The best places to view aurora are high northern latitudes during the winter in Alaska, Canada, and Scandinavia. Totally luck of the draw. The border is currently closed between the United States and Canada, and many US states and Canadian provinces and territories have additional restrictions. In general expect the temperature to be around 0 degrees Fahrenheit (although it could be well into the negative temps or up to the teens Fahrenheit during the day). It’s about an hour and a half drive from Fairbanks. Shoulder seasons, including May to June and August through September, are also ideal. Hardy Alaskans like to put on their parkas and lie on their backs in the snow to watch. Furthermore, there is quite strong (but poorly understood) tendency for auroral activity to be stronger at equinox than it is at solstice. You can view the Northern Lights in Alaska from September to April, however, the darker winter months are best for Aurora viewing. Where is the best place to see aurora? The city is located inside the Auroral Oval—the area that hovers over the North Pole—which means more chances to see the Aurora Borealis. You’re (Almost) Guaranteed to See the Aurora. In The Press April is when the weather begins to transition from winter to summer. With a population of 12, the pristine tundra is an unparalleled backdrop to the northern lights. The city sits within the Auroral oval—meaning that when conditions are favorable, the lights are frequently viewable. Typically, the aurora will be highly active for 2-3 years on both sides of the solar maximum. While it’s true that March is the best time to visit Fairbanks, Alaska, it’s also true that you need the right gear to stay warm, especially to enjoy winter activities. It’s a myth that you must travel to the state only during the deep winter, when darkness can last 16-18 hours per day. Catch it while it lasts! The most reliable chances to see Alaska’s northern lights (also known as the Aurora Borealis) are in Fairbanks, and above the Arctic Circle.The aurora belt in Alaska’s great Interior and Arctic regions is among the most active in the world, and there are few other places on earth so suited for an Aurora Borealis vacation.. This time usually ranges from September to March. Traveler's Insurance It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Contact Us Each Northern Lights Tour with Gondwana is timed to align with the aurora’s activity. Many Alaska hotels offer a northern lights wake-up call (upon request, of course) to wake visitors when the lights are out. Caused by supercharged solar particles colliding with the earth's atmosphere, these ethereal streamers of green, white, purple, blue and even red light draw awestruck travelers from all over the world. At night, watch for the northern lights under a starry sky. The best ways to see the northern lights Photo: Aurora Pointe Activity Center /Facebook It’s still plenty cold to … Really no need to go to Bettles to see the Northern Lights. They have good winter rates and a heated northern lights viewing deck with a cozy firepit! I have to start this list with the … I'm Jennie. Fairbanks is geographically under the “aurora oval,” and tour operators like Northern Alaska Tour Company and Salmon Berry Tours offer northern lights tours. These months offer a solid compromise between a great chance to get a very dark sky in reasonable hours and temperatures mere mortals – not just Alaskans – can withstand. It’s amazing, but that’s what they do. Visit Fairbanks Alaska. In fact, if you want to enjoy the Northern Lights, this can be the best time to visit Alaska, because you’ll catch them in the night, but still be able to enjoy the daylight hours too. The train only operates once a week in each direction, so most likely drive or fly. March is the best month of the year to enjoy various winter activities – longer days, plenty of snow and it’s not as cold as the darker months just before. Fairbanks. April in Alaska Springtime is hands down the best time to visit Alaska. If you’re a fisherperson, you might want to. Season: Sep 19 to May 09 $63+ Win­ter in Alas­ka is a mag­i­cal time, with few­er … I've been a tour guide in both Alaska and Washington and I love to share the places I love with visitors, newcomers and my fellow locals. Before selecting an aurora viewing destination, research weather data so you can be assured that you will have a few clear days on which to see the Northern Lights. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Chena Hot Springs is expensive to stay at but makes for a wonderful place to stay out of the city. Seeing the Northern Lights in Fairbanks Alaska. Areas near the magnetic north pole see the most brilliant displays, which become more intense as the temperature drops. Last updated: [wpautoterms last_updated_date]If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us. When is the best time to see the northern lights? When are there the least crowds? Most of Alaska you should visit in the summer. Angel Creek Lodge: Almost all the way to Chena Hot Springs, good food in a classically Alaskan atmosphere. Winter is the best time of year to visit Alaska and see the northern lights. Learn More About the Arctic Circle Extension! The The rooms are excellent and comfortable. The best aurora shows are said to occur during equinox, fall and spring. Depending on your answers to those questions I would change my answer about the best time to visit. Alaska is the northern-most state in the United States and is the best place to go for a northern lights trip if you wish to stay stateside. Your trip will be full of winter beauty and adventure of the kind that summer visitors miss out on. 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