Fairbanks sets the stage for outstanding aurora viewing during Aurora Season, August 21 through April 21, spanning all four seasons and nine months of the year. Due to its location directly under the “Auroral Oval,” a ring-shaped region hovering over the far north where northern lights activity is concentrated, seeing the aurora borealis in and around Fairbanks is commonplace. In fact, if you stay a minimum of three nights and are actively out during evening hours, your chance of seeing the aurora surges to more than 90 percent.
Fairbanks is in an extraordinarily lucky location on the 65th parallel in the sub-arctic, with low precipitation and distance from coastal areas, which both contribute to clear skies. The area’s low population, low light pollution and long nights for most of the year contribute to darker skies that are also optimal for northern lights viewing. All of these reasons combined make Fairbanks one of the best locations in the world to view the aurora.
Drive to a nearby vantage point and wait for the northern lights to appear or arrange to view them from a heated “aurorium” cabin or lodge, on an overnight dog sled adventure, by snow cat tour or on a flight above the Arctic Circle. Many winter activities are also paired with aurora viewing including ice fishing, ice skating and snowmobiling. You can even ask your hotel front desk if they offer a wake-up call when the northern lights are out. No guarantees, but the longer you’re in Fairbanks, the better your chances are of seeing a great show!
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