Here are the northern lights in the USA, chosen for American travellers. The best place to see the northern lights in the US is Alaska, but strong solar storms bring them farther south.
Northern lights in the USA
1. Anchorage and Southcentral Alaska
Anchorage is the gateway to glaciers, fjords and wildlife in Southcentral Alaska, from the Kenai Peninsula to Denali. Read our Anchorage and Southcentral Alaska travel guide.
- Best time: June to August for summer; September to March for aurora
- Getting there: About 2.5 hours to Seward; 4–5 hours to Denali
- Don’t miss: Kenai Fjords National Park, Denali National Park and Seward Highway
- Mid-range hotels: $260–450 a night
2. Fairbanks, Alaska
Under the auroral oval; among the best places in the US for northern lights.
3. Chena Hot Springs
Soak while watching.
Gear up for the trail
- Airline-safe power banks BuyrSkip
Navigation, photos and cold weather drain phones fast; a 20,000 mAh bank keeps you going. - Outdoor and hiking gear picks BuyrSkip
Trekking poles, headlamps, hydration packs and layers for park trails. - Best smartwatches for hiking VerdictFox
GPS, altitude and heart-rate tracking are genuinely useful on big park hikes.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
4. Upper Peninsula, Michigan
Occasional displays.
5. Northern Minnesota
Voyageurs National Park dark skies.
6. Acadia, Maine
Rare but possible.
Aurora tips
Check the aurora forecast, find dark skies and be patient.
How to see the northern lights
The aurora is caused by charged particles from the Sun colliding with gases in the upper atmosphere. To see it you need three things: darkness, clear skies and geomagnetic activity. Travel in the dark months (late August to April), stay at least three nights to improve your odds, and check an aurora forecast (the Kp index and cloud cover). The best displays often happen between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.
Photographing the aurora
Use a tripod, a wide-angle lens with a fast aperture (f/2.8 or wider), manual focus set to infinity, ISO 1600–3200 and exposures of 5–15 seconds. Modern phones with night mode can capture surprisingly good images. Keep spare batteries warm in an inside pocket.
How to choose
Start with when you can travel and how you like to spend your days. Some destinations on this list shine in summer, others in shoulder season; some suit active travellers, others are made for slow days and good food. Pick one or two that match your style rather than trying to see everything, and read the linked guides for timing, costs and where to stay.
How we chose
We picked destinations that consistently impress first-time and returning visitors, balanced famous names with lesser-known gems, and considered access, value, seasonality and the quality of the experience on the ground. Prices, opening dates and reservation rules change, so confirm the details before booking.
Plan a trip around it
Anchorage and Southcentral Alaska
Anchorage is the gateway to glaciers, fjords and wildlife in Southcentral Alaska, from the Kenai Peninsula to Denali. Read our Anchorage and Southcentral Alaska travel guide.
- Best time: June to August for summer; September to March for aurora
- Getting there: About 2.5 hours to Seward; 4–5 hours to Denali
- Don’t miss: Kenai Fjords National Park, Denali National Park and Seward Highway
- Mid-range hotels: $260–450 a night
Planning tips for your trip
- ID for flights: Domestic flights require a REAL ID-compliant licence or another accepted ID such as a passport. See our guide to REAL ID and TSA rules.
- Money: Sales tax is added at the register and varies by state and city; tipping 18–20% at sit-down restaurants is expected.
- Insurance: Your health plan may have limited out-of-network cover in another state, and trip-cancellation cover is worth having for expensive bookings, especially in hurricane season.
- Driving: Most visitors drive; rental cars are widely available, and a US licence is all you need. Gas prices vary widely by state; California and Hawaii are usually the most expensive.
- Saving money: our budget vacation and cheapest places to travel guides have dozens of practical ideas.
What a trip costs
Typical spending per person per day, excluding flights:
| Travel style | Per person per day | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $120–$180 | motel or hostel, casual meals, self-drive or transit |
| Mid-range | $250–$400 | good hotel, sit-down meals, some tours |
| Luxury | $600–$1,200 | resort or boutique hotel, fine dining, private tours |
Prices rise in peak season and on holiday weekends, and fall sharply in the shoulder seasons.
Responsible travel tips
Popular places are under pressure from crowds. Visit on weekdays or in shoulder seasons, carpool or use shuttles, refill a reusable water bottle, and buy from local businesses. Respect Indigenous lands and cultural sites, follow posted closures, and keep a safe distance from wildlife.
Safety basics
Carry water and layers on outdoor outings, check weather and road conditions before long drives, and tell someone your plans in remote areas, where mobile coverage can be patchy. In cities, use normal precautions with valuables at night. The emergency number is 911.
Stay charged, stay connected
- Best travel cameras BuyrSkip
Canyons, coastlines and city skylines reward a camera with great dynamic range. - Waterproof action cameras BuyrSkip
Film snorkelling, ziplines and mountain biking hands-free.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best choice on this list?
It depends on your travel style, but Anchorage and Southcentral Alaska is a standout for most travellers.
When should I go?
Winter, from December to March.
How many days do I need?
Plan at least two to three days per destination.
Are these good for families?
Most are; check each guide for family tips.
How much should I budget?
Mid-range travellers typically spend $250–$400 per person per day.
Plan the rest of your trip
- Anchorage Travel Guide: Glaciers, Wildlife and Road Trips
- How to Plan a Budget Vacation in the USA: 25 Money-Saving Tips