Never Miss Aurora Again — Download Free App
Get instant alerts when aurora appears tonight. Track Kp index, clouds, and moon phase in real-time. 72-hour forecast shows best viewing times. Works worldwide.
Aurora Destinations in United Kingdom
Lerwick
Shetland capital with Viking heritage and frequent aurora displays over harbors
Current Status
Unlikely
View Forecast
Scalloway
Ancient Shetland capital with castle ruins and aurora photography opportunities
Current Status
Unlikely
View Forecast
Kirkwall
Orkney capital with St. Magnus Cathedral and aurora viewing over ancient stones
Current Status
Unlikely
View Forecast
Stromness
Historic Orkney port with cobbled streets and harbor aurora reflections
Current Status
Unlikely
View Forecast
Thurso
Northernmost mainland town with Caithness aurora viewing over Pentland Firth
Current Status
Unlikely
View Forecast
Wick
Caithness fishing port with lighthouse aurora photography and coastal viewing
Current Status
Unlikely
View Forecast
Ullapool
West Highland fishing village with aurora reflections over Loch Broom
Current Status
Unlikely
View Forecast
Portree
Isle of Skye capital with Trotternish Ridge aurora viewing and dramatic landscapes
Current Status
Unlikely
View Forecast
Inverness
Highland capital and gateway to Scotland's best aurora spots
Current Status
Unlikely
View Forecast
Fort William
Ben Nevis base town with Highland aurora viewing from UK's highest peak area
Current Status
Unlikely
View Forecast
Aberdeen
Granite City with excellent northern Scotland aurora viewing
Current Status
Unlikely
View Forecast
Edinburgh
Scotland's capital with northern lights visible from Arthur's Seat
Current Status
Unlikely
View Forecast
Glasgow
Scotland's largest city with aurora viewing from nearby highlands
Current Status
Unlikely
View Forecast
Coleraine
Causeway Coast town with Giant's Causeway aurora photography opportunities
Current Status
Unlikely
View Forecast
Londonderry
Historic walled city with aurora viewing over River Foyle and city walls
Current Status
Unlikely
View Forecast
Berwick-upon-Tweed
Border fortress town with aurora viewing over Elizabethan ramparts and North Sea
Current Status
Unlikely
View Forecast
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
Geographic Advantages
- Average magnetic latitude: 58.0° (optimal aurora zone)
- Total coverage: 23 prime viewing locations
- Population centers: 0 total residents
- Light pollution: 0 low-pollution sites
Best Viewing Season
- Peak months: September through March
- Optimal Kp threshold: 4.0+ geomagnetic activity
- Dark sky window: 6-8 months
- Weather considerations: Check cloud forecasts before travel
How to Use Our App
- Real-time visibility forecasts for each city
- Push notifications for aurora activity
- Cloud coverage and moon phase data
- Extended 72-hour forecasts (Premium)
Free alerts for local visibility changes, tonight and through the next 72 hours.
Get alerts for Lerwick and 23 locations in United Kingdom
AuroraMe watches Kp, clouds and darkness windows so you know when to go outside.
Learn More About the Northern Lights
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 4.0+ (average magnetic latitude 58.0°). Lower-latitude cities in the country need stronger storms — typically Kp 5–7 — to put the aurora above the horizon.
How many nights should I plan for an aurora trip to United Kingdom?
Plan at least 4–6 nights in United Kingdom to give yourself flexibility on weather and Kp activity. Most travelers see the aurora at least once with a multi-night stay during peak season if Kp reaches 4.0+.
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.