You don’t have to travel to the Arctic Circle to witness the awe-inspiring magic of the northern lights. Believe it or not, some of the best places to see the northern lights are right here in the United States. From the untouched wilderness of Alaska to the quiet lakes of Minnesota, several states offer prime viewing opportunities for this dazzling natural light show.
If you’re wondering where to see the northern lights or when is the best time to see the northern lights, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
What are the northern lights?
The northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, are a natural phenomenon that occurs when charged particles from the sun collide with gases in the Earth’s atmosphere. These collisions create dancing ribbons of green, pink, purple, and even red light across the sky.
The phenomenon is most visible near the Earth’s magnetic poles, which is why northern regions such as Alaska, Canada, and Scandinavia are famous for aurora viewing. However, with the right timing, clear skies, and a little patience, you can catch the aurora borealis in several northern US states.
When is the best time to see the northern lights in the US?
If you’re planning a trip to see the northern lights, timing is important. While the aurora is technically visible year-round, the best chances are during the fall and winter months when the nights are longer and darker.
The best time to see the northern lights is from late September to March, with December through to February bringing the most favourable conditions. Overlapping with the holiday season, heading in search of the northern lights is the ultimate Christmas vacation idea.
In addition to the time of year, the best time of night is between 9 pm and 2 am local time, and cold, clear nights are optimum.
Top 6 places to see the Northern Lights in the US:
If you’re wondering exactly where to see the northern lights in the U.S.us, you’re in luck, as several states offer incredible opportunities. Here is a list of our top 6:
Alaska
Alaska is, without a doubt, one of the best places to see the northern lights in the US. Cities like Fairbanks, Anchorage, and Denali National Park offer some of the world’s most reliable aurora sightings. Fairbank, in particular, lies under the “aurora oval,” giving it more than 200 nights of visibility per year and making it a prime destination for northern lights viewing.
Minnesota
Northern Minnesota’s remote landscapes provide an unparalleled backdrop for viewing the aurora borealis. For the best chance of catching a glimpse of the elusive natural phenomena, head to Voyageurs National Park, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. While these areas are quite challenging to get to, they offer dark skies, far from city light pollution, making them some of the best places to see the northern lights.
Michigan
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is a hidden gem for northern lights hunters, especially during clearer and colder months. Spots like Headlands International Dark Sky Park near Mackinaw City and Isle Royale National Park offer pristine skies with minimal interference. Even along the shores of Lake Superior, you can sometimes spot auroras reflecting over the water – a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Washington
You might not expect the Pacific Northwest to be a hotspot for auroras, but during periods of increased solar activity, their glow can sometimes reach farther south. Northern Washington offers occasional displays, with Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and areas near the Canadian border providing good vantage points where solar activity is strong.
Maine
Maine’s remote wilderness is another surprising place to catch the Northern Lights. Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge and Acadia National Park are two of the best places to see the northern lights on the East Coast due to the region’s minimal light pollution. Though less frequent, Maine’s aurora displays are uniquely beautiful.
North Dakota
Wide open prairies and dark skies make North Dakota an underrated aurora-viewing state. The state’s flat topography provides expansive, unobstructed views, and low humidity often leads to clear skies, ideal for spotting faint auroras. Theodore Roosevelt National Park and areas near the Canadian border provide excellent chances of witnessing a full sky of dancing aurora displays.
Tips for seeing the Northern Lights
- Get away from the city lights – Head to rural areas such as national parks or designated dark-sky reserves, away from the glare of city lights, to improve your view of the sky.
- Choose the right month – The best time to see the aurora borealis is from late September to March, with December through to February bringing the most favourable conditions. Why not combine a visit with one of our Christmas vacation ideas and visit a US town with snow in December?
- Stay up late – The best time to see the northern lights is typically between 9 pm and 2 am, so you’ll need to stay up late to be in for a chance of viewing the aurora borealis.
- Check the forecast – We recommend checking the regional aurora forecast page and picking a clear night with minimal clouds for the best viewing opportunity.
- Patience is key – Unfortunately, sightings can never be guaranteed, and they don’t appear on any kind of schedule. You might have to wait a few hours, so patience is a necessity.
- Wrap up warm – As you might have to wait several hours to catch a glimpse of the northern lights, make sure to wrap up warm – thermal layers and insulated outerwear are essential.
- Bring a camera – Use a tripod and long exposure settings for a chance of snapping some epic photos of the aurora borealis.
The northern lights are one of the most breathtaking natural phenomena on Earth, and you don’t need to leave the United States to see them. By choosing the right location, timing your trip carefully, and following our simple tips, you can experience the magic of the aurora borealis for yourself. Many of the best aurora viewing spots are off the beaten path, often requiring a drive into remote parks, far from city lights. Whether it’s an SUV for snowy roads or a minivan to fit the whole family, renting a SIXT vehicle is the perfect way to go in search of the northern lights.
