can you see the northern lights in fairbanks in october

by Johan Gutmann Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago

“[September and October] are excellent months to view the aurora in Fairbanks,” confirms Amy Geiger, communications director for Explore Fairbanks.Sep 13, 2019

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Can you see the Northern Lights from Alaska in October?

Alaska in October is a great time to see the northern lights before it gets too cold! You can still visit Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Part or travel to Mile 30 inside Denali National Park.

Is October a good time to visit Fairbanks Alaska?

Fairbanks is fortunate enough to be considered one of the top viewing spots in Alaska. From late October to March the skies are clear and dark enough to gain the best view of the lights. For hundreds of years, dog sledding has been the transportation method of choice for native Alaskans.

What is the best month to see the Northern Lights in Fairbanks Alaska?

If you're headed to Alaska to catch a glimpse of the aurora, experts advise the best time to see the northern lights in the Land of the Midnight Sun is from late August through April, with Fairbanks known as one of the top places in the world to watch the spectacular natural light show.

Is October a good time to see the Northern Lights?

In order to see the Northern Lights, you need a dark, clear night. They are visible from late August to early April anytime during dark hours, which in places like Abisko or Tromsø can be nearly 24 hours a day in winter.

What does Fairbanks look like in October?

October Weather in Fairbanks Alaska, United States. Daily high temperatures decrease by 24°F, from 46°F to 22°F, rarely falling below 8°F or exceeding 56°F. Daily low temperatures decrease by 23°F, from 30°F to 8°F, rarely falling below -9°F or exceeding 39°F.

Does it snow in Fairbanks in October?

In Fairbanks, during October, snow falls for 6.5 days and regularly aggregates up to 1.85" (47mm) of snow.

Is October a good month to visit Alaska?

The best time to visit Alaska Autumn starts early in Alaska, with the Northern Lights appearing over the horizon from the end of August. The best time to visit Alaska is from May until the end of September. May is great for wildflowers and mosquito-free days.

How often are northern lights visible in Fairbanks?

Fairbanks' Aurora Season is from August 21 to April 21 and the aurora will be visible in Fairbanks an average of four out of five nights when the sky is clear and dark enough. Scientifically speaking, the aurora is dancing above year-round, but we can only see it during the Aurora Season when we have dark enough skies.

When can you see aurora borealis in Fairbanks?

Aurora Season in Fairbanks, Alaska, is from August 21 through April 21 and spans all four seasons and nine months of the year. Plan your trip during late August and the first half of September to revel in summer activities and attractions by day and chase the northern lights at night.

Where can you see Northern Lights in October?

What are the best places to see the Northern Lights?Tromso, Norway. Based in the heart of the aurora zone in the Norwegian Arctic, the city is widely regarded as one of the world's best places to see the Northern Lights. ... Swedish Lapland. ... Reykjavik, Iceland. ... Yukon, Canada. ... Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland. ... Ilulissat, Greenland.

What is the weather like in Alaska in October?

October Weather in Anchorage Alaska, United States. Daily high temperatures decrease by 15°F, from 50°F to 35°F, rarely falling below 25°F or exceeding 56°F. Daily low temperatures decrease by 14°F, from 39°F to 25°F, rarely falling below 12°F or exceeding 46°F.

Can you see the Northern Lights every night in Alaska?

Yes, you can see the northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, from Anchorage - but not in the summer. The aurora actually occurs all year long, but the sky needs to be clear and dark to see it. Views are best from September to April.

Is October a good month to go to Alaska?

Is it worth visiting Alaska in October?

You can't experience everything that Alaska has to offer in the winter until it gets colder and there's more snow and ice (such as for ice fishing) but autumn is a great season to visit if you want a taste of what life is like in winter.

Can you visit Alaska in October?

Autumn in Anchorage dazzles with bright colors, crisp fall air, and opportunities to enjoy fishing, hiking, sightseeing, and everything in between.

What is the best time of year to visit Fairbanks Alaska?

The best time to visit Fairbanks is from July to August. Shoulder seasons, including May to June and August through September, are also ideal.

When is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Fairbanks?

