Live Northern lights Forecast for the UK
Possible? Yes — but only under the right conditions.
Seeing the northern lights in the UK is rare, but during periods of strong solar activity it does happen. This page gives you a live aurora forecast for the UK, explains where and when to look, and helps you understand how likely it is tonight.
Can You See the Northern Lights in the UK?
Yes — but only under the right conditions. The northern lights (aurora borealis) can be visible from the UK when geomagnetic activity is high (typically KP 5 or above), skies are clear, and you are in a dark location away from city lights. In general, the further north you are, the better your chances of seeing aurora.
Best Places to See theNorthern Lights in the UK
The northern lights are most commonly seen in Scotland, especially in the Highlands, Islands, and along the north coast. During strong geomagnetic storms, aurora can also be visible from northern England, while Northern Ireland offers good chances from coastal and rural areas with low light pollution.
UK KP Index Forecast
The Kp index indicates the likelihood of auroral activity. A higher KP number means stronger geomagnetic activity, which increases your chances of seeing the aurora.
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Best Time to See the Northern Lights in The UK
The best time to see the northern lights in the UK is during the dark winter months, from September to March, when nights are longest. Aurora activity is most commonly visible between 10:00 PM and 2:00 AM, although displays can appear earlier or later depending on solar conditions.
Photography Tips
Camera Settings
• Use manual mode
• ISO: 1600-3200
• Aperture: f/2.8 or wider
• Shutter speed: 5-15 seconds
• Manual focus set to infinity
Essential gear
• Sturdy tripod
• Wide-angle lens
• Extra batteries (cold drains them quickly)
• Remote shutter or timer
• Hand warmers for gear and hands
