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Alaska · the United States
Fairbanks, in the interior of Alaska, about 200 km from the Arctic Circle, is one of the cities where the aurora borealis appears most often, with long nights in winter and the sun barely setting in summer.
In the photo: Aurora borealis photographed in the Fairbanks region
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Get to know the place
Fairbanks is in the interior of Alaska, on the banks of the Chena River, about 200 km south of the Arctic Circle. It was founded in 1901 as a trading post and grew with the gold rush. It is the second-largest city in the state and the starting point for those heading north toward the Arctic via the Dalton Highway.
The city lies beneath the auroral oval, the band where the phenomenon is most frequently seen. From late August to mid-April, the dark nights and often clear skies of the interior make Fairbanks one of the most popular places to try to see the aurora. In winter, temperatures are usually well below freezing and the days are short.
In summer, around the June solstice, the sun sets for only a short time and night does not grow fully dark. The city has the University of Alaska Museum, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline nearby, and Pioneer Park, with Gold Rush-era buildings. About 100 km away, the Chena Hot Springs are popular for outdoor baths in winter.
This destination brings together 1 city: Fairbanks.
One destination, many paths
Start with one city or combine several in your itinerary.
Boundaries: U.S. Census Bureau / geoBoundaries (public domain). Adapted by Cidade Turismo.
✈ Fairbanks International Airport (FAI) · 8 km to Fairbanks
Fairbanks International Airport (FAI) receives flights from Anchorage, Seattle and other cities. The Alaska Railroad connects Anchorage to Fairbanks, passing Denali National Park, with more frequent service in summer. By car, the Parks Highway links Fairbanks to Anchorage (about 580 km).
The local experience
A museum of Alaska’s natural history and culture on the university campus in Fairbanks, housed in a white building with curved lines, including a room dedicated to sounds and lights inspired by the aurora.
Roadside viewpoint north of Fairbanks where you can see the Trans-Alaska Pipeline up close, about 1,300 km long, with panels about its construction in the 1970s.
Historic park on the banks of the Chena River in Fairbanks, with log cabins from the gold rush, the sternwheel steamboat Nenana and small museums about the city’s history.
Visitor and cultural center in downtown Fairbanks, on the banks of the Chena River, with exhibitions about the interior’s native peoples and information on the aurora.
Before you go
A little planning leaves more time to enjoy the journey.
From late August to mid-April, to try to see the aurora borealis, which usually appears on dark, clear nights. From December to February it gets very cold, often below -30 °C. From June to August the days are long and mild, with midnight sun near the June solstice.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Three or four nights increase your chances of seeing the aurora in winter, since the sky needs to be clear. In summer, two or three days are enough for the town, including a visit to the hot springs.
In the downtown area near the river, and in the outskirts where there are cabins and lodges away from city lights, which are better for aurora viewing. Chena Hot Springs has its own accommodation.
Take your trash with you, follow the signs and support local businesses. In natural areas, follow the visiting guidelines.
Get your questions answered
From late August to mid-April, on dark, cloudless nights. The aurora often appears between late night and the early hours, but there is no guarantee: it depends on solar activity and the sky conditions.
At least three or four, to increase the odds of getting a clear-sky night.
Yes. From December to February temperatures usually fall below -20 °C and sometimes reach -40 °C. Thermal clothing, gloves and appropriate boots are essential.
By plane, in about an hour; by train, a full day passing Denali; or by car on the Parks Highway, in about six hours.
