Cities Covered
4
Monitoring locations across Washington
Magnetic Latitude Range
52.4°–54.2° MLAT
Prime aurora viewing latitudes
Required Kp Index
Kp 6.0–7.0
Minimum activity for visibility
Kp Requirements by Location
Bellingham
54.2° MLAT
Required Kp Levels
Kp 6.0+ Horizon
Kp 7.0+ Optimal
Kp 8.0+ Bright
Kp0Kp1Kp2Kp3Kp4Kp5Kp6Kp7Kp8Kp9
Visible on horizon
Clearly visible
Bright overhead
Spokane
53.8° MLAT
Required Kp Levels
Kp 7.0+ Horizon
Kp 8.0+ Optimal
Kp 9.0+ Bright
Kp0Kp1Kp2Kp3Kp4Kp5Kp6Kp7Kp8Kp9
Visible on horizon
Clearly visible
Bright overhead
Seattle
53.1° MLAT
Required Kp Levels
Kp 7.0+ Horizon
Kp 8.0+ Optimal
Kp 9.0+ Bright
Kp0Kp1Kp2Kp3Kp4Kp5Kp6Kp7Kp8Kp9
Visible on horizon
Clearly visible
Bright overhead
Yakima
52.4° MLAT
Required Kp Levels
Kp 7.0+ Horizon
Kp 8.0+ Optimal
Kp 9.0+ Bright
Kp0Kp1Kp2Kp3Kp4Kp5Kp6Kp7Kp8Kp9
Visible on horizon
Clearly visible
Bright overhead
Visible on horizon
Clearly visible
Bright overhead
Best Dark Sky Viewing Locations
Interactive map showing dark sky preserves and Bortle class sites in Washington. Click markers for details and directions.
Bortle 2
North Cascades National Park
Dark skies in the Cascade Mountains
110mi from seattle
Highway 20, closed in winter
Bortle 3
Mount Rainier National Park
High elevation aurora viewing
85mi from seattle65mi from tacoma
Paradise area, check road conditions
Aurora Status by City
Bellingham
Aurora possible at 54.2° magnetic latitude during active periods. KP 5+ required for visibility. Strong storms can bring impressive displays.
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
Spokane
Moderate aurora potential at 53.8° magnetic latitude. Northern lights appear during stronger storms when KP reaches 5+. Best chances in winter months.
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
Seattle
Located at 53.1° MLAT with decent aurora opportunities. Geomagnetic storms with KP 5+ can produce visible displays. Monitor forecasts for storm alerts.
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
Yakima
Moderate aurora potential at 52.4° magnetic latitude. Northern lights appear during stronger storms when KP reaches 5+. Best chances in winter months.
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
Best Viewing Season in Washington
Geographic Advantages
Magnetic Latitude 52.4°–54.2° MLAT
Cities Covered 4 locations
Winter Darkness 16-18 hours
Dark Sky Sites 2 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 4 cities
Advance Notice 30 minutes
Weather Integration Cloud cover
Predictions Best viewing times
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you see the northern lights in Washington?
Yes, Washington offers aurora viewing opportunities. Cities like Bellingham (MLAT 54.2°) can see aurora at Kp 6.0+, while southern locations need Kp 7.0+. Best viewing is September–April during dark, clear nights.
Where are the darkest skies in Washington?
The darkest locations include North Cascades National Park and Mount Rainier National Park with Bortle class 2–3. These sites offer minimal light pollution for optimal aurora photography.
