The AuroraVision forecast for Alaska uses real-time data from NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center, updated every 2 minutes. Our visibility score combines solar wind Bz, speed, particle density, magnetic field strength, and local cloud cover.
Fairbanks is the undisputed aurora capital of North America. Located at 64.8°N, the city sits directly under the auroral oval and enjoys some of the clearest winter skies of any aurora destination worldwide. The dry interior climate gives Fairbanks an average of 240+ clear-sky hours per aurora season — far more than Norwegian or Finnish alternatives.
Real-time aurora scores across Alaska — cloud cover fetched per city
Cloud cover fetched per GPS location · Solar wind is global · Auto-updates every 2 min
Five data points that determine aurora visibility in Alaska
Southward Bz is the primary trigger. Fairbanks at 64.8°N sits under the auroral oval during most active events.
Fast solar wind (>500 km/s) drives aurora south. Fairbanks sees strong aurora even at KP 3–4 with high speed.
Total IMF strength. Alaska's sub-auroral to auroral latitude means Bt plays a strong amplifying role.
Solar wind proton density. Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) bring dense plasma clouds that light up Alaska skies.
Interior Alaska (Fairbanks) has a dry continental climate with excellent clear-sky rates in winter compared to coastal Anchorage.
Best viewing window is 22:00–02:00 AKST (UTC-9). Fairbanks aurora season runs September through April, with peak months November through February. The midnight equinox effect means September and March often have unexpectedly strong aurora.
Browse and book guided northern lights tours in Fairbanks and across Alaska directly below.