If you’ve been dreaming of witnessing the northern lights in Alaska with your own eyes, now is the best possible time. You just need to get the timing right — unlike us. Between 2024 and 2026, the Sun is at the very peak of its twenty-fifth solar cycle (the so-called solar maximum).
Scientists report that solar flares and massive coronal mass ejections are hammering our atmosphere with an intensity we haven’t seen since 2003. It’s an absolute wild ride. To make sure you don’t make the same mistake we did, I’ve put together a complete guide. I’ll tell you exactly when to go, where to stay, how much it all costs, and I’ll throw in some carefully researched photography tips so you don’t come home with nothing but black photos 😅.
TL;DR
- Best time to go: You can see the northern lights from late August to mid-April, with the absolute peak season running from December to March. In summer, Alaska has far too much daylight.
- Where to look: The city of Fairbanks is the undisputed king. It sits directly beneath the auroral oval, and if you spend three clear winter nights here, you have over an 80% chance of success.
- Weather and cold: Brace yourself for extremes. Temperatures regularly plunge to -30 to -40 °C (-22 to -40 °F), so a quality down jacket and insulated trousers are absolutely essential.
- Car hire: To chase the aurora independently, you’ll need a car from a reputable hire company with winter tyres. However, some roads (like the Dalton Highway) are strictly off-limits for standard rental vehicles.
- Budget: Alaska isn’t cheap. Expect accommodation from $150 to $400 per night, while luxury glass igloos can easily exceed $600.
When to Go to Alaska and How to Get There
The fundamental rule for chasing the northern lights is beautifully simple, yet people often forget it: you need absolute darkness. Although geomagnetic storms occur high in the atmosphere year-round, during the summer months (May to July) the Alaskan sun shines for up to twenty-two hours a day and the sky never truly goes dark.
The official aurora season therefore doesn’t kick off until late August and runs through mid-April. If you want to play it safe, however, plan your trip during the absolute peak season from December to March. Winter brings the clearest and darkest skies, though you’ll pay the price with brutal cold. The town of Fairbanks is the coldest American city with a population over ten thousand, and temperatures in January and February regularly drop to -40 °C (-40 °F). For context, the all-time record from 1934 was a staggering -54 °C (-65 °F) — so do dress warmly 😁.
September and March are also particularly interesting — the autumn and spring equinoxes. Thanks to the specific tilt of Earth’s axis relative to the solar wind, so-called “equinox spikes” occur, statistically boosting your chances of a strong aurora display even further. I’d recommend searching for flights well in advance. From the UK, you’ll typically fly into Seattle and then catch a direct domestic flight with Alaska Airlines to Fairbanks’ small airport. British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and various other carriers serve the London–Seattle route, and you can often find good deals by booking early.
Where to Stay in Fairbanks and How Much It Costs
When planning your budget, I have to warn you — Alaska can seriously dent your wallet. Most people choose Fairbanks as their base because the city offers all the amenities you need: supermarkets and plenty of hotels from which you can head out into the dark surroundings each evening for aurora hunting. Price-wise, expect a basic motel to run around $100 to $150 (roughly £80–£120) per night, while nicer hotels or wilderness cabins start at $250 (about £200).
If you fancy a touch of luxury — lying in bed gazing up at the sky — speciality igloo accommodations or resorts will set you back $400 to $650 per night (up to around £520). A typical week-long trip for a couple including car hire and food can easily swallow over £4,000.
Where to Strategically Stay
- Comfortable city-centre base: Westmark Fairbanks Hotel is an absolute stalwart, frequently used by organised tour groups. A brilliant alternative right by the river near the airport is Pike’s Waterfront Lodge, which has an excellent restaurant.
- Aurora-focused hotels: If you’re after total tranquillity, check out the cabins at A Taste of Alaska Lodge. They offer stunning views of the Alaska Range with zero light pollution from the city. Another hugely popular option is Borealis Basecamp — those famous glass igloos you’ve seen all over Instagram.
