Find the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights

Plan your northern lights trip with expert travel advice, real-time aurora forecasts and destination guides. Whether you’re chasing the aurora borealis across Scandinavia, Iceland or the Canadian wilderness, we’ll help you find the best time and place to witness one of nature’s most spectacular displays.

Canada

Banff •Churchill •Edmonton •Jasper •Whitehorse •Yellowknife

Faroe Islands

Tórshavn

Finland

Inari •Levi •Luosto •Rovaniemi

Greenland

Ilulissat •Kangerlussuaq •Nuuk •Qaqortoq

Iceland

Akureyri •Reykjavík •Vík

Norway

Alta •Bodø •Lofoten •Tromsø

Shetland

Lerwick

Svalbard

Longyearbyen

Sweden

Abisko •Björkliden •Kiruna

USA

Anchorage •Fairbanks •Healy

See also

Aurora Forecast•​Planning Your Northern Lights Adventure•​Northern Lights Photography•​Science Of The Aurora•​Northern Lights Playlist•​Northern Lights Myths And Legends•​About Seek The Aurora

Lerwick

Home / Shetland / Lerwick

Nestled in the stunning Shetland Islands, Lerwick is not just the capital of Shetland; it’s a gateway to one of nature’s most mesmerizing spectacles: the Northern Lights. With its rugged coastline, charming harbour and rich cultural heritage, Lerwick offers a unique backdrop for witnessing the aurora borealis.

The best time to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights in Lerwick is during the northern hemisphere winter, specifically from mid-October to mid-March.

How are my chances of seeing the aurora today?

Many factors contribute to your likelihood of viewing the aurora in Lerwick. Geomagnetic activity, cloud cover and the amount of ambient light all play a big part. Check the forecasts for how good the viewing conditions are today.

Aurora Probability and Atmospheric Conditions

0%

There is a 0% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Lerwick area (forecast for 12 April 2026 at 1:29am UTC)

HPI 11 GW

The Hemispheric Power Index (HPI) is a vital measure used to assess the strength of auroral activity at the poles. It estimates the total auroral energy input, with values above 20 GW indicating an aurora-active state. When the HPI reaches levels of 100 GW or more, it signifies a very significant geomagnetic storm, which can lead to spectacular auroral displays.

Density 1.68 p/cm3

Solar wind density refers to the number of charged particles in a given volume of the solar wind, typically measured in particles per cubic centimetre (p/cm3).

A typical solar wind density is around 2.76 p/cm3.

The density of the solar wind affects how many particles reach the Earth’s magnetosphere. A higher density means more particles are available to interact with the Earth’s magnetic field. When these charged particles collide with the gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, energy is released in the form of light that we see as the aurora.

Speed 562.8 km/s

Solar wind speed refers to the velocity at which charged particles are ejected from the Sun’s outer atmosphere, known as the corona.

A typical solar wind speed is about 375 km/s. When both speed and density are high, the energy transferred to the Earth’s magnetosphere increases, enhancing the chances of seeing vibrant auroras.

Light Levels

Moon

Waning crescent 36%

Sunrise 5:56am

Sunset 8:13pm

Moonrise 5:17am

Moonset 1:00pm

Weather Forecast for Lerwick

Rain

7°C Feels like 1°C

High
8°C
Low
7°C

  • Chance of precipitation 100%

  • Cloud cover 86%

  • South-Easterly winds 15 km/h gusts of 20 km/h

  • Rain 2 mm

Book an amazing adventure in Lerwick

Explore this selection of tours and activities to make the most of your visit to Lerwick.

  • Free cancellation Private tour

    Half Day Private Tour with Puffins, Ponies and Past Shetland

    4.9 (39)

    4 hours 30 minutes From £825.00

    Join us for a private guided tour to Shetland's scenic south Mainland. Departing Lerwick we visit the island's former capital, Scalloway, before heading to Sumburgh at the southern tip of the islands. Here we visit the prehistoric settlement of Jarlshof before concluding our tour with a visit to Sumburgh Head.

  • Free cancellation Private tour

    Full-Day Private City Tour in Lerwick

    4.9 (30)

    6 hours 30 minutes From £372.09

    Lerwick is the main town and port of the Shetland Islands. On our first stop we will visit the incredible Clickimin Broch. After seeing this remarkable site, we will drive back to the centre and spend some time visiting some of the main attractions in this amazing village: Fort Charlotte- Hay´s Dock is a beautifully restored historic dock. Visit the Shetland Museum and Archives where the galleries are split into different zones. Enjoy the picturesquely grouped house and stores built on lodberry. Enjoy the views over Victoria Pier. You will visit the Scalloway area, until 1708 it was the capital of Shetland Island but now it is a fishing port, really worth a visit, on your way to Scalloway you can have a quick look some famous ponies of Shetland PLEASE NOTE: Walking is involved MISSING YOU ALREADY!!

