Northern lights in Colorado are rare: this far south they need a strong geomagnetic storm of Kp 8 or more. Of the 4 locations AuroraMe tracks in Colorado, Fort Collins has the best chance; others need up to Kp 9.
Cities Covered
4
Magnetic Latitude Range
47.3°–48.9° MLAT
Required Kp Index
Kp 8.0–9.0
Unlikely
Best chance in Colorado tonight: Fort Collins
AuroraMe watches Kp, clouds and darkness windows so you know when to go outside.
Kp Requirements by Location
Fort Collins
48.9° MLAT
Kp 8.0+ Horizon
Kp 9.0+ Optimal
Boulder
48.4° MLAT
Kp 8.0+ Horizon
Kp 9.0+ Optimal
Denver
48.1° MLAT
Kp 8.0+ Horizon
Kp 9.0+ Optimal
Colorado Springs
47.3° MLAT
Kp 9.0+ Horizon
Visible on horizon
Clearly visible
Bright overhead
Aurora Status by City
Fort Collins
Northern Colorado university city with Front Range aurora displays
Unlikely
Boulder
Colorado foothills city with elevated aurora viewing from the Rockies
Unlikely
Denver
Mile High City with rare aurora viewing from high elevation
Unlikely
Colorado Springs
Pikes Peak region city with high-altitude aurora viewing opportunities
Unlikely
Best Viewing Season in Colorado
Geographic Advantages
Mean astronomical darkness at Fort Collins, Dec–Feb 10.2–11.4 hours
Peak Aurora Months
Estimates for Fort Collins
November 0.07 clear nights, 55.7% cloud
March 0.04 clear nights, 64.5% cloud
May 0.03 clear nights, 66.7% cloud
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you see the northern lights in Colorado?
Yes, Colorado offers aurora viewing opportunities. Cities like Fort Collins (MLAT 48.9°) can see aurora at Kp 8.0+, while southern locations need Kp 9.0+. Best viewing is September–April during dark, clear nights.
Learn More About the Northern Lights
Use the aurora borealis forecast, check northern lights tonight, or open the live aurora map and Kp tracker.
