Aurora adventures await in…

Canada

Banff •Churchill •Edmonton •Jasper •Whitehorse •Yellowknife

Faroe Islands

Tórshavn

Finland

Inari •Levi •Luosto •Rovaniemi

Greenland

Ilulissat •Kangerlussuaq •Nuuk •Qaqortoq

Iceland

Akureyri •Reykjavík •Vík

Norway

Alta •Bodø •Lofoten •Tromsø

Shetland

Lerwick

Svalbard

Longyearbyen

Sweden

Abisko •Björkliden •Kiruna

USA

Anchorage •Fairbanks •Healy

Anchorage

Home / Anchorage

Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, is in the south-central part of the state on the Cook Inlet. It’s known for its cultural sites, including the Alaska Native Heritage Center, which displays traditional crafts, stages dances, and presents replicas of dwellings from the area’s indigenous groups. The city is also a gateway to nearby wilderness areas and mountains including the Chugach, Kenai and Talkeetna

The northern lights can be seen from September to April with the best viewing in winter.

How are my chances of seeing the aurora today?

Many factors contribute to your likelihood of viewing the aurora in Anchorage. Geomagnetic activity, cloud cover and the amount of ambient light all play a big part. Check the forecasts for how good the viewing conditions are today.

36%

There is a 36% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Anchorage area (forecast for 11 January 2026 at 2:56pm UTC)

Kp 2.67

The Kp-index is a scale used to measure geomagnetic activity. It ranges from 0 to 9, with higher values indicating greater geomagnetic activity.

  • 0-2 (Very low) Far north, quite dim, and not very active.
  • 3-5 (Moderate) Can be seen further south, with increased brightness and activity. Chance of good viewing conditions nearer the pole.
  • 6-7 (High) Visible in many northern regions, with vibrant displays.
  • 8-9 (Extreme) Widespread visibility, often seen in areas much further south than usual, with intense and colorful displays.
HPI 96 GW

The Hemispheric Power Index (HPI) is a vital measure used to assess the strength of auroral activity at the poles. It estimates the total auroral energy input, with values above 20 GW indicating an aurora-active state. When the HPI reaches levels of 100 GW or more, it signifies a very significant geomagnetic storm, which can lead to spectacular auroral displays.

Bz -9 nT

Bz refers to the north-south orientation of the magnetic field embedded in the solar wind. It is measured in nanoteslas (nT).

When Bz is negative (southward), it allows solar wind particles to penetrate the Earth’s magnetic field more easily. A strong negative Bz is often associated with increased chances of seeing the Northern Lights.

Conversely, when Bz is positive (northward), the Earth’s magnetic field tends to block the solar wind, resulting in reduced aurora activity.

Bt 10 nT

Bt measures the overall power of the Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF) from the Sun; higher numbers (e.g., above 20 nT) mean more energy available for aurora.

Density 3.72 p/cm3

Solar wind density refers to the number of charged particles in a given volume of the solar wind, typically measured in particles per cubic centimetre (p/cm3).

A typical solar wind density is around 2.76 p/cm3.

The density of the solar wind affects how many particles reach the Earth’s magnetosphere. A higher density means more particles are available to interact with the Earth’s magnetic field. When these charged particles collide with the gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, energy is released in the form of light that we see as the aurora.

Speed 474.9 km/s

Solar wind speed refers to the velocity at which charged particles are ejected from the Sun’s outer atmosphere, known as the corona.

A typical solar wind speed is about 375 km/s. When both speed and density are high, the energy transferred to the Earth’s magnetosphere increases, enhancing the chances of seeing vibrant auroras.

Moon

Waning crescent 42%

Sunrise 10:03am

Sunset 4:11pm

Moonrise 3:26am

Moonset 11:21am

Snow

-10°C Feels like -14°C

High
-10°C
Low
-17°C

  • Chance of precipitation 100%

  • Cloud cover 100%

  • Northerly winds 3 km/h gusts of 5 km/h

  • Snow 3 mm

Book an amazing adventure in Anchorage

Explore this selection of tours and activities to make the most of your visit to Anchorage.

  • Free cancellation Likely to sell out

    Wilderness, Wildlife, Glacier Experience from Anchorage

    4.9 (2999)

    6 hours From £151.88

    Experience the Big Outdoors and Portage Glacier Cruise! See the amazing beauty that surrounds Anchorage. This special tour does not follow any set route. Nor does it follow a time table. Use your time wisely by going into the wilderness to see wildlife and view glaciers. Summer only: an option, on a 80 ft. cruise ship. (available 11am departure only and May 15 - Sep 15) We follow the sun, the wind and our hearts to navigate your vacation towards the most scenic locations capable for the day of your tour. The Wilderness Wildlife Glacier Experience includes entrance into the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. During summer you'll have an option to include a glacier cruise on the mv Ptarmigan. Learn about our rich history and see the Ring of Glaciers. This award winning tour can not be replicated by any other service or shuttle. The Wilderness Wildlife Glacier Experience offers highly trained Guides who's sole purpose is making your vacation memories last a lifetime.

