights of Alaska.

  1. Make sure to plan a 5-7 day trip and devote at least 3 nights searching for the northern lights.
  2. Venture to Fairbanks and the aurora oval. The major auroral band makes its way across the state in an arc that is north of the Alaska Range. This makes Fairbanks and near Alaska the best place for viewing the northern lights.

Remember, seeing Alaska’s northern lights is a natural phenomenon and there are no guarantees you will spot the lights. You can increase your chances if you follow common tips and be prepared. Capture the moment by taking long-exposure pictures to catch this awe-inspiring spectacle of Alaska’s northern lights.

Did You Know: The Solar Cycle Effects When You Can See The Northern Lights In Alaska

when are the northern lights in alaska When are the northern lights in Alaska? Between September and March.

Many travelers wonder are the Northern Lights visible in Alaska. The answer is yes! Alaska is great for viewing the Northern Lights. When do the Northern Lights occur in Alaska? If you’re trying to decide on the best time to see the northern lights in Alaska, when are the northern lights in Alaska, or the best month to see the northern lights in Alaska, take the year into consideration as well! Many travelers from all over make their way to Alaska to watch the lights dance throughout the dark skies. Many are asking, when are the Northern Lights in Alaska? The northern lights are caused by the sun’s charged particles reacting with particles in the earth’s atmosphere. The more solar activity, the more brilliant the displays will be and these brilliant displays mean you’ve managed to find the best time to see the Northern Lights in Alaska!

For a more scientific explanation, every 11 years, the sun goes through an activity cycle that peaks at the solar maximum (high activity) and solar minimum (low activity). When the sun reaches maximum activity (the last solar maximum happened in June 2014), the northern lights become their most bright and spectacular. There is a strong solar activity that generates a green glowing aurora over Alaska’s night sky. The green sky in Alaska puts on a stunning show that can last as long as four hours. These auroras happen when the sun throws off many charged particles that are known as coronal mass ejections in Earth’s direction. The particles’ interaction with Earth’s magnetic field causes molecules in the atmosphere to glow and displays light some of the colors create a green sky in Alaska. Typically, the aurora will be highly active for 2-3 years on both sides of the solar maximum. This means that the 2016-2017 season was the most stunning display of the aurora that we had seen in a long time and that the Northern Lights were highly visible in Alaska!

Tips To Plan Your Trip For The Best Time To See The Northern Lights In Alaska

When is the best time to go to Alaska and where can you see the Northern Lights in Alaska? When are the Northern Lights visible in Alaska? If you want to know when it is the best time to visit Alaska to see the Northern Lights in Alaska, and when the Northern Lights will be most visible, consider planning your trip to time up with a big solar storm, which makes it the best time to see the Northern Lights in Alaska. Big solar storms are usually forecast at least 15 days in advance, so you will be able to pinpoint the best time to see the Northern Lights in Alaska and determine when you can see the Aurora Borealis in Alaska! If you’re flexible about your travel dates, check the Northern Lights forecast around the September/March equinoxes and plan your Aurora trip for the days with the highest solar activity and best Northern Lights viewing opportunities. You’ll be very likely to enjoy an unforgettable show because this is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Alaska and when the Northern Lights occur in Alaska!

When Is The Best Time To Visit Alaska & When Can You See The Northern Lights In Alaska?

The best time to visit Alaska is between mid-June and mid-September. The warmer weather and long days make this a particularly pleasant time of year, with temperatures in the cool but comfortable range of 60 to 67°F. This is good news for those who want to view Alaska’s wildlife, including bears, sea otters, seals, and whales, and who want to see the auroras in the Alaskan sky! When can you see the northern lights and take a Northern Lights Alaska tour? If these displays of lights are reasons you want to take a trip to Alaska, when is the best time to visit Alaska? During the summer months, the temperatures can range from the 60s to the low 70s with 16-24 hours of daylight. The Northern lights are not visible for most of the summer due to the number of daylight hours Alaska has. If you want to see the dancing lights, visiting during the winter months will give you dark nights to view the Aurora lights.

