When to Go to Alaska to See the Northern Lights

If you’re enchanted by the breathtaking light show that is the Aurora Borealis or northern lights, a trip to Alaska might just be the perfect spot for you. The mystic lights illuminate the northern skyline and the best time to catch a glimpse of this natural wonder is during the winter months.

Alaska is among the top destinations that attract visitors from all over the world to see the northern lights. While there is always a chance to see the auroras in Alaska, the prime time to plan your visit would be between September and April. In this blog post, we will guide you through the best times to visit Alaska to see the magical Northern Lights.

Why Alaska is the Best Place to See Northern Lights

Before we answer the question of when to visit Alaska to see the Northern Lights, let’s first understand why Alaska is the best place to witness this marvel. There are two reasons why Alaska is the perfect location to see the Northern Lights.

Firstly, Alaska is far enough north to be within the Arctic Circle, which makes it one of the only places where one can see the northern lights from the United States. The Arctic Circle is a unique location on the planet earth, where the geomagnetic activity from the sun is strongest, thus creating ideal conditions for aurora viewing.

Secondly, Alaska has a unique topography that makes it an ideal location to view the northern lights. Many towns and glaciers in Alaska are surrounded by mountains, which causes the aurora to reflect off the snow and create a beautiful backdrop for the Northern Lights show.

When to Go to Alaska to See the Northern Lights

The northern lights are visible all year round in Alaska. However, the best time to see the lights in Alaska depends on different factors such as weather conditions, hours of daylight, and geomagnetic activity. Here is a breakdown of the ideal times to plan your trip to Alaska to see the northern lights:

September – October

September and October provide an excellent opportunity to see the northern lights in Alaska. The days are still somewhat long, and the sunsets earlier in the evening than in the summer months. This means you have a higher chance of seeing the northern lights at night. The weather conditions are mild during these months, and there is enough darkness to view the auroras on most nights.

November – February

November through February is one of the best times to see the Northern Lights in Alaska. The winter months provide ample darkness, and the weather is still not too harsh to bear. Besides, September and October have the highest geomagnetic activity, along with March and April. The best time to view the Northern Lights in Alaska during the winter is between 10 pm-2 am, when the sky is darkest.

March – April

As mentioned earlier, March and April are also one of the prime times to view the northern lights in Alaska. The days are longer and warmer, which means you can enjoy more daylight activities and may not have long waiting times. The warmer weather also means that there is less cloud cover, making for better aurora viewing.

Where to Go in Alaska to See the Northern Lights

There are many spots around Alaska that offer ideal northern lights viewing opportunities. Here are a few top destinations:

Fairbanks

Fairbanks, Alaska, is known as the “aurora capital of the world.” This area usually experiences the strongest Northern Lights activity of any place in the United States. Fairbanks is situated directly under the “Aurora Oval,” which means that the town gets the majority of the auroral oval’s northern lights activity.

Denali National Park and Preserve

Denali National Park and Preserve is an ideal place to view the northern lights in Alaska. It is located in the interior part of Alaska, far away from the light pollution of larger cities, providing darker skies for a more beautiful and vibrant Northern Lights show.

Anchorage

Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, is another prime location to see the northern lights in Alaska. The city is nestled between the Chugach mountains and the coast, which provides a perfect location for viewing the northern lights show. There are also many tours that take tourists to different locations, ensuring that they catch the show.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Alaska is the perfect destination for those who seek to see this beautiful natural phenomenon. When is the best time to visit Alaska to see the Northern Lights? Typically, the months between September to April offer the most favorable weather conditions, longer nights, and higher geomagnetic activity. By visiting cities like Fairbanks, Denali National Park, and Anchorage, you can increase your chances of witnessing this natural glory. With this essential information, plan your Northern Lights viewing trip, and be enchanted by this magical display.