Know when to dim the lights for birds, fireflies, and dark skies.

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Receive seasonal alerts from Lights Out Wisconsin for bird migration, firefly activity, northern lights, meteor showers, and other dark sky events, along with tips and resources to help you reduce light pollution and make a difference when it matters most.

Photo by Gary Shackelford

Priority Lights Out Seasons

Bird Migration

In Wisconsin, peak migration typically occurs from early May through late May in spring and early September through early October in fall. Turning out unnecessary outdoor lighting during these periods helps create darker skies so birds can migrate safely.
Fireflies

Firefly season in Wisconsin generally runs from May through August, with activity often peaking from mid-June through late July. Turning off unnecessary outdoor lights during this period helps preserve the darkness fireflies need to communicate so they can reproduce.
Northern Lights

Northern lights can appear in Wisconsin throughout the year, but September through March offers some of the best opportunities for viewing. Around the fall and spring equinoxes, geomagnetic activity tends to be higher, making these especially good times to keep skies dark.
Perseid Meteor Shower

The Perseid meteor shower is active from mid-July through late August, with its peak typically occurring in mid-August. Turning off unnecessary outdoor lights during this period helps make meteors and other celestial objects more visible in the night sky.