Can You See the Northern Lights in Anchorage in September?
What Early Aurora Season Really Looks Like
Yes, you can see the northern lights in Anchorage in September, though early aurora season means displays depend on darkness, clear skies, and solar activity all working together. September is a “pivot month” in Anchorage, when we flip from our famous midnight sun activities to the start of aurora season. Most visitors assume the dead of winter is the only time to see the northern lights, but September offers a great chance to see aurora borealis Anchorage displays without the icy chill of Alaska’s coldest months.
The Copper Whale Inn is proud to actively participate in seasonal northern lights viewing through our sister company, Salmon Berry Tours. Specializing in small-group adventures designed for optimal aurora sightings, the Salmon Berry team is made up entirely of local guides with real experience chasing the northern lights, and they work in tandem with the inn to make sure everything is seamless, from pickup in the evening to drop off the following morning.
What Can You Expect From September Northern Lights Displays in Anchorage?
While northern lights occur year-round, they aren’t always visible in the spring and summer months, thanks to Anchorage’s lingering daylight. But once September arrives with darker skies, the aurora is easier to spot dancing across the northern sky, provided weather and solar storm activity cooperate, and people get away from artificial city lights. That said, autumn aurora is usually visible to the naked eye as a curtain of green, sometimes intermixed with reds and purples. Shimmering, pulsing, or quietly lingering in the darkness, northern lights displays are as varied as the universe, and the opportunity to spot them in Anchorage is definitely a highlight of any trip.
What Is the Best Time To See Northern Lights in Anchorage?
Occasionally, the aurora borealis will be visible from the Copper Whale Inn, but guests may have to go outdoors to see it, depending on their room location. The inn’s living room faces west, with views across Cook Inlet and toward the Alaska Range, and our front door looks directly into downtown Anchorage. The best time to see northern lights in Anchorage is generally between midnight and 3 a.m., so night owls have a definite advantage. Not sure about navigating the aurora forecast? Just ask our innkeeper; they’ll be happy to help!
Where Can You Go To See the Best September Aurora Displays?
As mentioned above, there are several factors to consider when planning a September chase of the northern lights.
Weather: Clouds and their associated rain or snow can definitely put a damper on auroral displays, but here’s the good news: Anchorage weather conditions are not the same at all times in all places around the city. This means that while downtown may be fogged in or experiencing rain, farther east or south it may be clearing up. Be willing to travel a bit around town to see what appears in a different location (we locals do it all the time!).
Artificial lighting: Nothing dims the aurora mood like a big old glaring street or building light, especially in Anchorage’s more populated areas like downtown (where the Inn is located). If you have transportation, travel to a local park like Kincaid, Abbott Loop, or Glen Alps to minimize light pollution. If the aurora forecast looks promising, you’ll likely be in good company, with local families chasing the lights as well. Be sure to drive carefully at night; moose and other wildlife may be out and about along roadways!
What Should You Wear or Bring for Aurora Viewing in September?
Happily, chasing the northern lights in the early autumn months is generally far more comfortable than in, say, January, but as it is the middle of the night, temperatures are still chilly. The best advice is to dress in lots of layers for easy adding or removal should conditions change. Do make sure to wear a warm hat, warm socks, and bring gloves as well, as aurora viewing means a lot of standing around, and it’s surprising how quickly hands and feet start to feel cold. We also like to bring some hot tea or cocoa along for a late-night treat.
If you have a DSLR camera, bring it, but shoot photos in a wide aperture and with slow shutter speeds to capture the colors and textures of the lights. For smartphone photographers, worry not! Often, a phone’s images turn out fantastic; just be sure to check camera settings and don’t move around too much to avoid blurry images.
Will the Copper Whale Inn Still Be Open Late at Night or Early in the Morning?
Absolutely! Each inn guest is provided with the door code and is free to come and go as they please, including for northern lights chasing. Let our innkeeper know you’ll be out late, and they can make sure to save some breakfast items in the cooler and keep the pot full of freshly brewed coffee. Check out our FAQ page for answers to other inn questions, too!
Not sure if chasing the lights on your own is for you? Contact Salmon Berry Tours at 907-278-3572 to learn more about their expansive northern lights adventures, including their multi-day getaway tours.
Frequently Asked Questions About Northern Lights in Anchorage
Can you see the northern lights in Anchorage in September?
Yes. September marks the official start of aurora season in Anchorage, when nights grow dark enough for the aurora borealis to become visible again after months of midnight sun. Sightings aren't guaranteed on any given night, since visibility depends on clear skies and solar activity, but early September through late April is the general window for northern lights in Anchorage.
What is the best time to see the northern lights in Anchorage
The best time to see northern lights in Anchorage is between midnight and 3 a.m., once the sky is fully dark and city activity has quieted down. Checking a same day aurora forecast before heading out gives you the clearest picture of that night's odds.
Where is the best place to see aurora borealis near Anchorage?
Aurora borealis Anchorage viewing improves the farther you get from downtown's streetlights. Local parks such as Kincaid Park, Abbott Loop, and Glen Alps offer darker skies and open views to the north, all a short drive from the Copper Whale Inn.
What makes September aurora Alaska viewing different from winter?
September aurora Alaska viewing happens earlier in the evening and in far milder temperatures than the deep cold of an Anchorage winter. The tradeoff is a shorter dark window each night, so patience and a flexible schedule help.
Do you need to book a tour to see the northern lights in Anchorage?
No, but a guided option like Salmon Berry Tours takes the guesswork out of timing and location, especially for first time visitors. Their small group tours are led entirely by local guides who track the forecast and drive you to the clearest skies that night.
Does the Copper Whale Inn support late night aurora viewing?
Yes. Every guest receives a door code and is free to come and go at any hour, and our innkeeper will happily save breakfast items and keep the coffee pot full for anyone up late chasing the lights.