Aurora Forecast in Illinois, United States Tonight (87 Cities)

Cities Covered

Avg Magnetic Latitude

46.7°

Best Kp Threshold

Moon Phase

🌒 4%

Track Aurora in Illinois

Download Aurora Hunt app for push alerts, live cloud maps, and 27-day forecasts for all 87 locations in Illinois.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play

May 19

Kp Index •••

Aurora Probability •••

Cloud Cover •••

May 20

Kp Index •••

Aurora Probability •••

Cloud Cover •••

May 21

Kp Index •••

Aurora Probability •••

Cloud Cover •••

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you see the aurora in Illinois, United States?

Yes! Illinois has 87 locations where you can watch the aurora. Viewing depends on geomagnetic activity and weather; typically, a Kp index of 6+ or higher is needed.

Where are the best places to see the aurora in Illinois?

The best places to view the aurora in Illinois are locations away from city lights with a clear, unobstructed view toward the nearest magnetic pole. We track 87 specific spots in this region.

What is the best time of year to see the aurora in Illinois?

The aurora season in Illinois generally runs during the local winter months when nights are longer and darker.

What Kp index do I need to see the aurora in Illinois?

Based on an average magnetic latitude of 46.7° in Illinois, you will typically need a Kp index of 6+ or greater to see the aurora.

How does cloud cover affect aurora viewing in Illinois?

Cloud cover is a critical factor. Even with a high Kp index, you cannot see the aurora through thick clouds. Aurora Hunt provides real-time cloud cover maps for all 87 locations in Illinois to help you find clear skies.

Never Miss the Aurora in Illinois

Stop guessing and start seeing. Receive instant push alerts the second the northern lights are actually visible in Illinois and nearby locations. Your daily forecast is completely free.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play

★★★★★4.8 • 1M+ downloads

Data-backed forecasts Alerts in seconds Cosmic insights

Unlock alerts for Illinois

27-day forecast · Smart Alerts · Cosmic insights

Download App

4.8

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play

We Value Your Privacy

We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, provide personalized content, and analyze our traffic. By clicking "Accept All", you consent to our use of cookies. Learn more

Aurora Forecast in Illinois

Algonquin

Antioch

Arlington Heights

Barrington

Beach Park

Belvidere

Buffalo Grove

Carpentersville

Cary

Crystal Lake

Deerfield

Des Plaines

Elgin

Elk Grove Village

Evanston

Fairfield

Fox Lake

Freeport

Gages Lake

Genoa

Gilberts

Glencoe

Glenview

Grandwood Park

Grayslake

Gurnee

Hampshire

Harvard

Hawthorn Woods

Highland Park

Highwood

Hoffman Estates

Huntley

Inverness

Island Lake

Johnsburg

Lake Bluff

Lake Forest

Lake in the Hills

Lake Villa

Lake Zurich

Lakemoor

Libertyville

Lincolnshire

Lincolnwood

Lindenhurst

Long Grove

Loves Park

Machesney Park

Marengo

McHenry

Morton Grove

Mount Prospect

Mundelein

Niles

North Chicago

Northbrook

Northfield

Palatine

Park City

Park Ridge

Pingree Grove

Poplar Grove

Prospect Heights

Rockford

Rockton

Rogers Park

Rolling Meadows

Roscoe

Round Lake

Round Lake Beach

Round Lake Park

Schaumburg

Skokie

South Beloit

Spring Grove

Streamwood

Vernon Hills

Wauconda