When is the best time to see the northern lights in Alaska?

The best time to see the northern lights in Alaska is this winter, as the sun's 11-year peak in activity has led to a spike in solar events that trigger more frequent and intense auroral displays.

Where can I see the northern lights in Alaska?

The prime spot for aurora hunting in Alaska is Fairbanks, which offers guided tours and specialized accommodations like the Borealis Basecamp. Other top locations include the town of Wiseman and Denali National Park.

What causes the northern lights in Alaska?

The northern lights, or aurora borealis, are caused by charged particles from the sun, carried by solar wind, that excite gases in the Earth's atmosphere. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced in Alaska due to its location within the auroral oval.

Home / Lifestyle / Alaskan Skies Ablaze: The Best Time to Witness the Northern Lights

Alaskan Skies Ablaze: The Best Time to Witness the Northern Lights

5 Nov

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Summary

Alaska's aurora season peaks this winter due to increased solar activity
Fairbanks is the prime spot for aurora hunting, with guided tours and aurora-viewing accommodations
Wiseman and Denali National Park also offer excellent opportunities to see the northern lights

Alaskan Skies Ablaze: The Best Time to Witness the Northern Lights

As of November 5th, 2025, Alaska is experiencing the best time in years to witness the breathtaking northern lights. The state's location within the auroral oval, a region of high geomagnetic activity above the Earth's North Pole, means that the green and violet ribbons of the aurora borealis can be seen with increasing frequency and intensity.

This is due to the sun's roughly 11-year peak in activity, which has led to a spike in solar events like coronal mass ejections and high-speed solar wind streams. These phenomena trigger geomagnetic storms, resulting in the dynamic, colorful auroral displays that delight travelers.

Fairbanks, the hub of aurora hunting in Alaska, is the prime destination for those seeking to witness this celestial show. The city offers a range of guided tours and specialized accommodations, such as the Borealis Basecamp's sky-view igloos and cabins, that allow visitors to maximize their chances of seeing the northern lights. Further north, the small town of Wiseman and Denali National Park also provide excellent vantage points, with the added bonus of stunning natural backdrops.

While Alaska's aurora season technically runs from late August to April, March is considered an especially optimal month, as the spring equinox tends to spark above-average geomagnetic activity. However, the best shows often occur in the early morning hours, between 1 and 3 a.m., so visitors should be prepared to stay up late to catch the full spectacle.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.