What Is the Best Month to See the Northern Lights in Fairbanks, Alaska?

Witnessing the northern lights or aurora borealis, as it’s commonly known, is a dream for many travelers. And what better place to see this natural phenomenon than in Fairbanks, Alaska, which lies right under the auroral oval? The auroral oval is a ring-shaped region around the North Pole where the northern lights are most frequently seen. However, to increase your chances of seeing the northern lights in Fairbanks, you need to know the best time to visit. In this blog post, we’ll explore the best month to see the northern lights in Fairbanks, Alaska.

The Northern Lights in Fairbanks, Alaska

Fairbanks is one of the best places in Alaska to see the northern lights. It’s situated inland, so there’s less moisture in the air, which means fewer cloudy nights than along the coast. Also, Fairbanks is located directly beneath the auroral oval, which makes it an excellent location 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 winter months, from mid-September to late April. During these months, the night sky is darker and more prolonged, which increases your chances of seeing the northern lights. Additionally, the weather is colder and drier, which means there’s less cloud cover and moisture in the air, creating more opportunities to witness the aurora borealis.

It’s worth noting that winter in Alaska is not a monolithic landscape of snow and ice. Winter actually is broken up into two main seasons. The first is a transition period when the leaves have changed colors and are falling off the trees. There is still warm sunshine most days, and temperatures can range from freezing to the high 40s degrees Fahrenheit. This transition period typically lasts until mid-October. The second period is winter’s full onset, when temperatures regularly drop below freezing, and daily snowfall can be seen until early April.

Best Months to See the Northern Lights in Fairbanks

Mid-September until mid-November and mid-February until late April are the best months to see the northern lights in Fairbanks, Alaska.

The first recommended window – mid-September until mid-November – is fall in Fairbanks. The leaves are changing colors, and the temperatures are cooler, but not yet frigid. During this time, the northern lights are still visible, and there is still some daylight to explore Fairbanks during the day.

The second recommended window – mid-February until late April – is winter in Fairbanks. This period offers the longest nighttime hours, increasing your chances of seeing the northern lights. Although temperatures in Fairbanks can be frigid with an average temperature of -10°F and even dropping to -40°F. But don’t fret, as the climate in Fairbanks is dry, and the cold is more bearable than in humid regions because the dry cold doesn’t penetrate as much, and visitors are encouraged to dress in layers to stay warm. Also, during this time, you’ll have the option to enjoy winter activities like skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, or simply soaking in hot springs.

Mid-December until mid-February isn’t recommended for viewing the northern lights. Although the nights are long, winter in Fairbanks is at its prime during this period, meaning lots of snow, but ones chances of seeing the aurora borealis are not as likely. There’s more snowfall, fewer clear nights, and the temperatures become significantly colder, with an average temperature of -20°F, which makes it challenging to spend enough time outside to catch a glimpse of the northern lights.

Conclusion

The best time to see the northern lights in Fairbanks, Alaska, is from mid-September to late April. The peak months for aurora borealis sightings are mid-September until mid-November and mid-February until late April. Remember, when visiting Fairbanks during this time, it’s essential to wear many layers to keep yourself warm, and you’ll have more than one reason to enjoy this winter wonderland.

Start planning your trip to Fairbanks and don’t forget to keep an eye out for the northern lights!

An Insider’s Guide to Fairbanks, Alaska

If you’re looking to experience the Northern Lights, Fairbanks, Alaska should be at the top of your list. But, what is the best month to see the auroras? The answer is in the winter months, primarily from November to March. However, visiting Fairbanks is about so much more than catching a glimpse of the lights. Here is an insider’s guide to the city’s hidden gems, delicious cuisine, cultural experiences, intriguing history, and off-beaten-path suggestions.

Local Attractions: Hidden Gems

Fairbanks is full of stunning natural beauty and fascinating history. However, there are a few hidden gems that only locals know about. One such gem is the Birch Hill Cemetery. Besides being the final resting place of many notable Alaskans, it is also an excellent spot to see the Northern Lights. Another specimen of beautiful architecture is the Wickersham House Museum and Garden, which is a picturesque house museum in a tranquil residential neighborhood.

If you’re more of an outdoor enthusiast, visit the Angel Rocks Trailhead, which is one of the best hiking spots in the city. The Chena River State Recreation Area is another must-visit spot, where you can explore the natural beauty of Fairbanks.

Dining Spots: Local Cuisine and Interesting Anecdotes

Fairbanks offers gourmet restaurants as well as casual diners, and there is no shortage of unique local cuisine. For breakfast, locals go to The Crepery, where they serve French-style crepes with a variety of fillings like smoked salmon, mushrooms, ham, and Nutella. Don’t miss the opportunity to try reindeer sausage, a local delicacy, at Big Daddy’s Barbecue, or head over to Hot Licks to enjoy some handcrafted ice cream with wild Alaskan berries.

Besides food, Fairbanks has plenty of fascinating history related to its cuisine, like the famed sourdough starter that has been passed down for generations. Delta Meat and Sausage Company is another local favorite that has been producing traditional Alaskan sausages using the same recipe since 1936.

Cultural Experiences: Festivals, Art, and Music

Fairbanks takes pride in its cultural heritage and offers many opportunities to experience it. Visit the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center to learn about the unique lifestyles of indigenous Alaskans. Fairbanks hosts numerous festivals celebrating the city’s cultural diversity, such as the World Eskimo-Indian Olympics, a multi-day event featuring indigenous sports and traditional dances.

If you want to learn more about Alaskan art and history, make sure to visit the Fairbanks Community Museum and the University of Alaska Museum of the North, which boasts vibrant exhibits showcasing Alaskan history and art.

Local History: Captivating Stories

Did you know that Fairbanks played a crucial role in the Gold Rush of the late 19th and early 20th centuries? Visit the Gold Daughters, a gold panning attraction, and discover the city’s history and culture. The Pioneer Park is another historical landmark that takes you back to the 1900s, where you can enjoy museums and shows.

Fairbanks also has a fascinating aviation history. Check out the Pioneer Air Museum and get a glimpse of bush planes and flying artifacts. For a unique experience, take a trip aboard the Riverboat Discovery, a paddlewheel steamboat that offers scenic river tours and is a great way to learn about Alaskan history.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

For an adventure like no other, try dog sledding with the AK Sled Dog Tours, where you can witness the majestic beauty of the Alaskan wilderness in winter. Another unique experience is soaking in the Chena Hot Springs, where you can take a dip in natural hot springs while the Northern Lights dance across the sky above you.

A not-to-be-missed trip is to the ice museum, where all the ice sculptures are sculpted from ice. This is perfect for those looking for an experience that’s both unique and breathtaking.

In conclusion, Fairbanks, Alaska, offers more than just a glimpse of the Northern Lights. The city is full of hidden gems, cultural experiences, scrumptious cuisine, and captivating history, and there are plenty of off-beaten-path suggestions that take you up close and personal with the unique natural beauty of Alaska. So, what are you waiting for? Add Fairbanks, Alaska, to your travel plans today.