Brown Jug Fairbanks : 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
Credit: Chenghui Li
Credit: Dennis Zhang
Credit: Dennis Zhang

How are my chances of seeing the aurora today?

Many factors contribute to your likelihood of viewing the aurora in Fairbanks. Geomagnetic activity, cloud cover and the amount of ambient light all play a big part. Check the forecasts for how good the viewing conditions are today.

12%

There is a 12% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Fairbanks area (forecast for 6 November 2025 at 5:07pm UTC)

Kp 2.33

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 -3 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 aurora activity.

Density 3.26 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 540.8 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.

Moon

Waning gibbous

Sunrise 8:56am

Sunset 4:12pm

Clouds

-10°C Feels like -15°C

High: -8°C
Low: -10°C

Chance of precipitation 25%
Cloud cover 100%
Westerly winds 1 km/h gusts of 2 km/h

Book an amazing adventure in Fairbanks

Explore this selection of tours and activities to make the most of your visit to Fairbanks.

Free cancellation

Northern Lights Aurora Tour with FREE Photography

4.9 (418)

8 - 12 hours From £152.23

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

SkyChase™ Northern Lights Experience

4.8 (630)

5 hours From £261.53

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

Arctic Circle Day Tour Adventure

4.6 (39)

12 hours From £233.42

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 & Chena Hot Springs Tour

4.6 (1194)

10 hours From £195.17

Embark on one of our most popular evening adventures to Chena Hot Springs Resort, a renowned Alaskan getaway just 60 miles from Fairbanks. Keep an eye out for moose, foxes, or beavers as you travel through the scenic interior. Your night begins with a guided tour of the Aurora Ice Museum, home to stunning ice sculptures and the famous ice bar, where you can optionally enjoy an Appletini in a hand-carved ice glass (21+). Then relax with dinner or a drink in the cozy resort restaurant, featuring fresh, locally sourced produce (meal not included). Afterward, soak in the outdoor mineral hot springs—a rejuvenating experience under the stars—or explore the snowy grounds while waiting for a chance to witness the magical Aurora Borealis. Your guide will point out the best spots for viewing and provide tips to make the most of the night. Return to Fairbanks just after midnight, with a final chance to glimpse the aurora along the way.
Free cancellation Private tour

Dog Sledding and Mushing Experience in North Pole

5.0 (1230)

30 minutes From £81.97

Enjoy a truly Alaskan experience in the famous North Pole Alaska on a 30 minute dog sledding adventure. This ride includes informative commentary from your local guide as you glide through the snow covered forest. You will be seated in the dog sled as the team of Alaskan Huskies whisk you down the trails. Your guide will be standing on the back of the sled driving the team by voice commands. You will have a short stop during your adventure to meet your team of Alaskan Huskies and take pictures. All outer layers of winter clothing are included.
Castner Glacier Ice Cave Adventure from Fairbanks

5.0 (23)

8 hours From £238.89

Enjoy the amazing views of the mountains and keep an eye out for wildlife such as Moose and Caribou which are often seen crossing the road on the way to Castner Glacier. Once you arrive at the starting point of the trail the hike is 1.5 miles to the ice cave.Please,dress accordingly for cold weather. Enjoy the epic views of the Delta Range, an eastern section of the Alaska Range. Ice caves are exceptional because they are not only scarce, but they are located far outside zones of permafrost—at low elevations (near sea level) and low latitudes (between around 30° and 70°), where they maintain a much lower average annual temperature than that of the air above. After you return from your hike we will head back to North Pole where you are going to have some free time to explore the world famous Santa Clause House. Drop Off at your hotel or AirBnB around 5:30 pm. Licensed by Bureau of Land Management, Department of the Interior permit #2025-00197