Know when the sky is worth your time.
One calm place for the signals that matter before you head outside.
Unlikely
Best chance in United Kingdom tonight: Lerwick
AuroraMe watches Kp, clouds and darkness windows so you know when to go outside.
Aurora Destinations in United Kingdom
Lerwick
Shetland capital with Viking heritage and frequent aurora displays over harbors
Unlikely
Scalloway
Ancient Shetland capital with castle ruins and aurora photography opportunities
Unlikely
Kirkwall
Orkney capital with St. Magnus Cathedral and aurora viewing over ancient stones
Unlikely
Stromness
Historic Orkney port with cobbled streets and harbor aurora reflections
Unlikely
Thurso
Northernmost mainland town with Caithness aurora viewing over Pentland Firth
Unlikely
Wick
Caithness fishing port with lighthouse aurora photography and coastal viewing
Unlikely
Ullapool
West Highland fishing village with aurora reflections over Loch Broom
Unlikely
Portree
Isle of Skye capital with Trotternish Ridge aurora viewing and dramatic landscapes
Unlikely
Inverness
Highland capital and gateway to Scotland's best aurora spots
Unlikely
Aberdeen
Granite City with excellent northern Scotland aurora viewing
Unlikely
Fort William
Ben Nevis base town with Highland aurora viewing from UK's highest peak area
Unlikely
Edinburgh
Scotland's capital with northern lights visible from Arthur's Seat
Unlikely
Glasgow
Scotland's largest city with aurora viewing from nearby highlands
Unlikely
Berwick-upon-Tweed
Border fortress town with aurora viewing over Elizabethan ramparts and North Sea
Unlikely
Coleraine
Causeway Coast town with Giant's Causeway aurora photography opportunities
Unlikely
Londonderry
Historic walled city with aurora viewing over River Foyle and city walls
Unlikely
Showing top 16 cities by current aurora activity and magnetic latitude. United Kingdom has 23 total aurora viewing locations.
View all 23 cities
Aurora Viewing Guide for United Kingdom
Best Viewing Season
- Peak months: September through March
- Dark sky window: 6-8 months
Learn More About the Northern Lights
Use the aurora borealis forecast, check northern lights tonight, or open the live aurora map and Kp tracker.
United Kingdom Aurora FAQ
When is the best time to see northern lights in United Kingdom?
In United Kingdom the best viewing season runs September through March, with peak activity around the September and March equinoxes. Plan your trip during a new moon and check the live cloud forecast — clear skies matter as much as Kp activity.
Where in United Kingdom can I see northern lights?
United Kingdom has 23 tracked aurora locations. Top picks by current activity and magnetic latitude: Lerwick, Scalloway and Kirkwall. Drive 15–30 km away from city light pollution for the clearest sky.
What Kp index do I need to see aurora in United Kingdom?
United Kingdom's best location reaches visibility from Kp 5.0+ (average magnetic latitude 53.6°). Its lowest-latitude locations need Kp 9.0+, so the bar across United Kingdom runs Kp 5.0–9.0.
How many nights should I plan for an aurora trip to United Kingdom?
Plan at least 5–7 nights in United Kingdom. Kp 5.0+ needs a moderate storm and arrives a handful of times a season, so extra nights and clear skies are what decide the trip.
Can I see northern lights from major cities in United Kingdom?
Yes — but city light pollution reduces visibility. Use the locations above for forecasts and drive to a dark-sky spot when activity is strong. Set free alerts in the app to be notified when aurora is forecast for your nearest city.