- Middle ground for families and couples: A great compromise is the spacious apartment complex Wedgewood Resort or the well-established Best Western Plus Pioneer Park Inn.
- Budget-friendly options: If you don’t mind cutting a few corners, consider the no-frills Days Inn Fairbanks or the iconic Billie’s Backpackers Hostel, where you’ll meet fellow travellers from around the world.
Northern Lights in Alaska: 12 Tips on Where to Go and How to Photograph Them
Let’s dive into twelve specific spots and tips for chasing the northern lights in Alaska and avoiding disappointment. Alaska offers countless options — from luxurious hot springs to remote hilltops where you’ll need to bring your own tea in a thermos. I’ll also share advice on how to properly photograph this celestial spectacle, so your aurora snaps look just as stunning as the real thing.
1. Fairbanks — The Ultimate Starting Point
Fairbanks doesn’t sit at the heart of this guide by accident. It lies just under 320 kilometres (200 miles) south of the Arctic Circle, directly beneath the auroral oval — the zone where aurora activity is most concentrated. It’s hardly a metropolis that’ll wow you with its architecture, but its location makes it a geographic jackpot for anyone chasing the night sky.
Local authorities actually keep detailed statistics, and the numbers speak for themselves. If you spend at least three nights here during the peak winter season and get clear weather, your chances of seeing the northern lights exceed eighty percent. Simply hire a car, drive twenty minutes out of town away from the light pollution, and start looking up. Most activity occurs between 10 PM and 2 AM.
2. Murphy Dome (Pitch-Black Darkness)
Ask any local aurora enthusiast where they go to watch the sky, and they’ll almost certainly point you here. Murphy Dome is a former US Air Force radar station that was decommissioned back in the 1980s, located about 45 kilometres (28 miles) northwest of Fairbanks. At an elevation of 879 metres (2,884 feet), it’s the highest point you can comfortably reach by car in the area.
With no houses or streetlights around, you’ll enjoy absolutely perfect darkness. When the aurora kicks into high gear, it dances from horizon to horizon. There’s one major catch I need to flag, though. The road up is steep and frequently icy in winter, so don’t attempt it without a proper vehicle with winter tyres and four-wheel drive.
3. Cleary Summit and Skiland (Viewing in Warmth)
Another beloved hilltop, found roughly 32 kilometres (20 miles) northeast of the city along the famous Steese Highway. Cleary Summit sits at 682 metres (2,238 feet) and offers gorgeous panoramic views across the Tanana River valley and the White Mountains ridge. Parking at the top is completely free, and you’ll always bump into a group of photographers huddled around their tripods.
A huge advantage of this spot is nearby Skiland — a ski resort that happens to have the northernmost chairlift in all of North America. After dark, their lodge doubles as an aurora viewing centre. You can sit inside in the warmth, sip coffee, and dash outside into the freezing air only when someone shouts that the sky has started to light up with colour.
4. Borealis Basecamp (Luxury From Your Bed)
This is exactly the place you keep seeing on Instagram and drooling over. The resort is tucked away in the boreal forest outside the city, comprising modern heated igloos with enormous glass ceilings. The concept is utterly brilliant — no need to freeze outside in the snow. You simply lie under a warm duvet and watch the green ribbons fly overhead.
As you’ve probably guessed, this kind of fun doesn’t come cheap. Prices during the season typically hover around $625 per person per night, and you often have to book a two-night package for two, which comes to an eye-watering $2,500 (roughly £2,000). Despite the price tag, it’s perpetually sold out, so if you’re seriously considering this experience, book your room at least six months ahead.
5. Chena Hot Springs (Bathing in the Freezing Cold)
This hot springs resort about 90 kilometres (56 miles) from Fairbanks is a massive draw — people either love it or absolutely hate it. The main attraction is a large outdoor rock lake filled with natural geothermal water that stays around 41 °C (106 °F) year-round. Imagine sitting in steaming hot water, your hair freezing into white icicles, while the aurora ripples overhead. It’s genuinely magical.
