X

Welcome to Fairbanks, Alaska!

Chase the Aurora | Bask in the Midnight Sun

At 65 degrees north latitude, the sky takes on a capricious life of its own—a canvas for the aurora borealis, the midnight sun and sunsets and sunrises that last forever. Here there are serious mountain ranges, pristine rivers and lakes, abundant wildlife and a certain poignant solitude that is found nowhere else on earth. Locals embrace the natural world and have created a vibrant river city in the far north. Where else can you travel to such a remote locale and still enjoy all the amenities of a charming downtown, a thriving arts community, rich Alaska Native culture, authentic Alaskan activities and attractions and endless opportunities for exploration?

Aurora and Midnight Sun Tracker

Explore Fairbanks
Nickolas Warner
An Unforgettable Journey
Arctic
The Arctic Circle sparks the imagination like few other places on earth. This place that many dream about visiting is 196 driving miles (or 140 air miles) north of Fairbanks. Experience the vast wilderness panoramas, tundra-laden landscape and the indigenous cultures that define Alaska’s Arctic.
+
Steven Miley
Visit Colorful Places Nearby
Interior
Alaska’s Interior is vast. This 175,000-square-mile inland area between the Alaska Range to the south and the Brooks Range to the north comprises about 30 percent of the state. Beautiful landscapes and charming small towns are found throughout the Interior.
+
Seasonal Explorations
Summer Sun, Winter Fun
Explore the Area
In the far north, seasons are exciting and different. Fall is incredibly beautiful yet brief, spring is joyful and quick, and summer and winter are guaranteed: warm, sunny days during summer months and cold, snowy days during the winter.
+
Aerial View Of Downtown Fairbanks And The Golden Heart Park During Summer In Alaska
Land of the Midnight Sun
Midnight Sun
The Midnight Sun Season runs from April 22 to August 20. Long known as the Land of the Midnight Sun, Fairbanks experiences 70 straight days of sunshine during this time period and people are energized and on the go at all hours.
+
We invite you to explore Fairbanks, Alaska
2024-25 Guide Covers for Homepage
Request or View
Visitor & Winter Guides

When can I see the Aurora Borealis or Midnight Sun?

During Aurora Season (August 21-April 21) in the Fairbanks region, the aurora borealis also known as the northern lights, almost always appears when the sky is relatively dark and clear. The Aurora Borealis Tracker correlates aurora forecast, weather conditions and time of day to determine aurora viewing possibilities in multiple locations.

During the Midnight Sun Season (April 22- August 20), Fairbanks experiences 24 hours of sunlight for seventy days from May 17 to July 27. The Midnight Sun Tracker calculates the number of daylight hours, also known as civil twilight, 365 days a year in multiple locations.

Can I see the Aurora right now?

Aurora Season: August 21-April 21

Check back frequently to see how up-to-the-minute, real-time aurora viewing opportunities change based on current aurora activity, weather and daylight.

When can I see the Midnight Sun?

Midnight Sun Season: April 22-August 20

Change the date on the calendar to see how the amount of daylight hours changes throughout the year.

 

Click on place names to see how chances of seeing the aurora borealis differs based on location.

Click on place names to see how the chances of seeing the midnight sun differ based on location.

For more information For more info and 3-day forecast
select a region to
Explore the Area
select a region to
Explore the Area
Use the map to explore five regions of Alaska or choose a region below.
Fairbanks
Denali
Interior
Arctic
Alaskan Neighbors
Arctic Alaska
Arctic Alaska
An Unforgettable Journey

The Arctic Circle sparks the imagination like few other places on earth. This place that many dream about visiting is 196 driving miles (or 140 air...

Alaskan Neighbors
Alaska Neighbors
Beyond the “Golden Heart”

Go beyond the “Golden Heart” and visit Alaskan neighbors and partners in other areas of the state. It is hard to grasp how beautiful, expansive and...

Interior Alaska
Interior Alaska
Visit Colorful Places Nearby

Alaska’s Interior is vast. This 175,000-square-mile inland area between the Alaska Range to the south and the Brooks Range to the north comprises...

Denali
Denali National Park | South of Fairbanks, Alaska
North America’s Highest Peak

Rising 20,310 feet (6,190 meters) into the sky, Denali is North America’s highest peak. Denali National Park and Preserve covers six million acres of...

Fairbanks
Aerial View Of Downtown Fairbanks And The Golden Heart Park During Summer In Alaska
Golden Heart of Alaska

Originally a gold rush boomtown, now known as the “Golden Heart City,” visitors find Fairbanks inviting, engaging and awe-inspiring—the heart of the...