Northern Lights info.

Question

We are a couple in our mid seventies living in PA. We plan on arriving in Fairbanks AK on 3/28/25 at 2:15 AM and departing on 4/2/25 at 1:30 AM. With a little luck we may be able to see the lights during one or both of the flights.

We are renting an SUV from Alaska Auto Rentals and staying at the Candlewood Inn.

The main reason for our visit is to see the Northern Lights, which I realize might not happen.

We would like to join a tour that picks you up and drives you to a site for at least one or two nights. Hopefully after that we will feel comfortable enough to drive ourselves. A good suggestion was to drive the trip in the daylight to be prepared for driving at nighttime. We plan to visit Creamer's Field for one or two nights.

Can you provide websites for scientific information that helps to predict the lights?

Any suggestions to keep warm while waiting for them to appear? I plan to look into heated gloves and heated socks. We plan to take water and snacks with us. We have heard that we can rent warm clothes and that could be a backup if we don't bring enough warm clothes.

Any suggestions or information will be most welcome.

Answer

Visiting Fairbanks to see the Northern Lights is a fantastic plan, and late March is a good time as nights are still long enough for aurora viewing. While sightings can never be guaranteed, your timing, location, and preparation will maximize your chances.

For your first night or two, joining a guided Northern Lights tour is an excellent idea. Tours typically provide knowledgeable guides, transportation to dark viewing areas, and sometimes even heated shelters or warm beverages. This will allow you to get a sense of where to drive yourself safely on subsequent nights.

Recommended tour operators in Fairbanks:
- Chena Hot Springs Aurora Tour – includes warm indoor areas and optional hot springs soak.
- Aurora Borealis Lodge Tours – small groups, personalized attention, excellent for photography.
- Alaska Aurora Adventures – pick-up from downtown Fairbanks, guides provide aurora forecasts.

For self-driving aurora viewing, it is a good idea to practice driving in daylight on the same routes you plan to use at night. Keep your SUV fueled and carry an emergency kit including blankets, extra water, snacks, and a flashlight. Creamer’s Field is an excellent base; the surrounding areas are generally dark and suitable for viewing.

Websites and resources for aurora predictions and scientific information:

University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute Aurora Forecast: Provides 3-day aurora forecasts, real-time KP index, and viewing maps.
NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center: Offers solar activity alerts and KP index forecasts.
SpaceWeather.com: Updates on solar storms and aurora predictions.

Keeping warm is crucial for enjoyment and safety:

Layering is essential: moisture-wicking base layers, insulated mid-layers, and windproof/waterproof outer layers.
Heated gloves and socks are highly recommended, especially for standing still for long periods.
Hand and foot warmers can be added to gloves and boots.
Bring a thermos with hot drinks and high-energy snacks to maintain body warmth.
If you do not bring sufficient cold-weather gear, some tour operators or rental shops offer warm clothing rentals, including parkas, boots, and mittens.

Additional tips:

Check the aurora forecast daily to plan your best viewing nights.
Try to stay patient; the aurora often appears intermittently.
Use a tripod and camera with manual settings for night photography if you wish to capture the lights.
Stay aware of wildlife when driving or walking in remote areas at night.

With guided tours to start and careful preparation, your Fairbanks trip should maximize your chances of experiencing the Northern Lights comfortably and safely.

Northern Lights info.

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