Best Time to Take an Alaska Cruise for Northern Lights
Alaska
Destinations
If you’re dreaming of a northern lights cruise, Alaska is the perfect destination. Picture streaks of blue, green, and purple illuminating the skies with lush forestry below. Tackle towering mountains or wild bears over long days. By night, marvel at the dazzling aurora borealis above.
Choosing the right time to take your northern light Alaska cruise can be tricky, as the elusive aurora is unpredictable. However, there are periods when the aurora is generally more active. Read on to discover the best time to visit Alaska for northern lights.
On This Page:
- What are the Northern Lights?
- Best Time To Cruise Alaska For Northern Lights
- Best Itineraries To View The Northern Lights In Alaska
- Photo Tips to Capture Northern Lights on Your Cruise
What are the Northern Lights?
Before planning your trip, let’s understand what the northern lights are. Also known as the Aurora Borealis, the northern lights are among the most magnificent natural wonders on Earth.
Often resembling rippling currents, these displays occur when charged particles from the sun collide with gas atoms in the atmosphere. The collisions cause the gas atoms to light up, producing the vibrant green, purple, and pink hues of the northern lights.
When Do the Northern Lights Occur?
You can see the northern lights year-round, but their visibility depends on dark and clear night skies.
While the aurora is generally unpredictable, it becomes more visible during periods of high solar activity, which can be tracked.
Solar cycles, lasting about 11 years, influence this activity. Our current cycle, Solar Cycle 25, peaks between late 2024 and early 2026, making this an ideal time to cruise to Alaska to see northern lights.
Best Time To Cruise Alaska For Northern Lights
The best time to cruise Alaska to see northern lights is during the Alaska cruise season, which runs from late April to October. During this season, the optimal viewing periods are in late April, late August, and mid-to-late September. While the lights are generally most visible between mid-August and late April, these months within the cruise season offer the best opportunities to witness a stellar aurora.
Related: The 10 Best Cruise Lines to Alaska for Every Traveler
Late April offers clear views and fewer crowds
Late April is a uniquely convenient time to take an Alaska northern lights cruise, marking both the tail end of peak northern lights season and the start of the cruising season.
This time tends to be less popular for cruises, making it perfect for guests looking to avoid large crowds and find great deals. On top of that, April is one of Alaska’s driest months, meaning fewer clouds obstruct your view of the aurora.
Naturalists will also be thrilled for animal sightings as animals begin emerging from hibernation. Notably, black and Kodiak bears can be spotted. Be sure to pack warm clothes, as temperatures range from 33 to 48°F during this time of year.
During April there are only around 14 hours of daylight per day, which is considerably lower compared to other months within the Alaska cruise season. This means you’ll get to enjoy longer nights, with more chances to see the aurora.
Late August starts aurora season with ideal weather and wildlife
Late August marks the start of aurora season, but also has other appeals. With temperatures ranging from 48 to 63°F, you’ll comfortably enjoy the stunning outdoor scenery. Plus, an average of 18 hours of daylight ensures that you’ll have plenty to explore both onboard and ashore, making the most of your northern lights Alaska cruise.
August is also prime for spotting wildlife, both on land and at sea. Black bears can be spotted all over the state during this time. You can see them in the Inside Passage, near ports like Skagway, Sitka, and Ketchikan, the Southcentral area, near Seward and Whittier’s ports, and within the Southwest region. Brown bears are also commonly seen roaming in the Southwest region, especially near Katmai National Park.
If you love marine life, August offers fantastic opportunities for whale watching. Be sure to book an excursion during this ideal time to see a variety of whales, from blue whales and humpbacks. It’s also the best time to view Beluga whales as they follow large schools of salmon making their run.
Mid-September showcases peak aurora displays
We recommend mid-to-late September as the best time for a northern lights cruise in Alaska. This period falls closest to the fall equinox, around September 22nd when the Earth's axis is tilted neither toward nor away from the sun. The equinox creates the perfect conditions for some of the aurora’s most spectacular, active displays.
The unique equilibrium of weather conditions also makes for ideal viewing conditions in September. Nights are longer than in August, with only 16 hours of daylight, and the temperatures are warmer than in April, ranging from a brisk 44 to 56°F. With the combination of longer nights and warmer temperatures during your Alaska cruise, northern lights viewing will be the highlight of your journey to the Frontier State.
Best Itineraries To View The Northern Lights In Alaska
When planning an Alaska cruise to see northern lights, location matters. Avoid densely populated areas with excessive light pollution, like the state’s capital city, Juneau.
The further north you go, the better your chances of viewing the aurora will be. Always check weather reports for clouds and precipitation, and refer to the Alaska Aurora Forecast for real-time updates on aurora activity and visibility conditions.
Anchorage
If your itinerary doesn’t give you enough time to see the aurora at one of the further north locations, Anchorage is a great (and conveniently located) option.