  • Free cancellation

    Matanuska Glacier Hike Day Tour

    4.9 (393)

    10 hours From £249.85

    On this guided day tour you walk onto the unusual terrain of the Matanuska Glacier. You will see and learn about many glacial features such as seracs, moulons and crevasses. Don't forget your camera! This is an unparalleled, authentic activity. Tour price includes glacier access and guiding. Drive time is two hours each way, with a stop half way there where you can purchase lunch and snack items.

  • Free cancellation

    Glacier Hike on Matanuska Glacier - Best Vacation Value

    4.9 (455)

    7 hours 30 minutes From £246.82

    Walk on an authentic Alaska Glacier. This is a life changing experience goes beyond any sightseeing tour or activity shuttle. This is an epic activity that is "boots to the ground" adventure, however the level of involvement is entirely at the traveler's discretion. The excursion is senior friendly and scaled for extreme levels. Departs downtown Anchorage and heads northward outside its city limits. Enjoy an abundance of scenic and mountainous views.

  • Free cancellation

    All Day Matanuska Glacier Hike from Anchorage

    4.9 (63)

    8 hours From £249.85

    Embark on a mesmerizing Matanuska Glacier Hike, expertly guided for an immersive adventure through Alaska's icy wonders. With the added convenience of a small group transportation from Anchorage, your journey begins in comfort, offering breathtaking views en route to the glacier. A knowledgeable guide leads you across the frozen expanse, unraveling the glacier's secrets and geological marvels. Marvel at towering ice formations and navigate crevasses, all while enjoying the luxury of transport that complements the rugged beauty. This guided trek, seamlessly blending education and exploration, promises an enriching experience as you traverse the stunning Matanuska Glacier with the expertise of a professional guide.

  • Free cancellation

    Full-Day Matanuska Glacier Small-Group Excursion

    4.8 (58)

    8 hours From £242.26

    The Matanuska Glacier is the largest and most magnificent glacier in Alaska with road access. We will drive you to within about 1/2 mile of the face of the glacier, where we'll start our hike. We'll be hiking on the glacier for two to two and a half hours, and walk about 2 to 3 miles. There is little elevation change, and the hike difficulty is rated as moderate. The glacier is about a two-hour drive from Anchorage. We will stop about half way there for a restroom break, where you will also have the opportunity to purchase coffee and whatever you'd like to have to eat while we're out. Bottled water is provided.

  • Free cancellation

    Anchorage City Tour w/ Taste of Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage

    4.6 (822)

    3 hours 30 minutes From £52.40

    Let an insider lead the way around Anchorage on this half-day tour of the city, featuring stops at must-see attractions like Ship Creek and Alaska Wild Berry Products. Gain a deeper understanding of local culture as you learn the history of Anchorage and Alaska. You will learn about the local history, wildlife, and cultures. Enjoy some amazing views of the Chugach and Kenai Mountains along some of the scenic stops. Visit some of the premier shops in Anchorage like the Ulu Factor where hand-crafted ulu knives are made and sold. See the world’s tallest chocolate fountain and Alaska Wildberry Products and sample some of their famous locally made chocolate. You will also have the opportunity to taste some of the best-smoked salmon and reindeer sausage. This tour includes samples at Alaska Sausage and Seafood and Wildberry Products. Multiple stops will also include opportunities to see Alaskan Wildlife and Float planes departing from the busiest small plane airport in the world.

Places to check out around Anchorage

Discover Restaurants, Parks, Hiking Trails and more…

Explore more nearby Anchorage

  • Beautiful afternoon in Alaska as the storm lifts, Eagle River, Alaska

    Credit: Cindy Dalton

    Eagle River

    61°20'45"N, 149°34'2"W

    Aurora probability in Eagle River: 36%

    Just 20 miles north of Anchorage, Eagle River is nestled in the Chugach Mountains. This lovely town is known for its outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and skiing in the winter. The scenic views and proximity to nature make it a perfect getaway for those looking to explore the Alaskan wilderness.

  • Spencer Glacier, Girdwood, Alaska

    Credit: Alexandra Tran

    Girdwood

    60°57'27"N, 149°5'53"W

    Aurora probability in Girdwood: 37%

    Located about 40 miles south of Anchorage, Girdwood is a charming mountain town known for its ski resorts and stunning natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy skiing and snowboarding in the winter, as well as hiking and wildlife viewing in the summer. The town also offers hot springs and a variety of dining options, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

  • Portage Glacier, Whittier, Alaska

    Credit: Lori Stevens

    Whittier

    60°45'34"N, 148°41'22"W

    Aurora probability in Whittier: 37%

    Whittier is a small town located about 60 miles southeast of Anchorage, accessible via the scenic Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. Known as the gateway to Prince William Sound, Whittier offers stunning fjords, glaciers and abundant wildlife.

Other places in The USA

Fairbanks•​Healy

See also

Home•​Aurora Forecast•​Planning Your Northern Lights Adventure•​Northern Lights Photography•​Science Of The Aurora•​Northern Lights Playlist•​Northern Lights Myths And Legends•​About Seek The Aurora