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We hope you enjoy your guide to see the northern lights in the Highlands! If seeing the Northern Lights also known as the Aurora Borealis is on your bucket list, you might just catch a glimpse of this magnificent natural phenomenon while visiting Inverness and the Highlands. Choose the 4 Star Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa for your Highland escape, and enjoy some highland hospitality.
Believe it or not, the Highlands is on the same latitude as southern parts of Norway and Sweden, so, with a bit of planning, you might just witness this natural light display while visiting Scotland.
Caused by the collision of electrically-charged particles of the sun entering the Earth’s atmosphere, Aurora Borealis is a truly magnificent sight to see. Since the Northern Lights are dependent on solar activity, there’s no way to guarantee that you’ll see them during your visit. However, here’s some handy information to increase your chances of crossing this one off that bucket list of yours!
The Ideal Conditions for Spotting the Aurora Borealis
The ideal situation to see the Northern Lights is a clear, dark night in an area free of light pollution – this means far away from big cities. That being said, Aurora Borealis have been spotted from time to time in Scottish cities like Inverness and Edinburgh. Stay up until the wee hours for a better chance to catch sight of the dancing lights.
Cold, dark nights are your best bet, so unsurprisingly, autumn and winter are the best seasons to see Northern Lights. October through March is prime time for seeing the lights in action. Ideally, you should have a clear view of the horizon to the north – this is where you’ll see the lights at first before they (hopefully) get stronger and travel overhead.
To check when you’re most likely to see the Aurora Borealis, you can sign up for alerts or simply check the likelihood of seeing the lights on any given day of your holiday. There are also apps to help you track the likelihood of witnessing the phenomenon. That being said, keep in mind that the Northern Lights can be very unpredictable: you could wind up seeing them on a night when the alert sites say it’s highly unlikely, and vice versa.
Useful Websites for Aurora/Northern Lights Spotting
Where to see the Northern Lights in the Highlands.
The BEST Places to see the Aurora Borealis
As we already mentioned, the Northern Lights have been on occasion been seen in pretty much every corner of Scotland, from Edinburgh to Inverness. However, as the light phenomenon is one created in the polar regions of the Earth, it makes sense that the further north you are, the likelier you are to witness it.
Shetland
Shetland is the most northern inhabited area of the UK and thefroe the closest British point to the North Pole, so it’s little wonder that it usually tops the list of places best for seeing the Aurora Borealis. Shetland has many open and dark spaces to enjoy the light show. Fun fact: the Northern Lights are referred to as the Mirrie Dancers in Shetland!
Main Land North of Scotland & The Cairngorms
Apart from Shetland, the Cairngorms are short drive from Inverness, the Moray Coast including Nairn, Findhhorn and Rosemarkie all a short drive from Inverness and on the A82 on journey home perhaps on the errily barren Rannoch Moor. These are all places that top of the list for places to see the dancing lights.
The Northern Lights Near Inverness
If you’re visiting Inverness, your best chance to see the Northern Lights is getting slightly outside the city on a clear night. Drive up to Findhorn or Nairn, where you’ll have good views far ahead over the sea. Nairn, Findhorn and Rosemarkie beaches are glorious during the day and something special at night.
Just you and the endless ocean, an the daning sky. Getting anywhere with a bit more elevation is also a good idea. maybe one for the adventurous and well prepared walked Ord Hill across the Kessock Bridge on the Black; just outside the centre of Inverness even if you don’t end up seeing the Northern Lights, you can enjoy spectacular views over Inverness and the Moray and Beauly Firths before it gets dark. Then return to the warmth of the Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa, order your dram or pumpkin spice latte to warm up and take inthe view of Inverness Castle & the River Ness while reminsicing about your evening adevenure.
Preparing for Your Aurora Borealis Adventure
Once you’re on your trip, you’ve checked the weather forecast and Aurora alert sites, it’s time to go hunting for the Northern Lights! It’s best to check out the spot you’re planning to take beforehand, or at least arrive there while there’s still some daylight left so that you can easily find parking, walk to the spot and set up your camera if you’re taking photos (and why wouldn’t you?).
What to Wear for Aurora watching
Best times to view are Ocotber to March, which can be quite chilly, so remember to bundle up with plenty of warm clothes, a blanket as you may be waiting a while and bring a torch with you.
A thermos full of something warm will help keep your spirits up as you wait. If you’re lucky enough to get phone signal in your location, you can follow live updates via Twitter and email – otherwise, you’ll have to rely on your own eyes and patience.
How to Spot the Aurora in the Sky
In this case, train your eyes on the north horizon for signs of white or grey curtains or arches hanging over the sky – this could turn into the greenish Aurora Borealis we most commonly know. Do keep in mind, though, that the colours of the Northern Lights are usually not as vibrant to the naked eye as they appear in pictures taken with long exposure times. Sometimes the Aurora isnt as easily spotted look for unusal pattern or light, a flicker of colour in the sky. Regardless, Aurora Borealis is a magical sight that can make your trip to Scotland all the more enchanting.
How to take a Picture of the Northern Lights
To capture the perfect picture you will need to brush up your photgraphy skills as the skill level is quite high; check out here for some top tips on how to get that perfect picture from a professional Northern Lights Photographer.
Planning Your Trip to the Scottish Highlands
Inverness makes for an ideal base for exploring the wider Highlands area, with the Moray Coast and the Cairngorms National Park, both known as good places to spot Aurora Borealis, within easy reach. If you need a hotel in Inverness, it’s hard to do better than the Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa.
This lovely family owned hotel is ideally located in Inverness city centre, opposite Inverness Castle. Make the Palace your base, dine and sip your favourite tipple in the Brasserie, were there are plenty of whiskies for you to savor and views of the River Ness! Enjoy car parking, free Wi-Fi and don’t forget the lovely leisure club.
Remember to book direct for your very best offers Call: 01463 22 32 43 or Book herel and one of our friendly team will be happy to help! It’s the perfect place to relax, in your stylish and comfortable room after a long night of Aurora Borealis chasing.
To start planning your Northern Lights adventure in the Highlands, give us a call on 01463 22 32 43 or email us to #bookdirect.
