WELCOME TO
VIEWING LOCATIONS
ALASKA
ALASKA'S COMPLETE AURORA VIEWING GUIDE

ABOUT VIEW DASHBOARD CONTACT

Expert Location Guide

Alaska offers world-class Northern Lights viewing opportunities across its vast landscape. From the Interior to the Arctic Circle, each region provides unique viewing experiences with varying accessibility, amenities, and aurora visibility characteristics.

Whether you're seeking easily accessible locations near major cities or remote wilderness spots for the ultimate aurora experience, Alaska has viewing locations to match every preference and skill level. Understanding location-specific factors like light pollution, elevation, and weather patterns will help you choose the perfect spot.

VIEW INTERACTIVE MAP

Top Alaska Viewing Regions

Interior Alaska (Fairbanks)

Best overall viewing with 240+ aurora nights per year. Clear skies, minimal light pollution, and excellent accessibility.

Arctic Circle

Remote locations like Coldfoot and Prudhoe Bay offer pristine dark skies and frequent aurora displays, even at low Kp values.

South Central (Anchorage)

Requires higher Kp values (4-5+) but offers accessible viewing locations within driving distance of the city.

Alaska's Premier Aurora Viewing Regions

Interior Alaska

The crown jewel of aurora viewing. Fairbanks and surrounding areas sit directly under the aurora oval, offering the highest probability of sightings in North America.

  • • 240+ aurora nights per year
  • • Visible at Kp 0-1 (very low activity)
  • • Minimal light pollution
  • • Excellent road accessibility

Top Locations:

Fairbanks North Pole Denali Delta Junction

Arctic Circle

Remote wilderness locations offering pristine dark skies and frequent aurora displays. Perfect for those seeking the ultimate aurora experience away from civilization.

  • • Pristine dark skies
  • • Visible even at very low Kp values
  • • Remote, requires planning
  • • Best for experienced travelers

Notable Areas:

Coldfoot, Prudhoe Bay, Dalton Highway viewpoints, Arctic Circle sign

South Central

Accessible viewing opportunities near Anchorage and surrounding communities. Requires higher Kp values but offers convenience for visitors based in the region.

  • • Requires Kp 4-5+ typically
  • • Easy access from Anchorage
  • • More light pollution challenges
  • • Best during strong geomagnetic storms

Top Locations:

Anchorage Homer Seward

Optimal Viewing Times

Timing is crucial for successful aurora viewing. Understanding seasonal patterns, daily timing, and space weather conditions will significantly improve your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights.

Seasonal Timing

  • • September - March: Peak viewing season with longest dark nights
  • • December - February: Maximum darkness, but coldest temperatures
  • • March - April: Warmer weather, still excellent viewing
  • • August - September: Early season with moderate temperatures

Daily Timing

  • • 10 PM - 2 AM: Prime viewing window (local time)
  • • Midnight: Typically peak activity period
  • • Clear, moonless nights: Best visibility conditions
  • • Check forecasts: Monitor Kp index and cloud cover

Space Weather Factors

Kp Index Guide

  • Kp 0-2: Visible in Interior/Arctic (Fairbanks area)
  • Kp 3-4: Visible across most of Alaska
  • Kp 5-6: Strong displays, visible in South Central
  • Kp 7+: Major geomagnetic storm, visible across entire state

Solar Activity

Monitor solar wind speed, Bz component (negative values favorable), and solar flux. Active periods following coronal mass ejections often produce spectacular displays.

Weather Considerations

  • • Clear skies are essential - check cloud cover forecasts
  • • Low humidity reduces atmospheric interference
  • • Stable weather patterns are more reliable
  • • Wind can create challenging viewing conditions
Check Current Conditions

Essential Equipment & Photography Tips

Essential Gear

  • 1.
    Warm Clothing: Layer with thermal base, insulating mid-layer, and windproof outer shell. Temperatures can drop to -40°F or lower.
  • 2.
    Hand & Foot Warmers: Chemical warmers provide hours of heat. Bring extras.
  • 3.
    Headlamp with Red Light: Preserves night vision. Red light mode is essential.
  • 4.
    Hot Beverages: Thermos with hot coffee, tea, or cocoa helps maintain body temperature.
  • 5.
    Emergency Kit: First aid, extra batteries, emergency blanket, and communication device.

