Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Alaska (Month-by-Month Guide)

Written By Drew LaCroix

There’s nothing quite like watching the Northern Lights ripple across an Alaska sky. Whether it’s your first time chasing the aurora or you’re finally checking it off the bucket list, timing is everything. Alaska offers some of the best Northern Lights viewing in the world, but conditions change a lot depending on the month, the weather, and where you’re headed.

Below is a straightforward month-by-month guide to help you plan the perfect aurora adventure—plus a few local tips that make a big difference.

🌌 Why Alaska Is One of the Best Places on Earth for Aurora Viewing

Alaska sits directly under the Auroral Oval, the band of magnetic energy around the poles where aurora activity is strongest. Places like Fairbanks, Talkeetna, and even Anchorage get consistent displays from fall through spring.

If you want the highest chance of seeing the Lights, a guided tour helps a lot. Local guides know cloud patterns, viewing spots, and where the sky tends to open up. (If you’re looking for a reliable option, check out our Greatland Northern Lights Tours.)

Best Months to See the Northern Lights (Ranked)

Here’s the quick breakdown before we go deeper:

Best:

September, October, February, March

Good:

November, December, January

Possible but rare:

April, late August

Now let’s go month by month.

Month-by-Month Aurora Guide

August

  • Aurora possible: Late August

  • Darkness: Returns slowly after summer

  • Pros: Warm nights, fewer crowds

  • Cons: Skies stay light for most of the month

If you visit in late August, aim for the last week.

September

  • One of the best months of the year

  • Darkness: Long enough for viewing

  • Weather: Relatively mild

  • Landscape: Fall colors (amazing for photography)

September is a perfect mix of darkness, stable weather, and comfortable temperatures. Many locals think this is the most underrated month for aurora.

October

  • Prime time continues

  • Nights: Very dark

  • Weather: Cooler but still manageable

  • Crowds: Drop off sharply

October is incredible for consistent viewing. This is when tours really start to fill up—if you’re planning on going out with a guide, booking ahead helps.

→ Explore our Northern Lights Tours

November

  • Good viewing but unpredictable weather

  • Snow: Usually starts sticking

  • Temperatures: Drop quickly

If you don’t mind colder nights and the occasional snowstorm, November can deliver great shows.

December

  • Darkest month of the year

  • Aurora: Very good when skies are clear

  • Cons: Cloudy stretches, extreme cold

December has long nights, but clouds can linger. A tour provider that actively relocates to clear skies is your best friend.

January

  • Deep winter = deep darkness

  • Aurora: Good; weather starts to improve

  • Cons: Very cold, very dry

If you’re visiting in January, bring the warmest layers you own. The good news? Cold, clear nights are the aurora’s best friend.

February

  • Top 3 month

  • Weather: More stable

  • Nights: Very dark

  • Viewing chances: High

February is simply excellent. Many travelers choose this month because you get great aurora conditions without brutal early-winter storms.

March

  • Peak season

  • One of the best months overall

  • Weather: Clearer skies

  • Daylight: Increasing but still enough darkness

March has a great balance—darker nights, steady weather, and comfortable temperatures. If you want a sure thing, March should be high on your list.

→ Learn more about Alaska Tours & Adventures

April

  • Aurora possible: Early April

  • Skies: Still dark enough until mid-month

  • Cons: Increasing daylight

April is the tail end of the season. Early April can still produce strong shows, but by the second half of the month, daylight wins the battle.

Best Time of Night to See the Northern Lights

Aurora can appear anytime after dark, but these hours are the sweet spot:

  • Peak activity: 10 pm – 2 am

  • Possible: 8 pm – 4 am

If you’re going with a tour, guides often track updates in real time so you’re not out in the cold longer than needed.

What to Wear on a Northern Lights Tour

Nights can get extremely cold depending on the month. Wear:

  • Thermal layers

  • Insulated jacket

  • Warm boots

  • Gloves + hat

  • Hand warmers

For a more complete guide, check out our Alaska Travel FAQ.

Should You Book a Northern Lights Tour?

Short answer: Yes — unless you know Alaska really well.

Tours offer:

  • Warm transport

  • Real-time weather tracking

  • Safe, dark viewing locations

  • Photography help

  • Hot drinks

  • And most importantly: local expertise

If you want the highest chance of seeing the Lights, a guided trip is the move.

→ Book with Greatland Northern Lights Tours

Final Verdict: Best Time to See Alaska’s Northern Lights

If you’re choosing dates, here’s the golden rule:

Choose September, October, February, or March for the best mix of darkness + good weather.

But Alaska can surprise you any time between late August and early April.

If you want the strongest chance possible, go with a reputable guide—and give yourself a couple of nights to try.

Drew LaCroix
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