Aurora is visible from Florida only during rare, extreme storms. In central Florida the geomagnetic latitude is about 38°, so the northern lights usually need a Kp index of about 9.0 or higher to appear low on the northern horizon; the north of the state (around Britton Hill) needs about Kp 9.0.
Kp needed (center)
Kp 9.0
geomag. lat 38°
Kp needed (north)
Kp 9.0
Britton Hill
Kp needed (south)
Kp 9.0
Sand Key Light
Kp needed in Florida cities
| City | Geomagnetic lat. | Kp needed | City sky |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville | 39.4° | Kp 9.0 | 7 |
| Miami | 34.9° | Kp 9.0 | 8 |
| Tampa | 37.0° | Kp 9.0 | 7 |
| Orlando | 37.6° | Kp 9.0 | 7 |
| St. Petersburg | 36.8° | Kp 9.0 | 7 |
| Hialeah | 35.0° | Kp 9.0 | 8 |
| Tallahassee | 39.4° | Kp 9.0 | 7 |
| Fort Lauderdale | 35.2° | Kp 9.0 | 9 |
| Cape Coral | 35.6° | Kp 9.0 | 7 |
| Pembroke Pines | 35.1° | Kp 9.0 | 9 |
| Port Saint Lucie | 36.4° | Kp 9.0 | 7 |
| Hollywood | 35.1° | Kp 9.0 | 9 |
| Gainesville | 38.7° | Kp 9.0 | 7 |
| Miramar | 35.1° | Kp 9.0 | 9 |
| Coral Springs | 35.4° | Kp 9.0 | 8 |
Approximate Kp for aurora low on the northern horizon (camera-visible). Higher Kp lets it climb higher and show color to the eye.
Dark, northern photo locations in Florida
| Location | Type | County | Est. Bortle |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. George Island State Park | State Park | Franklin County | 2 |
| John Gorrie State Museum | State Park | Franklin County | 2 |
| Orman House | State Park | Franklin County | 2 |
| East Bay Fire Tower | Scenic Viewpoint | Franklin County | 2 |
| Sand Beach | Scenic Viewpoint | Franklin County | 2 |
| Torreya State Park | State Park | Calhoun County | 2 |
| Econfina River State Park | State Park | Taylor County | 2 |
| St. Joseph Peninsula State Park | State Park | Gulf County | 2 |
| Ochlockonee River State Park | State Park | Wakulla County | 2 |
| Bald Point State Park | State Park | Franklin County | 2 |
| Lafayette Blue Springs State Park | State Park | Suwannee County | 2 |
| Alum Bluff Overlook | Scenic Viewpoint | Liberty County | 2 |
How to photograph the northern lights
- Watch the live Kp forecast above and NOAA's 30-minute aurora forecast; storms often peak between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.
- Find an unobstructed view to the north — a lake, open field or ridge — away from town lights.
- Start at ISO 1600–3200, f/2.8 or faster, 5–15 seconds; shorter exposures keep fast-moving curtains sharp.
- Your camera sees aurora as green or red long before your eyes do — take test shots whenever Kp is near the threshold.
- Moonlight lights the foreground but washes out faint aurora; strong storms are still worth shooting under a bright moon.
FAQ
Can you see the northern lights in Florida?
Yes, only during rare, extreme storms. Central Florida usually needs about Kp 9.0; the north about Kp 9.0.
What Kp index do I need?
Roughly Kp 9.0+ for central Florida. Kp is a 0–9 scale of geomagnetic activity; each step moves the aurora's southern edge a few degrees of latitude.
Where is the best place to see the aurora in Florida?
Dark sites with a clear northern view, such as St. George Island State Park, John Gorrie State Museum, Orman House.