In the interest of total honesty, though, I have to mention the downsides. The resort is reached via the long Chena Hot Springs Road, and you’ll need to drive back to Fairbanks at 2 AM, exhausted and with wet hair. The resort itself has seen better days. Pool admission costs extra if you’re not a guest, the changing rooms are reportedly grubby according to many reviews, and the vibe is more like a 1990s public swimming pool than a luxury spa. Even so, the feeling of soaking in hot water under a freezing Alaskan sky is probably worth it.
6. Aurora Pointe (A Smart Compromise)
If you’d rather not freeze by the roadside but don’t fancy spending hundreds on luxury accommodation either, head to Aurora Pointe. It’s a private viewing centre set on a vast property about fifteen minutes’ drive from central Fairbanks. For a reasonable $50 (around £40), you get four hours of access (from ten in the evening until two in the morning) to modern, beautifully heated facilities.
The price includes local pastries and, crucially, guidance from resident aurora enthusiasts. A huge bonus is that they’ll give you loads of photography tips, and if you don’t have a decent camera, they’ll rent you one for the evening for an additional $50. For beginners, it’s an absolutely ideal stress-free option.
7. Birch Hill Recreation Area (When There’s No Time)
Sometimes you’ll be sitting in your hotel in central Fairbanks, checking the forecast, and suddenly a notification pops up telling you the aurora is blazing at full strength right now. At that moment, there’s no time to drive an hour to some remote hilltop. For these last-minute dashes, Birch Hill Recreation Area — a city park just a short hop from the centre — is perfect.
You’ll have to contend with some light pollution from the city, and the view isn’t as pristine as Murphy Dome, but you can be on site within minutes. The park has plenty of space, and even in the deepest cold, access is easy along a well-maintained road.
8. Dalton Highway and Coldfoot Camp (For True Adventurers)
If you’re seeking the darkest skies and crave the ultimate extreme, you need to hit the Dalton Highway (also known as The Haul Road). This is a dusty, often ice-covered route originally built for lorries heading to the oil fields in the far north. At mile 175 lies the rugged Coldfoot Camp, a waypoint for truckers and aurora chasers heading into the Brooks Range.
Fair warning: most standard car hire companies explicitly state in their contracts that you’re not allowed to drive on this road. If you get caught or need a tow, it’ll cost you a fortune. A bit further along lies the settlement of Wiseman, one of the best aurora viewing spots anywhere — but the nearby area (specifically Prospect Creek) is also where the lowest temperature in US history was recorded in 1971: an unbelievable -62 °C (-80 °F). This isn’t a holiday anymore — it’s an expedition 😅.
9. Anchorage and Southern Alaska
We often get asked whether it’s possible to see the aurora near Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage. The answer is yes, but your chances are much slimmer than in Fairbanks. Anchorage sits too far south, and for the aurora to reach this far down, the solar storm needs to be genuinely powerful (the Kp index must jump to at least 5 or higher). During the current solar maximum, though, that’s not as rare as it used to be.
If you’re in the south and a strong storm hits, get as far from the city lights as possible. Locals love heading to Eklutna Lake, which is tucked away in the mountains, or driving all the way to the picturesque town of Talkeetna. You can also enjoy stunning light-pollution-free viewing near the visitor centre in Denali National Park, though winter services there are considerably limited.
10. Aurora Tours with the Pros (A Safe Bet)
Chasing cloud breaks at two in the morning on icy roads can be utterly exhausting. Sometimes it’s just better to pay the professionals, hop into a heated van, and let someone else do the driving. Local guides know the microclimate of every valley and exactly which hilltop to head for to escape the clouds blanketing Fairbanks.
