(Aurora Borealis)
Seeing the Northern Lights, or the Aurora Borealis, has been at the top of my bucket list for many years. When my family began planning our trip to Fairbanks, Alaska I knew that “Aurora Chasing” would be a must-do activity! However, seeing these majestic lights takes more work than waiting until dark and looking up into the heavens. The two biggest questions about seeing the Northern Lights are where is the best place to see them and when can you see them. Here are some tips and tricks to make sure you have the best chance to see the Northern Lights dance across the Fairbanks sky!
Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com at no additional cost to you.
Here is everything a Savvy Sojourner needs to know to see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)!
There are several tour groups and companies that offer aurora tours that will take you out to see these magical northern lights. The benefit of booking an aurora tour is mostly convenience. Tour companies have set locations to take you to get a great view of the lights. They know when the best times are to catch the aurora and many also offer to take your picture with the dancing lights as your backdrop. The downside to these tours is the cost.
Since we would rather spend our money on other daytime activities, we chose to skip the tours and venture out on our own! We researched different places around Fairbanks that have space to see the open sky without light pollution. Then we used a variety of websites to help us determine the best times to see the aurora. This proved to be a fun adventure that allowed us to become our own unofficial “Aurora Chasers”.
Places to View the Northern Lights Near Fairbanks:
Finding a place without light pollution is the primary goal when choosing a location to view the aurora. Fortunately, you only have to travel a short distance outside of Fairbanks to find dark skies!
Savvy Sojourner Pro Tip:
Wherever you decide to watch the Aurora, please keep this in mind: Be considerate to your fellow Aurora Chasers and do not turn on any lights (flashlights, car lights, etc). This ruins the night vision of those around you and impairs your ability to see the night sky!
The Explore Fairbanks website has a wealth of information about seeing the aurora in Fairbanks. This website should be on your favorites list so you can reference it often while you are in Fairbanks. From this website, you can make a list of locations to see the aurora and view aurora forecasts. Do keep in mind that the locations mentioned on this website are very well known and therefore can be very crowded. I strongly suggest you arrive early to find parking at these locations. Here are some thoughts on specific locations mentioned on this website:
Murphy Dome:
Murphy Dome is one of the highest points surrounding Fairbanks. This makes it an excellent place to view the night sky. The parking lot is fairly large and will accommodate quite a few Aurora Chasers. As stated above, the biggest downside to this location is the crowds. It is one of the most popular and most suggested locations to view the Aurora. Make sure to arrive early to beat the crowds. However, those who have seen the lights from this location say it is worth it! It will take you about 40 minutes to get to Murphy Dome from Fairbanks. (More depending on road conditions.)
Click here for directions to Murphy’s Dome
Creamer’s Field:
Creamer’s Field is located in the city of Fairbanks. It is a waterfowl refuge made up of large fields that contain little light pollution. There are trails you can take to get away from the parking lot and into the darkness. I suggest bringing a headlamp with you to navigate these trails at night. We tried viewing the lights from here but were unsuccessful due to cloud cover. However, this is a very convenient location right inside the city limits. I would recommend trying Creamer’s Field if you are short on time and have clear skies!
Click here for directions to Creamer’s Field
Bonus Idea: Recreation Areas
If you are looking for more solitude and less crowds when viewing the Northern Lights, here are a few tips that will accomplish just that! There are several public areas fairly close to Fairbanks and North Pole. These public areas are great places to consider for viewing the Northern Lights, but you need to be willing to drive to get to some of them. Places such as Chena Lakes Recreation Area and Harding Lake State Recreation Area are great places to consider to escape the crowds. They both have ample parking and open spaces to view the night sky.
Bonus Idea: Ask a Local!
When you are shopping or eating a meal, ask someone who lives in the area for a viewing area suggestion! I am sure the most popular answer you will get is “My backyard”, but others will let you in on a few secret places. Always keep in mind that Fairbanks is a prime viewing area for the Northern Lights. If you have a night sky without light pollution and no clouds you should be able to the lights wherever you are!
Savvy Sojourner Pro Tip:
One of the best places to see the Northern Lights is from an airplane! Those who take the red-eye flight from Fairbanks are often rewarded with a unique and beautiful of the aurora right outside their window!
How to View the Northern Lights:
Now that you know where to go to view the Northern Lights, you next need to know when to see them! Officially Aurora Season in Alaska is August – April. As mentioned above, you will have the best chance to see them in areas with no light pollution and clear skies. Predicting what time to venture out takes a little more homework!
Kp Numbers:
The Kp Index is used to measure the strength of the aurora. The Kp Index ranges from 0-9. The higher the Kp number the stronger the aurora. A Kp Index number above 4 usually indicates a high likelihood of a strong aurora. Around the town of Fairbanks you will likely find the Kp number forecast for the day. You can find these forecasts on the websites listed below as well.
Aurora Forecast (1 hour, 3 days, and 27 days):
The University of Alaska Fairbanks has a website that is perfect for aurora forecasts. It includes the Kp Index numbers for the day, as well as a 1-hour, 3-day, and 27-day forecast. Reference it often to determine when is the best time to venture out to chase the aurora. Make sure to cross reference this website with a weather app to make sure your view is not spoiled by cloudy skies! For a bonus, check out the All Sky Camera. It gives a real-time view of the night sky over Fairbanks!
Click here for the University of Alaska Fairbanks Aurora Website
30 Minute Aurora Forecast:
If you are looking for a short-term forecast for the aurora the NOAA website is for you! This website will tell you the strength of the aurora for the next 30 minutes. Why is a 30-minute forecast helpful? When you are out watching the Northern Lights on a cold Alaskan night, you might want to know if the best lights are over or if more is on the way. This could make the difference between leaving too early or freezing for no reason! The video on this webpage runs on a loop so you can reference it often to see the strength of the aurora heading your way!
Click here for the NOAA 30 Minute Forecast Website
Final Thoughts About Viewing the Northern Lights:
Weather
Keeping a close eye on the weather forecast is just as important as the aurora forecast. Try to avoid nights with cloud cover if possible. Also, make sure to prepare for the extremely cold winter temperatures. Dress in layers, cover any exposed skin, bring blankets, and don’t forget your hand warmers and foot warmers!
Know Where You Are Going
I always suggest knowing where you are going to look at the Northern Lights before venturing there in the dark. Especially when snow is on the ground, you want to be familiar with the area if possible. Make sure to stay off of private properties. Be aware of snow banks and plowed areas when turning around to avoid getting stuck. Going to these areas in the daylight will help you navigate these issues and make you more aware of your surroundings.
Want a list of activities to do during the day in Fairbanks?
Click here for things to see and do in Fairbanks, Alaska!
Looking for restaurant ideas for Fairbanks?
Click here for my favorite places to eat in and around Fairbanks, Alaska!
Last Minute Advice…
When it comes to traveling my number one piece of advice is to stop and enjoy where you are! Travel is about the journey as much as it is about the destination. Don’t skip an opportunity to get up in the middle of the night to see the Northern Lights! Trust me, it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to see a beautiful and unbelievable natural light show!
Want more travel planning tips?
Click here for 5 Steps to Planning a Successful Trip
Happy Sojourning!
Meghan
