The Best Places in Montana to Catch the Northern Lights

There are few things more awe-inspiring than the Aurora Borealis, and you can get a front-row seat for the show in Montana. If you want to have the best chance at witnessing the natural phenomenon, here are a few helpful tips.

Montana is one of the best states in America to see the northern lights thanks to the state's dark skies, low light pollution, and wide open spaces. The state is considered a hidden gem for aurora chasers.

The Kp Index is a great way to determine how powerful the northern lights will be. The Kp index is a scale from 0 to 9 that measures geomagnetic activity caused by solar wind interacting with Earth’s magnetic field. A higher number indicates a more powerful display.

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When the Kp Index is high, you can usually spot the aurora on the northern horizon if conditions allow. It's important to check the local weather report before you head out to see the show. If the skies are cloudy, your odds of seeing the aurora are greatly reduced.

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Montana's Magic Skies: Best Places to See the Northern Lights Dance

Northern and central Montana are considered the best places to view the aurora borealis due to low light pollution. The darker the skies, the better.

The Space Weather Prediction Center is a great resource to keep track of the intensity and location of the aurora borealis. Several apps will notify you when conditions are ideal in your area.

Auroras usually peak near midnight, but can usually be seen between 10:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.

Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Montana

While the aurora can appear nearly anywhere in Montana given strong enough geomagnetic activity, some spots are consistently better than others due to elevation, dark skies, and unobstructed northern views. Here are some of the most aurora-friendly destinations.