Where in Scotland can you see the northern lights in December?

Places like Applecross, Lochinver and north of Ullapool are great spots on the far north west coast of Scotland to catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis.

Can you see the Northern Lights in Scotland in December?

When are you most likely to see the northern lights in Scotland? The auroras are most likely to be seen in Scotland during the Equinox and Solstice with the best times being in March - April and September - October, and for best chances you want to avoid any times where there is going to be a full moon.

Where in Scotland is it best to see the Northern Lights?

1. Shetland Islands - The Shetland Islands, located off the north coast of Scotland, are one of the best places in the country to see the Northern Lights. The islands' remote location and clear skies make it an ideal spot to catch the aurora borealis in action.

Which is the best place to see the Northern Lights in December?

Svalbard, Norway

Northern Norway undoubtedly ranks as one of the best places to see the aurora—but Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago between the mainland and the North Pole, is the only inhabited destination in the world where you can witness the northern lights at any time of day.

How often are Northern Lights visible in Scotland?

On average you might expect to see aurora in the far north of Scotland every few months, but less often as you travel further south. Geomagnetic storms follow the 11-year solar cycle. The chance of big magnetic storms will be greatest around the years leading up to solar maximum and shortly afterwards.

Northern Lights in SCOTLAND, Europe and North America - Arctic Circle - Aurora Borealis - ICE hotel

Where is the best place to see the Northern Lights in the UK?

Northumberland. Since Northumberland is the northernmost county in England, the combination of its high latitude and exceptionally low light pollution in rural areas makes it the prime contender for the best place to see the northern lights.

Can you see the Northern Lights with the naked eye?

Can you see the Northern Lights with the naked eye? Yes. If the Northern Lights are strong enough you can see them with your naked eye. However, most photographs of the Northern Lights are taken with special camera setups, and at least a long shutter speed.

Is December a good month for the Northern Lights?

December. Weather Conditions: December offers the longest nights of the year, maximising the chances of seeing the Northern Lights. Expected Likelihood: High. Combined with potential solar activity, December can offer some great displays.

Can you see the Northern Lights at Christmas?

Northern Lights At Christmas

It's entirely up to you if you want to visit Iceland, Sweden, Norway, or Finland, but December is the darkest time of the year, therefore it is likelier that you are going to see the Northern Lights but sometimes this can be offset by the clouds in the sky at this time of the year.

What's the best location to see the Northern Lights?

Located directly under the auroral oval in central Alaska, Fairbanks is one of the best places on Earth to see the northern lights, with consistent activity and a long aurora season from August to April, dark skies and minimal light pollution.

Can you see the Northern Lights in Aviemore?

With its wide open spaces and dark skies, Cairngorms National Park is one of the best places to experience the Northern Lights. Aviemore and Rothiemurchus are perfect places to catch the aurora on view from within this stunning National Park.

Can you see the Northern Lights in Shetland?

One of the great experiences during the Shetland winter is the 'Northern Lights', or aurora borealis, known locally as 'Mirrie Dancers'.

Can you see the Northern Lights from John O'Groats?

On the British mainland, in John o' Groats, you are as far north as it is possible to be and your chances are maxmised. Please note: Whilst displays​ of the aurora are common in John o' Groats, obviously the chances of seeing them are dependent upon solar conditions and the prevailing weather.

Where is the best place in Scotland to see the Northern Lights?

The Outer Hebrides are known to be the best places in Scotland to see the Northern Lights. This is because the Outer Hebrides have some of the darkest skies in all of the UK. Most evenings, you can even see the Milky Way, Orion Nebula and Great Andromeda galaxy with the naked eye.

What to see in Scotland in December?

Where is Caithness in Scotland?

Caithness and North Coast Sutherland is a large area of unspoilt, dramatic scenery in the far north of Scotland, indeed, on the extreme edge of Europe. The borders of Caithness are the Pentland Firth to the north, and Moray Firth to the east.

Do you always have to look through a camera to see the Northern Lights?

You can still have a great show with the naked eye. It's always going to be more vivid with the camera.. but if it's strong you can sit there for hours and be amazed! The lights just looked like a bit of clouds or smoke until I looked through the camera lense.

Do the Northern Lights come and go in the same night?

The aurora is at its most active around the equinoxes in March and September. The Northern Lights most commonly appear between 17:00 and 02:00. They don't usually exhibit for long – they may only show for a few minutes, then glide away before returning.

How do you set your camera for aurora borealis?

When next can I see the northern lights in the UK?

The northern lights intensify once every 11 years to coincide with a period described as 'solar maximum'. This winter of 2024 was one of the best chances to spot them for over a decade – but the good news is, this activity is expected to continue into 2025.

Which direction is best for viewing the northern lights?

Find a place where you can see to the north ( or south if you are in the southern hemisphere). Given the right vantage point, say for example on top of a hill in the northern hemisphere with an unobstructed view toward the north, a person can see aurora even when it is 1000 km (600 miles) further north.

How can I increase my chances of seeing the northern lights?

Where is the best place to drive to see the northern lights?

One of the most popular routes is the drive from Tromsø to Kvaløya Island. This 40-minute drive along the Norwegian coast offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the rugged mountains that line the horizon. Kvaløya is known for its minimal light pollution, making it an excellent spot for Aurora hunting.

What time of year is best to see the northern lights?

Between the autumn and spring equinox (21 September – 21 March), the Aurora lights are at their most frequent. To see the lights, it needs to be dark and cold with as little cloud as possible.