Best Time To Travel To Alaska To See Aurora Borealis
Alaska, also known as the Last Frontier, is a land of varied landscapes ranging from rugged mountains to vast tundra, glaciers, rainforests, and Arctic wilderness. Besides its scenic beauty, Alaska is famous for its Aurora Borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights. Aurora Borealis is a natural light display that takes place in the sky, commonly seen in high-latitude regions like Alaska. If you're planning a trip to Alaska to witness this breathtaking phenomenon, it's essential to consider the best time to travel. This article will give you all the information you need to know about the best time to travel to Alaska to see Aurora Borealis.
What is Aurora Borealis?
Aurora Borealis is a natural light show that occurs in the Northern Hemisphere. It is a result of the interaction between the Earth's magnetic field and the particles from the sun that enter the Earth's atmosphere. These particles collide with gases like oxygen and nitrogen, creating a beautiful and colorful display in the sky. Aurora Borealis is visible above the magnetic pole regions of the Northern Hemisphere, especially in regions like Alaska.
Best time to travel to Alaska to see Aurora Borealis
The best time to travel to Alaska to see Aurora Borealis is in the winter months from September to April. During this time, the nights are longer and the sky is darker, which makes it easier to spot the Northern Lights. However, the weather in Alaska can be harsh during winter with temperatures dropping as low as -50 F, so it's important to prepare well for the trip.
September to November
September to November is a good time to see Aurora Borealis in Alaska. The weather is milder, and the sky is usually clear, giving you a better chance to see the Northern Lights. The autumn colors of Alaska's landscape also make for a stunning backdrop to the Aurora Borealis.
December to February
December to February is the peak season to see Aurora Borealis in Alaska. The nights are much longer, giving you ample time to see the Northern Lights. However, the temperatures can be extremely cold, so it's important to dress appropriately with warm, layered clothing.
March to April
March to April is also a good time to see Aurora Borealis in Alaska. The weather starts to get milder during these months compared to the harsh winter months. The days are longer, but the nights are still dark enough to view the Northern Lights.
Where to see Aurora Borealis in Alaska?
The best places to see Aurora Borealis in Alaska are in the far northern regions like Fairbanks, Anchorage, and Denali National Park. These areas have the best views of the Northern Lights due to their proximity to the magnetic pole. Additionally, these areas have less light pollution, making it easier to see the Aurora Borealis.
Tips for viewing Aurora Borealis in Alaska
- Check the Aurora forecast for the night you plan to view the Northern Lights. Websites like aurora-service.net and spaceweather.com provide accurate Aurora Borealis forecast.
- Stay in a remote location with less light pollution for better views of the Northern Lights.
- Dress in layers and wear warm clothing, hats, gloves, and boots as temperatures can drop to -50 F.
- Bring a good quality camera with a tripod to capture stunning pictures of the Aurora Borealis.
Conclusion
If you're planning a trip to Alaska to witness the breathtaking Aurora Borealis, the best time to travel is during the winter months from September to April. Plan your trip well in advance and consider visiting the far northern regions of Alaska like Fairbanks and Denali National Park for the best views. Don't forget to check the Aurora forecast, dress appropriately and bring a good quality camera with a tripod to capture memories that will last a lifetime.