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Northern Lights in North Dakota

Kp 3.5+ needed in central North Dakota

Aurora is visible from North Dakota several times a year. In central North Dakota the geomagnetic latitude is about 56°, so the northern lights usually need a Kp index of about 3.5 or higher to appear low on the northern horizon; the north of the state (around International Peace Garden) needs about Kp 3.0.

Kp forecast vs. Kp 3.5 needed here

NOAA SWPC

Loading forecast…

Daily maximum of the 3-hour planetary Kp forecast. Green = at or above the level usually needed at central North Dakota.

Kp needed (center)
Kp 3.5
geomag. lat 56°
Kp needed (north)
Kp 3.0
International Peace Garden
Kp needed (south)
Kp 4.5
Petrel

Kp needed in North Dakota cities

CityGeomagnetic lat.Kp neededCity sky
Fargo55.1°Kp 3.58
Bismarck54.7°Kp 4.07
Grand Forks56.1°Kp 3.07
Minot56.1°Kp 3.07
West Fargo55.1°Kp 3.57
Williston55.8°Kp 3.56
Dickinson54.6°Kp 4.06
Mandan54.7°Kp 4.06

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 North Dakota

LocationTypeCountyEst. Bortle
Fort Stevenson State ParkState ParkMcLean County1
Icelandic State ParkState ParkPembina County1
Fort Totten State Historic SiteState ParkBenson County2
Lewis and Clark State ParkState ParkMcKenzie County2
Bentonitic Clay OverlookScenic ViewpointMcKenzie County1
Lookout PointScenic ViewpointPembina County1
Overlook SpringScenic ViewpointMcKenzie County1
Turtle River State ParkState ParkGrand Forks County2
Lake IbsenLakeBenson County1
Des Lacs National Wildlife RefugeNational Wildlife RefugeWard County1
TempleGhost TownWilliams County1
WheelockGhost TownWilliams County2

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 North Dakota?
Yes, several times a year. Central North Dakota usually needs about Kp 3.5; the north about Kp 3.0.
What Kp index do I need?
Roughly Kp 3.5+ for central North Dakota. 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 North Dakota?
Dark sites with a clear northern view, such as Fort Stevenson State Park, Icelandic State Park, Fort Totten State Historic Site.