Arctic Roadrunner : Anchorage : Seek The Aurora, Northern Lights Travel Guide

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

19%

There is a 19% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Anchorage area (forecast for 14 March 2026 at 3:37am UTC)

Kp 5.67

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 108 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 -7 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 0.47 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 662.5 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

Waning crescent 36%

Sunrise 8:22am

Sunset 7:55pm

Moonrise 8:14am

Moonset 11:53am

Weather Forecast for Anchorage

Clouds

-9°C Feels like -9°C

High: -9°C
Low: -22°C

Chance of precipitation 0%
Cloud cover 66%
South-Easterly winds 1 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

Matanuska Glacier Hike Day Tour

4.9 (402)

10 hours From £252.14

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 (467)

7 hours 30 minutes From £249.07

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

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

4.9 (375)

2 hours From £583.91

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

Matanuska Glacier Winter Tour

5.0 (146)

8 hours From £288.20

Visit Alaska's largest road accessible glacier on this wonderful full day tour. Glacier Park Entrance Fee and Lunch Included.
Free cancellation

Anchorage's Winter City Tour = Samples + Stops + WildLife

4.7 (58)

3 hours From £45.22

Discover the Beauty of Anchorage in the Winter Our Winter City Tour is an exploration into Anchorage unique culture, history, and natural beauty. Join us as we travel 25 miles through this winter wonderland we call home. From breathtaking views to aviation marvels, from Wildlife sightings to meeting Snow Ella our resident 25 foot tall Snow Lady. Let the unique spirit of Anchorage seep into your soul. Engage with our knowledgeable local guides to ask questions, take photos, and be part of the story. Each stop is more than just a landmark; it's a testament to our enduring legacy and a window into our way of life. As the tour draws to a end, you'll realize you've not just visited Anchorage, you've lived it. This isn't just a tour - it's an adventure that stitches together unforgettable experiences and weaves them into memories that will last a lifetime. So come, join us as we uncover the magic of Anchorage, a one-of-a-kind destination, and let's create memories together!
Free cancellation

Matanuska Glacier Hike with Lunch Summer and Winter

5.0 (8)

8 hours From £245.24

Join us for an unforgettable journey to the breathtaking Matanuska Glacier! Your adventure starts in downtown Anchorage, where you’ll board our comfortable van for a scenic two-hour drive north. Enjoy stunning Alaskan views and insightful commentary from your guide along the way. At the glacier, our expert guides will lead you on a two-hour trek across ancient ice, showcasing its incredible features. Learn about the glacier’s history and impact on the landscape. The moderate hike requires good balance, sturdy knees, and proper footwear. We provide all necessary glacier gear, including helmets and microspikes. After the trek, warm up with a hearty lunch at a nearby lodge with stunning glacier views. Snacks and water will be available throughout the trip. Conclude the day with a comfortable ride back to Anchorage, with drop-off at major downtown hotels. Our passionate glacier guides rely on tips to continue providing these exceptional experiences.

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: 19%

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: 20%

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: 20%

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.