Travelers who want to see the northern lights believe they have to travel to Canada or Northern Europe to watch the northern lights dance in the skies. Many are surprised to find out they can witness this phenomenon without having to leave the United States! This leaves the question, when can you see the northern lights in Alaska? Although it may be very cold in the winter with temperatures dropping below -30 degrees Fahrenheit, this is the best time to spot the colorful ribbons dancing in the dark skies.

Northern Lights Ecotour In Fairbanks, Alaska

Best time to see the northern lights in alaska

CHARTER PLANE ON THE NORTHERN LIGHTS EXTENSION

When is the best time to visit Alaska to see the aurora? Our guides have been in Alaska for 30+ years, and love sharing this experience with guests. They have a keen understanding of when it is the best time to watch the northern lights in Alaska, and when the Northern Lights will be visible in Alaska. As such, each Northern Lights Tour with Gondwana is timed to align with the aurora’s activity, ensuring that you are visiting Alaska during the best time to see the auroras. When the northern lights are out, a Gondwana guide will wake up guests so they can experience the magic! That truly is the best time to visit Alaska.

On the Northern Lights Ecotour, guests stay near Fairbanks, Alaska while chasing the aurora with guides who help determine the best time to see the Northern Lights in Alaska. This geographic location is great for viewing the northern lights in Fairbanks — roughly 180 miles south of the Arctic Circle. Though Fairbanks has Alaska’s biggest population, the city lights don’t impact the visibility of the night sky from our secluded lodge located on a private reserve outside of the city, in fact, Fairbanks is one of the world’s most popular destinations to watch the northern lights in Alaska. During the day, learn about local culture and explore Alaska’s natural wonders. At night, watch for the northern lights under a starry sky. Learn More About the Northern Lights Ecotour!

Fairbanks is incredibly famous for viewing the Northern Lights in Alaska. Since Fairbanks is located directly under the Auroral Oval, this is where the Northern Light’s activity is concentrated. So, when can you see the Northern Lights in Fairbanks, Alaska? Make sure to keep your eyes out for clear skies and many travelers chase these magnificent lights from 10 pm to 3 am. Pulling an all-nighter will greatly increase your chances of viewing the Aura Lights.

Fairbanks’ Aurora Season runs from August 21 to April 21 – one of the best times to watch the northern lights in Alaska because the Northern Lights are most visible! During this time with the Northern Lights Alaska tour, the aurora will be visible in Fairbanks an average of four out of five nights when the sky is clear and dark enough. Although the aurora is dancing in the skies year-round, we can only see it during the Aurora Season when the sky is dark enough. This is the best time to see the Aurora Borealis in Alaska or the best time to see the Northern Lights in Alaska.

Can You See The Northern Lights In Alaska In July?

Looking for the Northern Lights is always a game of chance because the universe needs to cooperate! Even the nights that are predicted to be good for viewing might not pan out, as the sky might cloud over at the last minute and discourage viewing. However, during the summer months (when the sun is out for 18-20 hours per day), you can pretty much give up on the Northern Lights for the season. Although it is possible that you can see the Northern Lights in Alaska in July, the viewing itself is elusive at best! It takes a particularly strong set of magnetic disturbances in the Earth’s atmosphere to create the conditions needed to produce an aurora display during Alaska’s long summer days. So when can you see the Northern Lights in Alaska? The real trick to seeing these colorful night lights is locating clear skies. Since forecasting the Northern Lights means predicting solar activity and that is pretty impossible with our currently available technology, finding dark and clear skies is key. The Northern Lights are most visible between late September and late April but the peak season is March. This has more to do with longer nights than attempting to predict solar activity so you can see the Aurora Borealis in Alaska.

Where To See Northern Lights In Alaska? Alaska’s Aurora Season Hot Spot

Of all the North American hot spots that are listed as prime locations for watching solar activity, Alaska is perhaps the finest. The state is enormous, with dramatic panoramas and expansive dark skies that showcase the Northern lights during Alaska’s aurora season, which runs from August 21 to April 21. While one area, in particular, does take top honors for spectacular viewing, it’s possible to witness auroras from nearly anywhere in Alaska. However, Fairbanks is one of the best places in the world to witness the phenomenon thanks to the area’s low levels of precipitation and position underneath the Auroral Oval — an atmospheric boundary around the Earth’s magnetic polar cap where auroral activity is particularly visible.

