The Best Months to Witness the Northern Lights in Alaska: A Guide

Beholding the Aurora Borealis or northern lights is an incredible experience that many people dream of. It is nature’s most captivating light show that appears predominantly in areas near the Earth’s magnetic poles. Although this phenomenon is visible in various locations worldwide, Alaska presents an unmatched vantage point for appreciating the lights. But when is the best time to see the northern lights in Alaska?

The northern lights displays are challenging to predict since their emergence depends on a range of factors. As such, this guide provides you with an overview of the best months to see the northern lights in Alaska and the essential factors that determine the visibility of northern lights.

Factors That Affect the Visibility of Northern Lights in Alaska

The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are a result of high-speed solar winds hitting and reacting with the Earth’s magnetosphere. The display is visible when particles from the sun come into contact with Earth’s atmosphere. The particle collisions produce a range of vibrant colors, including green, pink, yellow, blue and red, that light up the sky.

However, the appearance of the northern lights in Alaska depends on various environmental factors. Here are some of the factors that impact visibility:

Solar Activity

One of the most crucial factors that impact the visibility of the northern lights is solar activity. The sun operates on an 11-year cycle, and the most recent one peaked in 2013. During peak solar activity, there are more sunspots, and solar flares are likely to occur, leading to more significant chances of Northern Lights sightings.

Cloud Cover

Clouds can hinder visibility, and northern lights displays are best seen on clear nights with no apparent cloud cover. Clouds over Alaska can prevent people from seeing the Northern Lights. It is essential to check the weather forecast and plan accordignly for clear nights.

Geographic Location

Alaska’s geographic location makes it an ideal location for viewing the Northern Lights. The state is located on the Earth’s magnetic field lines, and this enhances the Aurora’s visibility. The further north one goes, the better the visibility becomes.

The Best Months to See Northern Lights in Alaska

Alaska is a vast state, and the weather varies throughout it. Therefore, the Northern Lights’ visibility may differ in different cities within the state. The Aurora Borealis can be seen from parts of Alaska from August to April, which covers the months with the darkest nights throughout the winter. Here are the best months to see northern lights in Alaska:

August

Though not a typical month for Northern Lights in Alaska, August offers adequate darkness for the Aurora to make an appearance when it is active. The state is warm during this time, which makes it comfortable to camp or watch the lights from outside.

September

September is one of the best months to catch the Northern Lights in Alaska. The temperatures decrease significantly in September, and the dawn and dusk periods are longer, giving you more time to spot the lights.

October – November

The best time to witness the Northern Lights at Alaska is during October and November. During these months, the nights are darker, there is limited daylight, and the temperatures are still tolerable compared to the later months of winter.

December – January

December and January are also great months to catch the lights when they are at their brightest but also the coldest months in Alaska. They could be difficult to access for some people who may find the low temperatures unbearable. However, it is worth a visit as the northern lights in Alaska are the most delightful during these times.

February – March

February – March is another great time to witness the northern lights. The temperatures start to improve, and there is enough darkness to witness the lights before the sun rises. However, the month of March has an extended day period, which can be disadvantageous.

April

The winters begin to fade in April, which isn’t the best month to witness the Northern Lights as the days are much longer, and some of the cities might not offer good visibility of the lights. However, the beginning of April could still yield good sightings of Northern Lights shows.

Conclusion

Alaska is ranked as one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. Witnessing the Aurora Borealis is a lifelong dream for many, but it varies depending on environmental factors, including solar activity, cloud cover, and geographic location. To experience the best of the Northern Lights, the best months to visit Alaska are in September, October, and November or in December and January, depending on your tolerance to cold temperatures. However, make sure to plan your trip and check the weather forecast for clear skies that will enhance your chances of seeing the lights.