Can you see the northern lights in Alaska?
Yes — Alaska is one of the best places in the world to see it. In interior Alaska the aurora is often visible on ordinary nights from late August to mid-April, whenever it's dark and clear. Our Kp numbers for Alaska (3.0–4.7) are an extrapolation of NOAA's scale, which stops at 55° geomagnetic latitude. Source: NOAA Space Weather Scales.
Northern lights tonight in Alaska
Tonight (Thu Oct 8, 2026): forecast peak Kp 5.7 in Alaska.
| City | Kp needed | Tonight's peak | Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utqiagvik, AK | 3.0 | 5.7 | Likely |
| Fairbanks, AK | 3.9 | 5.7 | Likely |
| Anchorage, AK | 4.6 | 5.7 | Likely |
| Juneau, AK | 4.7 | 5.7 | Likely |
Space weather data from NOAA, updated . Refreshed every 5 minutes.
Kp needed comes from the NOAA Space Weather Scales, which give latitudes for Kp 6–9. Values for places north of about 55° geomagnetic latitude (including Alaska) are our extrapolation. NOAA notes that even at Kp 0 the edge of the auroral oval sits near 66° geomagnetic latitude, so interior Alaska can see aurora on quiet nights. How we calculate this.
Check your exact location: enter your ZIP code · get aurora alerts for Alaska
Where to see the northern lights in Alaska
- Denali National Park and Preserve (Denali Borough, near Healy). The NPS says nearly everywhere in the Denali area is free of human light pollution, so the view matters more than where you stay. The aurora often appears first in the north, so pick a spot with no trees, buildings or mountains blocking that side. Source
- Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge (Fairbanks). Explore Fairbanks lists this 2,200-acre refuge as a favorite in-town viewing spot, about 2 miles from downtown, with open fields and wooded trails reached by a paved road. Source
- Cleary Summit (Fairbanks North Star Borough, 20 miles from Fairbanks). Explore Fairbanks describes this 2,233-foot summit as a popular viewing area with several pull-outs. It has sharp turns and big elevation changes, and the guide recommends four-wheel or all-wheel drive in snow. Source
- Chena River State Recreation Area (Chena Hot Springs Road, east of Fairbanks). The recreation area is reached by a 58-mile road that ends at Chena Hot Springs Resort. Cell service can be spotty and moose are often present, so drive carefully. Source
- Murphy Dome (Fairbanks North Star Borough, 25 miles from Fairbanks). At 2,877 feet, Murphy Dome is the highest point near Fairbanks and gives a high viewpoint. The road has sharp turns, and the guide recommends four-wheel or all-wheel drive in snow. Source
New to aurora watching? See what Kp means and when to look.
Good to know
- Explore Fairbanks defines its aurora season as August 21 to April 21. The aurora is active year-round, but it can only be seen when the sky is dark enough. Source
- The NPS says the aurora is visible at Denali in fall, winter and early spring. Avoid the six weeks either side of the summer solstice, when the midnight sun keeps the sky too bright. Source
- The NPS says Fairbanks has better odds of seeing aurora than Anchorage, and that both cities have light pollution, so darker areas outside town work better. Source