Northern Lights in Alaska and the Yukon: When and Where to See Them

The northern lights are visible in Alaska and the Yukon from roughly late August to mid-April, when the nights are long enough to be truly dark. Fairbanks and Whitehorse sit beneath the auroral oval, so on a clear night away from city lights the odds are genuinely good. Plan at least three or four nights, and the sky usually rewards patience.

When the Aurora Season Runs

The aurora is present year-round, but at these latitudes the midnight sun hides it from May through much of August. Once darkness returns in late August, the season opens and runs until about mid-April. Each part of it has its own character.

• Late August to September: Mild evenings, lakes that still reflect the sky, and autumn color on the birch and aspen. Nights are shorter, so viewing tends to happen after 11 pm.
• October to early December: Darkness deepens quickly, but cloud cover can be more frequent as the weather turns. Fewer travelers, quieter lodges.
• Late December to February: The longest nights and the deepest cold. Skies are often clearer and drier, which favors viewing, though temperatures well below zero are routine.
• March: A favorite among seasoned aurora travelers. Nights are still dark, days grow pleasantly long, and the cold softens. The weeks around the spring equinox have historically brought a modest uptick in geomagnetic activity.

Whatever the month, the most active window is typically between about 10 pm and 2 am local time, although displays can appear earlier or linger toward dawn.

Fairbanks or Whitehorse?

Both are excellent, and the choice usually comes down to how you want the rest of the trip to feel.

Fairbanks, Alaska

Fairbanks is the classic American base, set in the interior where the climate is dry and skies are frequently clear. It is reachable on domestic flights, often with a single connection through Anchorage or Seattle, which makes it the easier choice for travelers from Florida and the rest of the lower 48. Beyond the city, wilderness lodges and hilltop cabins offer heated viewing spaces, and Chena Hot Springs lies about 60 miles to the northeast.

Whitehorse, Yukon

Whitehorse is smaller, quieter and wonderfully atmospheric, with a frontier history rooted in the Klondike Gold Rush. Within a short drive the lights of town fall away entirely. It pairs naturally with a Canadian itinerary through Vancouver, and the surrounding lodges lean toward intimate, small-scale stays. For travelers who prefer a sense of genuine remoteness without great distances, the Yukon is hard to better.

Some travelers combine the two, though that adds flights. For most, choosing one and staying longer is the wiser use of time: more nights means more chances at a clear sky.

Dark Skies, Clear Skies and Patience

Three things matter more than anything else: darkness, cloud cover and time. Moonlight does not prevent viewing, but a new-moon week makes fainter displays far more vivid, and many photographers plan around the lunar calendar. Clouds are the true obstacle, which is why a good guide watches satellite imagery through the evening and will drive to wherever the sky is opening.

We generally suggest a minimum of three nights dedicated to viewing, and four or five if the aurora is the main purpose of the journey. That buffer absorbs a cloudy night or two without disappointment.

What Solar Activity Means for 2026–27

The sun moves through a cycle of roughly eleven years. Solar Cycle 25 appears to have peaked around late 2024, and the sun is now in its declining phase. That does not mean the show is over. Historically, some of the strongest solar storms of a cycle have arrived in the years after the peak, and at the latitude of Fairbanks and Whitehorse, even moderate activity can produce beautiful displays.

The honest summary is this: the winter of 2026–27 should still offer good aurora prospects, though no season can be guaranteed. Short-range forecasts are reliable only a day or two ahead, so the best strategy remains the same as ever: go to the right place, at the right time of year, for enough nights.

Staying Warm and Comfortable

Midwinter nights in the interior can fall far below zero, and aurora viewing involves standing still for long stretches. Comfort makes all the difference to the experience.

• Layer properly: a moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating mid-layer of fleece or down, and a windproof outer shell.
• Protect the extremities: insulated boots rated for deep cold, mittens over thin liner gloves, a warm hat and a neck gaiter.
• Consider rental gear: many lodges and outfitters in both regions rent arctic parkas and boots, which saves space in your luggage.
• Choose heated viewing: cabins, yurts and lodges with warm rooms beside the viewing area let you step inside between displays.
• Mind your batteries: phone and camera batteries drain quickly in the cold; keep spares in an inner pocket.

Hot Springs and Daytime Pleasures

There is something quietly wonderful about soaking in mineral water while snow settles on your hair, and both destinations offer it. Chena Hot Springs, outside Fairbanks, has an outdoor rock lake where guests sometimes catch the aurora overhead. Near Whitehorse, Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs occupies the site of the historic Takhini hot springs and offers a contemporary Nordic-style spa experience.

Days are short in midwinter but full of possibility: dog sledding, snowshoeing, ice fishing, wildlife viewing, and, in the Yukon, a sense of Gold Rush history. In Fairbanks, the University of Alaska Museum of the North offers fine context on the region and the science of the aurora itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best month to see the northern lights in Alaska or the Yukon?

Any month from late August to mid-April can work. Many travelers favor March for its combination of dark nights, longer days and milder cold, while late December to February offers the longest nights and often the clearest skies.

How many nights should I plan for aurora viewing?

Plan at least three nights focused on viewing, and four or five if seeing the aurora is the main goal. Extra nights give you a buffer against cloudy weather.

Is it still worth going now that the solar maximum has passed?

Yes. Solar Cycle 25 appears to have peaked around late 2024, but strong storms often continue in the declining years, and Fairbanks and Whitehorse sit where even moderate activity produces visible displays. No season can be guaranteed, so time and clear skies matter most.

Fairbanks or Whitehorse: which is better for first-time visitors?

Fairbanks is easier to reach from the United States and has a dry interior climate with frequent clear skies. Whitehorse feels smaller and more remote and pairs well with a Canadian itinerary. Both offer excellent viewing.

Can I see the aurora from a hot spring?

It is possible, particularly at Chena Hot Springs near Fairbanks, where guests staying on site can soak into the evening. Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs near Whitehorse is a lovely daytime or early-evening complement to a night of viewing; check current opening hours before you go.