Alaska Aurora Season
Where to see the Northern Lights
Fairbanks sits directly under the auroral oval — with dark, clear winter skies it's one of the best places on Earth to see the Northern Lights, with aurora visible on 240+ nights a year.
Season
Aug – Apr
peak Sep–Mar
Best base
Fairbanks
under the oval
Best time
10pm – 3am
clear, dark skies
Cost
Free
just need dark skies
The guide
Alaska Aurora Season · Peak viewing September–March
When to go
Aurora needs darkness, so the season runs roughly late August through April — Fairbanks loses its midnight sun by late August and the lights return. September–March is the sweet spot for long dark nights and decent travel weather.
Where to watch
Get away from city lights: Cleary Summit, Murphy Dome, Chena Hot Springs, and the wider Interior all deliver. Many lodges offer wake-up calls and heated aurora-viewing cabins. The Arctic (Coldfoot, Utqiaġvik) is darker still.
How to see them
Check the aurora forecast (UAF Geophysical Institute), give yourself several nights, dress for −20°F, and be patient — the best shows often come after midnight. A tripod and a long exposure capture far more color than the eye sees.
Plan around it
Events near Fairbanks & the Interior
On the calendar
Related events
Plan your trip
Tours & things to do
Things to Do in Alaska
Tours, adventures & once-in-a-lifetime experiences
Northern Lights Tour from Fairbanks
$109+Chase the aurora borealis from the best viewing spots near Fairbanks with hot cocoa and snacks.
Chena Hot Springs Day Trip
$149+Soak in natural hot springs, see the ice museum, and watch for northern lights.
Local partners
Where to eat & stay
Good to know
Alaska Aurora Season FAQ
When is aurora season in Alaska?
Roughly late August through April, with the best viewing September through March when nights are long and dark. Aurora can't be seen during the midnight-sun months of May–July.
Where's the best place to see the Northern Lights in Alaska?
Fairbanks and the Interior — the city sits under the auroral oval and sees aurora on 240+ nights a year. Head to dark spots like Cleary Summit, Murphy Dome, or Chena Hot Springs.
Do I need a tour to see the aurora?
No — if you have a car and a dark sky you can see them for free. But tours add heated cabins, wake-up calls, photography help, and transport to darker skies, which many visitors find worth it.
What time of night is best?
Generally 10pm–3am on clear nights. Give yourself several nights to improve your odds, and check the UAF aurora forecast.
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