As February’s long nights begin to settle in, the UK is bracing for some of the year’s best aurora-spotting opportunities without leaving the country.
The Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, is most commonly seen near the Arctic Circle, but between September and March, it can appear much farther south.
Thanks to increased solar activity, combined with clearer winter skies and longer hours of darkness, there have already been numerous reports of sightings throughout January across Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and England.
In light of this, travel specialists Japan-101 have analysed 100 UK towns and cities to identify the best locations for viewing the phenomenon.
Each was scored out of 100 based on artificial light levels, air pollution and cloud cover, and totalled to determine an index score out of 100.
Topping the list with a score of 73.1 out of 100 is Dundee. The Scottish city benefits from particularly low air pollution and relatively dark skies, making it the strongest performer in the study at 28 per cent above the national average.
Second place went to Eastbourne, where coastal exposure and lower light pollution contribute to clearer night skies, and an overall score of 72.1 out of 100 – 26 per cent higher than the national average.
Chelmsford followed closely in third, with limited cloud cover and low artificial light helping it to outperform many larger urban areas.
Travel experts at Japan-101 have named Dundee (pictured) as the best place in the UK to see the Northern Lights, as the Scottish city benefits from particularly low air pollution and relatively dark skies in winter
Brighton (pictured) came seventh, performing well despite its size, with an index score of 70.2 out of 100
Placing fourth, Worthing is praised for its open seaside views, while Colchester took fifth with a score of 71.3 out of 100 in the ranking – 24 per cent better than the national average of 57.3 out of 10.
Further down the list, Hastings ranked sixth thanks to low cloud cover and reduced light pollution.
Brighton came seventh, performing well despite its size with an index score of 70.2, while neighbouring Hove followed in eighth.
Cambridge secured ninth place with a score of 68 out of 100, benefiting from relatively dark surrounding countryside, and Harlow completed the top ten, with especially low artificial brightness boosting its 67.4 score.
According to researchers, heading to elevated or coastal areas, away from street lighting, can significantly improve chances of seeing the lights if solar activity remains high in the coming weeks.
Nozomi Kato, writer at Japan-101, commented: ‘Brits spend thousands travelling all the way to Iceland or Norway to see the Aurora Borealis, but it’s possible to see the dazzling show in the comfort of your own home.
‘This study reveals the best places to see the Northern Lights in the UK, with Dundee taking the top spot.
‘But no matter where you are, take an opportunity to try to catch a glimpse of the magical phenomenon this week.’
Hastings (pictured) ranked sixth thanks to low cloud cover and reduced light pollution in the colder months
Securing ninth place with a score of 68 out of 100 is Cambridge (pictured), which benefits from relatively dark surrounding countryside in winter
It comes after a top meteorologist revealed the best places to see the Northern Lights – and further shared they will be stronger in 2026 than they’ve been in 12 years.
British meteorologist John Griffiths has seen the magical spectacle himself – and knows just where tourists should point their compass in the coming months.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, the weather expert explained that the Northern Lights are created by ‘solar storms coming off the sun that travel through space’.
‘When it hits our magnetic field, we get very good auroras. The stronger those flares are from the sun, the stronger and the further south the aurora is seen. We’re currently in the midst of “a peak time” of solar activity, which equals more or better Aurora Borealis.’
