Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights)
The aurora is a beautiful, if hard to predict, phenomenon, that occurs year-round. Only in the fall, winter and early spring, however, is there enough darkness to allow us to see the northern lights when they occur. Plan the logistics of your trip using the resources below and then read about what to expect when viewing the aurora.
How and When to See the Aurora in Denali
- The aurora must be occurring.
First and foremost, the phenomenon must be occurring. The aurora can be predicted like weather, although in a less precise way. Check an aurora forecast for the Kp index—a number on a scale from 0 to 9 that indicates how strong the auroral activity is expected to be. When reading the forecast, don’t forget to account for time zone conversions—Alaska Standard Time applies for most of the winter and is nine hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC); Alaska Daylight Time is eight hours behind UTC when daylight saving time is in effect. - The sky must be dark enough.
Even if the aurora is happening, the sky can't be too light. Because Denali is so far north, the summer sun keeps the sky too bright to see any aurora. Visitors who come within six weeks before or after the summer solstice (around June 21) should not expect to see the aurora. Look up sunrise and sunset times for your visit and keep in mind that in the winter the sky will generally be dark enough for aurora-viewing from two hours after sunset until two hours before sunrise. - The sky must be clear enough.
Auroral activity happens high in the upper atmosphere, more than 60 miles above the ground. So even if the sky is dark and the aurora is happening, clouds can block it from our view. Check a standard weather forecast as well as the astronomer’s Clear Sky Chart (look for dark blue squares in the cloud cover row) to see if the weather is in your favor.
Where to See the Aurora
In the Denali area, nearly everywhere is free from human light pollution. No matter where your lodging or campground is located, you should have a good chance to see the aurora if the three factors above align for you. The best locations are those that provide a clear view of the northern horizon with no buildings, dense trees, or nearby mountains to block your view. Although the aurora can appear anywhere in the sky, it is most likely to first appear in the north, especially when auroral activity levels are low.
If you are traveling elsewhere in Alaska, it may be possible to see the aurora from other locations. Areas north of Denali, around Fairbanks, offer a higher likelihood of seeing the aurora than areas south of Denali, towards Anchorage. However, these cities have more human light pollution, so look for darker, natural areas outside of more populated areas for the best viewing experience.
FAQs
The best time to see the aurora borealis in Alaska is from August 21 to April 21. We call it the Aurora Season. So yes, there are some very lucky cruise passengers who will see the northern lights in the Inside Passage late in the summer and fall, but don't bank on it.
Is Denali National Park good for northern lights? ›
Denali is a great location for viewing the aurora because we are located at a far northern latitude and because there is very limited light pollution.
Are aurora tours worth it? ›
So although you can save money by choosing to chase the lights yourself (although, to be honest, car rental prices often end up being more expensive than tour costs), going on a northern lights tour is an expense that's well worth it to guarantee you have the best experience and chance to see the Auroras.
What time is best to see northern lights tonight? ›
The lights are often viewable anytime between 9pm and 2am, though the best sightings are usually when the skies are darkest (11pm-midnight).
What is the best time of night to see the northern lights in Alaska? ›
Best time of year to see the northern lights in Alaska
Although the lights happen year-round, it's only dark enough to catch them from early fall to early spring in much of Alaska, typically between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. (though it's possible they'll come out earlier or later).
What is the best time to see northern lights in Alaska? ›
Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Alaska
Alaska's northern lights season is between late August and late April, peaking in March. However, the season is defined more by its long, dark nights than by solar activity.
Can you see northern lights in Denali in summer? ›
Even if the aurora is happening, the sky can't be too light. Because Denali is so far north, the summer sun keeps the sky too bright to see any aurora. Visitors who come within six weeks before or after the summer solstice (around June 21) should not expect to see the aurora.
Can you sleep in your car in Denali National Park? ›
Denali has six campgrounds, three of which are open to tent or vehicle camping (RVs, etc) and three of which can only be used by tent campers. Most are open May 20—mid-September, though Riley Creek is open year-round.
Can you sleep in Denali National Park? ›
Lodging Inside the Park
Within the park, lodging is limited to a handful of privately owned, remote wilderness lodges in the Kantishna area, at the end of the Park Road.
How long do aurora shows last? ›
The aurora often occur for a few glorious minutes at a time. A good display may last between 15 and 30 minutes, although if you're really lucky, it could extend to a couple of hours or longer. To see the Northern Lights, the sky needs to be dark and clear of any clouds.
Yellowknife, Canada
Yellowknife, the capital of Canada's Northwest Territories, dubs itself the "Aurora Capital of the World." Thanks to its position in the middle of the auroral oval, the city puts on one of the world's most awe-inspiring light shows.
Is The aurora borealis good or bad for you? ›
Auroras are not harmful to us. They are natural phenomena. Auroras occur when low-energy charged particles - electrons and protons – arriving from the Sun collide with molecules of the gases in Earth's upper atmosphere. Those collisions produce tiny flashes that fill the sky with colourful light.
What time of night is northern lights most likely? ›
November through to February offer the darkest skies and longer evenings for maximum sky-gazing. The strongest lights tend to appear between 9pm and 2am, though the best sightings often occur between 11pm and midnight.
Can you see northern lights with naked eye? ›
Can you see the Northern Lights with the naked eye? Yes. If the Northern Lights are strong enough you can see them with your naked eye. However, most photographs of the Northern Lights are taken with special camera setups, and at least a long shutter speed.
Where is the best place to see the northern lights in 2024? ›
There are many reasons why Fairbanks, Alaska, is considered one of the best places in the world to view the northern lights. The most important reason is it's inside the "aurora oval," which sees a higher concentration of aurora lights.
What month are you most likely to see the northern lights in the Yukon? ›
January to mid-April are the most popular Yukon months for Aurora hunting because they bring long, dark nights. You need the sky to be dark to see the Northern Lights.
What is the best month to visit Denali National Park? ›
Seasons at Denali National Park
- Mid-May to Early June. Great time to visit Denali. ...
- June and July. Offers great weather, averaging in the mid-60s and long periods of sunlight. ...
- August to Early September. Offers warm weather temperatures during the day, but chilly at night.
In Interior Alaska, head to Fairbanks for some of the best northern lights viewing in the state, including the widest variety of tours and specialty accommodations. The Southcentral region has several excellent basecamps for northern lights viewing, including Anchorage, Talkeetna, and the Mat-Su Valley.
What city is one of the most popular for viewing the northern lights in Alaska? ›
Go to Fairbanks and the Auroral Oval
The city has a variety of aurora-viewing venues, from a number of scenic drives and parks to cozy cabins and lodges. With the airport located just a short drive away, visitors can fly into Fairbanks and be at a world-class aurora-viewing venue in less than an hour.
