The best places to see the northern lights in Alaska are Fairbanks, the Brooks Range, and Denali National Park — all sit under or near the auroral oval with dry, clear interior skies, unlike Alaska's cloudier coastal towns.
Fairbanks
Fairbanks is Alaska's most reliable aurora town: it sits squarely under the auroral oval, in the dry interior that avoids the coastal clouds that hurt viewing further south. Cleary Summit and Murphy Dome are the classic short drives out of town for an unobstructed sky. See tonight's Fairbanks forecast for the live odds.
Brooks Range
For those willing to venture further north, the Brooks Range offers an unparalleled aurora viewing experience. This remote mountain range is far from city lights, providing a dark sky environment perfect for aurora watching. Popular spots include Atigun Pass and the surrounding areas, where the rugged landscape adds a dramatic backdrop to any auroral activity.
Denali National Park
Denali is not only famous for its wildlife and landscapes but also for aurora — winter offers a real chance to see the northern lights over the park's vast, dark, open spaces. Check the live Denali forecast before you go.
Chena Hot Springs
Chena Hot Springs, about an hour from Fairbanks, pairs already-dark resort grounds with a snowcat-accessible ridge above the valley — and a hot spring to wait out the cold in between shows. See the live Chena forecast.
Anchorage
Although Anchorage is a larger city with more light pollution, it still offers several good spots for aurora viewing. The Glen Alps area and Flattop Mountain are popular choices for locals and visitors alike, a short drive from downtown into darker sky.
When to go
- Season: late August through mid-April, with the equinox months (March and September) historically the most active.
- Weather: clear skies matter as much as geomagnetic activity — check the cloud forecast, not just the KP index.
- KP index: Fairbanks and the Brooks Range sit far enough north to catch a display at a KP as low as 1-2; Anchorage needs KP 3+.
- Cold: dress for well below freezing at night; bring hand warmers and something hot to drink.
- Light: get away from town lights — even Fairbanks' in-town glow dims a faint display.
See the month-by-month Alaska viewing guide, or tonight's aurora forecast for every destination we track.