Find the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights

Plan your northern lights trip with expert travel advice, real-time aurora forecasts and destination guides. Whether you’re chasing the aurora borealis across Scandinavia, Iceland or the Canadian wilderness, we’ll help you find the best time and place to witness one of nature’s most spectacular displays.

Canada

Dark skies and breathtaking wilderness, one of the best places to experience the northern lights in all their glory.

Banff •Churchill •Edmonton •Jasper •Whitehorse •Yellowknife

Faroe Islands

Dramatic landscapes with pristine dark skies, an exceptional place to witness the northern lights with a truly unique setting.

Tórshavn

Finland

Enjoy stunning aurora displays from cozy glass igloos or snowy forests in the magical northern wilderness.

Inari •Levi •Luosto •Rovaniemi

Greenland

The remote wilderness and minimal light pollution offer a breathtaking, serene setting to witness the northern lights in their purest form.

Ilulissat •Kangerlussuaq •Nuuk •Qaqortoq

Iceland

Breathtaking landscapes and long winter nights provide a spectacular backdrop for witnessing the aurora in a truly unforgettable setting.

Akureyri •Reykjavík •Vík

Norway

Stunning fjords and snowy peaks provide a breathtaking backdrop to the northern lights in one of the best locations to witness this natural spectacle.

Alta •Bodø •Lofoten •Tromsø

Shetland

A remote location and dark skies offer opportunities to witness the northern lights over rugged coastlines and peaceful seascapes.

Lerwick

Svalbard

Polar nights in the high arctic offer exceptional chances to witness the northern lights dancing across pristine, icy landscapes.

Longyearbyen

Sweden

Clear winter nights and pristine wilderness create an ideal place to experience the aurora in a magical Arctic setting.

Abisko •Björkliden •Kiruna

USA

Alaska’s vast wilderness and clear, dark skies create perfect conditions for experiencing the northern lights in a breathtaking natural setting.

Anchorage •Fairbanks •Healy

See also

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

Anchorage

Home / USA / 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.

Aurora Probability and Atmospheric Conditions

3%

There is a 3% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Anchorage area (forecast for 28 April 2026 at 10:20am UTC)

Kp 0.67

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 10 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 0 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 4 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 2.86 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 362.2 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 gibbous 82%

Sunrise 5:58am

Sunset 9:55pm

Moonrise 6:47pm

Moonset 5:16am

Weather Forecast for Anchorage

Snow

5°C Feels like 1°C

High
5°C
Low
1°C

  • Chance of precipitation 99%

  • Cloud cover 87%

  • Southerly winds 4 km/h gusts of 7 km/h

  • Rain 6 mm

  • 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

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

    4.9 (380)

    2 hours From £572.50

    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

    Glacier View & Wildlife Anchorage Adventure Tour

    4.9 (335)

    7 hours From £133.00

    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

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

    5.0 (21)

    1 hour 30 minutes From £389.98

    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 (406)

    10 hours From £247.21

    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

    Anchorage to Seward Cruise Transfer & Wildlife Tour

    4.9 (38)

    6 hours From £170.57

    We've specially curated our Anchorage to Seward Tour and Transfer to include the best of Alaska in a day. This Small Group tour includes: breathtaking scenery, up close wildlife, and a glacier walk. *Hotel Pick up, Luggage transfer and drop off at your preferred location in Seward.( Cruise Ship Port or Hotel) *Fully equipped new Sprinter Vans and SUVs *Certified Alaskan Travel guide. *Entrance fees Included: The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center- Bears, Moose, Elk, Wolves and more. *Optional lunch stop at Girdwood *Glacier viewing and guided walk up to Byron Glacier. *Scenic Views and wildlife picture stops along Turnagain Arm *Generous snacks, water and personalized Welcome Anchorage Bag

  • Free cancellation

    Anchorage Trolley's Deluxe City Tour

    4.8 (1388)

    1 hour 30 minutes From £37.57

    Step aboard Anchorage Trolley’s Deluxe City Tour for a one-of-a-kind adventure that goes far beyond sightseeing. Over the course of 1.5 to 2 hours, you’ll cover 20 miles of Anchorage’s most iconic landmarks, but what sets this tour apart is the storytelling that brings the city to life. Our dynamic guides don’t just recite facts—they share captivating tales of Alaska’s rich history from past to present. At key stops, hop off the trolley with your guide to experience Anchorage up close: Earthquake Park: Explore the landscape shaped by the 1964 earthquake. Lake Hood: See floatplanes take off and land on the water. Ship Creek: Watch anglers and salmon in action. Point Woronzof: take in stunning, panoramic views of Anchorage and capture those picture-perfect moments. Each stop offers a fresh perspective on the city's beauty and history!

Places to check out around Anchorage

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: 3%

    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: 3%

    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: 3%

    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

Potter Marsh

Home / USA / Anchorage / Potter Marsh

Potter Marsh is a Nature Preserve and Scenic Lookout at Seward Hwy, Anchorage, AK 99516, United States

Website • Facebook • Phone: (907) 345-5014

Where to find Potter Marsh?

61°4'39"N, 149°49'36"W

What do people think of Potter Marsh?

  • 4.8

  • Near here? Give me a jingle, we will take a hike! LOL! Just kidding! It is a beautiful bird Sanctuary and quite close to my home.

    Lorraine H18 February 2012

  • The boardwalk gives great views of the mountains and wildlife.

    Jonathan12 November 2014

  • Great place for drive-up access photography vantage points.

    Marcus B28 February 2011

  • Lovely first views of Alaska as a visitor.

    Stellaa D15 October 2017

Other places to try near Potter Marsh