Northern Lights Tonight in Anchorage, Alaska

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

What Kp do you need in Anchorage?

Those frequencies are how often the geomagnetic threshold itself is reached, before weather. Cloud cover, moonlight and local light pollution all cut into it, which is why the live score at the top of this page multiplies the geomagnetic odds by tonight's actual sky over Anchorage.

Which way to look from Anchorage

Face north. From Anchorage the auroral oval sits well to the north, so activity shows up as a glow low on the northern horizon rather than overhead — which means a clear, unobstructed northern view matters more here than total darkness does.

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 5% chance based on tonight's real conditions: Kp 1.7 and 9% 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 →