Best Time to Take an Alaska Cruise for Northern Lights

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:

1. What are the Northern Lights?
   • When Do the Northern Lights Occur?
2. Best Time To Cruise Alaska For Northern Lights
   • Late April offers clear views and fewer crowds
   • Late August starts aurora season with ideal weather and wildlife
   • Mid-September showcases peak aurora displays
3. Best Itineraries To View The Northern Lights In Alaska
4. 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.