Aurora Season in Fairbanks, Alaska, is from August 21 through April 21 and spans all four seasons and nine months of the year. Plan your trip during late August and the first half of September to revel in summer activities and attractions by day and chase the northern lights at night. Fall viewing unveils breathtaking autumnal colors and moderate weather. Winter expeditions offer long nights, dazzling snowy backdrops and unparalleled pursuits like dog mushing and giant ice-block carving. Lastly, spring is a joyful time offering winter landscapes paired with warmer temperatures.
Credit: Emeric Laperriere
Credit: K Enagonio
Credit: Bob Clark
Credit: Reagan Ross
Credit: Anastasia Nagibina
There is a 15% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Fairbanks area (forecast for 20 June 2025 at 5:44am UTC)
The Kp-index is a scale used to measure geomagnetic activity. It ranges from 0 to 9, with higher values indicating greater geomagnetic activity.
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 auroral activity.
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.
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.
22°C Feels like 22°C
Waning crescent
4.7 (601)
13 hours From £208.37
Journey to the Arctic Circle from Fairbanks for a first-hand experience of the Earth’s northernmost circle of latitude in one of our climate-controlled vans. Here, in the summer and winter, the sky is completely dark or light for 24 hours a day! Travel along the Dalton Highway, made famous by the TV show "Ice Road Truckers", and spot wildlife (no guarantee) as you cross the Yukon River. When you arrive, learn about the area’s indigenous culture, take a walk with your guide, snap photos of the arctic landscape, and enjoy a snack and beverage amidst the incredible surroundings. You’ll take home an official Arctic Circle certificate to commemorate this amazing Alaska experience. Make sure to dress weather appropriate and we recommend to wear some sturdy shoes to be able enjoy this trip.
4.8 (595)
5 hours From £253.83
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.
4.8 (11)
12 hours From £226.55
Embark on the ultimate northern adventure with our Arctic Circle Day Tour from Fairbanks. Travel deep into Alaska’s untouched wilderness along the famous Dalton Highway, one of the most remote and scenic roads in North America. Your expert guide will share captivating stories about Alaskan history, nature, and culture as you journey across the Arctic Circle. Witness dramatic changes in landscape—from boreal forests to Arctic tundra. Stop to photograph the mighty Yukon River, catch views of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, and take in panoramic vistas of untouched wilderness. At the Arctic Circle marker, celebrate with a photo op and receive your official Arctic Circle Certificate, a memorable token of your achievement. In winter, you may be treated to the magical dance of the Aurora Borealis on your return trip, a breathtaking way to end your Arctic adventure.
4.8 (191)
16 hours From £188.67
Discover Alaska’s Arctic! Experience for yourself the legendary hospitality and authentic interpretation that made the Original Arctic Circle Drive Adventure famous. Travel the famed Dalton Highway. View the remarkable Trans Alaska Pipeline. Visit the Arctic Circle Trading Post. Experience the mighty Yukon River. Explore up close the amazing arctic tundra. Cross the Arctic Circle and receive an official Arctic Circle Adventure Certificate. The ground tour can take place in a 26 passenger coach or 15 passenger van depending on the number of guests we have. Longest time between stops is 2 hours; however, some stops will be closer. Most stops have an outhouse or bathroom for guests to use if we are not traveling in the coach which has a bathroom on board.
4.8 (28)
12 hours 30 minutes From £218.98
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.
4.9 (362)
8 - 12 hours From £147.75
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!
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Regal Goldstream is a Movie Theater at 1855 Airport Way, Fairbanks, AK 99701, United States
Regal Entertainment Group theatre circuit
4.4
Park by the side doors. Shorter walk when your movie ends. - Andrew C
17 July 2013
Not the theater of my youth - it was destroyed and rebuilt in the 90s - but still the best and pretty much only theater in town, save for occasional movies at UAF or the Loon. - Rick W
21 March 2012
Get the ticket vouchers for $7 at the gas station across the street and save some moolah. - Matt B
24 August 2010
Anytime a really good movie comes out in Fairbanks Alaska make sure you get her here early so that you can get a good seat. - Troy L
9 March 2013