When and How to See the Northern Lights in Alaska

Table Of Content

• Aurora Pointe
• The 9 Best Northern Lights Viewing Spots Near Anchorage
• Oceanwide Expeditions: East Greenland Scoresby Sund - Aurora Borealis
• Anchorage Aurora Quest
• What is the Best Time to See Northern Lights in Alaska?
• Alaska Cruisetours to See the Northern Lights
• Northern Lights Cruise: How to See the Stunning Natural Phenomenon

Hike some of the trails to catch a glimpse of the northern lights in Alaska. During the winter, clear dark skies and aurora activity make Juneau an ideal spot to witness the stunning northern lights display. It consistently tops the list of places in Alaska and the world to catch the dazzling display and it’s not because the dancing green lights just happen to favor this gold rush boomtown.

Aurora Pointe

Board a glass-domed rail car, called the Wilderness Express, to Fairbanks, and soak up picturesque views every step of the way. On Celebrity, cruises to Alaska and Iceland just might yield sightings of Aurora Borealis. That said, even if you don’t see the Northern Lights during your cruise, there’s plenty to fall in love with in these exciting destinations, from incredible dog-sledding competitions to hiking along stunning fjords.

The 9 Best Northern Lights Viewing Spots Near Anchorage

However, it’s important to note that the Northern Lights are a natural occurrence and can be unpredictable. While there are peak times and locations for viewing, there are no guarantees. Patience, persistence, and a bit of luck are key when it comes to chasing the Northern Lights. You may be wondering about the Northern Lights, also referred to as the aurora borealis. These are the captivating lights that gracefully color Alaska's skies with shades of seafoam green, fluorescent yellow, and vibrant fuchsia.

Oceanwide Expeditions: East Greenland Scoresby Sund - Aurora Borealis

Read on for our comprehensive guide on how to choose the best northern lights cruise for you. As you explore the ports of call on your Alaskan cruise, keep in mind that some destinations, such as Nome and Barrow, offer a higher probability of seeing the Northern Lights due to their proximity to the Arctic Circle. Research the best times to visit each port and consult with experts to ensure you make the most of your journey.

And it truly is an adventure - because its appearance from one sighting to the next is never the same. I like to think that chasing the Borealis similar to the adrenaline rush of storm-chasers who follow tornadoes - except, you're chasing a natural beauty, rather than a destructive force. Here’s all you need to know to pick the best time to see northern lights in Alaska. A commitment to personalized service is an integral part of UnCruise’s all-inclusive experience.

The Northern Lights occur when charged particles from the sun collide with gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, producing colorful displays of light. The colors are determined by the type of gas and the altitude at which the collision occurs. The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are caused by electrically charged particles from the sun colliding with atoms and molecules in the Earth’s atmosphere. This collision releases energy in the form of vibrant, dancing lights that can be seen in the polar regions.

What is the Best Time to See Northern Lights in Alaska?

The prime months for Northern Lights viewing in Alaska are from September to April, with the peak season occurring in the winter months. If you're eager to capture the beauty of the Northern Lights, it's advisable to bring along a high-quality camera. Many guests find it beneficial to also have a tripod, a remote control, and extra batteries for a smooth photography experience. Utilizing a sturdy tripod will help stabilize your camera for long exposure shots, which are ideal for capturing the movement and colors of the Northern Lights. Experimenting with different shutter speeds, ISO settings, and aperture values will enable you to find the optimal settings for your specific location and lighting conditions. Lastly, be patient and prepared to spend time outdoors during the night, as the Aurora Borealis is a natural phenomenon that can be unpredictable.

Alaska Cruisetours to See the Northern Lights

The Best Time to Cruise Alaska 2024: A Month-by-Month Guide - Condé Nast Traveler

The Best Time to Cruise Alaska 2024: A Month-by-Month Guide.

