Northern Lights Feb or March 2026

Question

I know that best viewing of NL requires darkness - but how concerned should I be about moon phase? I believe best not to go around full moon, but what about half moon phase? Also, I’ve read on here that March is a great time, but April isn’t. While no guarantees on weather and NL, is end of March generally good? Thanks for help

Answer

Viewing the Northern Lights in Fairbanks in February or March 2026 is generally excellent, as these months are still dark enough for long nights, and the weather can be more stable than mid-winter. However, a few key factors—moon phase, timing, and location—can significantly impact your experience.

Moon Phase Considerations:

The brightness of the moon can affect aurora visibility, especially for faint displays. Full moons tend to wash out weaker Northern Lights, making them less vivid. A half moon will have some impact, but it is generally manageable if you are in a dark area away from city lights. Ideally, aim for a new moon or crescent phase to maximize contrast, but a half moon is not a dealbreaker.

Full Moon: Strongly bright sky; weaker auroras may be difficult to see.
Half Moon: Moderate brightness; auroras still visible, but photography may require longer exposures.
New Moon: Best for seeing the lights clearly and vividly.

Timing: February vs. March:

Both months are excellent, but there are subtle differences:

February: Colder, often more snow on the ground, very dark nights; aurora activity can be strong.
March: Nights are slightly shorter, but weather often clears, making for more comfortable viewing; end of March is generally still very good for aurora spotting.
April: Nights are much shorter and the sky is lighter for longer, which limits aurora visibility; generally not recommended unless you are flexible.

Other Tips:

Get as far from city lights as possible; Fairbanks itself has some light pollution.
Dress warmly; even in late March, temperatures can be well below freezing at night.
Consider guided tours—they often know the best local spots and conditions on a given night.
Check aurora forecasts in real time; apps and websites provide updates on geomagnetic activity.

In summary, end of March is generally good for Northern Lights viewing in Fairbanks. A half moon won’t ruin the experience, but the darker the sky, the better, and aiming for darker nights maximizes visibility. Plan for cold nights, and give yourself flexibility to chase clear skies for the best chance at spectacular displays.