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Aurora Borealis In Alaska: Locations To See The Sky Dance

Alaska offers some of the best opportunities to see the aurora borealis. From September to April, the northern lights light up the dark skies. They swirl and dance in vibrant colors, creating a mesmerizing display. It’s a sight that captivates viewers with its ethereal beauty. 

The long nights in winter provide ideal conditions for spotting this natural light show. High solar storms have recently made it possible to view the aurora further south, so why visit Alaska in winter?

In winter, Alaska’s landscapes are blanketed in snow, reflecting the aurora’s glow. This creates a breathtaking contrast between the dark sky and the illuminated snow. Snow-covered trees, frozen lakes, and white-capped mountains all enhance the scene.

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Staying at least three nights in Alaska almost guarantees a sighting. The state’s cold air provides clearer skies, intensifying the purple, green, and red hues. Aurora chasing in the lower states is rare, even with a high forecast.

We’ve explored the top locations across Alaska for aurora viewing. From the interior city of Fairbanks to remote lodges in the Arctic, there are excellent options for every type of traveler.

Understanding The Aurora Borealis

The northern lights create a colorful display in the night sky of Alaska. Its colorful displays are caused by complex interactions between the sun and Earth’s magnetic field.

Science Behind The Northern Lights

The aurora begins with solar wind-charged particles ejected from the sun. These particles travel through space and collide with Earth’s atmosphere gases. The collisions excite atoms and molecules, causing them to release energy as light.

Different gases produce different colors. Oxygen produces light in green and red, whereas nitrogen generates shades of blue and purple. The aurora’s distinctive curtain-like shape forms along Earth’s magnetic field lines.

Green is more common and occurs at a lower altitude. Red is less common and appears at higher altitudes (above 150 miles), often seen during stronger solar storms.

Earth’s magnetic poles concentrate the aurora, making it visible in high-latitude regions like Alaska. The strength of solar activity determines the intensity and reach of the northern lights.

Aurora Borealis at Chena Lakes, Fairbanks
Aurora Borealis at Chena Lakes, Fairbanks

Best Times to View the Aurora

In Alaska, the aurora season runs from September to mid-April. This period offers the darkest skies, essential for optimal viewing. October and March are particularly favorable, balancing darkness and milder weather.

The aurora is best viewed when there’s little to no precipitation, so March and April are ideal months. The best viewing hours are typically between 10 PM and 2 AM. Clear, cold nights away from city lights provide perfect conditions.

It’s good to check the northern lights forecast before heading out for a night of aurora chasing.

Top Viewing Locations

Alaska offers several exceptional locations for witnessing the mesmerizing aurora borealis. The state’s northern latitude and vast wilderness create ideal conditions for viewing this natural light show.

Renting a car from Anchorage or Fairbanks International Airport is a popular option for aurora chasers. Choose a vehicle with four-wheel drive and winter tires. Familiarize yourself with winter driving techniques and carry an emergency kit.

Alaska's aurora blue and green hues
Alaska’s aurora blue and green hues

Guided tours offer convenience and local expertise. Tour operators provide nightly or multi-day aurora viewing excursions, allowing someone else to do the driving. They travel to prime viewing spots and often include other activities.

Head to the following areas for the best aurora action in Alaska.

Fairbanks And The Interior

Fairbanks is widely regarded as a premier place to see the northern lights in Alaska. Its location under the “auroral oval” provides frequent and vibrant displays. While Fairbanks activities are plentiful in summer, a winter visit offer contrasting adventures.

We recommend staying at least three to four nights to increase your chances of clear skies. Extending your stay to one week allows for other activities like dog sledding, a snow mobile adventure, ice fishing, and sledding.

The Chena Hot Springs Resort, about 60 miles northeast of Fairbanks, offers a unique aurora viewing experience. Visitors can soak in the warm springs while watching the lights dance overhead.

For a more remote option, consider the Borealis Basecamp. This collection of glass-domed igloos provides a cozy spot to watch the aurora from the comfort of your bed.

Selfie at the Fairbanks Ice Museum
Visiting the Ice Museum in Fairbanks

In Fairbanks, you can enhance your visit by watching the aurora show at the Ice Museum. The Chena Hot Springs offers a similar experience at their ice museum and an opportunity to order an apple martini at the ice bar.

Since Fairbanks is considered the aurora capital of Alaska, you’ll find many operators offering tours. Joining a guided tour can increase your chances of seeing the aurora. Tour guides may also give tips on capturing images. Many tour operators provide multi-night packages that include:

  • Transportation to prime viewing locations.
  • Heated shelters or vehicles.
  • Photography assistance.
  • Information about the science and legends of the northern lights.

Popular tour companies include Aurora Borealis Lodge, Northern Alaska Tour Company, and Salmon Berry Tours. Some tours combine aurora viewing with other winter activities like dog sledding, ice fishing, or visiting the ice museum.

Others, like the Fairbanks Aurora Tours, focus on photography and even provide camera equipment for a small fee. Their small-group excursions offer a more intimate experience.

Ready to book your Aurora adventure?

Denali National Park

Denali National Park’s vast, dark skies make it an excellent location for aurora viewing. The park’s northern latitude and minimal light pollution create ideal conditions.

Moose in Denali in September
Moose we saw in Denali in September

When visiting in September, moose are participating in the fall rut. As males round up their harem of females, it’s a chance to see groups rather than solitary animals. September offers spectacular autumn colors, too.

We suggest staying at one of the lodges in nearby Healy, which are open year-round. You can drive to Healy or take the Aurora Winter Train. Check the train’s schedule because the trains don’t run daily during the winter.

