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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

How are my chances of seeing the aurora today?

16%

There is a 16% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Fairbanks area (forecast for 28 April 2025 at 10:51am UTC)

Kp 0.67

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 -1 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 2.93 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 391.8 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.

Snow

6°C Feels like 3°C

High: 6°C
Low: 0°C

Precipitation: 50%
Cloud cover: 100%
Wind: 2 km/h

Moon

Waxing crescent

Sun rises at: 5:26am
Sun sets at: 10:09pm
Moon rises at: 4:42am
Moon sets at: 2:00pm

Book an amazing adventure in Fairbanks

Free cancellation

Northern Lights Aurora Tour with FREE Photography

4.9 (360)

8 - 12 hours From £149.10

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

Best Alaskan Cabin Aurora Viewing with Photography @Aurora Camp

4.8 (255)

4 hours From £75.70

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.
Free cancellation

1 Day Shared Tour Arctic Circle and Aurora Viewing in Alaska

4.8 (26)

12 hours 30 minutes From £220.98

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.
Free cancellation

SkyChase™ Northern Lights Experience

4.8 (595)

5 hours From £256.15

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

Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs Tour from Fairbanks

4.6 (1134)

10 hours From £175.86

Discover the ethereal beauty of Alaska’s famous celestial display, the Aurora Borealis, see impressive ice carvings and experience the State’s ancient healing waters on an evening trip from Fairbanks. Sit back and relax and enjoy the 60 mile journey to Chena Hot Springs Resort. After arrival, take a guided tour of the Aurora Ice museful. Then enjoy some dinner in the resort's restaurant (not included in price) and take a dip in the outdoor mineral rock pool or just explore the grounds while you wait to see if the lights appear. Your guide will lead your group out to the springs and explain the most ideal viewing locations, where you can wait for a chance to glimpse the multicolored display in the sky. Round-trip transport from Fairbanks or North Pole hotels, entry to the ice museum and hot springs is included. Note: the resort does not allow children under 18 in the outside rock pool. However, they may use the indoor pool under adult supervision.
Free cancellation

Arctic Circle Day Trip from Fairbanks with Transportation

4.7 (579)

13 hours From £210.27

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.