Travelers from all over the venture to the wild and rugged wilderness of Alaska to experience adventures that you just can’t have on the mainland, such as the ever-famous Alaska northern lights. If you were ever wondering what city in Alaska you can see the northern lights, introduce yourself to Fairbanks, Alaska. Not only does Fairbanks have snowmobiling, dog mushing, skiing, and snowboarding, but it also has the colorful lights of the dark night sky, the northern lights. Tourists from all over the world travel here between August and April, when there is not much daylight and the Alaskan night sky is dark.

Beyond Fairbanks, there are parts of Alaska that are incredibly remote – a true wilderness relatively untouched by modern life. Enter Bettles, Alaska. With a population of 12, the pristine tundra is an unparalleled backdrop to the northern lights. After experiencing the culture and liveliness of Fairbanks, Bettles offers an interesting contrast to how many Alaskans live in rural communities. Learn More About the Arctic Circle Extension!

 

What Colors Are The Northern Lights In Alaska?

Similar to the aurora in other parts of the world, when you see the northern lights display a colorful sky in Alaska, you will typically witness an array of swirling green, white, and teal hues. When the Alaskan northern lights are more intense, then purple and magenta edges may be more visible. A big question that visitors have when traveling to Alaska is “When and where can I spot the northern lights that make the sky in Alaska so colorful and hypnotizing?” Well, trying to figure out the aurora borealis forecast in Alaska could be as simple as going as far north as you can and watching the sky at night. But, you might want to check the weather before wondering about the Alaskan terrain as it can become unsympathetically cold. Make sure that there are no clouds, you will not be able to see the spectacular lights and colorful sky through thick clouds. These lights occur during cold snaps with high pressure cleansing the atmosphere of clouds. Traveling to this great and rugged state and watching the green sky in Alaska is the perfect bucket list experience.

What Affects When You Can See The Northern Lights In Alaska?

When can you see the Northern Lights in Alaska and when are the Northern Lights in Alaska? A lot of travelers come to Alaska to witness this natural phenomenon dazzle the night skies of Alaska. If this is your reasoning for traveling to this great wild state and wondering about the Alaska terrain you may be wondering when are the Northern Lights in Alaska. The good news is that if you are going to see the aurora in Fairbanks, Alaska, then you have a 90% chance of seeing the northern lights if you visit between late August and late April. That’s six months of Alaska aurora season viewing! That’s the best time to visit Alaska if you want to see the Northern Lights. To be clear about when it is the best time to see the northern lights in Alaska, you should understand a few things:

  • The time of day affects when you can see the Alaskan northern lights
  • The season affects when you can see the Alaskan northern lights
  • The time of year affects when you can see the Alaskan northern lights

Being so far north makes the northern lights in Alaska one of the best places to view them. Witnessing these magical Alaskan northern lights display a green sky in Alaska, Fairbanks is possible and is an ideal location because it is under a ring-shaped zone called the Auroral Oval. The Auroral Oval is where aurora activity is concentrated, bringing the lights of green, teal, and white to life in the dark Alaskan sky. With Fairbanks being called the capital of northern lights viewing, many would agree that Fairbanks is where to go for the northern lights in Alaska. Travel to Alaska and witness the Aurora season in Fairbanks! Fairbanks, Alaska has the perfect viewing spaces for watching the northern lights. Not only are you able to watch the lights dance across the night sky but you can do it while enjoying Alaskan activities.

What Are Some Other Great Places To Trek To See The Northern Lights In Alaska?

Alaska has some very rural communities that are not the easiest to reach to watch Alaska’s northern lights. There are more than 200 cities in Alaska that do not possess roads that connect them. Making some cities only accessible by plane, ATV, hiking, or dogsled. All the trouble is worth it! Venturing to these remote areas provides some of the best viewing conditions for the Northern Lights since there are no artificial lights to compete with. One of these cities is Nome. Nome is located on the western coast and is known as where the famed Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race ends. When can you see the Northern Lights in Alaska in Nome? The most opportune time to see the Northern Lights in Alaska is between September and April, even though the lights dance in the skies all year round, it is only dark enough in early fall to early spring. If you are planning on traveling farther north in Alaska some areas and locations to consider visiting are Coldfoot, Wiseman, Utqiagvik (Barrow), as well as Prudhoe Bay/Deadhorse are great areas to gaze at these spectacular lights. Many can agree that one of the most beautiful scenes to witness is the swirls of green, blue, yellow, and sometimes pink that paint the dark Alaskan sky. You may be surprised to find out that Alaska is the only place in North America where the northern lights happen every day. When traveling to Alaska many wonder where to see the northern lights in Alaska. There is Anchorage and the surrounding area provides great viewing opportunities for Alaskan northern lights. Fairbanks, Alaska offers travelers the most spectacular chance to see the northern lights.

