Find the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights

From the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard to the vast wilderness of Alaska, we help you find the best destinations for seeing the aurora borealis. Browse our guides for locations across Norway, Iceland, Finland, Sweden and Canada — with real-time aurora forecasts, cloud-cover predictions and optimal viewing seasons for each.

Canada

Dark skies and breathtaking wilderness, one of the best places to experience the northern lights in all their glory.

Banff •Churchill •Edmonton •Jasper •Whitehorse •Yellowknife

Faroe Islands

Dramatic landscapes with pristine dark skies, an exceptional place to witness the northern lights with a truly unique setting.

Tórshavn

Finland

Enjoy stunning aurora displays from cozy glass igloos or snowy forests in the magical northern wilderness.

Inari •Levi •Luosto •Rovaniemi

Greenland

The remote wilderness and minimal light pollution offer a breathtaking, serene setting to witness the northern lights in their purest form.

Ilulissat •Kangerlussuaq •Nuuk •Qaqortoq

Iceland

Breathtaking landscapes and long winter nights provide a spectacular backdrop for witnessing the aurora in a truly unforgettable setting.

Akureyri •Reykjavík •Vík

Norway

Stunning fjords and snowy peaks provide a breathtaking backdrop to the northern lights in one of the best locations to witness this natural spectacle.

Alta •Bodø •Lofoten •Tromsø

Shetland

A remote location and dark skies offer opportunities to witness the northern lights over rugged coastlines and peaceful seascapes.

Lerwick

Svalbard

Polar nights in the high arctic offer exceptional chances to witness the northern lights dancing across pristine, icy landscapes.

Longyearbyen

Sweden

Clear winter nights and pristine wilderness create an ideal place to experience the aurora in a magical Arctic setting.

Abisko •Björkliden •Kiruna

USA

Alaska’s vast wilderness and clear, dark skies create perfect conditions for experiencing the northern lights in a breathtaking natural setting.

Anchorage •Fairbanks •Healy

Plan your aurora adventure

Check tonight’s forecast, pick the best month to travel, learn what to pack and how to photograph the aurora. We’ve also got guides on chasing the lights from home and spotting them from lower latitudes when conditions are right.

Aurora Forecast

Stay updated with the latest aurora forecast including Kp-index, Bz, solar wind density and speed, plus a 3-day outlook, aurora map and top viewing locations.

Planning Your Northern Lights Adventure

When to go? What to wear? Things to consider when planning a trip to see the Northern Lights.

Northern Lights Photography

A complete guide to photographing the Northern Lights. Learn the best camera settings, equipment and composition tips for capturing stunning aurora photos.

Best Time Of Year To See The Northern Lights

When is the best time to see the Northern Lights? A month-by-month guide covering aurora season, solar cycles, equinox effects and what to expect throughout the year.

See The Aurora Without Leaving Your Home

Can’t travel to see the Northern Lights? Watch aurora live from home using webcams, livestreams, alert apps and space weather dashboards. A complete guide to remote aurora viewing.

Can You See The Northern Lights From Where You Live?

How far south can the Northern Lights be seen? A guide to aurora visibility by latitude, covering the UK, northern Europe, the US and beyond, including what Kp level you need and historic low-latitude sightings.

Discover the science, stories and sounds of the aurora

Learn how the solar wind creates the aurora, read about the myths and folklore behind the lights, browse a glossary of space weather terms, or put on a playlist while you wait for the sky to turn green.

Science Of The Aurora

Understanding the science behind the Northern Lights. Learn about the solar wind, Earth’s magnetic field and how charged particles create the stunning auroral displays.

Northern Lights Playlist

Pop on your headphones and relax. A curated playlist to accompany your Northern Lights experience.

Northern Lights Myths And Legends

Exploring the myths and legends surrounding the Northern Lights, from Norse Valkyries and Inuit spirits to Sámi beliefs, Finnish folklore and beyond.

Aurora Glossary

A comprehensive glossary of aurora and space weather terms. Understand Kp, Bz, solar wind, CME, substorms and more to improve your Northern Lights viewing.

Healy

Home / USA / Healy

Forget crowded cityscapes and light pollution. In Healy, you’re trading urban noise for the hushed whisper of the Alaskan wilderness, like something pulled straight from the canvas of a Bob Ross painting, a setting perfectly primed for witnessing the the Northern Lights.

