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
Located at 46.4° MLAT, aurora requires significant storm activity. KP 8+ events several times per year bring northern lights within view.
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
Redding
Located at 46.2° MLAT, aurora requires significant storm activity. KP 8+ events several times per year bring northern lights within view.
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
San Jose
Aurora reaches San Jose during strong storms at 45.9° magnetic latitude. Monitor for KP 8+ events that push the auroral oval southward.
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
Fresno
Aurora reaches Fresno during strong storms at 45.0° magnetic latitude. Monitor for KP 8+ events that push the auroral oval southward.
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
Sacramento
At 44.3° MLAT, aurora is an uncommon treat. Severe geomagnetic storms can occasionally push northern lights to this latitude. Set alerts for KP 8+ events.
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
San Francisco
Aurora events are rare at 43.4° magnetic latitude but spectacular when they occur. Major solar storms with KP 9+ can bring the display south.
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
Los Angeles
At 42.1° MLAT, aurora is an uncommon treat. Severe geomagnetic storms can occasionally push northern lights to this latitude. Set alerts for KP 9+ events.
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
Long Beach
At 41.8° MLAT, aurora is an uncommon treat. Severe geomagnetic storms can occasionally push northern lights to this latitude. Set alerts for KP 9+ events.
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
San Diego
Aurora events are rare at 40.6° magnetic latitude but spectacular when they occur. Major solar storms with KP 9+ can bring the display south.
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.
