Alyeska Pipeline Viewpoint : Fairbanks : Seek The Aurora, Northern Lights Travel Guide

Fairbanks

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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. Autumn viewing unveils breathtaking colours 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.

Aurora Probability and Atmospheric Conditions

39%

There is a 39% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Fairbanks area (forecast for 14 March 2026 at 3:37am UTC)

Kp 5.67

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.

HPI 108 GW

The Hemispheric Power Index (HPI) is a vital measure used to assess the strength of auroral activity at the poles. It estimates the total auroral energy input, with values above 20 GW indicating an aurora-active state. When the HPI reaches levels of 100 GW or more, it signifies a very significant geomagnetic storm, which can lead to spectacular auroral displays.

Bz -7 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.

Bt 10 nT

Bt measures the overall power of the Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF) from the Sun; higher numbers (e.g., above 20 nT) mean more energy available for aurora.

Density 0.47 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 centimetre (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 662.5 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.

Light Levels

Moon

Waning crescent 36%

Sunrise 8:16am

Sunset 7:44pm

Weather Forecast for Fairbanks

Clouds

-19°C Feels like -19°C

High: -17°C
Low: -28°C

Chance of precipitation 0%
Cloud cover 100%
Southerly winds 1 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

Free Pickup/Drop off: Dog Sledding with Free Photo in Fairbanks

4.8 (215)

2 hours 30 minutes From £152.51

In this 2 - 5 miles trails with Alaskan Huskies you will learn the history of the dog mushing and get an experience on how to help ride the sled with voice commands. - Free Pick up Service at a hotel in Fairbanks - Free Photo Service *** 2 tickets are required for Passengers over 250 pounds or 113 Kilograms *** - Dog Sledding Snow Seasons: From Nov. 1 To Apr. 20. If you use Uber or a rent car to get here, you need to pay additional expense. If you drive to the dog sledding sites, it would be dangerous because of the snow and unknown road conditions. Therefore, we offer to pick you up. We will upload your pictures into a OneDrive or a Dropbox. We will send a url linked to download them all.
Special offer

Castner Glacier Ice Cave Adventure from Fairbanks

4.9 (47)

9 hours 30 minutes From £179.14

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 3 miles (round trip) to the Ice Cave and back.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
Free cancellation

Dogsled Adventure in Fairbanks with Homestead tour

4.8 (179)

1 - 2 hours From £118.79

Experience the thrill of riding in one of Alaska's oldest modes of transportation! The dogsled! Towns, villages and lifestyles were created using the traditional style dogs that you will meet while on your tour. Learn of the rich history of Chatanika from one of our guides while travelling through a beautiful boreal forest. We only have 2 tour slots a day to give each group ample time. This is a small family run business and you will be greeted and guided by an owner the entire time here. We do accomidate families/large groups & single travelers! For group size requests over 6 guests please contact Howling Bay Kennel direct through their website. Our weight limit per guest is 225lbs clothed. If you exceed the weight limit, but meet the physical requirements and can comfortably participate, we may be able to accomidate you as a single rider for a double booking fee. Please inquire directly with all questions or concerns. Thank you & Happy Trails!
Free cancellation

Dogsled and Reindeer Day Trip to Borealis Basecamp

4.5 (43)

8 hours From £210.60

We work exclusively with local, passionate mushers who view their dog teams as their family, and you will have the chance to understand this incredible sport on your hourlong ride through the snowy forest. You will ride on a genuine dogsled, either seated or standing, as the team of 8 dogs swings through the forest with you and your guide at a comfortable but thrilling pace. You will also have the chance to see the dog kennels, and a replica of a dog-sled race checkpoint, where the competitive mushers stop for fuel and rest on their long winter races. On your reindeer tour, our experienced reindeer handlers will introduce you to the herd of reindeer at Borealis Basecamp, and you can feed, meet, and take pictures with these incredible animals.
Free cancellation

