Cold Spot Feeds : Fairbanks : Seek The Aurora

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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?

33%

There is a 33% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Fairbanks area (forecast for 16 July 2025 at 10:08am UTC)

Kp 2.67

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 2 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 0.91 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 545.0 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

11°C Feels like 10°C

High: 24°C
Low: 10°C

Precipitation: 35%
Cloud cover: 89%
Wind: 3 km/h

Moon

Waning gibbous

Sun rises at: 3:57am
Sun sets at: 11:56pm
Moon rises at: 12:05am
Moon sets at: 1:31pm

Book an amazing adventure in Fairbanks

Free cancellation Likely to sell out

SkyChase™ Northern Lights Experience

4.8 (594)

5 hours From £254.06

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 Trip from Fairbanks with Transportation

4.7 (633)

13 hours From £208.55

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

Arctic Circle and Northern Lights Tour from Fairbanks

4.7 (854)

12 - 14 hours From £227.51

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

Arctic Circle Day Tour Adventure

4.8 (11)

12 hours From £226.75

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

Northern Lights Aurora Tour with FREE Photography

4.9 (363)

8 - 12 hours From £147.88

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

Fairbanks Top City Highlights Tour

5.0 (12)

5 hours From £106.17

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.