Northern Arts & Cultural Centre : Yellowknife : Seek The Aurora

Yellowknife

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Yellowknife, the capital of Canada’s Northwest Territories, is renowned for its breathtaking display of the Northern Lights. Nestled on the shores of Great Slave Lake, this vibrant city offers a unique blend of culture, adventure, and stunning natural beauty.

Yellowknife is located directly under the auroral oval, making it one of the best places in the world to witness the Northern Lights, particularly from late August to mid-April. The region’s cold climate often results in clear nights, enhancing your chances of seeing this spectacular phenomenon.

Visiting Yellowknife to see the Northern Lights is truly a bucket-list experience, combining the magic of the aurora with the warmth of local hospitality. Yellowknife is home to Aurora Village. Are you ready to plan your adventure under the stars?

Credit: Ken Cheung
Credit: Ken Cheung
Credit: kwan fung
Credit: kwan fung
Credit: Ian Keefe
Credit: Sydney Haws
Credit: Luke Moore

How are my chances of seeing the aurora today?

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

6%

There is a 6% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Yellowknife area (forecast for 13 December 2025 at 3:54pm 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 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.

Density 1.75 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 629.3 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 crescent 38%

Sunrise 9:59am

Sunset 3:04pm

Moonrise 2:20am

Moonset 12:51pm

Clouds

-28°C Feels like -34°C

High: -20°C
Low: -28°C

Chance of precipitation 0%
Cloud cover 95%
Southerly winds 4 km/h gusts of 8 km/h

Book an amazing adventure in Yellowknife

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

Free cancellation Likely to sell out

Guided Snowmobile Adventure

4.9 (198)

2 hours From £88.83

This is likely the most exciting and interactive experience for your stay in Yellowknife. This guided tour is fun, exciting, safe and is suitable for young kids to seniors. Thanks to the state of the art Skidoos with heated handle bars, heated helmets, Canada Goose + CKX clothing, along with carefully selected wind sheltering trails. Guest can enjoy the wilderness in comfort even in -40C weather. Clothing is available for rental. Let this tour be part of your forever treasured memory of the amazing arctic adventure.
Yellowknife Winter 5 Days 4 Nights: Aurora and Day Activities

5.0 (28)

5 days From £710.67

At least 1 day time activity per day. Flexible aurora tour to allow comfort and maximum chance of viewing. 3 Included meal. Early Bird Special: Free 4 piece winter clothing rental if bundle is booked at least 45 days before Arrival Day. Winter Clothing includes Parka, Snow Pants, Winter Boots, Winter Mitts. Amazing price compared to individual bookings. No hassle and no worry. Optional Hotel booking arrangement.
Free cancellation

Northern Lights Tour Yellowknife

4.8 (332)

4 hours From £54.97

Wonderful and Amazing experience while going through the famous Ingraham trail to view the Northern Lights in our bus. There are lakes with breathtakingly beautiful landscapes on this trail for you to See Experience & Enjoy this wonderful Northern Lights tour with a tour guide who will click pictures for you. This type of tour is an amazing style of tour that increases your chances to see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) with spectacular backgrounds and landscapes in your pictures at various lakes with amazing Northern Lights. This is the only Northern Lights tour in Yellowknife where you get "Your" free Pictures and complimentary snack. This tour is cost-effective and provides Pictures, Snacks, Pick & Drop. Important Info: This is a Nature tour. During winter months, Please make sure to dress warm or rent winter clothing from any Tour Operator in Yellowknife.
Free cancellation

Traditional Dog Sledding Adventure in Yellowknife

3.7 (3)

2 hours From £61.07

A thrilling ride awaits on this traditional dog sledding adventure in Yellowknife, where you'll glide through a stunning winter landscape alongside energetic sled dogs. Each ride lasts about 25 minutes, allowing you to experience the deep connection between the Dene people and their dogs, a bond forged over generations. Before the journey, meet the enthusiastic dogs that are part of the family, and learn about their important roles in northern life. After your sled ride, warm up with fresh bannock and hot beverages in a cozy tent, making this a memorable day out in the North.
Free cancellation

Alaskan Husky Dog Sledding at Yellowknife Enodah Kennel

5.0 (19)

3 hours From £86.61

Join us on a dogsledding odyssey traversing untouched frozen lakes and picturesque forested portages. Our professional dog mushers will take you step-by-step through this unique northern experience, from setting up the dog team, riding on a sled through the trails, and thanking our amazing furry athletes afterward with some well-deserved cuddle time. After your journey, share your stories from the trail and warm up with a hot beverage in our heated Aurora Station!
Aurora Hunting Tours

4.8 (361)

4 hours From £99.38

Enjoy awesome, amazing Aurora with the world's best Aurora Hunting tour company! We are 100% Aboriginal owned, we grew up in Yellowknife, we know Yellowknife, we know Aurora! We will drive to one or more locations to find the best Aurora viewing for you. We are a smaller tour company, we can offer you a more personal Aurora viewing experience. We will take FREE professional photographs of you and Aurora. We have free tripods rental for the smaller tripod and larger tripods available to rent. All tours have hot chocolate and delicious Canadian Maple cookies.