An Unforgettable Experience: Seeing The Northern Lights in Alaska

When the sky is a spectrum of beautiful colours and there is nothing but silence around you. The Northern lights in Alaska, with their swirls of blue, green, pink, or yellow shimmering and flashing across the night sky, have to be one of the most beautiful sights to view. The Northern Lights, which are caused by a reaction of ionised particles in the environment around the Earth's poles, are normally viewable in northern latitudes from late October to early spring. The northern lights also called aurora borealis, should be included in one of your Alaska tours. This breathtaking natural phenomenon cannot be compared to anything else you will witness on your tour.

Best Time to Witness Northern Lights in Alaska

First, determine the best time to visit Alaska for the Northern Lights in order to increase your chances of witnessing these amazing sights. The northern lights are most visible in Alaska between mid-September and late April, with exquisite views in March.

Aside from many other scientifically explicable factors, the month of March provides the best opportunity to witness the aurora borealis due to its long and dark nights. If you are unable to make your holiday trip during the start of spring, consider any of the previously mentioned time slots. However, keep in mind that this may reduce your chances slightly.

In Alaska, the best time to see the northern lights is generally between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m. Most northern lights cruises in Alaska will pick up visitors around 8 p.m., take them out to the viewing location, and drop them off around 3 or 4 a.m.

Best Places to See Northern Lights in Alaska

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is strategically placed at roughly 65 degrees north, directly beneath the Auroral Oval. With a population of roughly 30,000 people, Fairbanks is Alaska's third biggest city. As a result, there will be some light pollution within the city, and you'll need to drive out of town to get a truly spectacular view. Murphy Dome, Chena Lake Recreation Area, and Olnes Pond Campground are among the best places in Fairbanks to see the Northern Lights in Alaska. Winter driving conditions and extreme freezing temperatures (the minimum recorded temperature in Fairbanks is -66F!!) must be avoided in the winter. Pack warm clothing, hot beverages, and lots of snacks.

Denali

Though this region tends to go down during the winter, there are still a lot of hotels available. This place is ideal for watching the northern lights because it is away from the glare of city lights. You might even get a great view of Denali from the peak! Denali can be reached by car or the Aurora Winter Express on the Alaska Railroad during the winter.

Barrow (Utgiagvik)

Barrow (sometimes known as Utgiagvik) is located on the far northwest edge of the country. It is, in fact, the most northern town in the United States, located 330 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Though many people aren't brave enough to visit these northern regions in the winter, those who do are in for a tremendous treat.

Not only does Barrow have front-row seats to the spectacular aurora borealis, but it also has a lot of traditional Alaskan culture. If you go to Barrow for the lights, you can also learn about the Inupiat culture. Explore the Inupiat Heritage Center to discover more about how Alaskans used to whale hunt.

Anchorage

Although not as far north as Fairbanks, Anchorage has some excellent options for witnessing the Northern Lights. You'll often be able to identify them lower on the horizon. Although this aurora borealis may be visible after sundown in the city, the huge population and light pollution make it much more challenging. You should avoid the city lights.

There are numerous options for travelling outside of the city for a viewing. Nancy Lake State Recreation Area is a great option for people who are do-it-yourself types. The panoramas from Flattop Overlook are highly praised by locals. You can even trek into the Glenn Alps for some stunning aurora borealis action.

Tips for Planning to See Northern Lights in Alaska

Follow these tips to make the most of your Northern Lights Alaska vacation.

• Make your hotel reservations early: Going on vacation to see the northern lights is a famous Alaskan activity, so make your reservations early. You won't have to worry about any places being booked or closed for the season this way.
• Stay for several days: Keep in mind that there is no assurance that the lights will be seen during your trip. Plan to stay for several days to boost your chances of seeing them. Wait outside during peak hours every night. You might even get to view the northern lights more than once if you're lucky!
• Check the weather: Don't ever go anyplace in Alaska without first checking the weather, especially during the winter nights. Conditions might quickly change, and you don't want to be caught somewhere unknown during snowfall or severely low temperatures. You should keep an eye out for cloudy, overcast days, as they will make witnessing the northern lights more challenging.
• Speak with the locals: Although the spots listed above are among the best in Alaska for viewing the northern lights, locals always have several hidden gems to reveal that the rest of the world is unaware of. When you reach, speak to the locals and ask where they think you should go to see the lights.
• Make it memorable: Make your night of waiting for the northern lights as exciting and pleasant as possible. Bring some warm blankets, a thermos of hot cocoa, and your best buddies for an amazing adventure. In addition to the lights, plan lots of other activities and adventures so that you can leave having witnessed everything Alaska has to offer.
• Stay positive: Even if you don't see the Northern Lights on your vacation to Alaska, don't let it ruin your visit. These phenomena are highly unpredictable, but Alaska is a stunning place in its own way, so make use of it as much as you can, even if the sky does not really brighten up as you expected.

This should get you prepared for a fantastic trip. Book your Alaska tour package and keep your winter clothing ready. The Northern lights in Alaska are calling!