Can You See the Northern Lights in Fairbanks, Alaska in September?

If you’re planning an Alaska trip and looking to witness the world-famous Northern Lights, you may be wondering about the best time and place to go. Fairbanks, Alaska, is an excellent location for viewing the Aurora Borealis, but can you see it in September? Let’s find out.

What are the Northern Lights?

Before we dive into the specifics of Fairbanks and September, let’s quickly go over what the Northern Lights are. A natural phenomenon that occurs in high-latitude areas, the Northern Lights (also known as the Aurora Borealis) are caused by charged particles from the sun colliding with Earth’s atmosphere.

This collision produces a stunning light show of green, red, purple, and other colors dancing across the night sky. The Northern Lights are a bucket list-worthy experience and attract thousands of travelers to Alaska every year.

Why is Fairbanks a Great Location for Viewing the Northern Lights?

Fairbanks is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights in Alaska. Located in the heart of the state and well north of the Arctic Circle, Fairbanks is an ideal spot for aurora viewing. The city has little light pollution, low humidity, and clear skies, which are all essential factors in sighting the Northern Lights.

In fact, Fairbanks is one of the best places on the planet to see the Aurora Borealis. The University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute maintains a real-time aurora forecast website, which allows visitors to stay up to date with the latest Northern Lights predictions.

Can You See the Northern Lights in Fairbanks, Alaska, in September?

The short answer is yes. September is a great month for experiencing the Northern Lights in Fairbanks. The official Aurora season in Fairbanks runs from August 21st to April 21st, and September falls during this timeframe.

While the Northern Lights are most active in the winter months, you can still catch a glimpse of them in September. You’ll have to stay up late as the aurora activity increases after midnight, but if the sky is clear, you’ll have a good chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis.

Best Ways to View the Northern Lights in Fairbanks, Alaska

If you’re planning a Northern Lights trip to Fairbanks in September, there are a few ways to maximize your chances of seeing the Aurora Borealis.

1. Stay for a few days: Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and even with the most advanced technology, it’s impossible to predict them with certainty. By staying for a few days, you’ll increase your chances of experiencing this spectacular light show.

2. Take an Aurora viewing tour: Several tour companies in Fairbanks offer Northern Lights tour packages. These tours take visitors to the best Northern Lights vantage points and typically provide hot drinks, snacks, and warm clothing.

3. Follow aurora forecasts: As mentioned earlier, the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute maintains a real-time aurora forecast website. Make sure to keep an eye on it to maximize your chances of seeing the Northern Lights.

In Conclusion

Fairbanks, Alaska, is a superb location for viewing the Northern Lights. Although the winter months are typically the most popular for Aurora Borealis viewing, September is still an excellent time to experience them – if the weather conditions allow it.

Whether you’re staying for a few days, taking an Aurora viewing tour, or just following the aurora forecast, a Northern Lights viewing experience in Fairbanks promises to be an unforgettable adventure.