Fairbanks is arguably the most popular destination for visitors who want to see the Northern Lights. Peak viewing season is in the dead of winter, when the weather is the coldest and when it is the darkest. There are opportunities to see the northern lights at the tail end of the summer season in early September, ...

What to do in Fairbanks in the winter?

In Fairbanks for the winter? You can go dog sledding, northern lights viewing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and more!

When is peak viewing season?

Peak viewing season is in the dead of winter, when the weather is the coldest and when it is the darkest. It's also a great time for a winter vacation. Generally there's snow so you can enjoy things like dog sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing and more during the day when you're not hunting the aurora. Either way, you don't miss out on the opportunity to experience this rare and mystical event.

Where to see the Northern Lights in the US?

Fairbanks, Alaska, is the best place in the US to catch the northern lights. Astronomy Trip Planning Fairbanks, AK, United States. Photo: youli zhao /Shutterstock. There’s a feeling of undeserved shame that comes with visiting Alaska in the winter and not seeing the northern lights. If you went to the 49th state during aurora season — August 21 ...

What exactly are the northern lights?

The northern lights are a natural celestial phenomenon, called aurora borealis in the north and aurora australis in the south. The aurora originates on the surface of the sun, when solar activity produces a gas cloud called a coronal mass ejection (CME). When one of these ejections reaches our planet two or three days later, it collides with Earth’s magnetic field, which deflects the solar flares. However, these currents of charged particles flow into the northern and southern polar regions, since the magnetic field is weaker there. The result is dazzling, as light shifts and courses throughout the sky.

How to predict aurora activity?

The most important factor in predicting the aurora’s appearance is sunspot and solar flare activity. Sunspot activity operates on an 11-year cycle, with the number of sunspots and solar flares increasing in frequency until the solar maximum is reached. The more solar activity, the higher the likelihood of seeing the aurora. Right now, we’re approaching peak solar activity, with the solar maximum expected to occur between 2023 and 2026. This means if you plan a trip to Alaska within the next year or two, your chances of seeing the aurora are significantly higher.

What is Aurora Pointe?

Aurora Pointe is equipped with coffee, board games, cards, and professionally taken aurora photographs to keep you entertained while you wait for the lights. You’ll likely be sharing the venue with over a dozen others, all waiting to see the same epic phenomenon.

When will the aurora occur?

Sunspot activity operates on an 11-year cycle , with the number of sunspots and solar flares increasing in frequency until the solar maximum is reached. The more solar activity, the higher the likelihood of seeing the aurora. Right now, we’re approaching peak solar activity, with the solar maximum expected to occur between 2023 and 2026.

Where is Murphy Dome in Fairbanks?

Murphy Dome is the highest point in the Fairbanks area, at 2,877 feet in elevation. From here, you’ll be able to enjoy a 360-degree horizon with unobstructed views of the valley below and, of course, the sky above.

Where to see Aurora?

Aurora Pointe. One of the best and most convenient places to see the aurora is Aurora Pointe, newly opened in 2018 with the express purpose of giving people a venue for viewing the lights. Located about 20 minutes from town, this building sits on 280 acres of private land, and is designed to make aurora viewing as painless as possible.

How often does the Fairbanks train run?

The train only operates once a week in each direction, so most likely drive or fly. Or if you only want to to to Fairbanks and north, fly to Fairbanks then rent a car there.

Can you see the Northern Lights from Bettles?

Really no need to go to Bettles to see the Northern Lights. If visible, you can see them from Fairbanks or even Denali NP. Totally luck of the draw.

Where to see aurora borealis in Alaska?

Fairbanks. The most popular place for viewing the rare and spectacular phenomenon in Alaska is Fairbanks. Even though it's located just below the Arctic Circle, 180 mi (290 km) south to be more precise, the aurora borealis appears quite frequently there.

Where to see the northern lights?

The flickering lights can be spotted anywhere in the state, including its largest city of Anchorage and other places in the south. However, the number of displays there is dramatically fewer than in the north. The chances strengthen when going up the latitude. Therefore, the remote inland Alaskan Arctic and extreme north work the best.

When to view aurora borealis?