Imagine the crisp, clean air biting gently at your cheeks as you gaze upwards, at the shimmering colours on the inky canvas of the night sky. Healy’s proximity to Denali National Park provides unparalleled dark skies and its remote location minimizes light interference, ensuring an unforgettable aurora viewing experience.

Pack your warmest layers, grab your camera and prepare to be awestruck. Your Alaskan aurora adventure begins here.

How are my chances of seeing the aurora today?

Many factors contribute to your likelihood of viewing the aurora in Healy. 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

There is a 9% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Healy area (forecast for 27 July 2026 at 12:50pm UTC)

Kp 2.00

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 14 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 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 aurora activity.

Bt 5 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.

Light Levels

Moon

Waxing gibbous 88%

Sunrise 4:50am

Sunset 11:14pm

Moonrise 12:00am

Moonset 2:00pm

Weather Forecast for Healy

Rain

12°C Feels like 12°C

High: 13°C
Low: 9°C

Chance of precipitation 63%
Cloud cover 100%
South-Westerly winds 2 km/h gusts of 5 km/h
Rain 2 mm

Book an amazing adventure in Healy

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

Free cancellation

2.5-Hour Denali Wilderness ATV Adventure Tour

4.8 (1030)

2 hours 30 minutes From £111.50

Get ready for an adventure in the Alaskan wilderness with an ATV tour from Denali. On an automatic single or double ATV, you'll ride along trails surrounded by Denali National Park at speeds up to 30 mph (48 kph), and make stops to enjoy 360-degree views of the Alaska Range, Otto Lake, and the Healy Valley. Traverse rocky creek beds and splash through the water (weather permitting) as a guide leads you through the rugged terrain and provides opportunities for photography. Wildlife is abundant, so watch for moose on the trail. When booking, select from several departure times and decide whether you want a single or 2-passenger side-by-side ATV.
Free cancellation

3 Hour SHERP Tour: Denali Fat Truck Tours

4.9 (564)

3 hours 30 minutes From £190.18

Come explore the Alaska Wilderness off the road. Explore in a guided and climate controlled Search & Rescue Fat Truck/Sherp while staying safe from the weather, bugs, and the occasional wild animal. This 3 Hour tour takes you off road up steep mining trails to vista views, teaches you about the local history, and geological formations near Denali National Park in an adventurous off road Fat Truck search & rescue vehicle. (Plan on about 3.5-4 hours if using the the hotel shuttle service from select hotels during the summer season)
Denali in a Day Sightseeing Package

3.9 (58)

9 hours From £151.99

This experience includes transportation with our local team to Denali National Park and tickets aboard the official Denali National Park Transit Bus. This is NOT a fully guided private tour inside the park. --- This Denali day sightseeing package is the easiest way to experience Denali National Park when you’re short on time. We handle the logistics so you can focus on the experience. Start with photos at the iconic Denali National Park sign, then travel into the park aboard the non-narrated East Fork Transit Bus. Watch for moose, bears, and caribou along the Denali Park Road, with binoculars included. After the park, enjoy a meal at the popular 49th State Brewing Company (entrée included) and free time to explore downtown Denali’s “Glitter Gulch” and its nearby shops. Perfect for travelers who want a simple, well-organized way to see Denali in a day without figuring it all out themselves.
Free cancellation

Denali Highway Jeep Excursion

4.4 (403)

4 hours From £168.79

Come explore the Denali Highway with us! Drive a new 4-door Jeep Wrangler or ride as a passenger, all while experiencing scenic views of Denali, the Alaska Range, and glaciers! 4 hours in length, not including lodging transfer. Open seasonally May through September.
Free cancellation

Alaskan Back Country Side by Side ATV Adventure with Meal

4.8 (586)

3 hours From £124.69

See the wilds of Alaska on a Side by Side ATV with a full windshield, roof, seat belts, gas pedal, and break. This fun and fantastic machine handles the rough terrain well - all near the Denali National Park boundary in the heart of Alaska. This is a great tour for couples, friends, and families. All ages are welcome with various start times each day and personal guides to cater to your needs. Photo opportunities abound on this 3 hour tour and a full service back country meal is provided. Please allow 3 1/2 hours if we are picking you up at your hotel.
Free cancellation

Wilds of Alaska Classic ATV Adventure

4.8 (76)

3 hours From £116.86

Discover Alaska's enigmatic wilderness on a thrilling 3-hour, 4WD adventure from Healy. Join your guide on a spectacular tour of the Alaskan wilderness. Take charge of your individual journey while driving your own ATV vehicle, enjoying stunning natural scenery as you go. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Healy are included.