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In fact, Alaska is the only place in the United States where the Northern Lights are an everyday occurrence. Which means, we get asked about them all of the time. First, people want to know, “Are there Southern Lights?” and secondly, they want to know the best places to see them. The answer to the first question is yes, there are in fact Southern Lights, better known as aurora australis.
The answer to the second question? Of course we know all the best spots in Alaska to check out the Northern Lights. Following is a list of our favorite places to peer up at the beauty of solar flares dancing across the night sky.
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Anchorage and Surroundings
Though not positioned as far north as Fairbanks, Anchorage also offers some great opportunities for Northern Lights viewing. You will generally be able to spot them a bit lower on the horizon. Though you might be able to see something of the aurora borealis after sunset in the city, the dense population and light pollution make it a lot more difficult. Again, you’ll want to head away from those city lights.
See AlsoHow to chase the AuroraAurora hunters: The people who chase the Northern LightsHow to See the Northern Lights in AlaskaAurora Borealis Season | Explore Fairbanks, AlaskaAs far as how to venture out of the city for a viewing, there are plenty of great options. If you’re the do-it-yourself type, a great option is Nancy Lake State Recreation Area. Many locals rave about the views from Flattop Overlook. You can also venture into the Glenn Alps for a chance at some spectacular borealis action.
Finally, you could always book a day-tour up to Fairbanks. You’ll get to see some of the countryside, have a better chance of glimpsing the lights, and also get the benefit of a tour guide who will have the best idea of where to find a cloudless evening sky.
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The Sparkling City of Fairbanks
Many people consider Fairbanks the single best place for viewing the Northern Lights in Alaska. Located directly beneath the oval of the Northern Lights, the northerly location of Fairbanks means that aurora borealis hunters don’t have to venture too far away from the city in order to spot the lights. To get the best view, you’ll want to drive away from the ambient lights of the city.
Wait for a cloudless night and make certain you check in with the Geophysical Institute’s website to see how active the northern lights will be. Once you’re away from the city, the landscape darkens quickly. Be cautious, of course, since the winter temperatures here can be dangerously cold. Make certain you bundle up and stay on roads that have been cleared of snow. You might also consider pairing your Northern Lights viewing with a trip to one of the hot water spring pools outlying the city.
If you have access to a 4-wheel drive, you can venture further into the back country and try either Ester or Murphy Dome.
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Staying at Denali
Because of its solitude, 6+ million acres, and lack of light pollution, Denali National Park is an amazing destination for outstanding Northern Lights views. Denali Viewpoint South off of the Parks Highway offers you a great chance to view the Mt. McKinley rising majestically beneath the sparkling aurora borealis.
One of the best ways to see the Northern Lights is to book lodging around the park. Since the Northern Lights can be temperamental and aren’t always visible every night, this will give you the best chance at catching an unobstructed view. Many lodges will also ring an alarm—or give you a wakeup call if you’ve requested one—if the lights suddenly appear overhead.
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Braving Barrow
Barrow, Alaska is located at the extreme Northern edge of Alaska. It’s actually 330 miles north of the Arctic Circle and the most northern settlement in the US. Though many folks aren’t adventurous enough to head up to these northern climes in the wintertime, those who do can be in for a real treat. Not only does Barrow have front row views of the beautiful aurora borealis, but there’s a lot of traditional Alaskan culture that can be found there, too.
If you head up to Barrow for the lights, you’ll also be able to explore the Inupiat culture. Visit the Inupiat Heritage Center to learn more about how people traditionally whale hunted in Alaska. You can also learn more about dogsledding and participate in traditional Inupiat arctic games.
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Nome during the Iditarod
Finally, one of our favorite places to see the Northern Lights has got to be in Nome, Alaska during the Iditarod Not only can you get a chance to dog mush and watch some of the best racers in the world, but Nome offers so, so much more this time of year. The official finish line of the race, the city spends the two weeks preceding the race celebrating in a lot of fun ways. There are snow machine races, bar game tournaments, basketball, art shows, and craft fairs. Basically, it’s considered the Mardi Gras of the North.
Though the lights aren’t viewable every night in the winter, when they do show up they can be remarkable. The best part, however, is that one only has to venture a mile or two away from the city for the Northern Lights to come into full view. Just about any local can give you solid advice on the best places to see the lights.
