Where to see the northern lights in Alaska

Alaska is one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights. Staying north in places like Fairbanks, Talkeetna or Coldfoot may give you the best chance of seeing them. 

But your experience may depend on more than just your location. Read on for more tips to get the very best out of your Alaska northern lights trip.

What you’ll learn:

• Alaska’s position under the auroral oval makes it a good place to plan on seeing the northern lights. But there are no guarantees.

• Generally, heading to the north of Alaska gives you your best chance of seeing the northern lights.

• Evenings with minimal cloud coverage are the best times to go aurora chasing.

• Capital One travel credit cards can elevate your northern lights trip with flexible rewards, smart tools and travel benefits.

You’ve likely seen photos of the aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights, a magical display of green, red and purple light splashed across the night sky. The natural phenomenon occurs when charged particles from the sun collide with gasses in the Earth’s upper atmosphere.

But the northern lights aren’t as easy to see in real life. You generally have to travel to places like Canada, Iceland, Greenland and Scandinavia, where the Earth’s magnetic field draws the particles into what’s known as an auroral oval. If you want to catch the display without leaving the U.S., Alaska’s the place to do it. 

For the northern lights to occur at all, the atmospheric conditions have to be just right. And even then, you can’t always see them. Following these general guidelines can offer your best chance of catching the northern lights in Alaska: 

• Time of year: Late August to mid-April is when the nights are longest and darkest, which makes for the best viewing. There tends to be more auroral activity during the equinox months of September and March because of the positions of the Earth and sun.

• Time of day: When the sky is at its darkest, which is generally between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m., is the best time to catch the lights. In winter though, the sky could be dark enough between about two hours after sunset and two hours before sunrise.

It’s possible to see the northern lights from anywhere in Alaska. But in general, the further north you go, the better your chances. You’re likely to have a better-quality experience if you seek out an area with clear, cloud-free skies. And focus on the northern horizon, as that’s where the aurora is more likely to appear. The following locations are some of the best for northern lights viewing in Alaska:

Fairbanks is popular among aurora enthusiasts for its reliable and spectacular views. Not only is it located directly under the auroral oval, it’s also well equipped with an airport and plenty of aurora-focused accommodations, tours and activities. 

Viewing sites in and around Fairbanks include:

• Cleary Summit: A popular elevated spot about a 30-minute drive from downtown Fairbanks

• Murphy Dome: The highest point in the Fairbanks area, offering unobstructed views

• Chena Hot Springs Resort: A thermal springs resort where you can soak while gazing up at the lights 

• Creamer’s Field: A former dairy farm turned bird refuge with clear views of the sky

• Chena Lake Recreation Area: A park where ice fishing and aurora viewing are two of the available activities

Denali National Park’s vast, untouched wilderness and majestic peaks provide an ideal backdrop for the northern lights. But during the winter, much of the park’s services and accommodations shut down. The nearby town of Healy is close enough for nighttime visits to the park and back. Strike out on your own or go with one of the Healy-based guides.

The former mining town of Talkeetna is said to be the inspiration for the TV show “Northern Exposure.” A small, artsy community, it boasts a vibrant main street with local shops, galleries and notably friendly locals. Talkeetna Riverfront Park is a popular spot in town for watching the northern lights, as are the numerous lakes and scenic viewpoints along the Talkeetna Spur Road. 

The northernmost city in the United States, Utqiagvik is reachable only by plane. But the remoteness is part of what makes it special. It’s dark 24/7 for about two months each winter, providing excellent aurora viewing opportunities. It’s one of the oldest inhabited sites in the U.S. and has one of the largest Inupiat settlements in Alaska. A huge whalebone arch on the beach, known as the Gateway to the Arctic, honors the Inupiat’s ancient ways of hunting and gathering.

Established as a gold mining settlement, Coldfoot now serves as a basic but accommodating hub for visitors seeking the northern lights. Visitors often rely on the Coldfoot Camp campsite for accommodations. Besides the aurora, the surrounding natural environment offers exhilarating activities like snowshoeing and observing Alaska’s wildlife.

A short distance from Coldfoot is the tiny community of Wiseman, with fewer than 25 residents. Wiseman is an idyllic spot near the Gates of the Arctic National Park where visitors can also experience dogsledding, visit the Wiseman Historical Museum or join a photography tour. Located directly under the auroral oval, it offers about 250 nights of aurora sightings per year.

The isolated town of Prudhoe Bay—aka Deadhorse—operates mainly as a hub for oil production. Access is restricted, but visitors can join selected tour groups that have the right permits. Its remote location, minimal light pollution and dramatic Arctic Ocean and tundra backdrop make it a rustic but enchanting place to watch the northern lights. 

