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Northern lights in Vermont

Yes, during moderate and stronger geomagnetic storms, and northern Vermont has the best odds. In May 2024 WCAX reported views of the aurora across northern Vermont.

Tonight's northern lights forecast

Loading NOAA's Kp forecast…

How strong a storm each city in Vermont 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.

CityGeomagnetic latitudeAurora usually needsTonight
Burlington53.6°Kp 6.3 (G2)
Montpelier53.4°Kp 6.3 (G2)

How these levels are worked out: our methods.

How often you can see the aurora in Vermont

Vermont sits at about the same geomagnetic latitude as northern New York, which NOAA’s scale uses as its example for moderate storms. Moderate storms happen on about 360 days per 11-year solar cycle, so northern Vermont gets real chances. Southern Vermont usually needs a strong storm. The table above shows the level each city needs and how tonight’s NOAA forecast compares.

Where to watch

Vermont has no certified dark-sky park, so choose a spot by three rules:

  • Open to the north. Hills and forest block much of the low sky. Hilltop farm fields, high meadows and the north end of a lake work best.
  • Away from town lights. Burlington, Rutland and Montpelier–Barre light their valleys, so head into the countryside.
  • Easy to reach at night. Use places you already know by day, with safe pull-offs and parking.

Notable sightings

During the May 10–11, 2024 storm, WCAX reported that areas across northern Vermont saw the aurora on the Friday night, and viewers sent the station many photos.

Tips for Vermont

  • Watch for breaks in the clouds. During a storm, even a short clear spell can be enough.
  • Stay up near midnight. NOAA says the best displays usually come within an hour or two of midnight.
  • Mind the cold and ice. Winter nights on high back roads can be icy. Tell someone where you are going.
  • Favor the equinox months. NOAA says bigger storms tend to come near the spring and fall equinoxes. In Interior Alaska, the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute puts the odds of aurora at about twice as high at the equinoxes as at the solstices.

Local resources

Check the moon phase and read how to see the northern lights. Neighbors: New Hampshire and New York.

Dark-sky places near Burlington

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

Questions and answers

Can you see the northern lights from Burlington?

During storms, yes, but the city's lights hide fainter displays. Drive out to open farmland or a lakeshore with a clear view north.

Does Vermont have any certified dark-sky parks?

DarkSky International lists no certified place in Vermont, but rural areas away from towns can still be very dark. Our dark-sky page lists certified places by state.

Why do photos show more color than I saw?

Cameras collect light for several seconds and record color that the eye's night vision misses. A pale glow to the eye can turn pink or green on a phone screen.

Other states

Sources