The Best Time to See the Northern Lights on an Alaska Cruise

Table Of Content

• The Best Time to See the Northern Lights on an Alaska Cruise
• When is the Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Alaska?
• experience alaska
• DAY 4 Glacier Bay National Park & Bartlett Cove
• Aurora Train Travel in Fall and Winter
• Alaska Northern Lights Guide
• Day Alaska Round-Trip Seattle: Glacier Bay, Skagway & Juneau

While many travelers think they have to head to Canada or Scandinavia to see the northern lights, you can actually spot this phenomenon without leaving the United States. Northern Alaska is ideal for Americans wanting a chance to see the aurora borealis. It may be cold in winter (temperatures can drop to 30 degrees below zero), but the inland Alaskan Arctic — where skies tend to be clearer — is one of the best places in the world to see this famous light show. Daytrips are also an option for those who’d like to enjoy the resort amenities and a chance at seeing the northern lights from Chena Hot Springs.

The Best Time to See the Northern Lights on an Alaska Cruise

The next section will guide you through the best time of year to see the Northern Lights in Alaska. A commitment to personalized service is an integral part of UnCruise’s all-inclusive experience. Whether accommodating dietary restrictions, celebrating special occasions, or providing additional support during activities, the crew is dedicated to each adventurer’s needs. Add to that a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring Northern Lights in their full glory, and the adventure possibilities are as varied as Alaska’s magnificent landscapes. Set sail on these itineraries to try to spot the aurora borealis. While the Northern Lights can be seen from late September to early April in Alaska, the equinox months – September and March – often have higher geomagnetic activity, which can lead to more vivid auroras.

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

Reds, pinks, and purples can also be seen at higher altitudes when the charged particles interact with nitrogen atoms. The lights typically appear in curtains, arcs, or spirals, dancing across the sky in a mesmerizing display that can last from minutes to hours. Before embarking on your Northern Lights adventure, it’s important to understand the optimal times to catch this elusive spectacle.

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The Northern Lights, also known as the aurora borealis, are a natural light display predominantly seen in high-latitude regions around the Arctic and Antarctic. They result from charged particles from the sun colliding with the Earth’s atmosphere, producing colorful displays of green, pink, purple, red, and blue lights. A survey by the Discovery Channel noted that seeing Aurora Borealis made it to more “bucket lists” than any other travel adventure. And it truly is an adventure – because its appearance from one sighting to the next is never the same. But you can guarantee that you’ll be somewhere in the wilderness.

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Weather conditions can affect whether or not the Northern Lights are visible, but Alaska visitors who spend 3 nights in Fairbanks looking for them have a 90% chance of seeing the Northern Lights. Planning to spend 5-7 days in Fairbanks will help ensure you see the majestic phenomenon. Those wanting to maximize their chances should head for the more remote northern villages of Coldfoot in the Yukon Territory or to Prudhoe Bay and Utqiaġvik in the extreme north. This full-day (14-hour) excursion, also offered by Alaska Wildlife Guide, begins in Fairbanks and crosses the Arctic Circle into Alaska’s vast and remote wilderness. The tour includes a drive along the more than 800-mile Trans-Alaskan Pipeline and a half-mile walk along the loop at Finger Mountain with views overlooking the Kanuti Flats (depending on the season). Your guide will also stop along the riverbank after crossing the Yukon River Bridge.

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Set sail on an Alaskan cruise and let the magic of the Northern Lights illuminate your journey, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime. Expert guides double as concierges, tailoring a plan the day before based on your interests and preferences—and you’re free to join in on as many or as few activities as you please. Generally, the Northern Lights themselves do not affect electronic equipment. However, solar storms that enhance aurora activity can, in extreme cases, interfere with satellite and communication systems. But as we’ve explored, the Northern Lights are but one facet of the allure these destinations offer. From Alaska’s towering glaciers and rich indigenous culture to Norway’s picturesque coastal towns and the untouched beauty of Greenland, the journey to see the aurora can be as rewarding as the destination itself.

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Step away from the city lights and into a cozy yurt where you can view the aerial performance from the comfort of your own space. Or, head outside, set up your camera and capture postcard-worthy photos to share with your loved ones. Select ships also offer an onboard viewing experience with the indoor planetarium located in the Princess Theater. Venture on a cosmic voyage with a Stargazing specialist and uncover the secrets of the skies above. 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.

This tour offered by Alaska Wildlife Guide include admission to the hot springs and Aurora Ice Museum as well as pickup from local hotels. Denali National Park is another spectacular place to view the northern lights in Alaska — not to mention one of the top tourist attractions in the U.S. But the catch is that the Svalbard cruising season primarily occurs in the northern hemisphere’s summer, under the midnight sun, a time when the sun never sets in the Arctic. As such, it is not possible to view the northern lights during this time. Thus, the best time to view the northern lights here is at the end of the summer cruising season in late August and September.

The supernal shimmer of emerald and violet begins with a few streaks and then breaks out into a graceful ballet. Spectators gaze at the sky in awe or snap photos well into the middle of the night. 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.

Alaska’s magnetic pull is undeniable, drawing adventurous travelers eager to explore its vast wilderness and rugged landscapes. More than 25 years ago, it was also the launching pad for UnCruise Adventures, which started with a single yacht in Alaska. Today, UnCruise’s Alaska expeditions are renowned for non-stop action, adventure, and exploration. Remember, while these FAQs provide a broad overview, each traveler’s experience is unique.

Dedicate at least 3 nights to looking for the lights, so that you, too, will have a 90% chance of seeing them. It can work as a three- or four-day trip centered on a weekend, but then you will need to be more focused. While cruise routes can provide incredible opportunities, remember that seeing the Northern Lights is ultimately a matter of luck and nature’s whims. Ultimately, the best time to see the Northern Lights in Alaska depends on your personal preferences and willingness to handle cold weather. Next, we’ll explore the Alaska cruise routes that offer the best chances of witnessing this awe-inspiring natural wonder. Alaska’s position within the auroral oval, a region near the North Pole where the Northern Lights are most commonly visible, provides ample opportunities to witness this extraordinary natural phenomenon.

Keep that in mind before you place all your cruise vacation hopes on this one experience. Northern lights tours showcase a natural phenomenon like none other! The most reliable opportunities to see Alaska’s northern lights (the aurora borealis) are in Fairbanks and above the Arctic Circle. The aurora belt in Alaska’s great Interior and Arctic regions is among the most active in the world, and there are few other places on earth so well suited for an aurora borealis vacation. Wiseman is located in Alaska’s Brooks Range, about 15 miles north of Coldfoot Camp, 60 miles north of the Arctic Circle and 270 miles from Fairbanks. The community sits directly under the auroral oval, making it one of the best places in Alaska to view the northern lights.

The only drawback to northern lights cruises are that they are not as commonly found deep in the winter months when you are most likely to encounter northern lights. But nine out ten travelers wouldn’t want to be in the northern latitudes of the Earth during that very dark, cold time. 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. Hurtigruten is something of an outlier in this group because it doesn't offer specific northern lights itineraries.

Onboard dining is a highlight, with meals crafted from locally sourced, sustainable ingredients. Guests enjoy unlimited access to a variety of meals throughout the day, including early-riser breakfasts, lunches, dinners with multiple entrée options, and snacks in between. The beverage selection is also unlimited, featuring fine wines, craft beers, and signature cocktails, ensuring guests can savor their favorite drinks or try something new without any additional charges.