Have you ever dreamed of standing under a sky that suddenly bursts into waves of green, pink, and purple?

If you’re coming to Fairbanks, Alaska, you’re in one of the best places on earth to see the Northern Lights. I’ve been there, staring up in awe, and I promise you—it’s every bit as magical as you imagine.

And the best part? With a little planning, YOU can catch the Aurora Borealis too.

Here are some tips to see the Northern Lights in Alaska that I recommend:

Check the Aurora Forecast
Fairbanks sits right under the Auroral Oval, which means we get some of the best chances in the world to see the lights. I always check the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Aurora forecast before heading out—it gives you a daily prediction of activity. Bookmark it before your trip: Aurora Forecast 

Stay in Fairbanks for at Least 3 Nights

If you want a real shot at seeing the lights, don’t just stay for one night. Give yourself three nights (or more) and you’ll have around a 90% chance of success. Four to five nights is even better. This is why many travelers book extended stays in Fairbanks vacation rentals—so they can maximize their chances and enjoy a cozy home base.

Best Time to See the Northern Lights

 I’ll be honest—the lights love late nights. The best time to watch is between 10pm and 3am. If you’re not into all-nighters, try two-hour shifts with your travel crew so no one misses out. Just make sure they wake you the second the sky comes alive!

Find Dark, Clear Skies

You can see the aurora from downtown Fairbanks, but for the most vibrant displays, drive a little way out of town. Clear, dark skies make all the difference. Pro tip: stay in a cabin rental outside of Fairbanks to skip the light pollution and step right outside your door for incredible views.

Take a Northern Lights Tour

You don’t have to do it all alone. Local experts run Northern Lights tours in Fairbanks that take you to prime viewing spots. It’s a fun way to chase the aurora without worrying about logistics.

Use Aurora Apps

 Apps and trackers can help you plan your night out and increase your odds. A little tech goes a long way when you’re on an aurora hunt.

And here’s the best part: in Fairbanks, you don’t have to go far in any direction to find a perfect viewing spot.

Whether YOU imagine yourself in a mountaintop A-frame, a cozy cabin, a dreamy treehouse, or a spacious lodge for your whole group, you’ll find the perfect basecamp at Alaska Adventure Properties.

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With that, I’ll leave you with this wish: may the northern skies put on a show just for YOU. 🌌