Moderate Activity 🌒 3% Updated live

Aurora Forecast for
Rathlin Island Tonight

Current northern lights conditions for Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland, the United Kingdom. Latitude 55.3°N · AACGM-v2 magnetic latitude 52.1°N.

Quick Summary: The estimated northern lights outlook for Rathlin Island peaks at 0% over the next 24 hours. No suitable viewing window.

Aurora forecast

0%

Estimated

Highest estimate · next 24 hours

Viewing window

No suitable viewing window

Europe/London

Kp index

4

Moderate

Planetary geomagnetic activity

Cloud cover

100%

Overcast

Current sky visibility

Aurora

Tonight's Verdict

Low aurora probability in Rathlin Island tonight. Check back tomorrow for updated conditions.

Storm-Dependent Location

Rathlin Island is not a nightly aurora destination. The Northern Lights are only possible here during stronger geomagnetic storms. For the best chance, find a dark-sky location and look north. A photographic aurora is often possible before it becomes visible to the naked eye.

Hourly Forecast · Estimated

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06:00 — 0%
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12
12:00 — 0%
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00:00 UTC06:00 UTC12:00 UTC18:00 UTC23:00 UTC
Time (UTC)Estimated (%)
2026-10-13T00:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-13T01:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-13T02:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-13T03:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-13T04:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-13T05:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-13T06:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-13T07:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-13T08:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-13T09:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-13T10:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-13T11:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-13T12:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-13T13:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-13T14:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-13T15:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-13T16:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-13T17:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-13T18:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-13T19:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-13T20:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-13T21:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-13T22:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-13T23:00:00.000Z0%
How to read this forecast

The next 24 hours use calculated local darkness and a retained aurora activity heuristic. They are not a measured or statistically calibrated chance of seeing aurora. Aggregate cloud cover is held constant unless a timed weather forecast is available.

Generated 2026-10-12T23:02:21.767Z. Kp: fresh · observation 2026-10-12T21:00:00.000Z. Cloud: fresh · cache refresh 2026-10-12T22:21:04.688+00:00. Overall model: estimated.

Window: No suitable viewing window. A dash marks a missing input; zero means the model found no visibility under the supplied conditions.

27-Day Forecast

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Oct 13

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Oct 14

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Oct 15

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About Aurora Viewing in Rathlin Island

Rathlin Island, United Kingdom, is at 55.3°N. Aurora visibility depends on local conditions as well as geomagnetic activity. Its verified magnetic latitude is 52.1°N; Kp 5–7 is an approximate screening range, not a visibility probability. Even favourable activity can be hidden by clouds or daylight. Find a dark, open northern horizon and check the sky before travelling.

Follow forecasts, cloud maps and aurora alerts for Rathlin Island in Aurora Hunt, then confirm darkness, local cloud and access before going outside.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can you see aurora in Rathlin Island tonight?
Aurora visibility in Rathlin Island depends on geomagnetic activity (Kp index), cloud cover, and darkness. At 55.3°N latitude, Rathlin Island typically needs a Kp index of 5–7 for visible aurora. Check the real-time forecast above for tonight's conditions.
What time is best to see northern lights in Rathlin Island?
The best time to see aurora in Rathlin Island is typically between 10 PM and 2 AM local time, when skies are darkest. Aurora can appear any time after astronomical twilight, but peak activity usually occurs around local midnight.
Where to watch aurora in Rathlin Island?
For the best aurora viewing in Rathlin Island, find a location away from city light pollution with a clear view to the north. Dark areas outside the city center, elevated viewpoints, and spots near water are ideal. Check cloud cover before heading out.
What Kp index is needed to see aurora in Rathlin Island?
Rathlin Island is at 55.3°N latitude and typically requires a Kp index of 5–7 for visible aurora. Higher Kp values mean stronger geomagnetic storms and better aurora visibility, even at lower latitudes.
Is Rathlin Island, United Kingdom a good place to see northern lights?
Rathlin Island can see aurora during strong geomagnetic storms. Located at 55.3°N, aurora is visible when Kp index reaches 5–7 or higher.

Nearby Aurora Destinations

Ballycastle

55.2°N View →

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Portrush

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Ballymoney

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Portstewart

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Never Miss the Aurora in Rathlin Island

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