Fairbanks

Home / Places / USA / Fairbanks

Fairbanks is one of the best places in North America to see the Northern Lights. Located in interior Alaska at nearly 65°N, it sits directly beneath the auroral oval and experiences aurora activity on the majority of clear nights during the season. The city’s position inland also gives it a drier, continental climate with less cloud cover than coastal Alaskan cities, further improving viewing odds.

The flat terrain and wide river valleys around Fairbanks provide open horizons in all directions, and there are numerous well-known viewing spots within a short drive of the city. Cleary Summit, Murphy Dome and Chena Lakes Recreation Area are all popular. The University of Alaska Fairbanks runs the Geophysical Institute, which publishes a widely used aurora forecast specific to the Fairbanks area.

Fairbanks embraces its aurora reputation. Several lodges outside the city cater specifically to aurora viewers, offering late-night wake-up calls when the lights appear. Chena Hot Springs, around 100 km east of the city, combines natural hot spring pools with dark skies and an ice museum, making it one of the most popular aurora excursions in Alaska.

Beyond the aurora, Fairbanks offers dog mushing, ice fishing, snowmobile tours and visits to the World Ice Art Championships each March. In late summer and early autumn, the aurora season overlaps with the tail end of the midnight sun and fall colours, creating a unique combination of experiences. The city is also a starting point for trips to the Arctic Circle and beyond via the Dalton Highway.

12345678

How are my chances of seeing the aurora today?

Many factors contribute to your likelihood of viewing the aurora in Fairbanks. 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

1%

There is a 1% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Fairbanks area (forecast for 25 August 2026 at 2:58am UTC)

Kp 3.00

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 14 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 2 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 6 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 2.53 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 337.6 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 78%

Sunrise 6:06am

Sunset 9:39pm

Moonrise 10:07pm

Moonset 2:00pm

Weather Forecast for Fairbanks

Clouds

16°C Feels like 16°C

High
16°C
Low
8°C

  • Chance of precipitation 37%

  • Cloud cover 100%

  • Westerly winds 1 km/h gusts of 3 km/h

Aurora season in Fairbanks

The aurora season in Fairbanks runs from August to April, with the best viewing conditions in September, October, February and March.

Peak viewing In season Off season

Book an amazing adventure in Fairbanks

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

  • Free cancellation

    SkyChase™ | Northern Lights Experience - Free Photography & More

    4.8 (777)

    5 hours From £249.96

    We don’t just take you to the Northern Lights — we chase them. At Aurora In Alaska™, our exclusive SkyChase™ Northern Lights Experience uses our Lights-for-Life™ Formula to track weather, clouds, and solar activity in real time to take you to the clearest skies, at the best time. Travel in a heated, winterized Mercedes Sprinter van, relax at our mobile Aurora lodge, enjoy a twilight campfire meal, and sip drinks from our Borealis Brew Bar. Receive unlimited Aurora portraits from our pro photographers, plus night-lapse video and tripod rentals. We’re the only tour with an Aurora Guarantee: If no Aurora is visible to the eye or camera on a “guaranteed night,” you get a 50% refund or free rebooking. Disclaimer: A guaranteed night is based on real-time conditions. If any Aurora is visible by eye or camera, the night is considered fulfilled.

  • Free cancellation

    Northern Lights - Aurora with FREE Photos - Arctic Night Tours

    4.9 (545)

    8 - 12 hours From £160.42

    Discover the Magic of the Northern Lights: Aurora Tours from Fairbanks Join us on an unforgettable journey to witness the awe-inspiring Northern Lights! Whether near or far, we'll drive to the best locations to maximize your chances of seeing this natural wonder. Flexible Distance & Timing: We adapt our tours based on the aurora forecast, ensuring you have the best experience possible. Free Photography: Capture breathtaking memories with our complimentary photography services. Snacks & Drinks: Trips include delicious snacks and water to keep you refreshed. More Than a Tour: Immerse yourself in an amazing Alaskan adventure filled with vivid impressions, wonderful emotions, and the thrill of the wild. Fall in Love with Alaska: Let us make your Alaskan dreams come true. Book your Aurora tour today and embark on a journey you'll cherish forever!

