Lerwick

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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.

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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 25 August 2026 at 10:39am UTC)

Kp 1.33

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 15 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 6 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 1.73 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 336.7 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

Waxing gibbous 82%

Sunrise 5:42am

Sunset 8:31pm

Moonrise 8:11pm

Moonset 1:20am

Weather Forecast for Lerwick

Clouds

15°C Feels like 14°C

High
15°C
Low
12°C

  • Chance of precipitation 0%

  • Cloud cover 63%

  • South-Easterly winds 5 km/h gusts of 6 km/h

Aurora season in Lerwick

The aurora season in Lerwick runs from October to March, with the best viewing conditions in 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

    Southernmost Shetland Half Day Tour from Lerwick

    5.0 (2)

    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

    Full-Day Private City Tour in Lerwick

    4.9 (40)

    6 hours 30 minutes From £365.36

    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!!

  • Private tour

    Shetland Northmavine & Eshaness Private Shore Tour

    5.0 (1)

    5 hours From £402.77

    Embark on a breathtaking private shore tour of Shetland’s wild and rugged north coast. Drive through heathery hillsides and picturesque villages, taking in expansive vistas and towering sea stacks. Visit the Eshaness Lighthouse, where dramatic views and a coastal stroll await. Discover local history at the Tangwick Haa Museum and enjoy a relaxing lunch at either Busta House Hotel or Frankie’s Fish & Chip Shop. Learn about Shetland’s culture and heritage from your knowledgeable guide, Anita, as you explore the island’s stunning landscapes and fascinating history.

  • Free cancellation

    Shetland Pony Express

    4.6 (75)

    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 Private tour

    Private Half Day Tour in Shetland South Mainland

    5.0 (3)

    4 hours 30 minutes From £849.00

    Based on the hit Puffins & Ponies tour, the Best of Shetland's South Mainland lets you experience the wonders of the island home once the puffins have flown south for winter. 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 you'll visit the prehistoric settlement of Jarlshof before concluding your tour with a visit to Sumburgh Head.

  • Free cancellation Private tour

    Private Tours of Shetland

    5.0 (9)

    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.

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.