Fairbanks is one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights.

While most visitors to Alaska head to the scenic southern coast, there’s one interior destination that draws many: Fairbanks. With a population of about 33,000, it’s Alaska’s second-largest city, narrowly surpassing Juneau by a few hundred residents as of the 2020 census. Fairbanks experiences significant temperature swings throughout the year—summer highs are in the 70s, while winter lows plummet below zero—making it a year-round destination for travelers. During summer, visitors can enjoy hiking, farmers’ markets, and various festivals. The winter months bring the mesmerizing northern lights, drawing in more tourists. Therefore, if you’re contemplating a visit, here’s essential information about exploring Fairbanks, Alaska.

How to See the Northern Lights in Fairbanks

The northern lights are undoubtedly the biggest attraction in Fairbanks, as the destination is regarded as one of the best locations globally to witness this atmospheric phenomenon. The Geophysical Institute, known for its exceptional aurora forecast services, is located at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. During aurora season, which occurs from August 21 through April 21, the northern lights can be seen on average four out of five nights, typically between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. However, this doesn’t guarantee visibility; clear skies are essential to see the aurora borealis. Therefore, it is advisable to stay for several nights or even a week to enhance your chances of witnessing this breathtaking sight. Fairbanks’ northern location places it near the region where the northern lights often appear: the Auroral Oval, a ring around the Earth at a latitude of approximately 65 to 70 degrees north.

Although Fairbanks is a small city, light pollution can hinder northern lights visibility. Hence, the best viewing experiences are found outside the city. While you can drive to more remote areas, taking a northern lights tour could be an excellent option that may include activities like soaking at Chena Hot Springs and a visit to the Aurora Ice Museum, or adventures like snowmobiling and ice fishing. Even if you remain in town, many hotels in Fairbanks provide a northern lights wake-up call to ensure you won’t miss the aurora if it appears during the night.

Things to Do in Fairbanks

Beyond the northern lights, Fairbanks boasts a variety of museums, such as the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum, the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center, and the University of Alaska Museum of the North. During summer—specifically when Fairbanks experiences the midnight sun, where the sky remains illuminated all night—numerous festivals and fairs are held, including the popular Midnight Sun Festival, which attracts 30,000 attendees for 12 hours of live music, shopping, and delicious food. Furthermore, Fairbanks serves as an excellent starting point for excursions into Denali National Park or the Arctic, whether for day trips or multi-day adventures.

Hotels in Fairbanks

Most accommodations in Fairbanks include budget to mid-tier chains operated by major hospitality groups, such as Marriott, Hilton, Wyndham, Hyatt, and IHG. However, there are also a few independent hotels, inns, and hostels located in the heart of town, such as Pike’s Waterfront Lodge, Alaska Heritage House, and Billie’s Backpackers Hostel. For optimal northern lights viewing, consider heading outside the city to more remote accommodations, including A Taste of Alaska Lodge, Alaska Grizzly Lodge, and Chena Hot Springs Resort. Consequently, it is essential to plan your stay well ahead of time, especially if visiting during the northern lights season.