Northern lights in Quebec are occasional: this far south they need a geomagnetic storm of Kp 6 or more. Of the 9 locations AuroraMe tracks in Quebec, Sept-Îles has the best chance; others need up to Kp 7.
Cities Covered
9
Magnetic Latitude Range
53.1°–56.9° MLAT
Required Kp Index
Kp 6.0–7.0
Unlikely
Best chance in Quebec tonight: Sept-Îles
AuroraMe watches Kp, clouds and darkness windows so you know when to go outside.
Kp Requirements by Location
Sept-Îles
56.9° MLAT
Kp 6.0+ Horizon
Kp 7.0+ Optimal
Kp 8.0+ Bright
Rouyn-Noranda
56.8° MLAT
Kp 6.0+ Horizon
Kp 7.0+ Optimal
Kp 8.0+ Bright
Val-d'Or
56.6° MLAT
Kp 6.0+ Horizon
Kp 7.0+ Optimal
Kp 8.0+ Bright
Chicoutimi
55.9° MLAT
Kp 6.0+ Horizon
Kp 7.0+ Optimal
Kp 8.0+ Bright
Rimouski
55.5° MLAT
Kp 6.0+ Horizon
Kp 7.0+ Optimal
Kp 8.0+ Bright
Quebec City
54.4° MLAT
Kp 6.0+ Horizon
Kp 7.0+ Optimal
Kp 8.0+ Bright
Visible on horizon
Clearly visible
Bright overhead
Aurora Status by City
Sept-Îles
North Shore port city with Gulf of St. Lawrence aurora displays
Unlikely
Rouyn-Noranda
Northwestern Quebec mining city with boreal aurora displays
Unlikely
Val-d'Or
Abitibi region gold mining city with pristine northern aurora viewing
Unlikely
Chicoutimi
Saguenay region city with excellent aurora viewing from fjord landscapes
Unlikely
Rimouski
Lower St. Lawrence region with enhanced aurora viewing near Gulf
Unlikely
Quebec City
Historic walled city with northern lights over St. Lawrence River
Unlikely
Trois-Rivières
St. Lawrence River city with historic Quebec aurora photography
Unlikely
Montreal
Quebec metropolis with occasional aurora viewing opportunities
Unlikely
Sherbrooke
Eastern Townships city with Appalachian foothills aurora viewing
Unlikely
Best Viewing Season in Quebec
Geographic Advantages
Mean astronomical darkness at Sept-Îles, Dec–Feb 10.2–11.9 hours
Peak Aurora Months
Estimates for Sept-Îles
September 0.82 clear nights, 65.2% cloud
March 0.76 clear nights, 59.7% cloud
October 0.66 clear nights, 70.6% cloud
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you see the northern lights in Quebec?
Yes, Quebec offers aurora viewing opportunities. Cities like Sept-Îles (MLAT 56.9°) can see aurora at Kp 6.0+, while southern locations need Kp 7.0+. Best viewing is September–April during dark, clear nights.
Learn More About the Northern Lights
Use the aurora borealis forecast, check northern lights tonight, or open the live aurora map and Kp tracker.
