Reykjavík vs Fairbanks

Aurora forecast comparison — updated hourly

Tonight's Verdict

🇮🇸

Reykjavík

Peak: Sep–Mar

Skip it

Maybe

Book it

🚫 Not tonight — too cloudy

Kp tonight3.7

Clouds (ECMWF)100%

Aurora probability0%

🇺🇸

Fairbanks

Peak: Sep–Mar

Skip it

Maybe

Book it

🚫 Not tonight — too cloudy

Kp tonight3.7

Clouds (ECMWF)74%

Aurora probability0%

Head-to-Head

Metric🇮🇸 Reykjavík🇺🇸 Fairbanks

Latitude64.1°N64.8°N

Kp for overhead auroraKp 1+Kp 1+

Kp for good displayKp 2+Kp 2+

Cloud cover (ECMWF)100%74%

Cloud cover (GFS)100%100%

Dark hours2.4h1.3h

Aurora probability0%0%

Solar wind speed416 km/s416 km/s

Bz value+4.2 nT+4.2 nT

Best window tonight22h (100%)22h (74%)

Highlighted cell = better value for aurora viewing

Next 3 Nights

Night🇮🇸 Reykjavík🇺🇸 Fairbanks

Thu, May 14

✗

100%

Kp 3.7

✗

74%

Kp 3.7

Fri, May 15

✗

100%

Kp 5.7

✗

72%

Kp 5.7

Sat, May 16

✗

95%

Kp 5.0

52%

Kp 5.0

Which should I choose?

Reykjavík vs Fairbanks — Which should I choose?

Both cities require Kp 1+ to see aurora overhead, placing them at a similar position relative to the auroral oval. Tonight Fairbanks has the clearer sky at 74% cloud cover versus 100% for the other city. Reykjavík: Iceland's capital — combine northern lights with Golden Circle tours. Fairbanks: Directly under the auroral oval — one of Earth's top aurora hot spots.

Full Forecasts

🇮🇸View full Reykjavík forecast→🇺🇸View full Fairbanks forecast→