Northern lights in Texas are very rare: only an extreme geomagnetic storm, Kp 9 at the top of the scale, can bring them this far south. Of the 7 locations AuroraMe tracks in Texas, Dallas has the best chance.
Cities Covered
7
Magnetic Latitude Range
39.0°–42.4° MLAT
Required Kp Index
Kp 9.0–9.0
Unlikely
Best chance in Texas tonight: Dallas
AuroraMe watches Kp, clouds and darkness windows so you know when to go outside.
Kp Requirements by Location
Dallas
42.4° MLAT
Kp 9.0+ Horizon
Fort Worth
42.3° MLAT
Kp 9.0+ Horizon
Arlington
42.3° MLAT
Kp 9.0+ Horizon
El Paso
40.2° MLAT
Kp 9.0+ Horizon
Austin
39.9° MLAT
Kp 9.0+ Horizon
Houston
39.6° MLAT
Kp 9.0+ Horizon
Visible on horizon
Clearly visible
Bright overhead
Aurora Status by City
Dallas
North Texas metropolis with prairie aurora viewing during strong storms
Unlikely
Fort Worth
Major city with 935K population
Unlikely
Arlington
Major city with 395K population
Unlikely
El Paso
Major city with 680K population
Unlikely
Austin
Texas capital with Hill Country aurora viewing during major geomagnetic storms
Unlikely
Houston
Space City with gulf coast aurora sightings during extreme solar activity
Unlikely
San Antonio
Major city with 2M+ population
Unlikely
Best Viewing Season in Texas
Geographic Advantages
Mean astronomical darkness at Arlington, Dec–Feb 10.2–11.1 hours
Peak Aurora Months
Estimates for Arlington
October 0.02 clear nights, 38.3% cloud
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you see the northern lights in Texas?
Yes, Texas offers aurora viewing opportunities. Cities like Dallas (MLAT 42.4°) can see aurora at Kp 9.0+, while southern locations need Kp 9.0+. 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.