A very popular option is Greatland Adventures, which offers eight-hour overnight aurora hunts for around $345 (about £275) per person. The price includes professional portrait photos with the aurora in the background and, crucially, a strong cancellation guarantee — if the evening looks hopeless, you can cancel without penalty. For those who want the full works, Salmon Berry Tours offer multi-day packages upwards of $5,000 that include dog sledding and absolute luxury. You can also browse a range of northern lights Alaska tours on GetYourGuide.
11. How to Track the Northern Lights Forecast
If you decide to go it alone, monitoring the Kp index will become your daily — and nightly — obsession. It’s a scale from 0 to 9 that measures the strength of geomagnetic activity. For Fairbanks, a Kp value of just 3 is enough for a beautiful show overhead. If it jumps to 5, you’re in for a spectacular display visible right down to the horizon.
The most reliable information for the Alaska region comes from the University of Alaska Geophysical Institute on their website. Out in the field, you’ll definitely appreciate the mobile app My Aurora Forecast Pro, which sends you a notification when things start firing. But always remember the single most important rule: if there’s a thick layer of cloud above you, not even the strongest storm of the decade will help. The northern lights are above the clouds, not below them.
12. Gear and How to Photograph the Northern Lights
Waiting for the celestial show demands plenty of patience and even more warmth. Layer up like an onion, invest in quality mittens (your fingers will freeze far faster in gloves), and don’t forget a headtorch. Crucially, switch it to the red-light setting — white light will ruin your night vision for several minutes and annoy every photographer nearby by blowing out their long exposures.
As for photography, the gold standard is a full-frame DSLR or mirrorless camera with a wide-angle lens of at least f/2.8 and a sturdy tripod. Set manual focus to infinity, push your ISO to around 3200, and set the exposure time to 5–15 seconds depending on how fast the aurora is moving. Keep your spare batteries in an inside pocket close to your body — the cold will drain them within five minutes otherwise. And here’s good news for smartphone owners: grab a small phone tripod and the latest iPhones in night mode can produce incredibly impressive shots even without expensive kit!
Where to Eat Well in Fairbanks
The winter cold will reliably leave you ravenous. While Alaska is generally pricey — even a basic supermarket shop costs more than in the rest of the US — it’s worth treating yourself to a proper restaurant meal now and then. Here are a few spots right in Fairbanks that consistently earn great reviews and are popular with locals too.
The Pump House Restaurant & Saloon (For a romantic evening) — This is an absolute classic, established in 1978, located on Chena Pump Road. The interior immediately transports you back to the rough-and-tumble Gold Rush era of the late nineteenth century. They specialise in top-quality Alaskan seafood and certified Angus beef, so steak lovers are in for a treat (a massive Ribeye comes in at just under $49 / about £39). We’re vegetarians, so we tend to appreciate the sides and homemade bread, but it’s still a pricier establishment worth visiting for the atmosphere and service alone.
Big Daddy’s BBQ & Banquet (For a serious appetite) — If you’re craving proper American barbecue, this is your spot. It’s a completely casual restaurant with a fantastic Southern vibe and enormous portions — alongside grilled meats, they serve side dishes like cornbread, beans, and mac and cheese. A perfect place for families with kids or a group returning frozen from the hilltops. Mains run from a very reasonable $15 to $30 (£12–£24).
The Crepery (Quick lunch in the centre) — We love places that locals flock to, and The Crepery is exactly one of them. Sitting right in the heart of Fairbanks, they make absolutely divine crêpes — both sweet versions with fruit and savoury ones stuffed with cheese and meat. It’s a brilliant choice for a quick lunch or afternoon coffee, with prices between $10 and $18 (£8–£14).
Sam’s Sourdough Cafe (The morning reviver) — A local legend serving the best and biggest breakfasts for miles around. Their speciality is giant sourdough pancakes, made from old Gold Rush-era recipes. A hearty breakfast with coffee will set you back around $10 to $20 — which by Alaskan standards is actually quite a bargain.
Tips and Tricks Before You Go
Whenever we plan a trip up north, we rely on a handful of tried-and-tested services that save us both hassle and money. To make your planning a bit easier, here’s a rundown of the most important things to sort before you fly.
