Best month to see the northern lights in Chena Hot Springs

Month-by-month viewing quality

Why these months?

Two things decide your odds in Chena Hot Springs: darkness and activity. You need real darkness — so the bright midnight-sun months are out no matter how strong the aurora is. On top of that, geomagnetic storms run statistically stronger around the spring and autumn equinoxes (the Russell–McPherron effect), which is why September and March and October and February tend to edge out the dead of winter. Chena Hot Springs's season runs late august to mid-april.

Chena Hot Springs is a resort about 60 miles east of Fairbanks, up a dead-end road into the hills — far enough from the city's light dome to matter, and the rare aurora spot where you can wait for the display sitting in a hot spring.

Where to stand in Chena Hot Springs

The resort's own grounds are already dark; the classic move is the ridge above the valley, which the resort reaches by snowcat. Interior Alaska is dry and cold, which is exactly what you want.

Tours & stays to book