Where to see the northern lights in Alaska

Alaska is one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights. And heading to the north of the state may increase your chances of seeing them. 

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

What you’ll learn:

• Alaska is a reliable destination for viewing the northern lights, but a sighting isn’t guaranteed.

• The northern communities of Fairbanks, Talkeetna and Coldfoot are popular viewing spots.

• As well as location, timing is important. You’ll have the best chance of seeing the northern lights in Alaska between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. August through April.

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

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 borealis is more likely to appear. 

Here are some of the best places to view the northern lights in Alaska:

Fairbanks sits directly under one of the Earth’s two auroral ovals, atmospheric zones where auroral activity is most frequent and spectacular. It’s also well equipped with an airport and plenty of aurora-focused accommodations, tours and activities. 

Northern lights 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. Many of the park’s services and accommodations shut down during the winter, but the 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 and galleries. Talkeetna Riverfront Park is a popular spot in town for watching the northern lights, as are the numerous lakes and scenic viewpoints along Talkeetna Spur Road.

The northernmost city in the U.S., 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 in search of 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 with the right permits. Its remote location, dark sky 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. The skies for northern lights viewing may be clearer and darker away from the city lights, in nearby locations including: 

• 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

The best months to view the northern lights in Alaska are August through April, when the nights are longest and the skies are darkest. There tends to be more auroral activity during the equinox months of September and March because of the positions of the Earth and sun. 

But keep in mind that for the northern lights to occur at all, the atmospheric conditions have to be just right. Even then, you can’t always see them.

The best time to catch the lights is when the sky is at its darkest. That’s generally between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. each night. In winter, though, the sky could be dark enough between about two hours after sunset and two hours before sunrise.

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 enjoying the experience to the fullest.

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: A current and 27-day statewide aurora activity forecast

• The Explore Fairbanks Aurora Tracker: Weather and aurora viewing opportunities in six locations in and around Fairbanks

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

• The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s 30-Minute Forecast: A short-term forecast of 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 auroral activity with 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 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 lesser-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.

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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 and an unobstructed view between August and April for your best chance of catching the show. 

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