Month-by-month viewing quality
| Month | Viewing | Why |
|---|---|---|
| January | Peak | Long dark nights + peak activity |
| February | Peak | Long dark nights + peak activity |
| March | Peak | Long dark nights + peak activity |
| April | Good | Plenty of darkness; solid odds |
| May | Marginal | Short nights at the season edge |
| June | No — midnight sun | Midnight sun — no real darkness |
| July | No — midnight sun | Midnight sun — no real darkness |
| August | Good | Plenty of darkness; solid odds |
| September | Peak | Long dark nights + peak activity |
| October | Peak | Long dark nights + peak activity |
| November | Peak | Long dark nights + peak activity |
| December | Peak | Long dark nights + peak activity |
Why these months?
Two things decide your odds in Fort McMurray: 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 October and February and March tend to edge out the dead of winter. Fort McMurray's season runs september to march.
Fort McMurray in northern Alberta is one of the more accessible aurora spots in western Canada, with dark boreal-forest skies a short drive from town.
Where to stand in Fort McMurray
Head out along the highways into the boreal forest; the surrounding area is sparsely lit.
Tours & stays to book
Northern lights tours from Fort McMurray
Viator · guided tours · from $70
Aurora chases & photo tours in Fort McMurray
GetYourGuide · guided tours · from $70
Cabins, lodges & glass igloos near Fort McMurray
Booking.com · lodging