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 discover the top destinations for witnessing the aurora borealis. Browse detailed guides for locations across Norway, Iceland, Finland, Sweden and Canada — complete with real-time aurora forecasts, cloud-cover predictions and optimal viewing seasons so you can plan your trip with confidence.

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

And find out how to make the most of your Aurora adventure

Whether you’re a first-time aurora chaser or an experienced astrophotographer, our practical tips cover everything from camera settings and exposure times to what to wear in sub-zero temperatures. Learn how to read Kp-index forecasts, find dark-sky spots away from light pollution and capture stunning long-exposure shots that do justice to the night sky’s most spectacular natural light show.

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

32%

There is a 32% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Healy area (forecast for 12 June 2026 at 11:54am UTC)

Kp 3.67

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 45 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 -4 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 6 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 0.21 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 507.7 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 18%

Sunrise 3:34am

Sunset 12:17am

Moonrise 1:56am

Moonset 10:17pm

Weather Forecast for Healy

Rain

9°C Feels like 8°C

High: 20°C
Low: 9°C

Chance of precipitation 63%
Cloud cover 100%
Southerly winds 3 km/h gusts of 4 km/h
Rain 3 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

3 Hour SHERP Tour: Denali Fat Truck Tours

4.9 (476)

3 hours 30 minutes From £189.41

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)
Free cancellation

2.5-Hour Denali Wilderness ATV Adventure Tour

4.8 (947)

2 hours 30 minutes From £111.05

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

Alaskan Back Country Side by Side ATV Adventure with Meal

4.8 (526)

3 hours From £124.18

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.
Denali in a Day Sightseeing Package

3.8 (42)

9 hours From £151.37

See Denali in One Day Without Planning It Yourself 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 ATV Trailblazer 3.5 Hour Tour

4.8 (317)

3 hours 30 minutes From £146.80

Get out and ride in the Alaskan Boreal Forest! Traveling at speeds up to 30 mph, maneuver through the taiga to picturesque panoramas of the Alaska Range. Observe glacial moraines and historic archaeological dig sites while navigating tree rutted trails, mountain-fed creek beds, and boggy tundra. Spend more time riding on the trail than any other Denali area off-road adventure tour. You may learn how to make fireweed tea, leave with a blueberry smile, or even chat about survival. Periodic stops are made for photography and wildlife sightings. Tackle the terrain in a single-rider ATV or share the thrill in a multi-passenger side-by-side ATV. Trails are challenging for all experience levels. Total tour covers about 20 miles with 2½ hours on the trails.
Free cancellation

Midnight Sun ATV Adventure 2.5 Hour Tour

4.8 (49)

2 hours 30 minutes From £111.05

Alaska: Land of the Midnight Sun, Land of All Night Fun! Make the best part of your day the start of your night! Novice and experienced riders, night-owls and daylight adventurers can appreciate this limited Wilderness Adventure guided tour departing at 9pm during the weeks surrounding the Summer Solstice. The Midnight Sun illuminates forest trails and prolonged sunsets bathe the mountains in rosy alpenglow. Total tour covers about 10 miles with 1½ hours on the trails.