Posted: Thu, 29 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Within minutes it seemed everyone on board had gathered at the railings on deck to watch. The captain of the ship nimbly repositioned us, giving both the port and starboard sides prime viewing, at a safe and respectful distance from the animals. With binoculars, cameras, and phones at the ready, the passengers and crew aboard UnCruise Adventures' 86-guest S.S. Legacy settled in for what turned out to be an hour-long private show by a juvenile humpback who had migrated from Hawaii to spend the summer in the nutrient-rich Alaskan waters. The Alaska cruise season is a little over six months long, but choosing the best time to cruise Alaska is surprisingly not that simple. The best time to see Northern Lights in Alaska is when daylight slips into a seasonal slumber and the darkened skies blanket the city below.

A mythic journey along the scenic St. Lawrence River and out to the Atlantic, this Concierge Cruise is a cultural immersion into Québec, Newfoundland and the Maritimes. Here are some quick tips to help you increase the odds of seeing whales during your cruise. September also increases your wildlife sighting opportunities, as animals across the state begin migrating, foraging for hibernation and engaging in courtship rituals.

Rates for the eight-day itinerary start from $4,600 per person for the 2023 sailings. Specializing in polar voyages, Quark Expeditions knows a thing or two about the northern lights, which is why the company offers aurora sailings each fall. These 14-day itineraries cruise from Iceland to Greenland and back from September into early October. And if they don't show, well, you still get to explore Iceland's Westfjords and Greenland's eastern shores — and that's a worthwhile journey in itself. The most affordable option on this list, British cruise line P&O operates 12-day sailings to Norway year-round, but during the auroral season, there's a strong chance you'll see the northern lights while onboard.

The northern lights, or aurora borealis, is a top-listed experience on many travelers’ bucket lists. But like most things in nature, they might not show, even if you visit Alaska at the best time. Hurtigruten is something of an outlier in this group because it doesn't offer specific northern lights itineraries. But the routes of this coastal ferry company in Norway just happen to traverse the perfect latitudes to see the aurora. For the best odds of seeing the northern lights, we suggest the 12-day round-trip itinerary from Bergen up the coast of Norway and back.

And Norway and generally sail 10 to 15-night itineraries during the winter season. Some venture to the Svalbard Archipelago, where the Gulf Stream flows prevent the seas from freezing in winter. You’ve got your camera, a snack, and a heart full of patience, just in case you don’t see anything that night.

Seeing the Northern Lights is one of those magical experiences on nearly every traveler’s bucket list due to the surreal way light moves in waves of green color across the nighttime sky. With its scenic landscapes, abounding wildlife, and majestic glaciers, Alaska is a beautiful destination any time of year. But if you’re thinking of exploring this vibrant region on an Alaskan cruise, the best time to do so is between May and September.

During the winter season, Alaska experiences long nights and relatively clear skies, creating optimal conditions for Northern Lights sightings. The absence of daylight allows for darker skies, making it easier to spot the ethereal glow of the Aurora Borealis. The months of December to March are especially popular for viewing the Northern Lights, as the nights are longer, increasing your chances of witnessing this celestial spectacle. This month brings the warmest weather of the year, the longest hours of daylight and the largest number of tourists.

Ice crampons may come in handy, especially in ports where walkways may be icy or slick. On some active excursions, outfitters provide weather appropriate gear, but you can’t always count on that. And don’t forget your bathing suit for outdoor tub soaks and pool swims onboard.

If you’re sailing on a 2021 cruise to Alaska, you might even have the chance to admire this natural phenomenon from the comfort of your private Veranda Stateroom or from one of the open-air decks on board. In 2021, our cruises to Alaska will be sailing later than usual, kicking off the season in late July and ending in early October. These exciting seven-night itineraries stop in stunning Alaskan ports, such as Ketchikan and Juneau, and spend a day sailing close to the majestic Dawes Glacier, a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many travelers. From mid-November through March, you can check into a lodge or look for the lights each night as you try a different activity, like ice fishing or dogsledding. And if you’re on an aurora quest from mid-August to mid-September, (Fall) there’s still time to enjoy summer activities, like visiting Denali National Park or taking a glacier cruise.