There’s a highly probable chance of seeing the Northern Lights in Fairbanks, Alaska if visiting at the appropriate time. After all, Fairbanks is one of the top destinations globally to witness the Northern Lights.
The city has earned this reputation partly because of its location under the “Aurora Oval,” an area with significant aurora activity. This prime location means you can even see the northern lights from downtown Fairbanks. Additionally, there’s a low amount of precipitation and light pollution in Fairbanks, both key attributes for great aurora viewing.
Indeed, remaining in Fairbanks for no less than three nights amid the season when auroras can be seen will offer you over a 90% – yes, ninety! – probability of viewing the Northern Lights in Alaska. Such odds are quite impressive, so I’m certain you’re eager to learn more about watching the aurora from Fairbanks.
This article will discuss the following:
- When is the best time see the Northern Lights in Fairbanks?
- the best locations to view the Northern Lights in Fairbanks
- The finest tours of the Northern Lights in Fairbanks
- where to stay in Fairbanks to view the Northern Lights
Ready to find out when and where to see the Northern Lights in Fairbanks? Let`s get into it!
Table of Contents
Best time to see the Northern Lights in Fairbanks
The most opportune time to perceive the Northern Lights in Fairbanks, otherwise known as Fairbanks’ formal aurora season, is from late August to late April. Regrettably, throughout the rest of the year, there’s inadequate darkness to behold the aurora adequately.
In terms of the time of day with the highest chance of seeing the Northern Lights in Fairbanks, you’ll have between 9 PM and 3 AM.
What month is best to see the aurora in Fairbanks?
In brief, these are the prime months to observe the aurora borealis in Fairbanks:
- August, September, and October – During this time of the year, the climate is at its warmest. Additionally, there’s still enough daylight to see and do things during the day. However, the sky can often be quite cloudy, so you might not have the best visibility.
- November, December, and January – This is one of the best times to see the Northern Lights in Fairbanks. The nights are lengthy and dark, perfect for aurora viewing given clear skies. On the other hand, temperatures can get rather cold, so come prepared to bundle up.
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Best places to see the Northern Lights in Fairbanks
Determining where to see the Northern Lights in Fairbanks doesn`t need to be challenging. There are plenty of great locations around the city where the “Green Lady” can be spotted. Ultimately, selecting your viewing place will rely on how far you`re ready to travel from downtown Fairbanks and if a all-wheel, 4-wheel, or 2-wheel vehicle is accessible.
- Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge: This bird sanctuary, located merely two miles from downtown Fairbanks, is one of the optimum locations in the city for viewing the dazzling Northern Lights. Though in near proximity to the urban area, little artificial light pollution is present here. Moreover, the expansive fields and walking tracks provide an unimpeded perspective of any auroral displays. The well-maintained road allows entry virtually anytime through the year regardless of vehicle type.
- Chena Lake Recreational Area: Embark on trail excursions or admire an aurora display over the lake at this 2,000-acre recreational area, situated 17 miles from downtown Fairbanks. There are two separate parks within the recreational area, River Park and Lake Park. Both have very low light contamination and feature ample wide open spaces, so they’re perfect aurora viewing spots in Fairbanks. Best of all, you can easily access here with a 2-wheel drive vehicle, unless the weather is very stormy.
- Cleary Summit: Travel 20 miles outside of downtown Fairbanks to reach the apex of Cleary Summit for breathtaking views of the aurora illuminating Tanana Valley and the White Mountains against the night sky. It is important to note, though, that this is a highly popular locale for observing the aurora in Fairbanks. If you desire a more private experience watching the lights dance, several pull-off points exists along the Steese Highway (the road leading to Cleary Summit) providing excellent vistas. Take care that Cleary Summit is best accessed with all-wheel or four-wheel drive transportation in winter months.
- Murphy Dome: The highest elevation near Fairbanks is perfect for taking in completely unblocked perspectives of the sky and valley. This prominent place to view the Northern Lights in Fairbanks requires a bit of traveling (25 miles) from downtown Fairbanks, but the breathtaking views are worth it. Just keep in mind that a all-wheel or 4-wheel drive vehicle is best for arriving here during the winter.
Before heading out to your viewing spot, be sure to check the Northern Lights forecast so you know what viewing conditions will be like.
Best Northern Lights tours in Fairbanks
Of course, the simplest way to see the Northern Lights in Fairbanks is to book a Fairbanks aurora tour. There’s no shortage of options for aurora tours, but, as always, not all tours are created equal.
One tour offering that particularly appeals to me is this excursion viewing the Northern Lights and traveling along the Arctic Circle. The itinerary includes sightseeing alongside the Dalton Highway, observing the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, and hoping to witness the amazing Aurora Borealis display. What`s more, participants receive a certificate acknowledging their journey to the Arctic Circle.”
Another excellent option is a dog sledding and Northern Lights tour. If fortunate enough, one may see the aurora from the sled. Otherwise, heading to a cozy yurt after the sled ride provides another chance to see the Northern Lights.
Further south and deeper into the mountains, the river passes through the town of Werfen, site of another legendary stronghold, 11th-century Hohenwerfen Castle. A scenic spot just above the village was where the picnic scene fromThe Sound of Music was filmed, depicting “Do-Re-Mi”, while Eisriesenwelt, high on the other side of the valley (and accessible by road and cable car) contains some of the most extensive and awe-inspiring ice caves found anywhere.
We also have a guide to the top Northern Lights tour in Fairbanks that I recommend checking out .
Where to stay in Fairbanks to see the Northern Lights
Yet another approach to boost your prospects of seeing the Northern Lights in Fairbanks is to reserve lodging that concentrates on aurora viewing experiences. One great Fairbanks aurora hotel is the Alaska Grizzly Lodge, which provides lovely views of the Alaskan wilderness. Even better, the rooms’ private terraces are ideal for enjoying the Northern Lights without needing to travel far.
Pike`s Waterfront Lodge is another superb alternative. In addition to a sauna, dining establishment, and riverside deck, this hotel along the Chena River additionally boasts a glass-walled Aurora Conservatory, a prime location for viewing the aurora.
If you prefer having an entire vacation home to yourself, book the Aurora and Denali View Apartment. Take in the views of the surrounding city and mountain from the home’s spacious backyard patio and watch the Northern Lights dance above at night.
We provide another specific article with details about the top Northern Lights hotels located in Fairbanks, Alaska, in case you need more options to consider.
As you’ll have seen, there are plenty of reasons to see the Northern Lights in Fairbanks: the prime location, low light air pollution, beautiful landscapes, and more. You can even increase your chances of seeing the aurora by remaining at a Fairbanks Northern Lights hotel or booking a Fairbanks aurora tour.
Ultimately, whether you observe a Fairbanks aurora display with your tour group, from your balcony, or in the middle of the wilderness, you can feel assured that you’ll be in for an unforgettable visual experience. It’s easy to get caught up in the beauty of the moment, so don’t forget to capture pictures of the aurora to have as a memento of your adventure.
Good luck chasing the Northern Lights in Fairbanks!
