Northern Lights Tonight in Whitehorse, Yukon
Tonight in Whitehorse: aurora is possible. Kp peaks at 3.7, at or above the local Kp 2.2 threshold; clouds 77%. Best window: 1 AM – 3 AM MST, look north-northeast, low on the horizon.
Visibility now
ModerateKp 2.0 now (quiet); this spot needs Kp 2.2+.
Kp: NOAA SWPC · Oval: NOAA OVATION · Clouds: Open-Meteo · Updated every 15 minutes.
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Whitehorse aurora forecast
| MST | Kp | Chance | Status | Clouds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 PM | 3.7 | 10 of 100 | Too light | 98% |
| 7 PM | 3.7 | 10 of 100 | Unlikely | 100% |
| 8 PM | 3.7 | 10 of 100 | Unlikely | 96% |
| 9 PM | 3.7 | 10 of 100 | Unlikely | 98% |
| 10 PM | 2.7 | 10 of 100 | Unlikely | 95% |
| 11 PM | 2.7 | 43 of 100 | Moderate | 81% |
Chance combines Kp against the local threshold, clouds, darkness and the moon. Hours before dark read “Too light”.
Kp is just one factor. The app adds clouds, moon, darkness, latitude and solar wind for each night.
Which nights are best?
The first night in the NOAA outlook that reaches Whitehorse's Kp 2.2 is Nov 10.
~200 aurora nights per year
Dark nights when Kp reached 2.2, average of the last three years (GFZ Potsdam). Clouds not counted.
Average nights per month since 2015. Best months to visit: Mar, Apr, Sep, Oct.
Tonight's best window
Best time tonight:1 AM – 3 AM MST, look north-northeast, low on the horizon.
Fully dark from 8:09 PM to 7:19 AM MST.
Why this forecast?
Aurora Borealis Viewing in Whitehorse
Whitehorse sits under the auroral oval, and the threshold of 2.2 means that ordinary nights are enough. From mid August to mid April the aurora is a routine event here, not a once-a-season lucky break. The difficulty is the usual one for the north: you need clear sky, and the Yukon River valley can hold cloud and ice fog on cold nights.
The city is small, so the light dome is modest, and a short drive in almost any direction puts you in dark country. The Yukon River runs through town with mountains on both sides, and the lakes and roads outside the grid make it easy to find a pull-off with an open northern view.
Locals know a few favorite places. Fish Lake and the road toward Chadburn Lake are the places the territorial tourism office points visitors to, and Schwatka Lake is a calmer waterside option near the city. Winter temperatures can drop far below zero, so bring a layer for the car as well as for yourself, and keep the engine warm. On a strong night you may see the aurora overhead, not just in the north.
For the whole picture, check the northern lights tonight overview or the live aurora map.
Dark-sky spots near Whitehorse
Fish Lake
Lake west of the city, named by Travel Yukon for wide-open aurora views. Far enough from Whitehorse to escape most of the light dome.
Takhini Hot Springs
Hot springs outside the Whitehorse boundary, away from downtown lights. Check the springs' current opening hours before planning a night visit.
Other cities in Canada
Yellowknife
Vancouver
Edmonton
Kelowna
Calgary
Saskatoon
Plan your trip
Northern Lights in Whitehorse: Quick Guide
How often can you see the northern lights in Whitehorse?
What Kp do I need to see the northern lights in Whitehorse?
Can I see the northern lights tonight in Whitehorse?
Where should I look for the northern lights in Whitehorse?
What time is best tonight in Whitehorse?
Free app for iPhone and Android
Know when the sky is worth your time
The forecast on this page, watching your location all night and telling you when to step outside.
The hour tonight when Kp, clouds and darkness line up for your spot.
A push alert 30–90 minutes before the aurora reaches your sky, even at 2 AM.
Where the clouds open nearby, so you know which way to drive.
Learn more about the northern lights
How to See the Northern Lights: A Beginner's Guide
Three conditions decide whether you see the northern lights: activity at your latitude, a clear sky and darkness. Here is how to check each one.
Aurora Colors and What They Mean
Green, red, blue, purple and pink aurora explained: which gas makes each color, how high it glows, and why your camera shows more than your eyes.
Northern Lights in Canada: Best Places
The best places to see the northern lights in Canada: Yellowknife, Whitehorse, Churchill, Jasper and the prairies, plus what Ontario and Quebec get.
Northern Lights in Scotland
Where to see the northern lights in Scotland: north coast, islands, Cairngorms and dark sky parks, when the sky is dark enough, and how to beat cloud.
Northern Lights in Norway
Where to see the northern lights in Norway, which months work, why the coast and inland need different plans, and what Oslo gets in a storm.
Aurora Australis Forecast Guide
How to read a forecast for the southern lights: Kp, Bz, the southern oval, darkness, moon and cloud, plus where to look in Tasmania and southern Australia.
Kp index today
Live Kp, the 3-day and 27-day forecast, and what Kp each city needs.
Geomagnetic storm today
G-scale now, the storm outlook and how far south the aurora reaches.