Moderate Activity 🌒 13% Updated live

Aurora Forecast for
Traverse City Tonight

Current northern lights conditions for Traverse City, Michigan, United States. Latitude 44.8°N · AACGM-v2 magnetic latitude 53.7°N.

Quick Summary: The estimated northern lights outlook for Traverse City peaks at 0% over the next 24 hours. No suitable viewing window.

Aurora forecast

0%

Estimated

Highest estimate · next 24 hours

Viewing window

No suitable viewing window

America/Detroit

Kp index

3.33

Moderate

Planetary geomagnetic activity

Cloud cover

100%

Overcast

Current sky visibility

Aurora

Tonight's Verdict

Low aurora probability in Traverse City tonight. Check back tomorrow for updated conditions.

Hourly Forecast · Estimated

20
20:00 — 0%
21:00 — 0%
22:00 — 0%
23:00 — 0%
00:00 — 0%
01:00 — 0%
02
02:00 — 0%
03:00 — 0%
04:00 — 0%
05:00 — 0%
06:00 — 0%
07:00 — 0%
08
08:00 — 0%
09:00 — 0%
10:00 — 0%
11:00 — 0%
12:00 — 0%
13:00 — 0%
14
14:00 — 0%
15:00 — 0%
16:00 — 0%
17:00 — 0%
18:00 — 0%
19:00 — 0%
20:00 UTC02:00 UTC08:00 UTC14:00 UTC19:00 UTC
Time (UTC)Estimated (%)
2026-10-14T20:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-14T21:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-14T22:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-14T23:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-15T00:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-15T01:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-15T02:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-15T03:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-15T04:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-15T05:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-15T06:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-15T07:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-15T08:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-15T09:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-15T10:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-15T11:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-15T12:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-15T13:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-15T14:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-15T15:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-15T16:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-15T17:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-15T18:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-15T19:00:00.000Z0%
How to read this forecast

The next 24 hours use calculated local darkness and a retained aurora activity heuristic. They are not a measured or statistically calibrated chance of seeing aurora. Aggregate cloud cover is held constant unless a timed weather forecast is available.

Generated 2026-10-14T19:25:03.915Z. Kp: fresh · observation 2026-10-14T18:00:00.000Z. Cloud: fresh · cache refresh 2026-10-14T18:00:06.979+00:00. Overall model: estimated.

Window: No suitable viewing window. A dash marks a missing input; zero means the model found no visibility under the supplied conditions.

27-Day Forecast

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Oct 15

Kp Index •••
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Oct 16

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Oct 17

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About Aurora Viewing in Traverse City

Traverse City, United States, is at 44.8°N. Aurora visibility depends on local conditions as well as geomagnetic activity. Its verified magnetic latitude is 53.7°N; Kp 5–7 is an approximate screening range, not a visibility probability. Even favourable activity can be hidden by clouds or daylight. Find a dark, open northern horizon and check the sky before travelling.

Follow forecasts, cloud maps and aurora alerts for Traverse City in Aurora Hunt, then confirm darkness, local cloud and access before going outside.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can you see aurora in Traverse City tonight?
Aurora visibility in Traverse City depends on geomagnetic activity (Kp index), cloud cover, and darkness. At 44.8°N latitude, Traverse City typically needs a Kp index of 5–7 for visible aurora. Check the real-time forecast above for tonight's conditions.
What time is best to see northern lights in Traverse City?
The best time to see aurora in Traverse City is typically between 10 PM and 2 AM local time, when skies are darkest. Aurora can appear any time after astronomical twilight, but peak activity usually occurs around local midnight.
Where to watch aurora in Traverse City?
For the best aurora viewing in Traverse City, find a location away from city light pollution with a clear view to the north. Dark areas outside the city center, elevated viewpoints, and spots near water are ideal. Check cloud cover before heading out.
What Kp index is needed to see aurora in Traverse City?
Traverse City is at 44.8°N latitude and typically requires a Kp index of 5–7 for visible aurora. Higher Kp values mean stronger geomagnetic storms and better aurora visibility, even at lower latitudes.
Is Traverse City, United States a good place to see northern lights?
Traverse City can see aurora during strong geomagnetic storms. Located at 44.8°N, aurora is visible when Kp index reaches 5–7 or higher.

Nearby Aurora Destinations

Cadillac

44.3°N View →

Bay Harbor

45.4°N View →

Manistee

44.2°N View →

Petoskey

45.4°N View →

Ludington

44°N View →

Big Rapids

43.7°N View →

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