Best U.S. States to See the Northern Lights

As a traveler and photographer, there are few sights more awe-inspiring than the northern lights. Also known as the aurora borealis, this natural phenomenon paints the sky with waves of green, pink, purple, and sometimes red. The U.S. might not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about the aurora, but several northern states offer excellent opportunities to capture this awesome spectacle.

Below, I’ll share the best U.S. states to see the northern lights, how each season impacts your chances, a five-year prediction table to help you plan your photography expeditions, and various considerations that will help you take incredible northern lights photos. So, whether you're just starting with night photography or you're a seasoned long-exposure pro, in my opinion, chasing the aurora is really worth the effort.

Why the U.S. Can Be a Great Spot for the Aurora

While Norway, Iceland, Canada, and Finland steal the spotlight, parts of the U.S. sit under the auroral oval. Alaska is by far the most reliable location, but northern regions of states like Minnesota, Michigan, and even Washington can occasionally experience incredible displays.

Alaska: The Aurora Capital of the U.S.

If you're serious about capturing the northern lights, Alaska should be your first stop. Fairbanks, in particular, offers a consistent and stunning view of auroras thanks to its location under the auroral oval. Many tours like Gondwana Ecotours' Northern Lights Tour are designed specifically for photographers.

• Fairbanks lies directly under the auroral oval
• Clear, dry skies in winter boost visibility
• Remote areas with little to no light pollution
• Easy access via Fairbanks International Airport

Minnesota: Big Skies and Bright Shows

Northern Minnesota, particularly around the Boundary Waters, is an underrated hotspot for aurora viewing. During strong solar storms, the lights here can be just as vivid as those seen across the border in Canada. The remote wilderness offers clear skies and minimal light pollution—ideal conditions for photography.

Michigan: Upper Peninsula Magic

The Upper Peninsula (UP) of Michigan is a hidden gem for northern lights chasers. Thanks to its remote location, the region boasts exceptionally dark skies, making it ideal for capturing the aurora without interference from city lights. The frigid winter air may be biting, but it often brings crystal-clear skies, perfect for long exposure shots. Photographers especially love the Lake Superior shoreline, where still water creates a mirror-like surface that reflects the vibrant greens and purples dancing above. Whether you're shooting from a frozen bay or a rugged cliff, the UP delivers some of the most photogenic aurora scenes in the continental U.S.

North Dakota and Montana: Underrated Aurora Gems

North Dakota and eastern Montana have open landscapes and minimal light pollution, making them excellent spots for skywatching. In winter and fall—typically the best aurora seasons due to longer nights and clearer skies—the displays here can be breathtaking, especially around the Bakken oil fields and nearby national parks. The flat terrain offers wide, unobstructed views of the northern horizon, ideal for capturing sweeping photos of the aurora dancing across the sky.

Maine: Aurora With an Atlantic View

Though not as common as in the upper Midwest or Alaska, northern Maine does experience aurora displays during periods of intense solar activity. Locations like Aroostook County and the Acadia region provide not only dark skies but also striking coastal and forested landscapes. When the lights appear, the combination of natural scenery and northern glow creates unforgettable photo opportunities. This is one I’ve wanted to see for a long time!

Which States Have The Northern Lights?

The table below outlines the seasonal likelihood of seeing the northern lights across all 50 U.S. states, giving travelers and photographers a clear view of when and where aurora activity is most visible. This table is a simple reference for planning northern lights trips based on both geography and season.

State	Spring	Summer	Fall	Winter
Alabama	Not Likely	Not Likely	Not Likely	Very Low
Alaska	High	Moderate	High	Very High
Arizona	Not Likely	Not Likely	Very Low	Very Low
Arkansas	Very Low	Not Likely	Low	Low
California	Very Low	Very Low	Low	Low
Colorado	Low	Very Low	Moderate	Moderate
Connecticut	Very Low	Not Likely	Low	Low
Delaware	Not Likely	Not Likely	Very Low	Very Low
Florida	Not Likely	Not Likely	Not Likely	Not Likely
Georgia	Not Likely	Not Likely	Very Low	Very Low
Hawaii	Not Likely	Not Likely	Not Likely	Not Likely
Idaho	Low	Very Low	Moderate	Moderate
Illinois	Very Low	Very Low	Low	Low
Indiana	Very Low	Very Low	Low	Low
Iowa	Low	Very Low	Low	Moderate
Kansas	Very Low	Not Likely	Low	Low
Kentucky	Very Low	Not Likely	Very Low	Low
Louisiana	Not Likely	Not Likely	Very Low	Very Low
Maine	Low	Very Low	Moderate	High
Maryland	Very Low	Not Likely	Low	Low
Massachusetts	Very Low	Not Likely	Low	Low
Michigan	Moderate	Low	High	Very High
Minnesota	Moderate	Low	High	Very High
Mississippi	Not Likely	Not Likely	Very Low	Very Low
Missouri	Very Low	Not Likely	Low	Low
Montana	Moderate	Low	High	High
Nebraska	Low	Very Low	Low	Moderate
Nevada	Very Low	Not Likely	Low	Low
New Hampshire	Low	Very Low	Moderate	Moderate
New Jersey	Very Low	Not Likely	Low	Low
New Mexico	Very Low	Not Likely	Low	Low
New York	Low	Very Low	Moderate	Moderate
North Carolina	Very Low	Not Likely	Low	Low
North Dakota	Moderate	Low	High	Very High
Ohio	Very Low	Very Low	Low	Low
Oklahoma	Very Low	Not Likely	Low	Low
Oregon	Very Low	Very Low	Low	Low
Pennsylvania	Very Low	Very Low	Low	Moderate
Rhode Island	Not Likely	Not Likely	Very Low	Very Low
South Carolina	Not Likely	Not Likely	Very Low	Very Low
South Dakota	Moderate	Low	High	High
Tennessee	Very Low	Not Likely	Very Low	Low
Texas	Very Low	Not Likely	Low	Low
Utah	Very Low	Not Likely	Low	Low
Vermont	Low	Very Low	Moderate	High
Virginia	Very Low	Not Likely	Low	Low
Washington	Low	Very Low	Moderate	Moderate
West Virginia	Very Low	Not Likely	Low	Low
Wisconsin	Low	Very Low	Moderate	High
Wyoming	Low	Very Low	Moderate	Moderate

