Aurora Forecast Tonight: Anchorage, Alaska

Live visibility odds for Anchorage, combining the current geomagnetic Kp index with real local cloud cover, not just one or the other.

About aurora viewing in Anchorage

Anchorage sits at a lower magnetic latitude than Fairbanks, so it needs a somewhat more active night to put on a show, but as Alaska's largest city, it's also the easiest jumping-off point for a large share of aurora chasers, and light pollution is easy to escape with a short drive.

Where locals actually go

Chugach State Park, right at the edge of the city, and Girdwood, a resort town about 40 minutes south, are both reliable spots for a dark, north-facing view without a long drive.

Best time of year

Late November through January is prime season here, since daylight shrinks to just a few hours a day and the nights are both dark and long.

Will I see the aurora in Anchorage tonight?

Right now, Anchorage has a 26% chance based on tonight's real conditions: Kp 2.0 and 44% clear skies. Camera only (long exposure). This updates live, so check back closer to dark for the most accurate read, especially if the sky is currently cloudy where you are.

A good Kp forecast isn't the whole story. See what else actually determines whether you'll see it →