Cleary Summit Aurora Glass House Luxury Northern Lights Tour

4.5 (19)

4 - 5 hours From £137.18

Brand-new for 2025, the Aurora Glass House sits atop Cleary Summit in Fairbanks, Alaska. With floor-to-ceiling windows and over 270° panoramic views, this modern cabin offers a warm, cozy space to enjoy the Northern Lights. Relax in plush lounge chairs, sip hot drinks, and hear stories from your friendly local host while the aurora dances across the sky. Highlights • Brand-new Aurora Glass House for 2025 on Cleary Summit • Over 270° panoramic views through floor-to-ceiling windows • Stay warm with cozy seating and complimentary hot drinks • Perfect for couples, families, and photographers
Free cancellation Private tour

Private Guided Dog Sledding on the Historic Yukon Quest Trail

5.0 (129)

1 hour 30 minutes From £153.28

Experience one of the longest mushing trails in Fairbanks! Embark on an unforgettable dog sledding adventure down the historic Yukon Quest 1,000-mile trail! This slow paced (yet action packed!) private experience is for everyone. Whether this is a bucket list item for a mature explorer or a first-time adventure for a tiny human, we guarantee a fulfilling experience for people of all ages. We provide high quality cold weather gear for our guests, including parkas, snow pants, boots, hats and mittens. We also offer an enclosed sled bag equipped with cushions, pillows & fur blankets to ensure you are comfortable throughout your entire riding experience. Our tour is catered to small groups to provide an immersive & leisurely experience.

Places to check out around Fairbanks

Alaska Salmon Bake

Seafood Restaurant
Alyeska Pipeline Viewpoint

Scenic Lookout
Aurora Ice Museum

Museum
Bahn Thai

Thai Restaurant
Brown Jug Fairbanks

Liquor Store
Chena Hot Springs Resort

Hot Spring
Chena River

River
Chowder House

Soup Spot
Creamer's Field

Park
DW Grill

Diner
Fairbanks Community Museum

History Museum
Fountainhead Antique Automobile and Vintage Clothing Museum

Museum
Fudge Pot

Dessert Shop
Geraldo's Italian Restaurant

Italian Restaurant
Gold Dredge #8

History Museum
Ivory Jacks

American Restaurant
Lavelle's Taphouse

Beer Garden
Mecca Bar

Dive Bar
Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center

Tourist Information and Service
Pioneer Park

Amusement Park
Riverboat Discovery

Tour Provider
Sunrise Bagel & Espresso

Bagel Shop
Tanana Valley Farmers Market

Farmers Market
Tanana Valley Model Railroad

Museum
Thai House Restaurant

Thai Restaurant
The Cookie Jar Restaurant

Breakfast Spot
The Crepery

Creperie
The Pump House

American Restaurant
University of Alaska Museum of the North

Science Museum
World Ice Art Championship & Ice Park

Amusement Park

Explore more nearby Fairbanks

Credit: U.S. Forest Service

Chena Hot Springs

65°3'10"N, 146°3'32"W

Aurora probability in Chena Hot Springs: 43%

Chena Hot Springs, located about 60 miles northeast of Fairbanks, Alaska, is a renowned destination known for its natural hot springs, stunning aurora viewing opportunities and a variety of outdoor activities throughout the year.
Credit: Dylan Sauerwein

North Pole

64°45'18"N, 147°21'12"W

Aurora probability in North Pole: 41%

North Pole, Alaska, is a small city located just southeast of Fairbanks, known for its festive Christmas-themed attractions, including Santa Claus House and its unique position as a gateway to experiencing the Northern Lights.
Credit: Blair Roberts Castagnetta

Nenana

64°33'48"N, 149°5'38"W

Aurora probability in Nenana: 37%

Nenana, Alaska, is a small town located about 55 miles southwest of Fairbanks, known for its rich history, the Nenana Ice Classic lottery and its proximity to the scenic Nenana River and Denali National Park.