A guest in an orange parka looks up at bright green and pink aurora.

What to wear for an Alaska night.

Colder than you think, and you'll be standing still. Dress in layers, protect your feet and hands, and the night is all about the sky.

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The rule of threeA base layer that wicks (wool or synthetic, never cotton), a warm middle (fleece or down), and a wind-blocking outer (insulated parka and snow pants). Then boots, mittens and a hat.

Base

Next to skin

Merino wool or synthetic long underwear, top and bottom. Cotton holds sweat and gets cold.

Middle

The warmth

A fleece or down jacket; fleece or wool pants in deep winter. Add a layer rather than one giant coat.

Outer

Stop the wind

An insulated parka with a hood and insulated snow pants or bibs.

Feet

Most important

Insulated, waterproof winter boots with room for thick wool socks. Bring a spare pair of socks.

Hands

Mittens + liners

Warm mittens over thin liner gloves, so you can work a phone or camera without bare skin.

Head

Hat & neck

A warm hat that covers your ears and a neck gaiter or scarf you can pull over your face.

Guests warming up by a campfire beside a SkyChase van under a starry sky.

By season

How cold, when?

Late August–September: often in the 30s–40s °F at night. A warm jacket, hat, gloves and comfortable shoes or light boots are usually enough.

October and April: teens to 20s °F, snow on the ground. Full winter layers and proper boots.

November–March: commonly below zero, sometimes −20 °F to −40 °F. Everything on this page, plus hand and toe warmers. Cover all skin when it's very cold.

Check the live temperature on ANN the day of your tour.

“The mobile lodge with wood stove kept us warm while we would wait for activity, then could quickly step outside and see the northern lights when they were most active.”

Justin H. · Viator review · Dec 2025

Packing list

Bring this.

Base layers, top and bottom (wool or synthetic)
Fleece or down mid-layer
Insulated parka with hood, and insulated snow pants or bibs
Insulated waterproof winter boots, thick wool socks, and a spare pair
Warm mittens plus thin liner gloves
Warm hat and neck gaiter or scarf
Hand and toe warmers for winter nights
Charged phone and a small battery pack, kept in an inside pocket
Your camera and spare batteries, if you're bringing one (tripods available on request)
Any medications you might need during a late night

We take care of the restHeated vans, the fire, hot drinks and snacks, and the Mobile Lodge on nights it travels with us. Tell us about any mobility needs or car seats when you book.

Quick answers

Staying warm.

How cold is a northern lights tour in Fairbanks?

It depends on the month. September nights are often in the 30s °F; mid-winter nights are commonly well below zero, sometimes −20 °F to −40 °F. You'll be outside, standing still, for long stretches, which feels colder than walking around town.

Do I need special boots?

Your feet get cold first. In winter, insulated, waterproof winter boots with room for thick wool socks are the single most important thing to bring. Tight boots get cold faster.

Where can I warm up during the tour?

In the heated van, by the fire, and in the Mobile Lodge on nights it travels with us. Private SkyChase guests have their own heated Sprinter.

Will my phone work in the cold?

Cold drains batteries fast. Bring a charged phone and a small battery pack, and keep both in an inside pocket close to your body until you need them.