Northern Lights in Virginia Tonight
Live aurora forecasts for 4 Virginia locations, the Kp threshold each one needs, and the state's best dark-sky viewing spots.
Reading the solar wind…
Live forecast by city
| City | Eye tonight | Camera tonight | Eye needs | Camera needs | Overhead at | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richmond | … | … | Kp 8.5+ | Kp 7+ | Kp 9.5+ | Live forecast → |
| Roanoke | … | … | Kp 8.5+ | Kp 7+ | Kp 9.5+ | Live forecast → |
| Virginia Beach | … | … | Kp 8.5+ | Kp 7.5+ | Kp 9.5+ | Live forecast → |
| Norfolk | … | … | Kp 8.5+ | Kp 7.5+ | Kp 9.5+ | Live forecast → |
Eye/camera tonight = chance of seeing (or photographing) aurora at some point tonight, from the Kp forecast, cloud forecast, and moon. Camera threshold = the Kp at which a phone night-mode shot picks up aurora your eyes can't see yet.
Best dark-sky viewing spots in Virginia
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Northern lights in Virginia: FAQ
›Can you see the northern lights in Virginia?
Yes, with the right geomagnetic activity. The best-placed location we track in Virginia is Richmond (magnetic latitude 46.8°), which needs roughly Kp 8.5 for aurora on the northern horizon. Displays that strong happen only during rare extreme (G5) superstorms. Every city's live forecast is linked below.
›When is the best time to see the northern lights in Virginia?
September through April, roughly 10 PM to 2 AM local time. Geomagnetic activity statistically peaks around the equinoxes (September/October and March/April), and long dark nights beat summer twilight. We're near the maximum of Solar Cycle 25, so 2026–2027 is prime time.
›Where are the best places to watch aurora in Virginia?
Virginia's standout dark-sky locations are Staunton River State Park. The recipe anywhere: minimal light pollution and an unobstructed view to the north.
›What Kp index do I need in Virginia?
It varies across the state: Richmond needs about Kp 8.5, while Norfolk needs about Kp 8.5. Phone cameras capture aurora roughly one Kp level earlier than eyes at every location.