Anchorage Northern Lights Forecast
Aurora and Weather Forecasts
Though Fairbanks is often assumed to be the only northern lights (aurora borealis) viewing location in Alaska, there are some distinct advantages to chasing the lights in and around Anchorage and Southcentral Alaska. This Anchorage northern lights forecast page is designed to provide you information to aid in your search for a northern lights experience during a visit in the Anchorage area. Join us on our Anchorage Aurora Quest – Anchorage Northern Lights Tour for a guided experience, showing you the best viewing locations and providing instruction on how to photograph this amazing phenomena.Â
3-Day Aurora Forecast
Keep an eye out for our daily weather forecast update below and tour status as noted on the Anchorage Aurora Quest page.
The Kp estimate is for the maximum level forecasted for the time between 11:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m. Alaska time.Â
TUE OCT 13 - Planetary K-Index
[Predicted]: Kp - Kp 3.67
WED OCT 14 - Planetary K-Index
[Predicted]: Kp - Kp 3.00
THU OCT 15 - Planetary K-Index
[Predicted]: Kp - 1.33
Moon
The moon will be down all night, not rising until 3:37 p.m (Oct. 14) as a 17.8% waxing crescent moon. It will be a dark night for aurora viewing.Â
Twilight
The aurora borealis is visible at astronomical twilight. It will be astronomical twilight or darker from 8:25 p.m. to 7:05 a.m. (Oct 14).
Solar Winds
CH effects are expected to persist through 14 Oct before slowly subsiding on 15 Oct. There is a small chance the IMF could see additional enhancements on 13 Oct from the 11 Oct CME and on 14 Oct from the 12 Oct filament CMEs, however confidence is low in these forecasts.
Geomagnetic Field
Mostly unsettled to active conditions are expected on 13-14 Oct, with isolated G1 (Minor) storming likely on 13 Oct, as the north-south oriented negative polarity CH HSS moves into a geoeffective position and possible passage of the 11-12 CMEs. By 15 Oct, quiet to unsettled levels are expected to return as CH HSS/CME influence tapers off.
Additional Information Affecting Aurora Viewing
Commonly-Used Terms
Tonight's Weather Forecasts
This forecast is updated for the night of October 13.
Weather forecasts come from the National Weather Service. Cloud cover estimates are based on the ECMWF model.Â
Anchorage
A chance of rain, mainly before 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35. Northeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Cloud cover is estimated to be 17% at 10:00 p.m. at 74% at 4:00 a.m.
Girdwood
Rain, mainly before 10pm. Low around 32. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Cloud cover is estimated to be 85% at 10:00 p.m. at 83% at 4:00 a.m.
Seward
A chance of rain, mainly before 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35. North wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Cloud cover is estimated to be 22% at 10:00 p.m. at 98% at 4:00 a.m.
Lower Matanuska Valley
Rain, mainly before 10pm. Low around 31. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Cloud cover is estimated to be 65% at 10:00 p.m. at 47% at 4:00 a.m.
Upper Matanuska Valley
Willow
A slight chance of showers before 7pm, then a slight chance of rain between 7pm and 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Cloud cover is estimated to be 82% at 10:00 p.m. at 47% at 4:00 a.m.Â
Talkeetna
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 29. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm.. Cloud cover is estimated to be 99% at 10:00 p.m. at 30% at 4:00 a.m.
Broad Pass
A slight chance of snow after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 24. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Cloud cover is estimated to be 99% at 10:00 p.m. at 96% at 4:00 a.m.
Fairbanks
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 27. Calm wind. Cloud cover is estimated to be 98% at 10:00 p.m. at 99% at 4:00 a.m.
Coldfoot
A slight chance of rain and snow before 7pm, then a chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Cloud cover is estimated to be 100% at 10:00 p.m. at 100% at 4:00 a.m.
Latest Satellite Infrared Image of Alaska Cloud Cover
Latest Satellite Infrared Image of Alaska Cloud Cover
Current Aurora Ovation
Hemispheric Power is a measure of auroral activity that helps determine how bright and active auroras might be. It measures the rate of deposition of charged particles (mainly electrons and protons) into the atmosphere, where they collide with upper atmosphere particles and eventually stop. This process transfers their kinetic energy to the upper atmosphere. The higher the number, the more charged particles are depositing in the upper atmosphere. It’s measured on a scale of 5-150 GW [Gigawatts]. A power level of 20 or more is usually adequate to produce auroras visible to the naked eye. Hemispheric Power fluctuates and is a short range forecast that can be determined only up to around 30-90 minutes in advance with relative accuracy.
Comparing Anchorage and Fairbanks
Both cities fall within the auroral zone, which in Alaska is around 60°- 70° N. At this latitude, communities positioned beneath the band will see northern lights almost every dark, clear night. That said, the following information may help you decide which location suits your aurora quest best.
Average January Temperature
- Anchorage: 17.1°F [-8°C]
- Fairbanks: -7.9°F [-22°C]
Median Cloud Cover
- Anchorage: 93% [clearest in March]
- Fairbanks: 73-92% [clearest in February]
Landscape Features to Include in Aurora Photos
- Anchorage: mountains, boreal and temperate rainforest, coastal areas, rivers and lakes with areas of open water for beautiful reflections throughout the season.
- Fairbanks: hills, boreal forest, [open lakes and rivers early in the season].
Aurora Season
- Anchorage: Aug 7 – May 7
- Fairbanks: Aug 21 – Apr 21
Unique Advantages
- Anchorage: Auroras often tend to be brighter and more active farther equatorward, relatively warmer temperatures, a variety of landscape features to include in aurora photography, longer aurora viewing season.
- Fairbanks: More clear sky nights, more chance to see aurora during low activity periods.
Recommendations
Aurora chasers with a night or more in the Anchorage area have little to lose and much to gain by reserving an aurora tour here. Even those heading to or returning from Fairbanks will increase chances of seeing the northern lights, and enjoy the differing experience of each location. So if time allows, include both cities in your winter travel plan!
Anchorage Aurora Season 2025-26 Statistics
Based on a total number of 214 nights of our aurora season from August 17-April 24.