Snow City Cafe : Anchorage : Seek The Aurora

Anchorage

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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.

Credit: Sara Loeffler
Credit: Vasilis Karkalas
Credit: Pixabay
Credit: Tomáš Malík
Credit: Angelica Reyn
Credit: Howard Herdi
Credit: Zetong Li

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.

Aurora Probability and Atmospheric Conditions

There is a 1% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Anchorage area (forecast for 21 February 2026 at 6:30am UTC)

Kp 4.33

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 15 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 12 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 2.27 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 521.4 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.

Light Levels

Moon

Waxing crescent 24%

Sunrise 8:27am

Sunset 5:59pm

Moonrise 8:43am

Moonset 11:35pm

Weather Forecast for Anchorage

Clear

-11°C Feels like -18°C

High: -11°C
Low: -20°C

Chance of precipitation 0%
Cloud cover 0%
Northerly winds 10 km/h gusts of 17 km/h

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 (3004)

6 hours From £151.09

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

Knik Glacier Helicopter Flight-90 Mins-1 Landing-Anchorage Area

5.0 (11)

1 hour 30 minutes From £392.09

See the Chugach Range from the air as your helicopter flight takes you over snow capped mountain peaks and braided river valleys to land on over 300 feet of glacial ice thousands of years old! Experience majestic blue pools, stunning, swirling moulins, deep crevasses and dramatic ice formations that continue to fascinate and attract the explorer in all of us when you step foot and trek around the surface of the Knik Glacier. The mighty Knik, one of the largest glaciers left in Southcentral Alaska, is 26 miles in length and 6 miles across at its toe and is just one of several glaciers in the ancient river valley. In addition to spotting wildlife from the air (moose, dall sheep, spawning salmon, and bears), you’ll have an eagle’s eye view of towering waterfalls, glacial iceberg-filled lakes, and the untouched wilderness of the Alaska backcountry. Enjoy a once in a lifetime Glacier Plunge in the summer months at no additional cost! Approx. 40 mins flight time w/ 45 mins on glacier.
Free cancellation

Matanuska Glacier Hike Day Tour

4.9 (397)

10 hours From £248.55

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

Seward to Anchorage Cruise Transfer & Wildlife Tour

4.9 (144)

7 hours From £171.49

The Seward to Anchorage VIP Tour and Transfer is a small-group tour that has been curated to offer the best and most unique experiences for you for your family or group. We love to provide top-shelf personalized service and experiences so that you can see Alaska your way! With room for up to 12 guests, you'll travel in comfort and style in a fully equipped a new Sprinter Van, complete with your very own Experienced Alaskan driver-guide. We will pick you up in Seward, and begin the tour to Anchorage. Included is a guided tour of the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center with over 250 acres of all the Alaska animals. Short break at Girdwood Station with a stop for optional lunch. We'll spend time in the stunning Portage Valley with a short walk up to Byron Glacier and stop at the Portage Glacier Lodge. A final stop at Beluga Point for photos and watch for Dall Sheep and other wildlife. End with Anchorage's best spots and drop off at your hotel, airport, or place of choice!
Free cancellation

Dog Sledding Adventure in Willow, Alaska

5.0 (401)

1 hour 30 minutes From £132.21

Our champion sled dog kennel is family-owned and operated in Willow, Alaska, the mushing capital of the world! Let us introduce you to our team of Iditarod dogs, experience a traditional Alaskan sled ride, and learn about our unique dog-driven lifestyle. We welcome you to our home, a humanitarian-winning kennel with the fastest distance-racing dogs in the country!
Free cancellation

Glacier Hike on Matanuska Glacier - Best Vacation Value

4.9 (464)

7 hours 30 minutes From £245.53

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.

Places to check out around Anchorage

49th State Brewing

Brewery
Alaska Aviation Museum

Airport
Alaska Center for the Performing Arts

Performing Arts Venue
Alaska Museum of Science & Nature

Science Museum
Alaska Native Heritage Center

Cultural Center
Alyeska summit

Mountain
Anchorage Downtown Market & Festival

Farmers Market
Anchorage Museum

Art Museum
Arctic Roadrunner

Burger Joint
Bear Tooth Grill

Lounge
Bear Tooth Theatrepub

Movie Theater
Beluga Point

Scenic Lookout
Bird Point

Scenic Lookout
Chugach State Park

Park
Crow's Nest

Seafood Restaurant
Earthquake Park

Park
Elderberry Park

Park
Fire Island Rustic Bakeshop

Bakery
Flattop Park Trail

Hiking Trail
Glacier Brewhouse

Brewery
House of Bread Anchorage

Bakery
Humpy's Great Alaskan Alehouse

Pub
Moose's Tooth Pub & Pizzeria

Pizzeria
Potter Marsh

Nature Preserve
Rustic Goat

New American Restaurant
Samurai Sushi

Sushi Restaurant
Seven Glaciers Restaraunt

Seafood Restaurant
Simon & Seafort's Saloon & Grill

Seafood Restaurant
Snow City Cafe

Breakfast Spot
Tony Knowles Coastal Trail

Hiking Trail

Explore more nearby Anchorage

Credit: Cindy Dalton

Eagle River

61°20'45"N, 149°34'2"W

Aurora probability in Eagle River: 1%

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.
Credit: Alexandra Tran

Girdwood

60°57'27"N, 149°5'53"W

Aurora probability in Girdwood: 1%

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.
Credit: Lori Stevens

Whittier

60°45'34"N, 148°41'22"W

Aurora probability in Whittier: 1%

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.