Travel With Us For The Best Time To See The Northern Lights In Alaska

So, when is the best time to visit Alaska to see the Northern Lights? When are the Northern Lights visible in Alaska? When can you see the Northern Lights in Fairbanks, Alaska? When is the Alaska aurora season? A very popular question many travelers have is does Alaska have northern lights? How often do the Northern lights happen? The answer is yes. Alaska has the most mesmerizing waves of color that dance across the sky. Many say that Alaska is one of the best places on Earth to witness the northern lights. Some other great areas to see the northern lights are Canada, Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Iceland. Book a trip with us today and you will be sure it falls during the best time to see the Northern Lights in Alaska, during Alaska’s aurora season! Aurora season is definitely the best time to go to Alaska! If you are wondering when is the best month to see the aurora borealis it is in spring and fall. The spring and fall provide more stable weather conditions. During November through February, the great Alaskan wilderness offers darker skies and much longer evenings for maximum chances to see the Northern Lights. It has been noted that the strongest lights appear between 9 pm and 2 am. Why can you see the northern lights in Alaska? Many travelers are mesmerized by the magical lights in the dark Alaskan sky, but what are the northern lights? These lights are also called the aurora borealis and they happen about 60 or 70 miles up in the sky. So why can you see the northern lights in Alaska? They are electrically charged particles that travel through the earth’s magnetosphere and collide with gasses creating energy in the form of light, thus creating the famous Alaska northern lights.

Did you know that Alaska is one of the best places in the world to view the northern lights? Northern lights in Alaska can be a magical and unforgettable experience. To increase your chances of witnessing the Northern Light in Alaska, the most recommended time to visit is during the winter months when the nights are longer and darker. When you factor in the right timing at the right location and conditions, you have a good chance of seeing one of the most stunning and mesmerizing natural light shows on Earth. When travelers ask, “Does Alaska have northern lights?” or “What are the lights in Alaska called?” many of them are surprised to find out that the northern lights do in fact occur in Alaska. Fairbanks, Alaska is an extremely popular location for the northern lights since it is located under the Auroral Oval. The Auroral Oval is a ring-shaped which is positioned far north where these mysterious aurora lights activity is concentrated. Make sure to dress with layers for Alaska northern lights viewing! Since you will more than likely venture into the cold Alaskan night searching for the northern lights, make sure that you are dressed warmly and well-equipped with layers. Anything that is synthetic, wool, or fleece would be sure to keep you warm. Some are surprised that you can see the aurora borealis in Alaska and some are surprised that the aurora borealis and the northern lights are the same thing. Not only can you see the aurora borealis in Alaska but this celestial phenomenon has been named the Holy Grail of skywatching. The best place to watch the aurora borealis is in the auroral zone and far away from the city lights will maximize your ability to catch them. Plan your trip to catch these mystical Alaska northern lights in action! Book your trip during the best time for the Northern Lights in Alaska!

Learn about Alaska’s landscapes! Alaska’s Exit Glacier, located in Kenai Fjords National Park, is one of its most iconic and accessible glaciers, offering visitors a firsthand glimpse into the dynamic world of glacial landscapes. As one of the few glaciers in the world accessible by road, it provides an unparalleled opportunity for travelers to witness the impacts of climate change up close. Named for its location at the exit of the Harding Icefield, Exit Glacier has been retreating dramatically in recent years, serving as a stark reminder of the rapid changes occurring in the Earth’s polar regions. Despite its retreat, Exit Glacier remains a captivating destination for adventurers and nature enthusiasts, showcasing the power and fragility of Alaska’s glacial ecosystems.

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