  • Free cancellation Private tour

    Explore Shetland Island on a Private Tour with a Local Guide

    No reviews

    3 hours From £300.00

    We offer small bespoke tours. Tell us what you want to do in Shetland - eg: knitwear, golf, wildlife, Jimmy Perez, fishing, etc - and we will produce a bespoke experience that will exceed your expectations. Discover the rich culture and stunning landscapes of Shetland with a local guide tailored to your interests. Whether you’re arriving via cruise ship or by ferry, enjoy personalised half or full day tours. Experience the best of Shetland, including its unique wildlife, historical sites, and local traditions. Each tour is designed to ensure you get the most out of your visit, with convenient pick-up from your arrival point and drop-off at your accommodation or your cruise ship. - Choose from half-day or full-day tours based on your schedule - Knowledgable local experts provide insider knowledge and personalised experiences - Convenient pick-up from cruise ships, airports, or accommodations - Suitable for all interests, ensuring a memorable exploration of Shetland

  • Free cancellation

    The Puffin Express

    No reviews

    3 hours From £38.00

    Join us on the Puffin Express, brand new for 2026, as we journey from Lerwick, Shetland's capital, to the very south of Mainland in search of Shetland's favourite birds. Every year, Puffins- or "Tammie Norries" as we call them- come ashore to breed after spending winter at sea. Loved for their black and white plumage, these cheeky birds have become a symbol of Shetland. Sumburgh Head, where the North Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean, is the best spot in Shetland to catch a glimpse of them up close. Plus, it's home to a 19th century Stevenson lighthouse, clifftop walks and a plethora of wildlife. When booking, please bear in mind that Puffin sightings can never be guaranteed. They are wild birds and on occasion may be out of view at the time of your visit. Please also note that there is a steep (but paved) walk from the coach park to Sumburgh Head Lighthouse. On arrival, your driver will inform you of the departure time. It is your responsibility to ensure you're back on time.

  • Free cancellation

    Shetland Pony Express

    4.6 (58)

    1 - 2 hours From £25.00

    Make the most of your day in the beautiful Shetland Islands without breaking the bank! Hop aboard our Ponies Express and enjoy the views as we take you on a circular journey around Shetland's Central Mainland. Admire the views as we travel to Scalloway, the former capital of Shetland where you can visit the castle, museum or just stroll amongst the colourful houses. There are some fantastic shops and restaurants to visit here too! Next up, we pay a visit to some of the islands' most famous residents. Shetland Ponies originated right here in Shetland, but thanks to their huge appeal can now be found all over the world, being especially popular as riding ponies for children and a companion to horses. Carol, the stud owner, will explain in detail about these beautiful animals. Please remember that they have strong teeth and can nip so please do not feed the ponies! After a scenic drive through the Tingwall Valley we return to Lerwick.

  • Free cancellation

    Bressay Explorer Crofting and Island Life Tour

    5.0 (9)

    4 hours From £95.00

    The best way to experience true Shetland is to get out of town and see the rural communities which are backbone of island life. Join us as we cross Lerwick Harbour to the small island of Bressay (population c.350) where we're guided by an island resident who shows us the best of his island home. Experience life on a Shetland croft, meet the famous sheep and delve into Bressay's 6000 year history through the eyes of a qualified archaeologist.

Places to check out around Lerwick

Explore more nearby Lerwick

  • Scalloway under cover of snow, Shetland Islands

    Credit: Ronnie Robertson

    Scalloway

    60°8'15"N, 1°16'55"W

    Aurora probability in Scalloway: 0%

    Scalloway, a historic village in the Shetland Island has a rich heritage, including the Scalloway Castle and the Shetland Museum, as well as picturesque coastal scenery and a vibrant local culture.

  • Coastal cliffs on Bressay Island, Shetland

    Credit: Roine Johansson

    Bressay

    60°9'6"N, 1°5'16"W

    Aurora probability in Bressay: 0%

    Bressay, an island in the Shetland archipelago, is known for its stunning coastline, abundant wildlife and historical sites such as Bressay Lighthouse and the ruins of St. Mary’s Church, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

  • Dramatic coastal scenery on Unst Island, Shetland

    Credit: Martin Neill

    Unst

    60°44'29"N, 0°54'17"W

    Aurora probability in Unst: 0%

    Unst, the northernmost inhabited island of the Shetland Islands, is renowned for its rugged landscapes, wildlife including puffins and otters and historical sites such as the Viking longhouse at Haroldswick. It offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

See also

Home•​Aurora Forecast•​Planning Your Northern Lights Adventure•​Northern Lights Photography•​Science Of The Aurora•​Northern Lights Playlist•​Northern Lights Myths And Legends•​About Seek The Aurora