Lerwick

Home / Places / Shetland / Lerwick

Lerwick is the capital of the Shetland Islands, the most northerly part of the British Isles, sitting at 60°N in the North Atlantic between Scotland and Norway. While further south than the classic Scandinavian aurora destinations, Shetland’s latitude and minimal light pollution mean the Northern Lights are a regular sight during geomagnetically active periods, and strong displays can be truly spectacular over the islands’ open horizons.

The town itself is compact and characterful, built around a busy harbour that has served fishing boats and trading vessels for centuries. The Shetland Museum and Archives tells the story of the islands’ Norse and Scottish heritage, and the narrow lanes of the old town are lined with independent shops and cafes. Lerwick is perhaps best known for Up Helly Aa, a dramatic fire festival held each January in which a replica Viking longship is set ablaze by hundreds of torch-bearing guizers.

For aurora viewing, the key is to get away from Lerwick’s harbour lights. The west coast and north mainland offer dark skies and unobstructed views to the north. Eshaness, Hillswick and the tombolo at St Ninian’s Isle are popular spots. Shetland’s lack of trees and flat, open terrain means the horizon is low in every direction, giving you the widest possible view of the sky.

Shetland is well connected, with regular flights from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Inverness, plus an overnight ferry from Aberdeen. The islands offer a distinctly British take on the Northern Lights experience, expect peat fires, fiddle music and exceptional seafood alongside your aurora hunting.

1234567

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 9 October 2026 at 12:13pm UTC)

Kp 2.00

The Kp-index is a scale used to measure geomagnetic activity. It ranges from 0 to 9, with higher values indicating greater geomagnetic activity.

  • 0-2 (Very low) Far north, quite dim, and not very active.
  • 3-5 (Moderate) Can be seen further south, with increased brightness and activity. Chance of good viewing conditions nearer the pole.
  • 6-7 (High) Visible in many northern regions, with vibrant displays.
  • 8-9 (Extreme) Widespread visibility, often seen in areas much further south than usual, with intense and colorful displays.
HPI 33 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.

Bz 2 nT

Bz refers to the north-south orientation of the magnetic field embedded in the solar wind. It is measured in nanoteslas (nT).

When Bz is negative (southward), it allows solar wind particles to penetrate the Earth’s magnetic field more easily. A strong negative Bz is often associated with increased chances of seeing the Northern Lights.

Conversely, when Bz is positive (northward), the Earth’s magnetic field tends to block the solar wind, resulting in reduced aurora activity.

Bt 8 nT

Bt measures the overall power of the Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF) from the Sun; higher numbers (e.g., above 20 nT) mean more energy available for aurora.

Density 10.85 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 372.2 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 8%

Sunrise 7:28am

Sunset 6:14pm

Moonrise 5:55am

Moonset 5:31pm

Weather Forecast for Lerwick

Rain

10°C Feels like 6°C

High
11°C
Low
9°C

  • Chance of precipitation 100%

  • Cloud cover 38%

  • South-Easterly winds 10 km/h gusts of 17 km/h

  • Rain 14 mm

Aurora season in Lerwick

The aurora season in Lerwick runs from October to March. The best viewing conditions are in the peak months of October, November, February and March.

Peak viewing In season Off season

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

    Private Tours of Shetland

    5.0 (11)

    1 - 8 hours From £450.00

    Discover Shetland your way with a private, tailor-made tour designed around your interests. Whether you want to visit Shetland’s best-known sights, explore hidden gems off the beaten track, or enjoy a mix of both, your tour can be shaped to suit you. From dramatic coastal scenery and outstanding wildlife to ancient prehistoric sites, local history, culture and island life, you will see more of Shetland at your own pace. A bespoke private tour gives you greater flexibility, personal attention and more value, helping you make the most of your time in the islands. Perfect for visitors looking for an authentic, flexible and memorable Shetland experience.

  • Free cancellation Private tour

    4 Hours Rugged Northern Exposure Private Guided Tour from Lerwick

    5.0 (7)

    4 hours From £725.00

    Join us for a private guided tour to Shetland's rugged & dramatic North Mainland. Explore Northmavine's history at Tangwick Haa Museum, admire the spectacular Eshaness Cliffs and visit the pretty village of Hillswick. Along the way we will see the finest scenery Shetland has to offer, it is truly breath-taking.

  • Free cancellation

    Southernmost Shetland Half Day Tour from Lerwick

    4.5 (4)

    4 hours From £69.00

    View the stunning scenery on the east coast as we travel to Sumburgh Head at the southern tip of the islands. There are many species of birds to see, including guillemots and kittiwakes. Sumburgh Head is home to the oldest lighthouse in Shetland (built 1821). Take a look inside the engine room, interactive visitor centre and gift shop. Look out across ‘Da Roost’ where the Atlantic Ocean and North Sea meet, admire the spectacular panoramic views all around. The journey back north showcases the west coast with views over Spiggie and Rerwick, where seals often sunbathe, and to St Ninians Isle with its stunning sand tombolo and rich Viking history. We then continue through picturesque villages as we make our way back to Lerwick.

  • Free cancellation Private tour

    Explore Shetland Island on a Private Tour with a Local Guide

    5.0 (5)

    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 Private tour

    Cliffs and Rocks of the North

    5.0 (6)

    5 hours From £600.00

    With three fault lines running through the isles, the Geology of Shetland is some of the most diverse in Europe and is the reason why Shetland currently holds UNESCO Geopark Status. We drive to the North West mainland of Shetland where the oldest rocks in Shetland, Lewisian Gneiss at 2.9 billion years old, can be found. On our way North we witness fantastic cliff scenery and sea stacks shaped by the full force of the Atlantic. We arrive at Shetland’s volcano – Eshaness – active 390 million years ago. After a short photo stop, we return South, taking in the view of Shetland’s highest point, the red granite of Ronas Hill, 450m high and 450 million years old. We stop at Tangwick Haa Museum, built in the late 17th century as the home of the laird and where you can browse the exhibits to learn more of the history of Northmavine and have an opportunity to browse some local crafts. We return South via Brae for lunch at Frankie’s Fish and Chip shop before heading back to Lerwick

  • Free cancellation Private tour

    Ponies Express Private Tour to Scalloway

    4.6 (5)

    1 hour From £160.00

    Travel to Scalloway the ancient capital where you will stop at Carol’s Ponies, you have a chance to meet, learn about and photograph these wonderful animals. Originating in Shetland the breed was a packing pony and are now found all over the world, used as popular riding ponies for children and a companion to horses. Carol the stud owner will explain all in her talk about these beautiful creatures, remember they have teeth and may assume fingers for carrots! So please do not feed the ponies.

Places to check out around Lerwick

Discover Museums, Scenic Lookouts, Bars and more…

Explore more nearby Lerwick

Get off the beaten track, these nearby destinations also offer opportunities to see the Northern Lights and are within easy reach of 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 Islands, 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.