Northern Lights Forecast – These U.S. States Could See the Aurora Borealis This Weekend

If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of the northern lights this weekend, you’re in luck—conditions are looking promising across several northern states and most of Canada. The aurora borealis, that magical dance of lights in the sky, could be visible as far south as parts of the continental United States. Thanks to ongoing solar activity, this weekend might offer a rare opportunity to witness one of nature’s most stunning displays.

Visibility

The best visibility is expected across northern Canada and Alaska once the sun sets. These regions regularly enjoy northern lights displays due to their location under the auroral oval—the zone where auroral activity is most frequent. On Saturday, the light show could dip farther south, offering a decent shot at visibility in Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Upper Michigan.

By Sunday, the forecast expands to include parts of Washington, South Dakota, and even Maine, depending on local cloud cover and solar storm strength. While conditions may vary by region, it’s a great weekend to head outdoors and look up.

Timing

So, when should you head outside? According to NOAA, the best time to see the aurora is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time. This window provides the darkest skies and the most active period for auroral activity. Keep in mind that your location, weather conditions, and distance from city lights will significantly affect visibility.

If skies are clear and you’re in a northern region, it’s worth staying up late. Even a quick 15-minute watch during this window can reward you with unforgettable views.

Location

Where you view the northern lights makes all the difference. The golden rule? Go dark and go high. Find a north-facing, elevated spot far away from city lights. Light pollution is your biggest enemy when it comes to spotting auroras, so rural areas and national parks often offer the best opportunities.

Here are a few location tips:

• Avoid street lights and car headlights
• Use apps or websites like AuroraWatch or NOAA’s Aurora Forecast to track activity in real-time
• Bring a blanket or warm clothing—standing still gets cold fast

Photography

Want to capture the moment? It’s totally possible, even if you’re not a professional photographer. With a regular camera, use a wide-angle lens, set the aperture (F-stop) to 4 or lower, and focus to infinity. Longer exposure times will help your camera capture the vibrant colors, even if they’re faint to the naked eye.

If you’re using a smartphone, here’s what NOAA recommends:

• Turn on night mode
• Disable the flash
• Use a tripod to keep the phone steady
• Adjust exposure manually if your camera app allows it

Even budget smartphones today can capture auroras if set up properly and held still for long enough.

Science

Why is this happening now? It’s all about solar activity. The sun goes through cycles of heightened magnetic energy, and we’re currently near the peak of the solar cycle—which started in 2020 and is expected to peak between late 2024 and early 2026.

Solar flares and coronal mass ejections shoot charged particles into space. When these particles hit Earth’s atmosphere, they interact with oxygen and nitrogen molecules. That energy gets released as colorful light—what we call the aurora borealis.

Thanks to this solar activity, we’re seeing more frequent and farther-reaching aurora displays, even in states that don’t usually get to witness them. That trend is expected to continue into 2026.

If you’ve never seen the northern lights before, this weekend could be your moment. Whether you’re in Alaska or Minnesota, Washington or Maine, all you need is a dark sky, a bit of patience, and a curious eye.

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