The Isles of Lewis and Harris are one of the better places in Britain to see the aurora borealis, for two reasons: the latitude is high, roughly level with southern Norway, and there is almost no light pollution once you are away from Stornoway. The islanders call it Na Fir Chlis, the nimble men.
The season runs from roughly late September to late March, when the nights are long and dark enough. There is no aurora to see in June and July because it never gets properly dark.
Northern Lights on The Isles of Lewis & Harris
The Isle of Lewis and Harris are a great location to view the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) due to its relatively high latitude and minimal light pollution.
The Northern Lights are caused by the interaction between charged particles from the sun (solar wind) and the Earth’s magnetic field. When these charged particles collide with the gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, they create a stunning display of colorful lights in the sky. The colors are determined by the type of gas the solar particles collide with—oxygen produces green and red lights, while nitrogen generates blue and purple hues.
Here are some tips for the best experience:
- Time of year: The best time to see the Northern Lights on the Isle of Lewis and Harris is during the darker months, typically from late September to early April. During these months, nights are longest, increasing the chances of witnessing the spectacle.
- Weather: Clear, dark skies are crucial for viewing the Northern Lights. Check the weather forecast and look for nights with minimal cloud cover.
- Solar activity: The intensity of the Northern Lights is influenced by solar activity, which varies on an 11-year cycle. You can monitor solar activity through websites and apps that provide real-time aurora forecasts, such as the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) or the AuroraWatch UK.
- Location: Find a spot with minimal light pollution and an unobstructed view of the northern horizon.
For more information on seeing the Northern Lights from the Western Isles visit https://aurorawatch.lancs.ac.uk/
In short
The Isles of Lewis and Harris are among the best places in Britain to see the aurora borealis, because of the high latitude and the near absence of light pollution outside Stornoway. The season runs from late September to late March; there is no visible aurora in June or July because the sky never fully darkens. Clear skies and a northern horizon matter most.
Frequently asked questions
When can you see the Northern Lights on Lewis and Harris?
Between roughly late September and late March, when the nights are long enough and dark enough. In June and July the sky never gets fully dark this far north, so there is nothing to see even during strong activity.
Where is the best place to watch for the aurora on the islands?
Anywhere with a clear northern horizon and no lights behind you. The north coast of Lewis and the west coast beaches work well. Get away from Stornoway, which is the only significant source of light pollution on the islands.
How do I know if the aurora will be visible tonight?
Check an aurora forecast such as AuroraWatch UK, run by Lancaster University, alongside the local cloud forecast. Clear sky matters as much as geomagnetic activity, and on these islands cloud is usually the limiting factor.
Do you need a camera to see the Northern Lights?
No, but a camera will usually show more colour than the naked eye does, particularly during weaker displays. A tripod and a long exposure will pick up green and red that you may only perceive as pale grey movement.