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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.

4%

There is a 4% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Anchorage area (forecast for 13 December 2025 at 3:54pm 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.

Bz 4 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.

Density 1.75 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 centimeter (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 629.3 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 38%

Sunrise 10:07am

Sunset 3:40pm

Moonrise 2:49am

Moonset 1:16pm

Clear

-8°C Feels like -15°C

High: -8°C
Low: -14°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

Dog Sledding Adventure in Willow, Alaska

5.0 (352)

1 hour 30 minutes From £133.12

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 (450)

7 hours 30 minutes From £247.22

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

Glacier View & Wildlife Anchorage Adventure Tour

4.9 (314)

7 hours From £119.43

The Experience Award wining Tour in Anchorage on Viator (2025) Discover Anchorages's top-rated day trip! This award-winning tour combines Anchorage highlights, dramatic Turnagain Arm views, and guaranteed wildlife encounters at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. See hanging glaciers, stroll scenic trails, and enjoy local insight from expert guides — all in one unforgettable small-group adventure.
Free cancellation

Grand Knik Helicopter Tour - 2 hours 3 landings - ANCHORAGE AREA

4.9 (369)

2 hours From £579.56

Our signature flightseeing and glacier landing tour, includes 30 mins of flightseeing and 30 mins landed at 3 Glacier areas including on the glacier itself. This tour includes an alpine landing where you will have 30 mins to see the grand size of the 5 mile wide and 29 mile long Knik Glacier with a birds eye view. Your 2nd landing takes you to a 100 foot ice wall where you may even be able to see the massive ice calve . After 30 minutes exploring you go to the glacier landing right in the middle of Knik Glacier, where you can get out of the helicopter and spend about 30 minutes exploring ancient ice. See the azure blue melt pools (summer), crevasses and ice formations created by water, wind and the sun. During your flight seeing, keep your eyes open for the area wildlife to include Moose, Mountain Goats, Dall Sheep, Bears and even wolf on occasion! WINTER OCT-APR LANDING IS NOT ON GLACIER AS POOLS ARE FROZEN- LANDING IS NEXT TO GLACIER Total tour time - 2 hours, includes 3 landings
Free cancellation

Anchorage Northern Lights Tour

4.6 (121)

6 - 9 hours From £269.47

Embark on a journey to view and photograph the aurora borealis in the greater Anchorage area. Aurora Borealis portraits, snacks, drinking water, hot drinks, and photo instruction included.
Free cancellation

Seward to Anchorage Cruise Transfer & Wildlife Tour

4.9 (144)

7 hours From £172.67

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!

Places to check out around Anchorage

Discover Restaurants, Parks, Hiking Trails and more…

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: 4%

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: 4%

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: 4%

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.