USA · Planning guide
Best time to see the aurora in Portland
Portland only catches the aurora during strong geomagnetic storms — it needs about Kp 9+ for the northern lights to appear, which happens only a few times a solar cycle, during major storms. The season runs September – March. Here's how to plan, then check tonight's live odds.
| Best season | September – March |
| Activity needed | Kp 9+ |
| Geomagnetic latitude | 49.7° |
| Look toward | North |
Plan the trip
Aurora tours & stays near Portland
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- GetYourGuide
Aurora chasing tours
Guided minibus & boat tours that drive you to the clearest skies around Portland.
from ~€65 pp
See Portland tours - Hotellook
Aurora cabins & lodges
Cabins, lodges and aurora-view stays near Portland — settle in and watch the lights.
from ~€120 / night
Find stays - Discover Cars
Rent a car to chase clear skies
Self-drive to dark-sky spots away from town glow. Compare every local supplier.
from ~€40 / day
Compare cars - SafetyWing
Cover the trip
Travel medical cover for a trip to Portland — remote, cold and weather-dependent — from a few dollars a day.
from ~$1.50 / day
Get covered