Northern Lights Forecast
for Fairbanks
Fairbanks, USA — about 65° geomagnetic latitude. Premier US destination; season ~Aug 21–Apr 21.
Can you see the aurora in Fairbanks?
Yes. From a dark site you need about Kp 1 for a faint glow low on the northern horizon, and roughly Kp 3 for bright aurora directly overhead. At 65° geomagnetic latitude this spot sits deep under the auroral oval — quiet nights are often enough.
Over the last 12 months the planetary Kp peaked at the levels Fairbanks needs on the days shown — out of 365. Kp is a global index, so these are the odds the sky was active enough; you still need clear, dark skies here. In 94 years on record the strongest day hit Kp 9.
The full Kp archive, 1932 → today →When to go
The season runs late September to late March, when the nights are long and dark. You also need clear skies and a low moon — even a strong Kp is useless under cloud. Check tonight's live call above, then plan a night around the dark window, cloud and moon.
Nearby in North America
From the bookChasing PinkSeven winters of chasing the northern lights — ten chapters, free to read here.Start reading →