Best aurora forecast websites in 2026

Strengths

• + 400+ location-specific forecasts with cloud cover per location
• + Dark sky sites with Bortle class ratings and drive time per location
• + 15 years of historical aurora data per location with monthly frequency averages
• + Trip planner with minimum stay calculations based on historical probability
• + Photography guides per destination
• + Push notifications without app download
• + Covers northern and southern hemisphere locations

Weaknesses

• - No native mobile app - PWA only
• - Solar wind data less detailed than SpaceWeatherLive
• - Newer site with a shorter track record than some established tools

Strengths

• + Established authority since around 2010 with a long track record
• + Deep real-time solar wind data: Bz, Dst, proton flux, and speed on one page
• + Comprehensive historical Kp archive going back years
• + Active community forums for discussing events in real time
• + Strong NOAA alert integration and native mobile app

Weaknesses

• - No location-specific forecasts - no way to see what conditions mean for your town
• - No cloud cover integration
• - Complex interface can overwhelm new users; trip planning requires external tools

Strengths

• + Official Icelandic Met Office - the authoritative source for Iceland weather
• + Best cloud cover maps for Iceland specifically - hourly updates using local meteorological models
• + Northern Lights Index 0-9 combining Kp and cloud cover in a single readable number
• + Trusted by local tour operators and guides throughout Iceland

Weaknesses

• - Iceland only - no coverage of Norway, Finland, or other aurora destinations
• - No dark sky site recommendations, no historical frequency data
• - No trip planning tools and the aurora index is not clearly explained for international visitors

Strengths

• + Official US government source - the upstream authority for Kp data that all other tools use
• + Most authoritative aurora oval maps via the OVATION model
• + Official geomagnetic storm watches and warnings for G1-G5 events
• + 3-day and 27-day outlooks for long-range monitoring
• + Free email and text alerts for specific storm level thresholds

Weaknesses

• - Interface designed for professionals - not optimised for casual users
• - No location-specific forecasts and no cloud cover
• - Finding the right page requires knowing what you are looking for

Strengths

• + Europe-focused with good coverage for Scandinavia and northern Europe
• + Clean, simple interface with a low learning curve
• + Reliable email and push alerts with a good reputation among European aurora enthusiasts
• + Real-time Kp display and clear current conditions summary

Weaknesses

• - Limited to Northern Europe - not useful for Iceland, North America, or southern hemisphere
• - Minimal trip planning capability and cloud cover not integrated
• - No location-specific dark sky data

Strengths

• + Simple interface with minimal complexity - accessible to complete beginners
• + Widely followed on social media with a large audience
• + Good for quick Kp checks during active periods
• + Clear plain-English summaries of current conditions without jargon

Weaknesses

• - Minimal data depth - not a substitute for a dedicated forecast tool
• - No location-specific forecasts, no cloud cover, no trip planning
• - Better as a social media follow than a standalone planning resource