Fairbanks' renowned aurora viewing lures people from all over the world during Aurora Season. But why is Fairbanks, Alaska popular for viewing the northern lights and when should you visit? How do you look for the aurora and will you stay warm doing so? If you've thought of these questions, you're not alone! Keep reading to have these frequently asked questions answered and get other useful information about this magnificent natural phenomena.
Northern Lights in Fairbanks
It's no surprise that with Fairbanks' location, it is frequently referred to as the best place to see the northern lights in Alaska, the United States and in many cases, across the globe.
There are many different ways you can hunt for the aurora. You can drive to a nearby vantage point and wait for them to appear, or take a tour and watch them from a heated "aurorium" cabin, yurt, dome or lodge. You can also see them on a dog sled adventure or while you are ice fishing, on a snow cat tour, via a trip part way up the Dalton Highway or even on a flight above the Arctic Circle.
Ask your accommodation's front desk if they offer a wake-up call when the northern lights are out. No guarantees, but the longer you're here, the better your chances of seeing a great light show. Once you've spotted the aurora borealis, stop by the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center for your personalized Aurora Certificate.
View the wonder of the northern lights in Fairbanks with this short video!
Aurora Viewing FAQs
Why is Fairbanks such a great place to view the northern lights?
Fairbanks' location is ideal for northern lights viewing because it is under the "Auroral Oval," a ring-shaped zone over the far north where aurora activity is concentrated. Additionally, Fairbanks' low precipitation and distance from coastal areas contribute to consistently clear nights. All combined these variables make the Fairbanks region an outstanding destination for possible aurora borealis viewing.
When is the best time to see the northern lights?
Fairbanks' Aurora Season is from August 21 to April 21 and the aurora will be visible in Fairbanks an average of four out of five nights when the sky is clear and dark enough. Scientifically speaking, the aurora is dancing above year-round, but we can only see it during the Aurora Season when we have dark enough skies.
Am I going to see the aurora if I visit Fairbanks?
The northern lights are so prolific in the Fairbanks region and the Arctic that visitors who stay a minimum of three nights and are actively out during the late evening hours increase their chance of seeing the aurora to more than 90 percent!
How can I see the aurora?
There are so many different ways, but a great way is to take a northern lights tour with a guide. You can view them from a heated "aurorium" cabin or lodge, see them on a dog sled adventure, on a snow cat tour, via a trip part way up the Dalton Highway or even on a flight above the Arctic Circle. Or perhaps you want to go fishing while you wait and go on an evening ice-fishing adventure on a local lake! All of these are great options, or if you are a do-it-yourself adventurer, you can drive to a nearby vantage point and wait for them to appear. See below for accessible spots around Fairbanks.
What colors will I typically see on my visit?
Visitors will most typically witness a swirling array of green, teal, and white. An intense aurora can get a purple or magenta edge. The aurora takes on different shapes such as curtains, bands, rays and coronas.
What should I wear to go aurora hunting?
Layers, layers, layers and dress warmly! You will likely be out in the elements for extended periods of time. Rely on synthetic, wool, and fleece materials, especially in the winter. For more on how to dress for winter pursuits, watch this video.
they offer a wake-up call when the northern lights are out. No guarantees, but the longer you're here, the better your chances of seeing a great light show. Once you've spotted the aurora borealis, stop by the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center for your personalized Aurora Certificate.
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