Dawson City is a good place to watch the northern lights because it is a small town with little light pollution and long, dark nights in the cold half of the year. The Klondike Visitors Association says the aurora is visible from late August through April as long as skies are clear, most often near midnight. When it is active, you can often see it from anywhere in town, even from your hotel. For a wider view, head up the Midnight Dome, which gives wide views over the town and gets you closer to the lights. Local bars and restaurants often announce when the lights are out so that you can join others outside. Green is the most common colour, but pink and purple lights also appear at times. Best of all, this season is open in November, when the summer attractions are closed.
The aurora is a natural event, so it cannot be promised, and clear skies matter as much as activity. Plan to stay at least three nights if the lights are your main goal, because cloud can spoil any one evening. Check forecasts on sites such as auroraforecast.com and astronomynorth.com, and look at the sky when you step outside after dinner.
Dress very warmly, because you will be standing still in the cold, often for an hour or more. Bring a blanket and a thermos of hot drinks, wear insulated boots and hand warmers, and keep camera batteries warm in an inner pocket. A tripod and a camera with manual settings help if you want photographs. Dawson's small size means that dark sky is close at hand, and the Midnight Dome offers a higher, more open view if the road is passable.
If you do not have a vehicle, the Klondike Visitors Association points visitors to a local operator that runs aurora viewing tours, and your hotel can help you arrange one. Winter nights in Dawson are cold, so check the weather and road conditions before heading up the Dome, and tell someone where you are going. From late August the nights are mild enough to be comfortable, which makes late August and September a good compromise between summer attractions and aurora viewing.
What to expect
The experience
Watching the aurora from town or from the Midnight Dome on clear nights, with an optional guided tour.
Best time
Late August through April on clear nights, most often near midnight.
How long
One to three hours, depending on activity and your tolerance for the cold.
Tips
Check aurora and weather forecasts, dress very warmly, bring a thermos and stay several nights in case of cloud.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travellers who want a free, memorable night-sky experience in a small, dark town.
- Families
- Older children can enjoy it, but late hours and cold make it hard for younger ones.
- Couples
- A romantic, quiet experience if the skies cooperate.
- Pair with
- The Midnight Dome for a wider view and a hotel with a warm lounge to return to.
- Time needed
- One to three hours per night, over several nights.
Good questions
When can I see the northern lights in Dawson?+
The Klondike Visitors Association says late August through April, as long as skies are clear. They most often appear near midnight.
Where is the best place to watch?+
You can often see them from town when they are active, and the Midnight Dome gives a wider view over Dawson.
Are there guided tours?+
The Klondike Visitors Association points visitors without a vehicle to a local operator that runs aurora viewing tours. Ask your hotel or the Visitor Information Centre.
How do I check the forecast?+
Use aurora forecast sites such as auroraforecast.com and astronomynorth.com, along with the local weather forecast.
What colours will I see?+
Green is the most common colour, but pink and purple lights also appear at times.
