![The Arctic Circle is one of the five major circles of latitude that mark maps of the Earth. As of 16 February 2015, it runs 66°33′45.6″ north of the Equator.
The region north of this circle is known as the Arctic, and the zone just to the south is called the Northern Temperate Zone. The equivalent polar circle in the Southern Hemisphere is called the Antarctic Circle.
The Arctic Circle is the southernmost latitude in the Northern Hemisphere at which the sun can remain continuously above or below the horizon for 24 hours (at the June solstice and December solstice respectively). North of the Arctic Circle, the sun is above the horizon for 24 continuous hours at least once per year (and therefore visible at midnight) and below the horizon for 24 continuous hours at least once per year (and therefore not visible at noon). On the Arctic Circle those events occur, in principle, exactly once per year, at the June and December solstices, respectively. However, in practice, because of atmospheric refraction and mirages, and because the sun appears as a disk and not a point, part of the midnight sun may be seen on the night of the northern summer solstice up to about 50′ (90 km (56 mi)) south of the Arctic Circle; similarly, on the day of the northern winter solstice, part of the sun may be seen up to about 50′ north of the Arctic Circle. That is true at sea level; those limits increase with elevation above sea level, although in mountainous regions there is often no direct view of the true horizon.
The position of the Arctic Circle is not fixed. It directly depends on the Earth's axial tilt, which fluctuates within a margin of 2° over a 40,000-year period,[2] notably due to tidal forces resulting from the orbit of the Moon. The Arctic Circle is currently drifting northwards at a speed of about 15 m (49 ft) per year; see Circle of latitude for more information.
#snow](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6140564/a9f9449e-bab4-40a6-a9a1-5356b0cc2aa8.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1200&h=500&q=medium)
Photo by Sharrie Shaw
Find Hotels on the Lake in Nikiski, AK from $171
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Our top choices for Nikiski hotels on the lake
Unique Schoolie on a float plane lake in North Kenai.
Kenai
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (10)
"The school bus was very charming, and the outside sitting area was relaxing."
Megan S.
$171 nightly
The price is $171
Dec 31 - Jan 1, 2026
Total with taxes and fees
Cozy 4-bedroom lake front house with WiFi between Sterling and Soldotna
Soldotna
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (2)
"Perfect lake property for gathering family for a getawayStocked kitchen with everything we needed to make meals and everyone fit around the beautiful tableThe beds were comfortable, the bathrooms were clean and the whole property was so beautiful "
elizabeth G.
$584 nightly
The price is $584
Dec 10 - Dec 11
Total with taxes and fees
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
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