Explore the perfect time to witness the breathtaking Northern Lights in Alaska! Read about the science behind this natural phenomenon and find the perfect viewing spots.
Alaska is one of the top destinations in the world to see the northern lights, also called the aurora borealis. These beautiful, colorful lights move and mix across the night sky. People from all around the globe visit Alaska to see this wonderful natural show. During their travels to Alaska, guests also enjoy other winter activities, such as riding snowmobiles, dog sledding, skiing, and following exciting festivals and sports events.
The best time to see the northern lights in Alaska is between late August and late April, with the peak month being March. This period is ideal, not so much because of solar activity but due to the long, dark nights that last.
The auroras are incredibly deep around the equinoxes in September and March. This is because, during these times, the tilt of the Earth aligns so that its magnetic field and the solar wind synchronize perfectly. Additionally, the likelihood of clear skies is higher in the spring, making March an optimal time for observing the northern lights.
For the best viewing experience, seek out locations with dark, clear skies and start watching from dusk. The northern lights or rays can appear at any time, but they are most usually seen around midnight, plus or minus an hour, according to the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, which monitors aurora activity.
To see the northern lights, you should target areas with latitudes between 65°N and 70°N. Located approximately 198 miles south of the Arctic Circle, Fairbanks gives occasional glimpses of the aurora borealis. However, it’s better not to visit the southern regions such as Anchorage or Juneau because these places don’t reveal the lights at all.
If you are serious to see the northern lights, then take Cruises to Alaska to visit small northern towns like Coldfoot in Yukon Territory or even as far north as Prudhoe Bay and Utqiagvik. As expected, the climate in Arctic Alaska is very harsh especially during the winter season and the temperatures can drop to as low as 30 degrees below zero. Here, you will find the list of the best places to watch the northern lights.
Called the ‘aurora capital of the world,’ the gold rush town of Fairbanks, positioned just below the Arctic Circle, can regularly experience the aurora. The reason why it is popular is that it is easily accessible, has daily flights, and a variety of places to stay. Cleary Summit is another easy access point with parking and a good view of the horizon in the vicinity.
Other recommended locations by the Geophysical Institute are Haystack Mountain, Ester, Wickersham and Murphy Domes. The reflections of the water are preferred at Chena Lake Recreation Area and at Chena Hot Springs Resort, one can see the aurora in an outdoor hot tub. In the daytime, you could also go cross-country skiing or ice fishing in the region.
Also Check: Things To Do On An Alaska Cruise
This is a small Arctic village which was once a gold mining camp and now a rest stop for the drivers of the Dalton Highway trucks at 67° N latitude. It is a good spot for the northern lights; the Coldfoot Camp in the Brooks Mountain Range truly near Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve. It is a popular destination for tours to visit and watch the aurora and the nearby town of Wiseman. Another great luxury lodging is the Iniakuk Lake Wilderness Lodge that can be reached only by airplane.
Sited at 71° N latitude at the northernmost of Alaska, the small town of Utqiagvik (previously Barrow) has the Top of the World Hotel which offers cultural tourism and related tour, and adventure packages associated with the Iñupiat Indigenous peoples of Alaska. The Iñupiat Heritage Center is also available for visitors to view and learn the Iñupiat way of life including bowhead whale hunting. This northern outpost is served by Alaska Airlines from Anchorage.
Being the largest protected area in the United States, it covers 13. 2 million acres, this national park offers an excellent chance to enjoy the wilderness. The Ultima Thule Lodge can host up to 14 people at a time and the activities that the guests can participate in include glacier trekking, rafting and waiting for the northern lights to come out.
So, what exactly are the northern lights? The northern lights, or aurora borealis, are a natural light display that occurs about 60 to 70 miles above the Earth's surface—about ten times higher than the altitude at which jet airplanes fly—and can stretch hundreds of miles into space. This beautiful phenomenon happens when electrically charged particles from the sun travel through the Earth's magnetic field and collide with gases in the atmosphere, releasing energy in the form of light.
The intensity of these lights can change depending on solar flares, which affect the activity within the Auroral Oval—a ring-like area around the geomagnetic north where the northern lights are most seen. The most typical color is a vivid green, but the aurora borealis can also create stunning displays of red and purple hues.
A cruise to see the Northern Lights in Alaska offers a truly magical experience that combines adventure, natural beauty, and the chance to see one of the world's most mesmerizing natural phenomena. As you sail through Alaska's pristine waters, you'll have the special opportunity to see the aurora borealis dancing across the night sky, throwing vibrant colors over snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and vast, untouched landscapes.
From cozy evenings on deck to guided tours in charming coastal towns, a Northern Lights cruise promises both relaxation and excitement. It's a journey that combines the thrill of exploration with the comfort of a cruise, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
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