Northern Lights Forecast for 2026–2030

With solar activity expected to peak in the next few years, the Northern Lights forecast for 2026–2030 looks promising for aurora photographers. According to NOAA and NASA experts, Solar Cycle 25 is already at—or near—its solar maximum, with sunspot numbers and solar flares elevated through 2025 and into early 2026. Space.com solar physicists note that the most intense auroral displays often occur not during the exact peak, but in the subsequent years—commonly referred to as the “aurora lag.” That means 2026 and 2027 may offer even better viewing conditions, as coronal holes and decaying solar regions drive strong geomagnetic storms. A Space.com article specifically highlights that the coming years will be the best time to see the Northern Lights during this solar cycle, with 2026 and 2027 likely offering especially vivid and frequent displays.

Year	Aurora Activity Forecast	Notes	Supporting Sources
2026	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very High	Peak of Solar Cycle 25. Most geomagnetic storms are expected. Prime year for photography.	NOAA, NASA, Space.com, Andy Keen
2027	⭐⭐⭐⭐½ Extremely High	Strong aurora lag year. Continued storm activity, excellent conditions continue.	LiveScience, Trafalgar Tours, Aurora Tracks
2028	⭐⭐⭐ Moderate to High	Activity begins to decline, but strong auroras still occur, especially at high latitudes.	Space.com, Aurora Guide by Andy Keen
2029	⭐⭐ Low to Moderate	Lower sunspot numbers. Occasional storms possible, but less frequent.	NOAA Solar Cycle Forecasts, Forbes
2030	⭐ Low	Aurora activity wanes as Solar Cycle 25 fades. Rare but possible events with clear skies.	AP News, Aurora Tracks

For travelers and photographers planning ahead, this suggests that 2026 and 2027 hold tremendous potential for epic aurora captures, while activity is expected to gradually decline, though remain respectable into 2028. If you are interested in traveling to see the northern lights in Alaska, then learn more about our upcoming northern lights tour dates.

Essential Gear for Aurora Photography

Bringing the right gear is critical. A sturdy tripod, a fast wide-angle lens (f/2.8 or faster), and a full-frame camera with strong ISO performance are musts. Learn more about the best cameras for photographing the northern lights.

Choosing the Right Camera Settings

Manual mode is a must. Start with ISO 1600, a 15-second shutter speed, and your lens wide open. Adjust as necessary depending on the aurora’s brightness.

Tips for Planning a Photo Tour

Book your lodging early, choose a location with clear northern exposure, and check solar weather forecasts. For more advice, read these northern lights travel tips.

Weather Conditions and Aurora Sightings

Cloud cover is the aurora photographer's enemy. Winter may be best for aurora strength, but fall often has clearer skies.

Apps and Tools for Aurora Hunters

Use apps like Aurora Forecast, SpaceWeatherLive, and NOAA’s OVATION model to track solar activity and cloud cover.

Why Join a Guided Photo Tour

Tours remove the guesswork and offer local expertise. I recommend Gondwana Ecotours' northern lights photo tour for their blend of comfort and photography-focused itineraries.

Capturing Unique Foregrounds

From forests and mountains to ice-covered lakes, a strong foreground makes your shot stand out. Scout locations during the day.

Best Time of Night for the Aurora

Typically, the best viewing window is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., though it can happen anytime it’s dark. For Alaska specifics, check out this guide on timing.

Final Thoughts from the Road

Chasing the northern lights in the U.S. offers more than just beautiful skies—it gives you a reason to explore some of the most remote, peaceful corners of the country. With the next few years set to be rich with auroral activity, it’s a perfect time to pack your camera and hit the road.