Anchorage And Vicinity

Some prefer to fly to Anchorage because its international airport offers more airline and flight options. While Anchorage’s city lights can interfere with aurora visibility, several nearby locations provide excellent viewing opportunities.

The Glen Alps Trailhead in Chugach State Park provides a panoramic view of the city and the night sky. Eklutna Lake is another prime spot about an hour north of Anchorage. Its dark skies and reflective water surface create stunning aurora displays.

For a unique experience, consider an ATV northern lights tour. The three-hour excursions in Hatcher Pass use enclosed heated utility task vehicles (UTVs), adding an element of coziness to the ride.

Our Alyeska Resort Hotel room
Our Alyeska Resort Hotel room

Girdwood, one hour south of Anchorage, is another option. Staying at the Alyeska Resort Hotel allows you to combine skiing or snowboarding with an aurora experience. The ski resort offers wakeup calls when the northern lights appear.

Its aerial tram offers mountaintop viewing with little light pollution. The adjacent Alyeska Nordic Spa allows for aurora viewing from a hot tub.

Remote Northern Locations

Alaska’s remote northern locations offer some of the most spectacular aurora viewing experiences. Utqiagvik (formerly Barrow), the northernmost city in the U.S., provides almost constant darkness in winter, ideal for aurora spotting.

Alternatively, a guided tour includes the Arctic Circle and aurora viewing. This shared excursion travels the Elliott Hwy to the Arctic Circle sign. The route is bumpy, but there are multiple stops for bathroom breaks, Yukon River views, and a dinner break.

On the Bering Sea coast, Nome offers unique opportunities to see the lights reflected over the ocean. We recommend staying at least a week due to its often cloudy weather.

For a truly off-the-beaten-path experience, consider visiting Coldfoot Camp in the Brooks Range. This former truck stop turned aurora-viewing destination sits directly under the auroral oval.

Aurora Borealis in Alaska
Aurora Borealis in Alaska

These remote locations require more planning to reach them. Due to fewer transportation options, expect to pay much more.

Can You See The Northern Lights On A Cruise?

Alaska cruise season starts in late April and runs to early October. While these are the months that experience warmer weather and more daylight, there’s a chance to see the aurora in Alaska on a late-season cruise.

Cruise passengers have seen them in September and October, providing the conditions are right. Since cruise ships sail in areas with little light pollution, viewing the aurora is possible, although it is not guaranteed.

Planning Your Aurora Trip

Proper preparation is crucial for a successful Northern Lights viewing experience. Start by choosing the right accommodation in Alaska. Then, joining guided tours and having the right photography equipment can significantly enhance an aurora adventure.

Accommodations And Lodges

When selecting lodging for aurora viewing, choose places away from city lights. Many Fairbanks and Chena Hot Springs lodges offer “aurora wakeup calls” to alert guests when the lights appear.

Dancing lights in Alaska's skies
Dancing lights in Alaska’s skies

Some top options include:

  • Chena Hot Springs Resort: Offers heated yurts and an aurora-viewing ice museum.
  • Aurora Borealis Lodge is 20 miles north of Fairbanks and offers two types of accommodation, both with large north-facing windows for aurora viewing.
  • Borealis Basecamp: Features clear-roofed igloos for in-bed aurora watching. Packages include dog sledding, a snow machining tour, and transportation from and to Fairbanks.
  • Aurora Villa: Private cabins with large north-facing windows.

Look for amenities like outdoor hot tubs or heated viewing areas to stay comfortable during long nights of sky-watching. Hotels with north-facing rooms and large windows are preferred.

Photographing The Northern Lights

To capture the aurora, take more than just a smartphone. We recommend a DSLR camera with manual settings and a sturdy tripod. Extra batteries are essential since cold temperatures drain them quickly.

Experiment with different exposures to capture the dynamic movement of the lights. Bring hand warmers to ensure that your camera and batteries continue functioning in sub-zero temperatures.

Without a DSLR camera, taking photos on a smartphone is possible, although won’t be as impressive as using a digital camera. Use the “night mode” which will bring out the colors of the aurora.

Aurora borealis photo taken with a smartphone
Aurora Borealis photo taken with a smartphone

Choosing a great setting, such as water for reflections or a log cabin for contrast, can add to the overall shot. Viewing the aurora requires patience. The colors and patterns can change quickly. A slow shutter speed can capture what the eye can’t see.

Travel Tips

Proper preparation is crucial for a successful aurora-viewing trip to Alaska. Due to cold conditions, you must wear appropriate clothing and be prepared to spend time outdoors on frigid nights.

Weather And Clothing

Alaska’s winter temperatures can plummet well below freezing. The average temperatures in Fairbanks, Alaska between November and March range from 0°F to -30°F (-18°C to -35°C). Since water freezes, carry something hot in a thermos instead.

Layering is essential. Start with thermal underwear, add insulating layers like fleece or wool, and top with a windproof and waterproof outer layer. Don’t forget warm socks, insulated boots, gloves, and a hat.

Hand warmers and foot warmers provide extra comfort during long nights outdoors. Of the three brands we tried, we preferred “Hot Hands” because they offered the most warmth, were larger, and lasted the longest.

Is Aurora Chasing A Thing?

Aurora chasing is a popular activity. Seeing the lights at least once is on many people’s bucket lists. Travelers time their trips to the Arctic, Iceland, and Alaska, hoping to see the dancing colors.

Even if you’ve seen them back home, after witnessing them in Alaska for the first time, you’ll agree that enduring the cold was worthwhile.

Colors of the Aurora Borealis in the skies of Alaska

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