How Likely am I to See the Northern Lights?

Seeing the Alaskan Northern Lights can be a life-changing event. The ribbons of colorful light dancing gently across the darkened sky can inspire even the most cynical among us. But like all things that are precious, these light shows are also rare. How likely am I to see the Northern Lights? Well, you have to be in the right place at the right time with the right people. And while perfect Northern Light predictions are impossible, we have a strong track record: 95% of our travelers have seen the Aurora Borealis in its magnificent glory.

The Right Place to See the Aurora Borealis

Our Alaskan Northern Lights tour brings you deep into the Alaskan interior and right below the path of the Aurora Belt, the circular area in the northern hemisphere where the view of the Aurora is at it’s best. We’ll be about 30 minutes away from Fairbanks. Far enough for the light pollution of the city to fade away, leaving behind a sky, brilliant with the light of a million stars. But you won’t be roughing it in the wilderness. You’ll be nice and warm in a charming, family-owned lodge. A Taste of Alaska Lodge has a long history of welcoming guests to it’s 260 acre property. It’s cozy atmosphere and great food will make you feel right at home. Once the Aurora begins, you only have to walk a few steps from your room to one of the best viewing areas in Alaska. It has an unobstructed 360 degree view of the Northern Lights. A heated yurt is also available, so that you can watch the lights in complete comfort.

Here is a list of the top 5 places to see the northern lights in Alaska:

1. Fairbanks: Often referred to as the “Golden Heart City,” Fairbanks is one of the best locations in Alaska to witness the northern lights due to its clear skies, low light pollution, and vibrant aurora displays. It has many tour operators and accommodations catering to aurora seekers.
2. Chena Hot Springs: Located about 60 miles northeast of Fairbanks, this popular resort combines the beauty of the northern lights with the relaxing experience of geothermal hot springs. Visitors can soak in warm waters while watching the aurora overhead.
3. Coldfoot: This remote area, located along the Dalton Highway, offers excellent views of the northern lights. Its distance from urban centers provides minimal light pollution and clear skies. Coldfoot Camp is a popular stop for aurora tours.
4. Denali National Park: Known for its breathtaking landscapes and towering mountains, Denali National Park is another prime location to see the northern lights. The park’s vast wilderness and minimal light pollution create an ideal environment for aurora viewing.
5. Anchorage: As Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage might seem an unlikely spot to see the northern lights, but its location offers opportunities for aurora sightings. Certain areas outside the city center and in the surrounding wilderness provide excellent views.

The Right Time to See the Northern Lights

All of our Alaskan Northern Light Tours depart during peak viewing times, running from September through March. Aurora Borealis predictions can’t pinpoint the exact day of viewing, but your chances of experiencing the Northern Lights are higher during these months. Official Northern Light statistics for Fairbanks state that as long as you are actively searching for the Aurora here, then you have over a 90% chance of seeing it within three days time!

While it’s colder to travel in the winter, it’s also darker and clearer then it would be in the summer. And you need that darkness to be able to see the full spectrum of colors of the Northern Lights. But don’t worry, it’s not as cold as you think! All of our accommodations are designed with your comfort in mind. We also provide you with a packing list and gear rentals to ensure that you have everything you need to be safe and warm while traveling in Alaska during the winter.

The Right People to Guide You on Your Northern Lights Adventure!

Even if you’re in the right place at the right time, you could still miss seeing the Aurora. Mother nature can be wild and unpredictable, throwing you a curveball when you least expect it. And that’s why you need to travel with the right group of people. Gondwana’s Northern Lights tour employs local guides who have lived and worked in the wilds of Alaska for many years. They can’t always make an Aurora Borealis prediction, but they recognize the start of one immediately. While you sleep, they’ll stay up throughout the night watching for any signs of activity. Once they see that the Aurora is about to start, they’ll give you a friendly wake up call or knock on your door to make sure you don’t miss anything.

Additionally, Gondwana’s Northern Lights tour offers more than just a chance to witness the Aurora Borealis. It provides an immersive experience into Alaska’s wilderness, combining expert guidance with local knowledge. While you wait for the northern lights, you can engage in other Alaskan adventures, such as dog sledding, snowshoeing, or ice fishing. The guides also share stories about the land, its history, and its people, adding depth to the overall journey. Being in the company of seasoned locals not only increases your chances of seeing the aurora but also helps you appreciate the unique environment you’re in.

So How Likely am I to See the Northern Lights?

If you choose our Northern Lights tour we’re the right people to get you to the right place at the right time. Not only is this trip about the travel, the tours, or the accommodations, it’s about being with people who truly know and care about the experience itself. Our local guides have helped us plan a trip where 95% of our travelers have seen the Aurora and every one of them have had an experience they’ll never forget. But don’t take our word for it, see what our guests have to say!

Take mom to Alaska and indulge in nature, by vast expanses of untamed wilderness, towering mountain ranges, and pristine coastline. Its rugged landscapes provide habitat to a diverse array of wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, and bald eagles. With glaciers, fjords, and boreal forests, Alaska’s natural beauty remains unparalleled, drawing adventurers and nature enthusiasts from around the world.