How to spot the Northern Lights in Wales

Wales may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of viewing the Aurora Borealis, but it’s not entirely out of the question. While the Northern Lights are more commonly seen in places like Iceland or Norway, under the right conditions, the aurora can be visible as far south as Wales. Both Anglesey and Eryri (Snowdonia) are great places to spot the Northern Lights because of their minimal light pollution. 

In fact, Snowdonia became an official Dark Sky Reserve in 2016, and it’s one of only a few locations in the UK to hold this prestigious title. The designation helps protect the natural nightscape and raises awareness about the importance of reducing artificial light pollution to preserve our view of the night sky. It also makes it an ideal spot for observing celestial events like the Northern Lights, meteor showers, and the Milky Way.

Here are our top tips for aurora hunting, and if you’re after more reading material on why our dark skies are so important, we’d heartily recommend this book. 

 

1. Know when to look

The Aurora Borealis is most often visible during the winter months, from late autumn through early spring (September to March). During this period, the nights are long and dark, which increases your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. However, they are typically seen at higher latitudes, so sightings in Wales are rare and usually occur during periods of heightened solar activity.

2. Download an app and watch for solar activity

The Northern Lights are caused by solar winds interacting with Earth’s magnetic field. The best chance of seeing them in Wales occurs when there is heightened solar activity, such as during solar storms or solar maximum (the peak of the 11-year solar cycle). Keep an eye on solar activity forecasts or use apps and websites that track geomagnetic storms, like Space Weather or AuroraWatch UK, to know when conditions are favourable.

3. Find a dark, northern-facing spot

To maximise your chances of seeing the Aurora Borealis, head to a location with minimal light pollution. The darker the sky, the better your chances of spotting the lights. In Wales, some good areas to try include:

• Anglesey: The island’s more remote spots tend to have darker skies and are therefore popular for stargazing and, when you’re very lucky, the Northern Lights.
• Pembrokeshire: The coastal areas, including St David’s, offer excellent dark skies and are often free from city light pollution.
• Snowdonia: head to the more remote areas of Snowdonia National Park, where you can enjoy a clear view of the northern horizon.
  
  Look towards the northern part of the sky, as the Aurora Borealis typically appears in this direction, especially during solar storms.

4. Be prepared for the cold

The best time to catch the Aurora is often late at night or in the early hours of the morning, when the skies are darkest.  Layer up and bring a thermos of something warming. 

5. Patience is key

The Northern Lights can be elusive, and sightings in Wales are rare. Even when conditions are perfect, the aurora might not be visible. If you’re hoping to see the lights, you may need to be patient and prepared for multiple outings. It’s also important to manage expectations; while the Northern Lights may not always show up in their full glory, you may still witness subtle, colourful displays of light on the horizon.