City
Seeing the northern lights from Vancouver
Vancouver sits at 54.5° magnetic latitude, just south of the usual auroral oval. A Kp of about 3.7 brings aurora into view low on the northern horizon, and about 5.9 puts it overhead.
Dark hours by month
Hours each night with the sun at least 12° below the horizon, on the 15th of each month.
There is a dark sky every night of the year, so aurora season never closes in Vancouver. Geomagnetic activity also tends to run higher around the March and September equinoxes.
What each storm level means here
The higher the Kp index, the farther the oval spreads toward the equator.
- Kp 9G5 extreme storm: aurora overhead from Vancouver
- Kp 7G3 strong storm: aurora overhead from Vancouver
- Kp 5G1 minor storm: aurora on the horizon from Vancouver
- Kp 3Unsettled: aurora not in view from Vancouver
- Kp 1Quiet: aurora not in view from Vancouver
Questions about the aurora in Vancouver
Can you see the northern lights in Vancouver?
Yes, on active nights. You need a Kp of about 3.7 for aurora on the northern horizon and clear, dark skies away from city lights.
What Kp index do you need to see the aurora in Vancouver?
About Kp 3.7 for aurora on the northern horizon and about Kp 5.9 for aurora overhead. These come from Vancouver's magnetic latitude of 54.5°.
Which direction should I look for the aurora in Vancouver?
Face north-northeast (12°), toward the magnetic pole. That is where the aurora rises first. In a strong storm it can spread across the whole sky.
What time of night is best for the aurora in Vancouver?
Activity often peaks around magnetic midnight, which falls near 1:45 AM local time in Vancouver in December. The two hours either side are the best window.
When is aurora season in Vancouver?
There is a dark sky every night of the year, so aurora season never closes in Vancouver. Geomagnetic activity also tends to run higher around the March and September equinoxes.