Anchorage is at the top of the Kenai Peninsula, located very close to several cruise ports, including its very own. There are a variety of places just outside the main town to see the lights clearly, including the Glen Alps, Point Woronzof, and the Eklutna Tailrace in Knik River Valley.
The downside is that the northern lights are only visible in Anchorage from September to April, so if you plan on cruising in the summer or late spring you probably won’t be able to see them.
Denali National Park
Denali National Park is another great viewing site for the northern lights. Encompassing vast remote wilderness, Denali has next to no light pollution, allowing for clear aurora sightings.
The nearest cruise ports are Anchorage, Whitter, and Seward, and you can access Denali from these ports by car or train.
Denali hosts vast open land without obstructions, allowing you to enjoy picturesque views of the aurora while fully immersed in primal nature.
Unfortunately, getting to Denali takes a while, with the closest cruise port being Anchorage, which is a four hour drive away. If you’re planning to see Denali make sure to book an itinerary that allows you at least one full day and night ashore.
If you want more time to fully explore the national park, Princess Cruises offers some of the best cruise tours to Denali, as well as the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge. This lodge is a one of a kind cabin immersed in the Alaskan wilderness that is designated for Princess’s cruising guests.
Fairbanks
Fairbanks is one of the best viewing points for the northern lights. Located in central Alaska within the Auroral Oval near the geomagnetic North Pole, it offers optimal conditions for aurora activity. Fairbanks is accessible from Anchorage, Whitter, and Seward cruise ports by train or car. Many lines also offer excursions or cruise tours at Fairbanks, which you can book through your cruise lines website. Make sure your cruise itinerary provides plenty of time ashore to make the journey worthwhile.
Due to its small population and deep isolation, Fairbanks experiences very low light pollution. For the best viewing, find a spot a few miles outside the town's center. One popular viewing spot is Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge, which offers open areas with unobstructed views of the night sky.
Fairbanks is a good distance from all major cruise ports, with the nearest one being Anchorage, which is about a six hour drive. Make sure to book a cruise itinerary that allows you at least one full day and night ashore.
You can track live updates regarding the aurora on the Fairbanks Aurora Tracker.
Photo Tips to Capture Northern Lights on Your Cruise
When taking your Alaska cruise, aurora borealis photos may be something you want to take home with you. To capture pictures of these magnificent lights, there are a few important things to keep in mind.
Northern Lights Camera Tips
Equipment: Bring a good camera, a tripod, a remote shutter release or timer, and replacement batteries.
Settings: Use a high ISO (1600-3200), a wide aperture (f/2.8 or lower), and a long exposure (15-30 seconds). Adjust shutter speeds based on aurora activity: 5-10 seconds for bright auroras, 12-20 seconds for slow-moving auroras, and 20-25 seconds for faint auroras.
Yes, You Can Capture Northern Lights on Your iPhone
Night Mode: On iPhone 11 and newer, activate Night Mode by tapping the night mode button below the viewfinder and using the slider above the shutter button to choose “max” and extend the capture time.
Manual Settings: Set the focus to infinity, use a wide aperture, and choose a low shutter speed.
Pro Models: For iPhone 12 Pro and later, turn on Apple ProRAW in Settings > Camera > Formats.
Useful Apps: Download apps like Northern Lights Photo Taker, NightCap Camera, ProCamera, and Slow Shutter to enhance your photography capabilities on iOS devices.
Adventure to Alaska
Now that you know when to take your Northern Lights Alaskan cruise, book it today with Cruisebound. Our website makes booking your cruise seamless and easy, so you can spend more time enjoying the northern lights. Book your perfect cruise today.
FAQs:
Q: Can you see northern lights on Alaska cruises?
A: Yes, you can cruise to see northern lights of Alaska, especially during specific times of the year. We recommend late April, late August, and mid-September for the best experience.
Q: What is the best time to take Alaska cruise northern lights?
A: The best time to see northern lights in Alaska cruise is late April, late August, and mid-to-late September.
Q: Can you see the northern lights in Alaska in September?
A: Yes, you can see the northern lights in Alaska in September, especially mid-to late September when the aurora is most active.
Q: Can Alaska cruise see northern lights in May?
A: Although you can cruise to see northern lights in Alaska in May, it’s recommended you choose a time when the lights are more active, such as late April, late August, and mid to late September.
Q: What are the best Alaska northern lights cruise destinations for clear viewing?
A: The best Alaska cruise to see northern lights include locations such as Fairbanks and Denali National Park, due to their low light pollution and optimal viewing conditions.
Q: What should I wear to stay warm while viewing the northern lights?
A: Wear layers of warm clothing, including a thermal base layer, insulated jacket, gloves, a hat, and waterproof boots, as temperatures can be quite cold at night.
Q: Are there any specific excursions or tours for viewing the northern lights on an Alaska cruise?
A: Yes, many big lines offer Alaska cruise tours for viewing the northern lights.
Q: Can I take good photos of the northern lights with my phone?
A: Yes, modern smartphones, especially newer models with night mode features, can capture great photos of the northern lights with the right settings and apps.
