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 5% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Fairbanks area (forecast for 2 August 2025 at 3:26pm 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.
12°C Feels like 11°C
Waxing gibbous
4.8 (594)
5 hours From £257.78
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.
4.9 (363)
8 - 12 hours From £150.05
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!
4.8 (11)
12 hours From £230.08
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.
4.7 (855)
12 - 14 hours From £230.85
Travel along one of the world’s most isolated roads from Fairbanks to the Arctic Circle on this memorable 12 to 14-hour tour through the Alaskan wilderness. In the company of an experienced guide with a passion for Alaska, journey up the Dalton Highway, passing by the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, crossing the Yukon River, and reaching the edge of the Arctic Circle. On the drive back, watch for the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). This tour is limited to 9 guests to ensure that you enjoy a small-group experience in one of our climate-controlled vans. Please note that we cannot guarantee the Northern Lights sightings and we can't guarantee last minute bookings. We do encourage each guest to rotate seats at least a few times on this tour.
5.0 (20)
5 hours From £107.73
Fairbanks City Highlight Tour stands out because it's led by passionate locals who know Fairbanks inside and out. Rather than just visiting popular landmarks, you provide an insider's perspective, sharing personal stories, lesser-known facts, and hidden gems that most visitors miss. Your small-group approach creates a personalized experience, making guests feel like they're exploring the city with a friend rather than just following a scripted tour.
4.8 (256)
4 hours From £76.18
Aurora Camp is located on a hilltop near Murphy Dome, a top Northern Lights viewing spot near Fairbanks, favored by Aurora photographers. The cabin sits in an area with wide-open views, free from light pollution or any obstructions, offering a full panoramic view of the Northern Lights. Relax in a cozy Alaskan-style cabin with six large windows providing over 180° of stunning views while enjoying hot chocolate in comfort. * 1,500 sq ft new cabin, built in summer 2023 * Free portrait photography * Indoor restroom * Unlimited hot chocolate, coffee, tea, snacks, board games, etc. Tour Options: * With transfer (pickup and drop-off): Available from all Fairbanks and North Pole hotels, Airbnbs, etc. * No transfer: Drive your rental car to the cabin. The roads are well-maintained and in good condition. Please note, the Aurora is a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed. Rescheduling is available based on availability and weather. Please call ahead to confirm availability.
Discover Restaurants, Museums, Bars and more…
Seafood Restaurant
Museum
Liquor Store
Hot Spring
River
Park
Diner
Dessert Shop
Italian Restaurant
History Museum
American Restaurant
Beer Garden
Dive Bar
Tourist Information and Service
Tour Provider
Bagel Shop
Farmers Market
Museum
Thai Restaurant
Breakfast Spot
Creperie
American Restaurant
Science Museum
Aurora ForecastPlanning Your Northern Lights AdventureNorthern Lights PhotographyScience Of The AuroraNorthern Lights Playlist
Creamer's Field is a Park at 1300 College Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99701, United States
4.7
A lovely bird preserve where you can check out Canadian Geese, Mallards, Sand Hill Cranes and more. Also check out the old dairy and the nature trail! Occasional moose sightings are not uncommon. - Rick W
21 March 2012
The Crane Festival is gorgeous and the silent auction inside is for a great cause. The whole event is free and family friendly. - Rachel D
26 August 2014