Northern lights in New England are rare: this far south they need a strong geomagnetic storm of Kp 7 or more. Of the 4 locations AuroraMe tracks in New England, Burlington has the best chance; others need up to Kp 8.
Cities Covered
4
Magnetic Latitude Range
50.0°–52.4° MLAT
Required Kp Index
Kp 7.0–8.0
Unlikely
Best chance in New England tonight: Burlington
AuroraMe watches Kp, clouds and darkness windows so you know when to go outside.
Kp Requirements by Location
Burlington
52.4° MLAT
Kp 7.0+ Horizon
Kp 8.0+ Optimal
Kp 9.0+ Bright
Bangor
51.9° MLAT
Kp 7.0+ Horizon
Kp 8.0+ Optimal
Kp 9.0+ Bright
Concord
50.9° MLAT
Kp 8.0+ Horizon
Kp 9.0+ Optimal
Boston
50.0° MLAT
Kp 8.0+ Horizon
Kp 9.0+ Optimal
Visible on horizon
Clearly visible
Bright overhead
Best Dark Sky Viewing Locations
Interactive map showing dark sky preserves and Bortle class sites in New England. Click markers for details and directions.
Bortle 2
Mount Washington
Highest peak in Northeast, above clouds
170mi from boston95mi from portland
Mount Washington Auto Road, seasonal
Bortle 2
Northeast Kingdom
Vermont's darkest region
100mi from burlington220mi from boston
Interstate 91 to rural roads
Aurora Status by City
Burlington
Lake Champlain city with Green Mountain aurora photography
Unlikely
Bangor
Eastern Maine city with aurora viewing from Penobscot River valley
Unlikely
Concord
New Hampshire capital with White Mountain aurora viewing
Unlikely
Boston
Historic city with occasional northern lights visible during strong activity
Unlikely
Best Viewing Season in New England
Geographic Advantages
Dark Sky Sites 2 Bortle 1-3
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you see the northern lights in New England?
Yes, New England region offers aurora viewing opportunities. Cities like Burlington (MLAT 52.4°) can see aurora at Kp 7.0+, while southern locations need Kp 8.0+. Best viewing is September–April during dark, clear nights.
Where are the darkest skies in New England?
The darkest locations include Mount Washington and Northeast Kingdom with Bortle class 2–2. 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.
