A clear night sky is a must!
What causes auroras?
The aurora is caused by material thrown out from the sun interacting with the earth’s magnetic field, producing light from energised gas molecules in the upper atmosphere. Best known as the Northern Lights, this phenomenon lights up the night sky with an uncanny display of colours.
Varying from a green glow on the horizon, a shimmering luminescent curtain , to streaming fronds of red and yellow light , this is an experience you will not forget.
Forsinard, Sutherland
Where are the best places to see Auroras In the North Highlands?
The North Highlands is one of the best places in the UK to experience the aurora. From dramatic headlands like Dunnet Head to remote harbours along the north coast, wide horizons and dark skies create perfect viewing conditions.
With its unspoilt skies and sweeping horizons, the North Highlands offers some of the UK’s finest aurora-spotting locations. Favourites include Dunnet Head, Strathy Point, and Forsinard Flows, while the harbours and headlands along the north coast provide stunning, unobstructed views when the lights appear.
Stargazing in the Dark Skies of the North Highlands
The North Highlands offers some of the clearest, darkest skies in the UK, perfect for stargazing. With virtually no light pollution and wide, open horizons, the night skies come alive.
On crisp, clear evenings, you can watch the Milky Way sweep across the heavens and spot countless constellations and shooting stars. Whether you’re chasing sunsets, photographing the night sky, or simply pausing to take it all in, the Highlands provide unforgettable celestial experiences.
Designated Dark Sky Discovery Sites at Lochinver in North-West Sutherland and Castletown in Caithness make stargazing accessible to all. For a deeper connection to the night sky, join the Caithness Astronomy Group at Castlehill Heritage Centre, where guided observations are followed by engaging talks and presentations from experts and local enthusiasts.
So, wrap up warm, bring your camera and a flask of tea, and step into the magical night skies of Caithness and Sutherland, nature’s own light show awaits.
Where can I find a Northern Lights forecast?
An aurora sighting is never certain, but there are several groups and apps which help track forecasts and report sightings to help you maximise your chances of seeing the Northern Lights:
Forecasts and alerts:
Apps:
Community groups:
When can I see the Northern Lights?
The best time to see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) in the North Highlands of Scotland is from late September to mid-April, when the nights are long and dark. In summer, the long daylight hours makes sightings almost impossible, which is why autumn through spring is the aurora season here.
The peak months are October, February and March, these often the most active periods, as the equinoxes tend to bring stronger geomagnetic activity.
Where should I go to view the Aurora?
You’ll need a clear, dark sky away from artificial light. The North Highlands’ low light pollution and wide horizons make it one of the best places in the UK for aurora spotting.
Some local favorites inlcude:
- Dunnet Head, Caithness: The most northerly point of mainland Britain, with sweeping skies and uninterrupted sea views.
- Castlehill Heritage Centre, Castletown: Home to the Caithness Astronomy Group, offering both community events and great dark skies.
- Strathy Point, Sutherland: a dramatic headland with wide ocean views, perfect for watching the aurora dance above the water.
- Lochinver, North-West Sutherland: Officially recognised as a Dark Sky Discovery Site, offering vast horizons and excellent conditions.
- Melvich Beach & Sandside Bay: Coastal locations where the aurora can often be seen reflected in the water.
- Forsinard Flows, Sutherland: At the heart of the Flow Country, a remote wilderness with some of the darkest skies in Europe.
What should I take with me to see the Aurora?
To make the most of your North Highland aurora adventure, wrap up warm in plenty of layers and sturdy boots, the nights can be icy and cold. Bring a torch with red light, a hot flask and a few snacks while you wait beneath the stars.
A camera on a tripod will help capture the magic, but spare batteries are a must in the cold. Many visitors also bring a blanket or camping chair to settle in, and an aurora app or star map to guide the watch.
Most importantly, bring your patience the Northern Lights are unpredictable, but when they appear, the spectacle is unforgettable.
What causes the Aurora?
The Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, occurs when charged particles from the sun collide with the Earth’s magnetic field and energise gases high in the atmosphere. The result is a mesmerising dance of shifting colours and light, turning the night sky into one of nature’s most unforgettable spectacles.
In the North Highlands, there are few better backdrops to experience this phenomenon. Imagine towering mountains silhouetted against glowing skies, rugged coastlines lit with ribbons of green and purple, or tranquil lochs mirroring the aurora’s flickering patterns. With long, dark nights stretching through autumn and winter, you’ll have the perfect chance to witness this magical display in a setting you’ll never forget.