Aurora adventures await in…

Canada

Banff •Churchill •Whitehorse •Yellowknife

Faroe Islands

Tórshavn

Finland

Inari •Levi •Luosto •Rovaniemi

Greenland

Ilulissat •Kangerlussuaq •Nuuk

Iceland

Akureyri •Reykjavík

Norway

Alta •Lofoten •Tromsø

Shetland

Lerwick

Svalbard

Longyearbyen

Sweden

Abisko •Kiruna

USA

Anchorage •Fairbanks •Healy

Fairbanks

Home / 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?

5%

There is a 5% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Fairbanks area (forecast for 2 August 2025 at 3:16pm UTC)

Kp 1.33

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 4 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 0.84 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 468.9 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

12°C Feels like 11°C

High
24°C
Low
11°C
  • Precipitation: 0%
  • Cloud cover: 61%
  • Wind: 3 km/h

Moon

Waxing gibbous

  • Sun rises at: 4:55am
  • Sun sets at: 10:58pm
  • Moon rises at: 8:06pm
  • Moon sets at: 9:17pm

Book an amazing adventure in Fairbanks

  • Free cancellation Likely to sell out

    SkyChase™ Northern Lights Experience

    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.

  • Free cancellation

    Northern Lights Aurora Tour with FREE Photography

    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!

  • Free cancellation

    Arctic Circle Day Tour Adventure

    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.

  • Free cancellation

    Arctic Circle and Northern Lights Tour from Fairbanks

    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.

  • Free cancellation

    Fairbanks Top City Highlights 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.

  • Free cancellation

    Best Alaskan Cabin Aurora Viewing with Photography @Aurora Camp

    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.

Places to check out around Fairbanks

Discover Restaurants, Museums, Bars and more…

Other places in The USA

Anchorage•Healy

See also

Aurora Forecast•Planning Your Northern Lights Adventure•Northern Lights Photography•Science Of The Aurora•Northern Lights Playlist

Riverboat Discovery

Home / Fairbanks / Riverboat Discovery

Riverboat Discovery is a Tour Provider and Boat or Ferry at 1975 Discovery Dr, Fairbanks, AK 99709, United States

Take a cruise of a lifetime on the spectacular open rivers of Alaska at Riverboat Discovery in Fairbanks, AK. This treasured tour boat takes you deep into the heart of the The Last Frontier to enjoy the breathtaking nature and traditional culture of the region...

Website • Facebook • Twitter • Phone: (907) 479-6673

What do people think of Riverboat Discovery?

4.8

  • Best river trip ever. Not just a boat ride-much much more. It’s also a living Native Alaskan history lesson. Just fantastic. - Jack M

    10 September 2018

  • Alaskan Blueberry Ice-cream! - Dennis S

    23 August 2014

  • They pack up the salmon dip if nobody eats it, so dig in! - Karl H

    29 May 2010

  • Affordable and very worthwhile! - Kevin S

    24 July 2021