Cities Covered
9
Monitoring locations across California
Magnetic Latitude Range
39.4°–46.1° MLAT
Prime aurora viewing latitudes
Required Kp Index
Kp 9.0–9.0
Minimum activity for visibility
Unlikely
Best chance in California tonight: Redding
AuroraMe watches Kp, clouds and darkness windows so you know when to go outside.
Kp Requirements by Location
Redding
46.1° MLAT
Required Kp Levels
Kp 9.0+ Horizon
Kp0Kp1Kp2Kp3Kp4Kp5Kp6Kp7Kp8Kp9
Visible on horizon
Clearly visible
Bright overhead
Sacramento
44.3° MLAT
Required Kp Levels
Kp 9.0+ Horizon
Kp0Kp1Kp2Kp3Kp4Kp5Kp6Kp7Kp8Kp9
Visible on horizon
Clearly visible
Bright overhead
Oakland
43.4° MLAT
Required Kp Levels
Kp 9.0+ Horizon
Kp0Kp1Kp2Kp3Kp4Kp5Kp6Kp7Kp8Kp9
Visible on horizon
Clearly visible
Bright overhead
San Francisco
43.3° MLAT
Required Kp Levels
Kp 9.0+ Horizon
Kp0Kp1Kp2Kp3Kp4Kp5Kp6Kp7Kp8Kp9
Visible on horizon
Clearly visible
Bright overhead
San Jose
43.0° MLAT
Required Kp Levels
Kp 9.0+ Horizon
Kp0Kp1Kp2Kp3Kp4Kp5Kp6Kp7Kp8Kp9
Visible on horizon
Clearly visible
Bright overhead
Fresno
42.8° MLAT
Required Kp Levels
Kp 9.0+ Horizon
Kp0Kp1Kp2Kp3Kp4Kp5Kp6Kp7Kp8Kp9
Visible on horizon
Clearly visible
Bright overhead
Visible on horizon
Clearly visible
Bright overhead
Aurora Status by City
Redding
Northern California city with mountain-surrounded aurora viewing opportunities
CURRENT STATUS
Unlikely
View
Sacramento
California capital with Central Valley aurora viewing during active periods
CURRENT STATUS
Unlikely
View
Oakland
Major city with 435K population
CURRENT STATUS
Unlikely
View
San Francisco
Bay Area metropolis with rare but memorable aurora displays over Pacific
CURRENT STATUS
Unlikely
View
San Jose
Major city with 1M+ population
CURRENT STATUS
Unlikely
View
Fresno
Major city with 540K population
CURRENT STATUS
Unlikely
View
Los Angeles
Major city with 4M+ population
CURRENT STATUS
Unlikely
View
Long Beach
Major city with 465K population
CURRENT STATUS
Unlikely
View
San Diego
Major city with 1M+ population
CURRENT STATUS
Unlikely
View
Best Viewing Season in California
Geographic Advantages
Magnetic Latitude 39.4°–46.1° MLAT
Cities Covered 9 locations
Mean astronomical darkness at Fresno, Dec–Feb 10.2–11.2 hours
Dark Sky Sites 0 Bortle 1-3
Peak Aurora Months
Estimates for Fresno
May 0.02 clear nights, 26.4% cloud
October 0.02 clear nights, 27.3% cloud
Track with AuroraMe
Coverage All 9 cities
Advance Notice 30 minutes
Weather Integration Cloud cover
Predictions Best viewing times
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you see the northern lights in California?
Yes, California offers aurora viewing opportunities. Cities like Redding (MLAT 46.1°) can see aurora at Kp 9.0+, while southern locations need Kp 9.0+. Best viewing is September–April during dark, clear nights.
Where are the darkest skies in California?
Check our city pages for specific dark sky recommendations near each location.
Learn More About the Northern Lights
Use the aurora borealis forecast, check northern lights tonight, or open the live aurora map and Kp tracker.
