Will you see the southern lights (aurora australis) in Queenstown tonight?

Tonight's odds in Queenstown are low: solar activity looks quiet tonight (Kp 2.7, below Queenstown's usual Kp 6 threshold), and the sky outlook is overcast.

Right now, the planet-wide aurora activity is Kp 2.7 (latest NOAA observed reading). What's Kp?

Best time to see the aurora in Queenstown

The aurora is a planning trip, not a same-day dash. The best months in Queenstown are June, July, May — long, dark nights plus the equinox activity boost, when the odds are genuinely worth booking around. Tonight is one data point; the next 7 nights below show how the window is trending.

Aurora forecast for Queenstown — the next 2 nights

A ✓ means the forecast Kp clears Queenstown's Kp 6 visibility threshold — but clear skies still decide the night.

Cloud outlook & dark hours

Cloud cover is the dealbreaker: a strong aurora under an overcast sky is a no-show. Tonight's dark-hours window in Queenstown looks overcast (about 100% cloud on average). The aurora is best viewed away from town lights with a clear view toward the south.

You need a clear SOUTHERN horizon: head to Glenorchy, the shores of Lake Wakatipu facing south, or out into the Mackenzie dark-sky reserve. Strong storms (Kp 6+) only.

Northern lights tours & stays in Queenstown

Aurora tours from Queenstown typically run $80–$300 per person. A guided "chase" that drives to the clearest sky is often worth it when the local forecast is cloudy.