Another isolated spot with low light pollution is the former gold rush town of Nome. On the western coast by the Bering Sea, it combines dramatic scenery, rich cultural traditions and a fascinating history. Visit in March and you can also watch the finish of the famous Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.

The largest city in Alaska may not be as consistently auroral as some more northern locations, but it offers a vibrant culture and lots to do. When it comes to seeing the northern lights in Anchorage, the skies may be clearer and darker on the edge of town and nearby: 

• Glen Alps: A mountain trailhead a few miles from the center of town with lots of parking and a panoramic view

• Beluga Point: A historic site along the Seward Highway offering the added bonus of a chance to spot a beluga whale 

• Point Woronzof: A coastal park near the airport popular with plane spotters and nature lovers

• Eagle River Nature Center: An isolated spot about 30 minutes from Anchorage with minimal light pollution

When planning a trip to see the northern lights in Alaska, there are a few things you can do to give yourself a better chance of success.

Before you head out to chase the lights, it’s a good idea to check the weather and aurora forecasts. In terms of local weather, look for reports on cloud coverage. The clearer the skies, the better your chances of seeing any auroral activity. And for the aurora forecast, there are several apps and websites you can check out:

• The Geophysical Institute of Alaska’s Aurora Forecast: Gives a current and 27-day statewide aurora activity forecast

• The Explore Fairbanks Aurora Tracker: Tracks the weather and aurora viewing opportunities in six locations in and around Fairbanks

• The Fairbanks Aurora Camera: Captures the sky in real time from the University of Alaska in Fairbanks

• The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s 30-Minute Forecast: Previews the location and intensity of the auroras at both ends of the earth

Alaska’s nights can get icy cold, so pack for warmth and comfort with lots of layers plus hats, gloves and a scarf. If you plan on photographing the auroras with a long exposure, a sturdy tripod can give your camera more stability.

Planning a trip that spans several nights could increase your chances of seeing the lights. Some accommodations offer aurora wake-up calls in case the show starts in the early hours of the morning. 

If planning isn’t your strong suit, or if you want to deepen your viewing experience, consider booking a guided tour. Local guides know the best and often less-crowded spots to view the lights, and they bring a wealth of knowledge about the area and the phenomenon itself. Tours can range from single-evening excursions to multiday adventures, sometimes including unique experiences like snowmobile rides or stays in remote lodges. 

Don’t hesitate to ask the locals about hidden vantage points that aren’t on the typical tourist radar. These less-known locations can offer a more personal experience away from the crowds.

Make your northern lights vacation even more unforgettable by bringing small comforts like a flask of hot chocolate and cozy blankets. You could also complement your adventure with other Alaskan experiences like dogsledding or visiting a hot spring.

If you’re planning a trip to see the northern lights in Alaska, consider taking a Capital One travel rewards credit card. Eligible cardholders enjoy smart tools, unlimited miles and other benefits:

• Travel benefits: Venture X and Venture cardholders can receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® when they pay the application fee with their card. And eligible Venture X cardholders can get access to 1,300-plus airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounges and participating Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment.*

• Elevated rewards for booking through Capital One Travel: Venture X cardholders enjoy premium benefits and earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel. Venture cardholders earn unlimited 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

• No foreign transaction fees: Some credit card issuers charge foreign transaction fees when you use a credit card to make purchases in a foreign country. Capital One doesn’t charge these fees with any of its U.S.-issued credit cards. View important rates and disclosures.

• Flexible options for redeeming rewards: Redeem miles for flights, hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars through Capital One Travel. Other options are gift cards, statement credits and more.

• Travel protections: Cardholders have access to travel insurance. Benefits may include trip cancellation insurance and lost luggage insurance. You can review your guide to understand which benefits come with your credit card.

• Security features: Cardholders have access to security features like fraud alerts, card lock, $0 liability for unauthorized charges and virtual card numbers.

Alaska is among the best places to see the northern lights without having to leave the U.S. You can opt for the rugged beauty and extreme isolation of somewhere like Wiseman or blend aurora watching with sightseeing in Anchorage. Pick a clear night between August and April and an unobstructed view for your best chance of catching the show. 

Capital One offers travel rewards credit cards with exclusive benefits and elevated rewards that can help make your travel experience even more enjoyable. 

• Earn a one-time 75,000-mile bonus and receive an additional 10,000 bonus miles every year, starting on your first anniversary, with the Venture X card.

• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day, and earn a one-time 75,000-mile bonus with the Venture card. 

• Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day with the VentureOne card.