Northern lights in Virginia are very rare: only an extreme geomagnetic storm, Kp 9 at the top of the scale, can bring them this far south. Of the 2 locations AuroraMe tracks in Virginia, Richmond has the best chance.
Cities Covered
2
Monitoring locations across Virginia
Magnetic Latitude Range
45.6°–46.4° MLAT
Prime aurora viewing latitudes
Required Kp Index
Kp 9.0–9.0
Minimum activity for visibility
Unlikely
Best chance in Virginia tonight: Richmond
AuroraMe watches Kp, clouds and darkness windows so you know when to go outside.
Kp Requirements by Location
Richmond
46.4° MLAT
Required Kp Levels
Kp 9.0+ Horizon
Kp0Kp1Kp2Kp3Kp4Kp5Kp6Kp7Kp8Kp9
Visible on horizon
Clearly visible
Bright overhead
Virginia Beach
45.6° 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
Best Viewing Season in Virginia
Geographic Advantages
Magnetic Latitude 45.6°–46.4° MLAT
Cities Covered 2 locations
Mean astronomical darkness at Richmond, Dec–Feb 10.2–11.3 hours
Dark Sky Sites 0 Bortle 1-3
Peak Aurora Months
Estimates for Richmond
October 0.01 clear nights, 50.1% cloud
Track with AuroraMe
Coverage All 2 cities
Advance Notice 30 minutes
Weather Integration Cloud cover
Predictions Best viewing times
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you see the northern lights in Virginia?
Yes, Virginia offers aurora viewing opportunities. Cities like Richmond (MLAT 46.4°) 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 Virginia?
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.
