Aurora is visible from Idaho only during strong geomagnetic storms. In central Idaho the geomagnetic latitude is about 51°, so the northern lights usually need a Kp index of about 6.0 or higher to appear low on the northern horizon; the north of the state (around Upper Priest Falls) needs about Kp 3.5.
Kp needed (center)
Kp 6.0
geomag. lat 51°
Kp needed (north)
Kp 3.5
Upper Priest Falls
Kp needed (south)
Kp 7.0
Magic Hot Springs
Kp needed in Idaho cities
| City | Geomagnetic lat. | Kp needed | City sky |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boise | 49.9° | Kp 6.5 | 7 |
| Meridian | 49.9° | Kp 6.5 | 7 |
| Nampa | 49.8° | Kp 6.5 | 7 |
| Idaho Falls | 50.2° | Kp 6.0 | 7 |
| Pocatello | 49.6° | Kp 6.5 | 7 |
| Caldwell | 49.9° | Kp 6.5 | 7 |
| Coeur d'Alene | 53.8° | Kp 4.5 | 7 |
| Twin Falls | 49.1° | Kp 6.5 | 7 |
| Lewiston | 52.6° | Kp 5.0 | 7 |
| Lewiston Orchards | 52.5° | Kp 5.0 | 7 |
| Post Falls | 53.8° | Kp 4.5 | 6 |
| Eagle Foothills | 50.0° | Kp 6.5 | 7 |
| Rexburg | 50.6° | Kp 6.0 | 6 |
| Moscow | 52.9° | Kp 5.0 | 6 |
| Eagle | 50.0° | Kp 6.5 | 7 |
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 Idaho
| Location | Type | County | Est. Bortle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Land of the Yankee Fork State Park | State Park | Custer County | 1 |
| Lake Cascade State Park | State Park | Valley County | 2 |
| Cabinet Dam Viewpoint | Scenic Viewpoint | Bonner County | 2 |
| Carey Dome Scenic View | Scenic Viewpoint | Idaho County | 1 |
| Grandview Overlook | Scenic Viewpoint | Fremont County | 1 |
| Hughes Ridge Viewpoint | Scenic Viewpoint | Boundary County | 1 |
| Lloyds Lake Overlook | Scenic Viewpoint | Idaho County | 1 |
| Park Creek Overlook | Scenic Viewpoint | Custer County | 1 |
| Sabe Vista Point | Scenic Viewpoint | Idaho County | 1 |
| Sheep Rock Overlook | Scenic Viewpoint | Adams County | 1 |
| Thatcher Creek Overlook | Scenic Viewpoint | Custer County | 1 |
| Upper Gospel Lake Viewpoint | Scenic Viewpoint | Idaho County | 1 |
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 Idaho?
Yes, only during strong geomagnetic storms. Central Idaho usually needs about Kp 6.0; the north about Kp 3.5.
What Kp index do I need?
Roughly Kp 6.0+ for central Idaho. 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 Idaho?
Dark sites with a clear northern view, such as Land of the Yankee Fork State Park, Lake Cascade State Park, Cabinet Dam Viewpoint.