  • Riverboat Discovery Tour

    4.6 (1382)

    3 hours From £97.75

    Your three-hour cruise will take you into the heart of Alaska and introduce you to a family who has made the rivers of Alaska a way of life for five generations. You will see a bush floatplane takeoff alongside the boat, visit the home and kennels of the late four-time Iditarod winner Susan Butcher and see her champion sled dogs in action. Be immersed into the ancient Athabascan Indian culture when our Alaskan Native Guides take you on a personalized tour of the Chena Indian Village. The Binkley family invites you to experience a slice of Alaskan life!

  • Free cancellation

    Aurora Glass House – Northern Lights and Photos at Cleary Summit

    4.7 (223)

    5 hours From £73.87

    Discover our brand-new glass house, offering stunning panoramic views! Experience the magic of the Northern Lights from our Aurora Glass House at the top of Cleary Summit. Relax in a cozy cabin with floor-to-ceiling windows, perfect for viewing and photographing the aurora. Step outside anytime for an even closer look at the aurora in the dark sky, far from city lights. Enjoy hot cocoa, coffee, and snacks while waiting, and take advantage of our Aurora photography services to capture stunning memories of this unforgettable night. Whether you stay inside or venture outdoors, this stylish and remote glass house offers the best Northern Lights viewing in Alaska.

  • Free cancellation

    Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis Viewing) Chasing with Photography in Fairbanks

    4.8 (522)

    4 hours From £141.02

    Northern Lights Seasons: from August 20 to April 30. *** FREE Photo Service (JPG Files) *** We can’t promise to let you see the Northern Lights, which is Mother Nature that we cannot control. It is a natural phenomenon. NO Guarantee to see the Lights. The weather or Aurora activity may change during the tour. Even though everything is good or not good (Weather and Aurora Activity) when it starts, the weather or Northern Lights' activity always changes, and other conditions may change. It will be the natural things involved, which causes a lack of lights or low visibility. We pick you up at Hotels listed. (You may get an email about Pick up time and Location.) With Photo Service (JPG Files) we will upload your photos into OneDrive or Dropbox linked. It takes 3 days to send a URL linked.

  • Free cancellation

    1 Day Shared Tour Arctic Circle and Aurora Viewing in Alaska

    4.5 (65)

    12 hours 30 minutes From £245.48

    One thing that sets our tour apart from other is the mobile experience of the tour. We focus on making sure we are getting the best photos of the Aurora by "chasing" it with a vehicle and stopping when we think its a good time to take photos. Customers will be thrilled by this fast and adventurous to watch the beautiful Northern Lights while taking amazing photos and appreciating the beauty of Alaska.

Places to check out around Fairbanks

Discover Restaurants, Museums, Amusement Parks and more…

Explore more nearby Fairbanks

Get off the beaten track, these nearby destinations also offer opportunities to see the Northern Lights and are within easy reach of Fairbanks.

  • Aurora Borealis, Chena Hot Springs near Fairbanks, Alaska

    Credit: U.S. Forest Service

    Chena Hot Springs

    65°3'10"N, 146°3'32"W

    Aurora probability in Chena Hot Springs: 1%

    Chena Hot Springs, located about 60 miles northeast of Fairbanks, Alaska, is a renowned destination known for its natural hot springs, stunning aurora viewing opportunities and a variety of outdoor activities throughout the year.

  • Christmas illuminations in North Pole, Alaska

    Credit: Dylan Sauerwein

    North Pole

    64°45'18"N, 147°21'12"W

    Aurora probability in North Pole: 1%

    North Pole, Alaska, is a small city located just southeast of Fairbanks, known for its festive Christmas-themed attractions, including Santa Claus House and its unique position as a gateway to experiencing the Northern Lights.

  • Nenana Ice Classic

    Credit: Blair Roberts Castagnetta

    Nenana

    64°33'48"N, 149°5'38"W

    Aurora probability in Nenana: 1%

    Nenana, Alaska, is a small town located about 55 miles southwest of Fairbanks, known for its rich history, the Nenana Ice Classic lottery and its proximity to the scenic Nenana River and Denali National Park.

Other places in the USA

Anchorage•Healy