Northern lights in the Northwest Territories are frequent on clear, dark nights: even quiet activity of Kp 1 can bring them into view. Of the 3 locations AuroraMe tracks in the Northwest Territories, Inuvik has the best chance.
Cities Covered
3
Magnetic Latitude Range
66.8°–71.0° MLAT
Required Kp Index
Kp 1.0–1.0
Unlikely
Best chance in Northwest Territories tonight: Inuvik
AuroraMe watches Kp, clouds and darkness windows so you know when to go outside.
Kp Requirements by Location
Inuvik
71.0° MLAT
Kp 1.0+ Horizon
Kp 2.0+ Optimal
Kp 3.0+ Bright
Yellowknife
68.5° MLAT
Kp 1.0+ Horizon
Kp 2.0+ Optimal
Kp 3.0+ Bright
Hay River
66.8° MLAT
Kp 1.0+ Horizon
Kp 2.0+ Optimal
Kp 3.0+ Bright
Visible on horizon
Clearly visible
Bright overhead
Best Dark Sky Viewing Locations
Interactive map showing dark sky preserves and Bortle class sites in Northwest Territories. Click markers for details and directions.
Bortle 1
Thelon Wildlife Sanctuary
Remote pristine wilderness
480mi from yellowknife
Charter flight only
Bortle 2
Prelude Lake
Popular aurora viewing near Yellowknife
30mi from yellowknife
Ingraham Trail (Highway 4)
Aurora Status by City
Best Viewing Season in Northwest Territories
Geographic Advantages
Mean astronomical darkness at Yellowknife, Dec–Feb 10–12.7 hours
Dark Sky Sites 2 Bortle 1-3
Peak Aurora Months
Estimates for Yellowknife
March 13.24 clear nights, 49.1% cloud
January 12.09 clear nights, 56.5% cloud
February 12.03 clear nights, 51.3% cloud
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you see the northern lights in Northwest Territories?
Yes, Northwest Territories offers aurora viewing opportunities. Cities like Inuvik (MLAT 71.0°) can see aurora at Kp 1.0+, while southern locations need Kp 1.0+. Best viewing is September–April during dark, clear nights.
Where are the darkest skies in Northwest Territories?
The darkest locations include Thelon Wildlife Sanctuary and Prelude Lake with Bortle class 1–2. These sites offer minimal light pollution for optimal aurora photography.
Learn More About the Northern Lights
Use the aurora borealis forecast, check northern lights tonight, or open the live aurora map and Kp tracker.
