The Northern Lights are one of the most incredible natural phenomena on earth. These beautiful ribbons of color in the sky can be seen in the far northern reaches of the continent, and many people come to Anchorage, Alaska, to see the awe-inspiring sight for themselves.

A Northern Lights Alaska trip is something you will never forget. Of course, for a truly breathtaking experience, you'll want to research the best time to see The Northern Lights and the locations where the view will be the clearest. Start your journey at the Historic Anchorage Hotel, and we'll gladly help you see more than a few of these wondrous sights during your visit.

Anchorage, Alaska for Viewing the Aurora Borealis

The best places to see the Northern Lights are (as you might guess) in the far northern regions of the continent. Anchorage, Alaska, is close to many of the best viewing locations, just a short drive away from beautiful parks and dark skies where the Aurora Borealis can be most clearly seen.

Anchorage offers a wonderful place to rest, explore, and plan your trip out to the clearest viewing locations.

What are the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights are an electromagnetic effect that occurs in the Earth's atmosphere. The colors are created when electrically charged particles emitted by the sun hit the earth's magnetosphere. It is a truly unique and wondrous scientific phenomenon that has become celestial art.

The sun's rays emit particles charged with energy. The magnetosphere created by Earth's spinning iron core protects us from those particles and creates the Aurora Borealis effect. In other words, when our planetary shields are working, beautiful light ribbons in the sky are an awesome side effect.

Best Time to See the Northern Lights

The best time to see the Northern Lights is between September and April. The lights are most active around each year's Equinox, and the winter season provides the darkest skies for the clearest viewing.

Visibility Factors

• Weather: Check the weather for clear skies.
• Solar Activity: Watch the solar reports for the most active days. This is when the brightest and most colorful Aurora Borealis will be visible.

Prime Locations for Aurora Viewing in Anchorage

Anchorage is at the heart of many of the best places to see the Northern Lights. You can see them in the city, but you'll get the clearest view if you head to the national parks and trailheads.

• Glen Alps: The parking lot of the Glen Alps Trailhead has a high elevation and a big, clear view of the sky.
• Point Woronzof: Point Woronzof is a coastal park that has amazing northern exposure to the Alaska sky.
• Knik River Valley: The Knick River drainage area has a clear mountain-free view of the northern expanse, where you can see some amazing lights.
• Eagle River Nature Center: Follow Eagle River Road to the entrance of Chugach State Park. You'll find the Nature Center and a great isolated space to see the Aurora Borealis.

Understanding the Aurora Borealis

So what exactly are the Northern Lights? The aurora borealis occurs when solar particles collide with atmospheric gases and release energy in the form of light, producing vibrant waves across the night sky. The reason the northern lights can be viewed from Anchorage has to do with Alaska's close proximity to the North Pole. Because this phenomenon is most common near the Earth's magnetic poles, Alaska is one of the best locations to view the northern lights.

The aurora borealis peaks during the winter months, especially around the equinoxes. If you're planning a trip based around seeing the northern lights in Anchorage, September through mid-April is the best time to see the aurora borealis but they can be seen as early as late August on the right night.

Can You See the Northern Lights in Anchorage? 

If you've been wondering if the northern lights are visible from Anchorage, the answer is yes -- with a little planning.

Even though Anchorage is a thriving city, which means you'll be confronted with light pollution that can affect the aurora's brightness, it is very common to see amazing displays of the northern lights just by stepping outside in Alaska's largest city. For the best chance to witness this natural phenomenon, just a short drive outside of city limits will unveil an incredible view of the northern lights. The best places to see the northern lights near Anchorage include Point Woronzof, Glen Alps, and the Knik River Valley. These viewpoints are all a short 15-45 minute drive away.

Why Summer's Midnight Sun Prevents Aurora Viewing

Can you see the northern lights in Alaska in the summer? 

Due to Alaska's brilliant Midnight Sun, the aurora borealis is not visible during the summer months. The Midnight Sun offers a unique experience of its own, bathing Anchorage in 18-19 hours of sunlight, while cities like Fairbanks experience the full 24-hour sun cycle. You may not be able to see the northern lights brighten the sky, but the summer horizon is no less vibrant.

Visibility Factors for Optimal Aurora Viewing

For the best chance at catching a glimpse of the northern lights, keep these factors in mind:

• Timing. The aurora can be starting in late August through April but peak aurora season runs from mid-September through March, with the best displays typically occurring between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. Get ready to have some coffee and stay up late if you want to see the best view of the northern lights during your trip!

• Weather. As with stargazing, clear and cloudless nights will be your friend for chasing auroras. Be flexible in your plans and check weather forecasts for optimal conditions. Aurora Forecast and My Aurora Forecast are great tools for tracking the best time and day to view the aurora borealis from Anchorage.

• Location. As previously noted, plan a short drive outside of city limits. Dark, open areas away from the city lights create the perfect stage for the aurora to shine.

Remember to be patient. The aurora borealis doesn't run on a schedule. Bring some snacks, a thermos of cocoa, and settle in for a night of sky watching.

Book a Front Row Seat Today! 

Looking for the best place to see the aurora borealis? While the lights aren’t typically visible from within city limits, our team at The Historic Anchorage Hotel is happy to provide information on where and when you're most likely to catch a glimpse of this natural wonder. Book your stay today and let us help you make the most of your Alaska adventure.

Contact us today to book a luxurious suite and plan your Aurora viewing trip.

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