by
Almog Ramrajkar
| Apr 21, 2025
Updated on 6 Dec 2026
The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, create a striking natural display in the night sky with colours like green, pink and purple. This phenomenon happens when particles from the sun collide with Earth’s atmosphere, producing a spectacular and almost magical light show. While often associated with Scandinavia, Scotland also offers some excellent opportunities to witness this phenomenon.
Here’s a guide on where and when to see the Northern Lights in Scotland, so that you can plan your vacation accordingly and increase your chances of catching this rare and unforgettable sight.
When is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Scotland?
You’ll likely see the Northern Lights in Scotland between September and March, when the extended hours of darkness make the colours of the aurora easier to see. This period, covering autumn and winter, often brings clear skies that provide ideal viewing conditions.
However, darkness alone does not guarantee a sighting, as the aurora appears only when solar activity is strong. For the best experience, it is recommended to go to areas far from artificial light, where light pollution will not interfere.
Note: It helps to stay informed about the aurora forecast that comes with notifications via free text messages about increased auroral activity.
Where to see the Northern Lights in Scotland
In case you were wondering where the best place to see northern lights in Scotland is, here’s a list to help you out:
1. Shetland Islands
The Shetland Islands, lying more than 100 miles off Scotland’s mainland, are one of the country’s top spots for northern lights viewing. Being closer to the Arctic Circle than London, these remote islands offer dark, clear skies that increase your chances of seeing the aurora.
While waiting for the “Mirrie Dancers,” you can enjoy rugged coastal scenery, spot native wildlife and explore traces of the islands’ Viking past.
2. Outer Hebrides
The Outer Hebrides, including Lewis and Harris, are scattered along the Atlantic coast and offer some of the darkest skies in Scotland. These islands are perfect for northern lights enthusiasts seeking quiet, remote locations.
By day, you can wander along white sand beaches, explore small towns like Stornoway and admire ancient sites such as the Calanais Standing Stones. Early autumn, particularly September and October, provides the best balance of daylight for sightseeing and long, dark nights for aurora hunting.
3. North West Highlands (Sutherland and Caithness)
The northern Highlands of Sutherland and Caithness are a treasure for aurora watchers. Small villages such as Durness, Tongue, Melvich, Castletown and John O’Groats offer easy access to open landscapes with minimal light pollution.
Its wide-open beaches, quiet fishing harbours and rugged cliffs give you plenty of space to watch the sky light up without any distractions.
4. Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is known for its stunning landscapes, and its remote northern areas are perfect for watching the aurora. Glendale, in particular, offers dark, open skies ideal for aurora viewing, while the nearby Fairy Pools in Glenbrittle are another beautiful natural spot to explore during your visit.
Several Dark Sky Discovery sites are located across the island, offering easy access for those eager to catch the lights in action. The unpredictable beauty of the aurora makes the experience even more magical when combined with Skye’s natural scenery.
5. Aberdeenshire and Moray Speyside
Aberdeenshire and Moray Speyside stretch along Scotland’s northern coast and feature a mix of quiet beaches, historic castles and scenic countryside. Inland towns such as Glenlivet and Tomintoul have been recognised for their exceptionally dark skies, making them ideal for northern lights viewing.
Here, you can enjoy whisky country by day and gather under star-filled skies at night, hoping to see the aurora ripple across the horizon.
6. Edinburgh
Although sightings are rare in Edinburgh, the northern lights can occasionally be seen from higher ground, such as Calton Hill. The city’s skyline adds a nice backdrop to the aurora, creating a striking contrast between natural wonder and urban lights.
If you’re visiting during winter, you can combine aurora hunting with seasonal events like the Christmas markets, Hogmanay festivities or Burns Night celebrations, making your night under the sky even more memorable.
Tips for seeing the Northern Lights in Scotland
To increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights in Scotland, it’s important to plan carefully and be prepared for the conditions. Here are some tips:
- Try and avoid nights with a full moon, as its brightness can make the aurora harder to see.
- Use reliable tools and apps such as Aurora Watch UK, Service Aurora and Aurora Alerts to track aurora activity.
- Check the weather forecast and aim for clear, calm nights for the best viewing conditions.
- Find a remote location away from street lights and other sources of light pollution to get an unobstructed view.
- Be prepared to spend several hours outdoors. Dress warmly and bring a blanket along with a flask of hot tea or coffee.
- Watch the sky carefully, as the auroras can appear as subtle flickers of colour or bold, sweeping displays.
Reasons to buy travel insurance for Scotland
Travel insurance is essential when visiting Scotland because it protects you against unexpected events that could disrupt your trip. It covers medical emergencies, including hospital stays and evacuations, and reimburses costs if your trip is cancelled or interrupted due to illness or delays.
It also safeguards your belongings if luggage, passports or personal items are lost or stolen. For those enjoying outdoor adventures like hiking in the Highlands or skiing in the Cairngorms, insurance can cover accidents during activities.
However, always review the policy details carefully to understand your coverage. If you need help selecting the right coverage, please fill out the form below to receive expert guidance.
Conclusion
The best time to see the Northern Lights in Scotland is between September and March, when the long, dark nights make the aurora’s colours more visible. For the clearest views, head to the northern Highlands and islands, where city lights won’t interfere. Since trips to see such natural wonders can be unpredictable, with sudden weather changes or travel delays, having international travel insurance can give you peace of mind, allowing you to enjoy the experience without worry.
FAQs
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Where can I see the Northern Lights in Scotland?
You can see the Northern Lights in the northern parts of Scotland, especially in the Highlands, Shetland, Orkney, Caithness and along the Moray Coast. These areas have darker skies and less light pollution, which makes the aurora easier to spot.
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What time of night is best for seeing the Northern Lights?
The aurora is most likely to appear between 9 PM and 2 AM, but it can differ depending on solar activity and weather conditions.
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Can I see the Northern Lights with my naked eye?
Yes, you can. On clear, dark nights with strong solar activity, the lights are visible without any special equipment.
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