Though Alaska might not be the first place you’d think of for a wintertime vacation, we guarantee you that our views of the Northern Lights are an once-in-a-lifetime experience. And if you’re looking for a memorable seasonal job or full-time position where you can watch the Northern Lights every winter, browse our jobs in Alaska and apply today!
Want to learn more about the lights? Then be sure to check out our post 8 Amazing Things About The Aurora Borealis.
FAQs
What city is one of the most popular for viewing the Northern Lights in Alaska? ›
Go to Fairbanks and the Auroral Oval
The city has a variety of aurora-viewing venues, from a number of scenic drives and parks to cozy cabins and lodges. With the airport located just a short drive away, visitors can fly into Fairbanks and be at a world-class aurora-viewing venue in less than an hour.
The Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Alaska
Alaska's northern lights season is between late August and late April, peaking in March. However, the season is defined more by its long, dark nights than by solar activity.
Here are some of the best spots for northern lights viewing in Alaska: Anchorage: Glen Alps trailhead, Point Woronzof. Girdwood: Moose Meadows. Talkeetna: Riverfront Park, Denali State Park.
Is Denali or Fairbanks better for Northern Lights? ›Many people consider Fairbanks the single best place for viewing the Northern Lights in Alaska. Located directly beneath the oval of the Northern Lights, the northerly location of Fairbanks means that aurora borealis hunters don't have to venture too far away from the city in order to spot the lights.
What are the odds of seeing the northern lights in Alaska? ›If you stay in Fairbanks for a minimum of three nights and are actively out viewing every night you have a 90% chance of seeing the aurora. We suggest four to five nights as an ideal amount of time to scan the skies for the northern lights.
Where is supposedly the best place to see the northern lights? ›Fairbanks, Alaska
This ring-shaped zone sits around the Earth's geomagnetic North Pole and is generally associated with the most vibrant aurora sightings. Visitors can expect to see the lights on an average of four out of five clear nights during aurora season, which lasts from late August to late April.
Price | Duration | |
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Aurora Borealis Tour in Fairbanks with Dog Sledding | $310+ | 6 hours |
Fairbanks Northern Lights Tour with Chena Hot Springs Visit | $185+ | 10 hours |
Fairbanks Aurora Viewing Tour with Photography Service | $189+ | 3 hours |
Northern Lights Tour from Fairbanks with Campfire | $269+ | 5 hours |
You need to plan your Alaska Northern Lights vacation in the darkest months of the year. It has to be dark to see the aurora (anywhere in the world). If you go during Alaska's summer months, when there is daylight or a light sky for almost 24 hours each day, you simply can't see the aurora.
Is Anchorage or Fairbanks better for aurora? ›Fairbanks is one of the best places to view the northern lights in Alaska due to its location, hours of darkness in winter, auroral activity, and the amount of tours, activities, and accommodations dedicated to northern lights viewing.
Is Iceland or Fairbanks better for northern lights? ›If you're wondering if Iceland or Alaska is better for viewing the Northern Lights. The answer is that both offer incredible opportunities. The ideal position for viewing the Aurora Borealis is north of 65 degrees latitude. It will need to be a cloudless night and preferably away from city lights.
How far from Fairbanks to see northern lights? ›
Just a short 15-minute drive from downtown Fairbanks, wait for the northern lights to appear in a warm, inviting space.
Is Anchorage good for the northern lights? ›Anchorage is one of the best bases from which to chase aurora. Many of the prime locations are easily accessed from the city. There are plenty of Anchorage guides with an eye for those magical lights.
What is the most northern city in Alaska you can drive to? ›Utqiagvik (/ˌʊtkiˈɑːvɪk/ UUT-kee-AH-vik; Inupiaq: Utqiaġvik, IPA: [utqe.
What airport can you see the northern lights in Alaska? ›Where in Alaska? The city of Fairbanks is one of the best places to see the northern lights. You can fly directly into Fairbanks International Airport (most flights come from Seattle) and start your adventure right away.
Are the northern lights better in Alaska or Iceland? ›If you're wondering if Iceland or Alaska is better for viewing the Northern Lights. The answer is that both offer incredible opportunities. The ideal position for viewing the Aurora Borealis is north of 65 degrees latitude. It will need to be a cloudless night and preferably away from city lights.