Photography Equipment

  • 1.
    DSLR or Mirrorless Camera: Full-frame preferred, but crop sensors work well.
  • 2.
    Wide-Angle Lens: 14-24mm recommended for capturing expansive aurora displays.
  • 3.
    Sturdy Tripod: Essential for long exposures. Consider leg warmers to prevent freezing.
  • 4.
    Remote Shutter Release: Prevents camera shake and allows longer exposures.
  • 5.
    Extra Batteries: Cold drains batteries quickly. Keep spares in warm pocket.

Photography Settings Guide

Camera Settings

  • ISO: 1600-3200 (adjust based on aurora brightness)
  • Aperture: f/2.8 or wider (f/1.4-2.8 ideal)
  • Shutter Speed: 5-25 seconds (shorter for active displays)
  • Focus: Manual focus to infinity, then back slightly
  • White Balance: Daylight or Auto (adjust in post)

Composition Tips

  • Include interesting foreground elements
  • Frame with trees, mountains, or structures
  • Use rule of thirds for aurora placement
  • Capture reflections in water when possible
  • Shoot in RAW format for maximum flexibility

Advanced Techniques

  • Bracket exposures for HDR processing
  • Time-lapse sequences for aurora movement
  • Stack multiple exposures for noise reduction
  • Use intervalometer for extended sequences
  • Consider star trails in combination shots

Safety & Planning

Alaska's wilderness demands respect and preparation. Proper planning ensures not only your safety but also maximizes your aurora viewing experience.

Pre-Trip Planning

  • • Check road conditions and weather forecasts before departure
  • • Inform someone of your travel plans and expected return time
  • • Verify vehicle is winter-ready (tires, battery, fluids)
  • • Pack emergency supplies: food, water, blankets, tools
  • • Carry communication device (satellite messenger recommended for remote areas)

On-Site Safety

  • • Park safely off roadways with hazard lights if needed
  • • Be aware of wildlife - carry bear spray in bear country
  • • Watch for ice on trails and viewing areas
  • • Stay warm - hypothermia can set in quickly in extreme cold
  • • Never venture onto frozen water bodies without local knowledge

Location Selection Tips

  • •
    Dark Sky Locations: Choose spots at least 20-30 miles from major cities to minimize light pollution.
  • •
    Northern Horizon: Ensure clear, unobstructed view to the north where aurora typically appears.
  • •
    Elevation: Higher elevation spots often provide better visibility and less atmospheric interference.
  • •
    Accessibility: Consider your comfort level with remote locations and road conditions.

Accessibility Considerations

Easy Access Locations

Many prime viewing spots are accessible by standard vehicles year-round:

  • • Cleary Summit (Fairbanks area)
  • • Murphy Dome (Fairbanks area)
  • • Chena Hot Springs Road pullouts
  • • Designated viewing areas near major cities

Remote Locations

Some locations require additional preparation:

  • • 4WD vehicle recommended for winter access
  • • Guided tours available for remote areas
  • • Check with local authorities for road conditions
  • • Consider staying at lodges near viewing areas

Emergency Contacts

  • Alaska State Troopers: 911 or (907) 451-5100
  • Road Conditions: 511 or visit 511.alaska.gov
  • Weather: National Weather Service Alaska Region
  • Aurora Forecasts: Check our dashboard for real-time conditions

Explore Specific Locations

Fairbanks

The aurora capital of North America with 240+ viewing nights annually.

View Details →

Anchorage

Accessible viewing opportunities near Alaska's largest city.

View Details →

Denali

Spectacular mountain backdrop with pristine dark skies.

View Details →

Interactive Map

Explore all viewing locations across Alaska on our interactive map.

View Map →
VIEW LIVE DASHBOARD