Southern Lights Forecast in Santa Cruz

The practical dark-sky season in Santa Cruz runs from March through September, with the longest nights usually from May through August. Aurora can occur year-round whenever geomagnetic activity and darkness overlap.

Choose a dark site away from city lights with a wide, unobstructed view toward the southern horizon. Check cloud cover, moonlight and local access conditions before leaving.

Geomagnetic activity can be more favorable around the March and September equinoxes, but there is no guaranteed equinox display. Darkness, clear skies and an active auroral oval must still coincide.