Can You See the Northern Lights in Fairbanks in February?

Fairbanks, Alaska is one of the most sought-after destinations for viewing the northern lights. Its strategic location under the “Auroral Oval” – a ring-shaped region around the North Pole where auroras are most commonly seen – makes it an excellent spot for aurora hunting. Visitors from around the world flock to Fairbanks to witness the magical display of the dancing lights in the night sky. However, can one see the Northern Lights in Fairbanks during February? In this blog post, we’ll explore this question in detail.

Aurora Season in Fairbanks

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, it’s essential to understand when the Northern Lights are visible in Fairbanks. Aurora Borealis is a natural phenomenon that occurs year-round. However, it’s most visible during the “Aurora Season” when the nights are incredibly long and dark. In Fairbanks, the Aurora Season starts from late August and lasts till April. During this season, visitors have a higher chance to witness the Northern Lights.

The Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Fairbanks

The best time to see the Northern Lights in Fairbanks is during the wintertime. From late November to early April, the nights are longer, and the skies are clear, giving greater visibility to the auroras. February is almost in the middle of the Aurora Season in Fairbanks, and visitors have a high likelihood of witnessing the Northern Lights.

Weather and Auroral Activity in February

One concern that visitors might have when visiting Fairbanks in February is the extreme cold. Temperatures in Fairbanks often drop to below freezing levels, and winter clothing is a must. However, the cold temperature also means clear and dry nights, making it an ideal time to witness the Northern Lights. Note that the weather can be unpredictable and can vary from night to night. Visitors are advised to dress in layers and keep themselves warm.

Auroral activity is also a crucial factor in determining the visibility of the Northern Lights. The best time to witness the Northern Lights is when there is an intense geomagnetic storm. These storms increase the chance of seeing the most vibrant and colorful auroras. February is considered a good time to witness the Northern Lights since the auroral activity is generally high during the Aurora Season. Visitors can check the forecasted auroral activity through the Geophysical Institute of the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Where to View the Northern Lights in Fairbanks

Fairbanks offers a wide array of locations from where one can witness the Northern Lights. Visitors have multiple options ranging from resorts, lodges, parks, and even hot springs. Chena Hot Springs Resort, just 60 miles northeast of Fairbanks, is a popular spot for aurora watching. The resort offers guided tours and provides special aurora-viewing packages.

Another excellent location for viewing the Northern Lights is the Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge, located 3 miles from downtown Fairbanks. The refuge has an unobstructed view of the sky and is free to enter. Visitors can also check out the Aurora Ice Museum, located within the Chena Hot Springs Resort, which features an ice bar and ice sculptures.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Fairbanks, Alaska, is an excellent destination to witness the Northern Lights in February. The Aurora Season in Fairbanks starts in late August and lasts till April. February is right in the middle of the season, and visitors have a high chance of witnessing the Northern Lights. Factors like weather and auroral activity play a crucial role in determining the visibility of the auroras. Visitors can keep themselves warm, stay up-to-date with the auroral activity forecast, and choose from a wide array of viewing locations to witness the magical display of the Northern Lights in Fairbanks.