Northern lights in Idaho: can you see them, and tonight's chances

How strong a storm each city in Idaho needs

The farther a place is from the magnetic pole, the stronger the geomagnetic storm needed to push the aurora into view. These levels come from each city's geomagnetic latitude and NOAA's storm scale, which says how far south aurora is usually seen at each level. They are for aurora low on the northern horizon from a dark spot; overhead displays need more. Across Idaho the level ranges from Kp 6.2 (G2) in Coeur d'Alene to Kp 7.2 (G3) in Twin Falls.

City	Geomagnetic latitude	Aurora usually needs
Coeur d'Alene	53.8°	Kp 6.2 (G2)
Lewiston	52.5°	Kp 6.5 (G3)
Boise	49.8°	Kp 7 (G3)
Caldwell	49.8°	Kp 7 (G3)
Idaho Falls	50.2°	Kp 7 (G3)
Pocatello	49.6°	Kp 7.1 (G3)
Twin Falls	49°	Kp 7.2 (G3)

How these levels are worked out: our methods.

How often you can see the aurora in Idaho

NOAA’s scale says moderate storms bring the aurora as far south as Idaho, at about 55 degrees geomagnetic latitude. Moderate storms happen on hundreds of days per solar cycle, so the northern Panhandle gets regular chances during active years. Southern Idaho usually needs a strong storm. The table above shows the level for each city against tonight’s forecast.

Where to watch

Priest Lake: photographer Craig Goodwin, writing for Visit Idaho, calls it his most reliable spot. He names Hill’s Resort, with a clear view, sandy beaches and fire pits, and the beach in front of the Priest Lake Museum.
Heyburn State Park: on Chatcolet Lake near Plummer and St. Maries. Visit Idaho singles out the view north from the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes bridge.
The Palouse: Visit Idaho notes that a night drive along U.S. 95 north of Moscow may be enough to find a dark, open view.
Southern Idaho dark-sky sites: the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, Craters of the Moon National Monument, City of Rocks National Reserve and Bruneau Dunes State Park are certified by DarkSky International, good choices for strong-storm nights.

Tips for Idaho

Find an open northern horizon. Mountains and forest block the low sky in much of the state. Lakeshores and open country such as the Palouse work best.
Start a couple of hours after sunset. Visit Idaho says the aurora often becomes visible about two hours after dark. NOAA adds that the strongest activity usually comes near midnight.
Avoid moonlight. Visit Idaho suggests the week before or after a new moon. See the moon phase.
Go prepared. Visit Idaho recommends headlamps, extra batteries, warm layers and bear spray.

Local resources

Browse certified dark-sky places and read how to see the northern lights. Neighbors: Montana and Washington.

Dark-sky places near Boise

Certified dark-sky places are among the best spots to watch for aurora: little light pollution and, often, open views to the north.

Bruneau Dunes State Park (International Dark Sky Park, 2024): 54 miles SE of Boise.

Central Idaho (International Dark Sky Reserve, 2017): 70 miles E of Boise.

Ketchum, Idaho (International Dark Sky Community, 2017): 94 miles E of Boise.

Craters Of The Moon National Monument (International Dark Sky Park, 2017): 140 miles E of Boise.

City of Rocks National Reserve (International Dark Sky Park, 2023): 164 miles SE of Boise.

Questions and answers

Can you see the northern lights in Boise?

During strong storms, yes, though Boise's lights hide fainter displays. Drive away from the Treasure Valley to a spot with an open view north.

What is the best time of year to see the aurora in Idaho?

Visit Idaho suggests September through March, when nights are long. Activity also tends to rise near the equinoxes.

Is the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve good for the aurora?

It is a certified International Dark Sky Reserve, and dark skies help with faint displays. Mountains can block the low northern sky, so look for open valleys or ridges with a clear view north.

Northern lights in Idaho

Tonight's northern lights forecast