Many people wonder from where and when to see the northern lights in Scotland. Note that you’ll likely see the Northern Lights in Scotland between September and March. During this period, you can differentiate the aurora colours in the night sky.
When is the Best Time to See the Northern Lights?
Regarding when to see the northern lights in Scotland, remember that it’s best to check them out during the autumn and winter. This is when the nighttime is comparatively darker and prolonged. So, with the night sky becoming dark, you can clearly distinguish the aurora colours.
Also, unlike summer, autumn and winter have longer periods of darkness, and clear nights tend to be frequent. Therefore, such periods can be the best months to see northern lights in Scotland and experience the auroral displays.
Note: It helps to stay informed about the aurora forecast that comes with notifications via free text messages about increased auroral activity.
Where Can I See the Northern Lights in Scotland?
The best place to see northern lights in Scotland is the northern reaches, which gives you better chances to spot the “Mirrie Dancers”. However, you can still view the aurora from anywhere within Scotland. However, the right conditions must be met as described above. Also, light pollution should be kept to a minimum.
In summary, here are some of the best places in Scotland to see Aurora Borealis:
- Islands: In the Hebrides, you can see the lights during Lewis, Harris, and at the most northerly tip of the Skye. The quirky Shulista Croft Wigwams are a comfy place to explore the Trotternish Peninsula on Skye, the home to at least nine Dark Sky Discovery Sites. This makes it one of the best places for northern lights in Scotland and also the best place for stargazing. Going further to the north, you can also see the lights in the areas of Orkney, Shetland, and Caithness.
- West Coast: Some great spots to view the Aurora Borealis on the far northwest coast include Lochinver, Applecross, and north of Ullapool.
- Edinburgh: During instances of stronger auroras, you can occasionally spot the colours in the capital. While here, Calton Hill can be the best place to see aurora borealis in Scotland. Other areas include Arthur’s Seat and Blackford Hill. To increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights, you should stay up until the wee hours of the morning.
- The South-Galloway Forest Park, the only dark sky park in the region, is the best place in Scotland to see northern lights.
- Central: Perthshire, Cairngorms, and Rannoch Moor are some of the best places to see aurora in Scotland.
- East Coast: If you are lucky, you can also see the hard-to-find Aurora Borealis on the East Coast. Under the right conditions, you can spot the lights in places such as Moray Coast, Aberdeenshire, East Lothian, Fife, and Angus.
Conclusion
The best time and place to see northern lights in Scotland are defined by regions with cold nights and skies that are clear of clouds. This also means periods with lower light pollution and higher solar activity. Besides, the wee hours of the morning may be perfect for such occasions. As you plan to visit and explore Scotland, remember to have suitable travel insurance to avail of the coverage you may need from various travel-related risks.
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