Fairbanks

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.

How are my chances of seeing the aurora today?

2%

There is a 2% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Fairbanks area (forecast for 13 June 2025 at 10:04pm UTC)

Kp 6.00

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.
Bz -6 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 auroral activity.

Density 21.34 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 444.2 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.

Clouds

24°C Feels like 23°C

High
26°C
Low
10°C
  • Precipitation: 28%
  • Cloud cover: 75%
  • Wind: 2 km/h

Moon

Waning gibbous

  • Sun rises at: 3:02am
  • Sun sets at: 12:39am

Book an amazing adventure in Fairbanks

  • Free cancellation Likely to sell out

    Arctic Circle Day Trip from Fairbanks with Transportation

    4.7 (598)

    13 hours From £205.95

    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.

  • Free cancellation Likely to sell out

    SkyChase™ Northern Lights Experience

    4.8 (595)

    5 hours From £250.89

    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 Likely to sell out

    Arctic Circle Day Tour Adventure

    4.8 (11)

    12 hours From £223.93

    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.

  • Free cancellation

    1 Day Shared Tour Arctic Circle and Aurora Viewing in Alaska

    4.8 (28)

    12 hours 30 minutes From £216.44

    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.

  • Free cancellation

    Northern Lights Aurora Tour with FREE Photography

    4.9 (362)

    8 - 12 hours From £146.04

    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!

  • Free cancellation Likely to sell out

    Alaskan Heritage and Sightseeing Tour in Fairbanks

    4.8 (398)

    5 hours 30 minutes From £112.34

    Immerse yourself in Alaska’s intriguing culture and history on this small-group or private tour in Fairbanks. Marvel at the engineering feat of the Trans Alaskan Pipeline, browse interesting art exhibits and installations at the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitor Center and learn about the state’s important heritage at the University of Alaska Museum of the North. Visit North Pole's Santa Clause House to experience Christmas all year long. Explore Pioneer Park (optional and seasonal, time permitting), featuring several attractions that celebrate Alaska’s many notable cultural, historic and economic hallmarks. This is a small group tour, to ensure you’ll receive personalized attention from your knowledgeable guide.

Places to check out around Fairbanks

Discover Restaurants, Museums, Bars and more…

Other places in The USA

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See also

Aurora ForecastPlanning Your Northern Lights AdventureNorthern Lights PhotographyScience Of The AuroraNorthern Lights Playlist

Ivory Jacks

Ivory Jacks is a American Restaurant and Bar at 2581 Goldstream Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99709, United States

WebsiteFacebookPhone: (907) 455-6665

What do people think of Ivory Jacks?

4.4

  • Interesting people watching opportunities, some locals are friendly as anything, others revel in being a crusty asshole stereotype. Hit or miss for which you'll get, so be ready. - Tania C

    16 October 2010

  • Any table is good seating. GLUTEN FREE options!! Also the crab stuffed mushrooms are really good. - Churro D

    17 November 2012

  • Friday's special is prime rib. Best I have had in a long time. Generous portion, excellent sides. - Jane R

    17 September 2016

  • Great food, good company - a real local family bar! You can start a conversation with anyone here - everybody is so friendly. - Jenny T

    9 February 2016