Finding Flights
You can fly to Seattle (and onward to Fairbanks) with a whole range of airlines from the UK, including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Icelandair, and various other carriers. To hunt down the best deals, we love using Kiwi — it’s our go-to flight comparison tool where we often find the best combinations of connecting flights.
Car Hire
Without a car, you’re stuck in Alaska — especially if you don’t want to fork out for pricey organised tours. We’ve had consistently good experiences with RentalCars, which we use on trips all over the world. Try to book as early as possible — four-wheel-drive vehicles vanish first during the winter season.
Don’t Forget Insurance and Data
The US has extremely expensive healthcare, so don’t even think about going without solid travel insurance. For shorter trips, we go with AXA (we have a 50% discount for you), while for longer stays we swear by True Traveller. As for phone data, the easiest solution by far is to download a virtual eSIM from Holafly — you’ll have data the moment you land without needing to hunt for a plastic SIM card at the airport.
Clothing
As I’ve already mentioned, the cold out there is truly relentless. If you’re looking for footwear advice, we’ve written a dedicated article on hiking boots — though for -40 °C you’ll really need proper heavy-duty snow boots like Sorels.
Read Next
If this article has whetted your appetite and you’re thinking that the northern lights in Alaska are exactly what you want to experience, we’ve got more detailed guides on the blog for you.
- Check out our detailed guide to the city of Fairbanks itself, packed with tips on what to do during the day before darkness falls.
- If you’re still unsure which month to fly, read our article When to Go to Alaska, where we break down the pros and cons of each season.
- And if America feels too far away and you’d rather explore Europe, we’ve got a comprehensive guide from our Nordic adventures: Iceland, Finland and Norway: How and Where to Catch the Northern Lights.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Kdy je nejlepší šance vidět polární záři na Aljašce?
Absolutní vrchol sezóny je od prosince do března, kdy jsou noci nejdelší a obloha nejčistší. Pozorovat se dá ale už od konce srpna až do poloviny dubna.
Dá se polární záře chytit i v létě?
Bohužel nedá, což jsme si s manželem ověřili na vlastní kůži. Když jsme přijeli na přelomu července a srpna, panovalo tu takzvané půlnoční slunce a obloha nikdy neztmavla natolik, abychom záři vůbec měli šanci zahlédnout. Sluneční bouře sice probíhají celoročně, ale bez tmy je prostě neuvidíte.
Kolik stojí výlet za polární září?
Je to docela drahá záležitost. Běžný hotel ve Fairbanks stojí kolem 150 až 250 USD za noc, luxusní resorty přes 400 USD. Připočtěte si drahé půjčení auta, letenky a poměrně vysoké ceny za jídlo.
Potřebuji k pozorování záře průvodce?
Nutné to není. Pokud si půjčíte auto a vyjedete kousek za město (třeba na Murphy Dome), zvládnete to sami. Průvodci se ale vyplatí v momentech, kdy je zataženo, umí totiž ujet mrakům a znají ty nejlepší spoty.
Je bezpečné řídit na Aljašce v zimě?
Silnice se udržují poměrně dobře, ale jezdí se na vrstvě sněhu a ledu. Pokud si půjčujete auto, ujistěte se, že má kvalitní zimní pneumatiky. Vždy s sebou mějte v autě rezervní deky, horký čaj a plnou nádrž.
Je lepší jet do Anchorage, nebo do Fairbanks?
Určitě do Fairbanks. Toto město leží mnohem více na severu přímo pod takzvaným aurorálním oválem a šance na jasnou polární záři je tu násobně vyšší než na jihu v Anchorage.
Potřebuji profesionální fotoaparát?
Ideální je zrcadlovka se stativem, ale dnes už to není vyloženě nutnost. iPhony řady 14, 15 a 16 mají úžasný noční režim, který s pomocí levného mobilního stativu dokáže vykouzlit neuvěřitelně pěkné fotky.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
