Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Alaska (Updated January 2026)
Seeing the aurora borealis remains one of the world’s top bucket-list experiences—and Alaska is one of the best places on Earth to chase it. Thanks to our position under the auroral oval, dark winter skies, and vast remote areas with minimal light pollution, displays here are frequent and intense.
2026 Update: Solar Cycle 25 peaked in 2024-2025, delivering some of the strongest auroras in decades. Activity is gradually declining but remains strong through early-mid 2026—still an excellent year for vibrant shows, especially September-April. Expect good chances, but always have backup plans for clouds or low activity.
Quick Aurora Basics
- Season: Late August to mid-April (dark nights required—no summer views due to midnight sun).
- Best Months: September/October & March (equinox geomagnetic boosts); December-February for longest nights.
- Key Needs: Clear skies, low light pollution, active solar particles (check forecasts via Geophysical Institute or apps like My Aurora Forecast).
- Prime Zones: Interior (Fairbanks area) and Arctic offer the most reliable, intense displays. Southcentral (Anchorage) possible on strong nights but fainter.
Top Viewing Areas
Interior Alaska (Best Overall – Fairbanks & Surrounds)
Fairbanks sits directly under the auroral oval—statistically the world’s top spot for consistent sightings.
- Chena Hot Springs: Soak in outdoor pools while watching overhead—iconic! Dark skies + resort amenities.
- Murphy Dome & Cleary Summit: Elevated hills with panoramic views; popular tour stops.
- Borealis Basecamp: Glass igloos/cubes for bed-to-aurora viewing.
Southcentral (Anchorage Area – Accessible but Less Intense)
Great for strong events; drive 20-60 mins from city lights.
- Hatcher Pass: Mountain passes with epic foregrounds.
- Eagle River (Mt. Baldy, Nature Center, Eklutna Lake/Tailrace): Quick escapes with reflections possible.
- Flattop, Glen Alps, Pt. Woronzof.
Northern Alaska (Most Remote & Darkest Skies)
For hardcore chasers—extreme cold but overhead explosions.
- Coldfoot (Dalton Highway): Ultra-dark; Arctic Circle proximity.
- Utqiagvik (Barrow): Coastal Arctic views.
Around Denali/Talkeetna: Healy, Cantwell—clear nights yield mountain-silhouetted aurora.
Best Aurora-Focused Stays (2026)
- Borealis Basecamp (Fairbanks area): Igloos with clear ceilings—top luxury pick.
- Chena Hot Springs Resort: Hot springs + aurora = unbeatable combo.
- Aurora Borealis Lodge (Cleary Summit): Cozy, guided viewing.
- Others: Pike’s Waterfront Lodge (Fairbanks), Coldfoot Camp (Arctic).
Tips for Success
- Stay 3+ nights—aurora is unpredictable.
- Rent a car for flexibility (winter tires essential).
- Book tours if new to chasing (e.g., Chena packages, Murphy Dome).
- Pack extreme cold gear: layers, hand/foot warmers, thermos.
- Monitor: UAF Geophysical Institute forecasts.
Alaska’s aurora season is magical—2026 still delivers prime viewing before the cycle quiets. Bundle up and chase the lights! Have questions? Ask below.