Winter being the best season is a myth. You can spot absolutely stunning aurora borealis displays in September or October, as well as March or April. The best time to look for the shimmering lights is between midnight and 2 am.

What are the most beautiful things to see in Alaska?

Alaska. The northern lights or aurora borealis is one of the most amazing things to do in Alaska. Polar lights appear in the skies when charged solar particles interact with the atmosphere. The celestial show typically comes in a swirling array of green, while the most intense aurora gets a purple edge. The curious shapes range from curtains ...

Which region is the best place to see polar lights?

Spanning under the "Auroral Oval," Alaskan Arctic belongs to the world's top locations to observe polar lights

Where to see the celestial lights?

Barrow (Utqiagvik) To maximize your chances of seeing celestial lights in all their beauty, go to the extreme north. The best choice is Barrow also called Utqiagvik. The northernmost town in the US is also home to the native Iñupiat Eskimo culture.

Where to see Cleary Summit Aurora?

A good place to head to in the vicinity is Cleary Summit Aurora Viewing Area, situated about 20 mi (32 km) north-east of Fairbanks. The area is easily accessible, offers a solid view of the horizon, and has parking, which is also convenient.

What is the weather like in Alaska in October?

The summer adventures have ended and the winter fun has not yet begun. The days are getting shorter, the weather can be cold and rainy or even snowy, the salmon runs are over, and bears are preparing for hibernation. And while you can experience dazzling fall colors in early October, ...

Where to go in Alaska on Sundays?

Hike the Chena Riverwalk or the Wedgewood Wildlife Sanctuary. Ride the rails or fly. Take the Alaska Railroad to Anchorage on Sundays (it also stops in Talkeetna). Or fly to Anchorage on a quick one-hour flight with RavnAir.

What fish can you catch in Phantom Salmon?

Grab a rod and reel. Fish for rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, and grayling with Phantom Salmon Charters.

How long does it take to walk to the exit glacier?

Walk to a glacier. With the crowds cleared out, it’s worth the drive to Seward to make the 30-minute walk up to the face of Exit Glacier. The road stays open until the snow falls.

What is the color of the leaves on a birch tree?

That shift, of course, causes the foliage—shimmering yellows and golds of the aspen and birch trees—to light up the landscape. And as the trees start dropping their leaves, you’ll see even more dramatic scenery through them, as well as a thicker carpet of colorful leaves on the hiking trails.

When do the leaves fall in Alaska?

And while you can experience dazzling fall colors in early October, the leaves will have fallen by mid-month. While October shouldn’t be your first choice for traveling to Alaska, there are some bright lights. Because the crowds have cleared out, you’ll have much of the vast Alaskan wilderness to yourself. Take advantage!

Where to ride the Aurora Winter Train?

Ride the rails. The Aurora Winter Train runs on weekends to Fairbanks —or spend the night in Talkeetna. To get a glimpse of those who live off the grid, take the once-a-month Hurricane Turn Train to Hurricane Gulch. Or hop the Alaska Railroad Beer Train or Halloween Train.

When is the best time to see Northern Lights?

You might see them several nights in a row, you might not see them at all. If the sky is cloudy, you have zero chance of seeing them. The best time to go is in December through March when there is more darkness. You might want to read this information: https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g60826-i1068-k3877648-Viewing_the_Northern_Lights_in_and_around_Fairbanks-Fairbanks_Alaska.html

When is Aurora season in Alaska?

Aurora occurs over 300 days of the year. It needs to be dark and clear. In Alaska the Aurora season is Aug 21 - April 21. That is when the nights are again dark enough to see them.

What time do multi nights occur?

They can occur anytime, but the most active time is the 10 pm to 2/3 am. One needs to plan the multi nights to allow weather to happen and to increase your odds. There are no tours I am aware of that guarantee Mother Nature. But, talk with them about why they go, when they go as you would with any tour company. Are they providing you a quality, safe experience?

Is it possible to go to Fairbanks?

The answer is yes it is possible. And going to Fairbanks to look for the lights is a very good reason.

Is Denali Nat'l Park open?

Just to clarify what Jef shares - Denali nat'l Park is technically open year round but the buses stop operating along with most tourist related services by the middle of September. :)