Cities Covered
9
Monitoring locations across California
Magnetic Latitude Range
40.6°–46.4° MLAT
Prime aurora viewing latitudes
Required Kp Index
Kp 9.0–9.0
Minimum activity for visibility
Kp Requirements by Location
Oakland
46.4° MLAT
Required Kp Levels
Kp 9.0+ Horizon
Kp 10.0+ Optimal
Kp 11.0+ Bright
Kp0Kp1Kp2Kp3Kp4Kp5Kp6Kp7Kp8Kp9
Visible on horizon
Clearly visible
Bright overhead
Redding
46.2° MLAT
Required Kp Levels
Kp 9.0+ Horizon
Kp 10.0+ Optimal
Kp 11.0+ Bright
Kp0Kp1Kp2Kp3Kp4Kp5Kp6Kp7Kp8Kp9
Visible on horizon
Clearly visible
Bright overhead
San Jose
45.9° MLAT
Required Kp Levels
Kp 9.0+ Horizon
Kp 10.0+ Optimal
Kp 11.0+ Bright
Kp0Kp1Kp2Kp3Kp4Kp5Kp6Kp7Kp8Kp9
Visible on horizon
Clearly visible
Bright overhead
Fresno
45.0° MLAT
Required Kp Levels
Kp 9.0+ Horizon
Kp 10.0+ Optimal
Kp 11.0+ Bright
Kp0Kp1Kp2Kp3Kp4Kp5Kp6Kp7Kp8Kp9
Visible on horizon
Clearly visible
Bright overhead
Sacramento
44.3° MLAT
Required Kp Levels
Kp 9.0+ Horizon
Kp 10.0+ Optimal
Kp 11.0+ Bright
Kp0Kp1Kp2Kp3Kp4Kp5Kp6Kp7Kp8Kp9
Visible on horizon
Clearly visible
Bright overhead
San Francisco
43.4° MLAT
Required Kp Levels
Kp 9.0+ Horizon
Kp 10.0+ Optimal
Kp 11.0+ Bright
Kp0Kp1Kp2Kp3Kp4Kp5Kp6Kp7Kp8Kp9
Visible on horizon
Clearly visible
Bright overhead
Visible on horizon
Clearly visible
Bright overhead
Aurora Status by City
Oakland
Major city with 435K population
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
Redding
Northern California city with mountain-surrounded aurora viewing opportunities
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
San Jose
Major city with 1M+ population
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
Fresno
Major city with 540K population
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
Sacramento
California capital with Central Valley aurora viewing during active periods
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
San Francisco
Bay Area metropolis with rare but memorable aurora displays over Pacific
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
Los Angeles
Major city with 4M+ population
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
Long Beach
Major city with 465K population
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
San Diego
Major city with 1M+ population
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
Best Viewing Season in California
Geographic Advantages
Magnetic Latitude 40.6°–46.4° MLAT
Cities Covered 9 locations
Winter Darkness 16-18 hours
Dark Sky Sites 0 Bortle 1-3
Peak Aurora Months
Primary Peak September–October
Secondary Peak March–April
Equinox Boost +35% activity
Photography Winter darkness
Track with AuroraMe
Coverage All 9 cities
Advance Notice 30 minutes
Weather Integration Cloud cover
Predictions Best viewing times
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you see the northern lights in California?
Yes, California offers aurora viewing opportunities. Cities like Oakland (MLAT 46.4°) can see aurora at Kp 9.0+, while southern locations need Kp 9.0+. Best viewing is September–April during dark, clear nights.
Where are the darkest skies in California?
Check our city pages for specific dark sky recommendations near each location.
