Moderate Activity 🌒 3% Updated live

Aurora Forecast for
Orkney Tonight

Current northern lights conditions for Orkney, Scotland, the United Kingdom. Latitude 59°N · AACGM-v2 magnetic latitude 56.3°N.

Quick Summary: The estimated northern lights outlook for Orkney 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 Orkney tonight. Check back tomorrow for updated conditions.

Hourly Forecast · Estimated

22
22:00 — 0%
23:00 — 0%
00:00 — 0%
01:00 — 0%
02:00 — 0%
03:00 — 0%
04
04:00 — 0%
05:00 — 0%
06:00 — 0%
07:00 — 0%
08:00 — 0%
09:00 — 0%
10
10:00 — 0%
11:00 — 0%
12:00 — 0%
13:00 — 0%
14:00 — 0%
15:00 — 0%
16
16:00 — 0%
17:00 — 0%
18:00 — 0%
19:00 — 0%
20:00 — 0%
21:00 — 0%
22:00 UTC04:00 UTC10:00 UTC16:00 UTC21:00 UTC
Time (UTC)Estimated (%)
2026-10-12T22:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-12T23:00:00.000Z0%
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%
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 2026-10-12T21:25:40.179Z. Kp: fresh · observation 2026-10-12T21:00:00.000Z. Cloud: fresh · cache refresh 2026-10-12T19:35:25.533+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

Kp Index •••
Probability •••
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Oct 14

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Oct 15

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About Aurora Viewing in Orkney

Orkney, United Kingdom, is at 59°N. Aurora visibility depends on local conditions as well as geomagnetic activity. Its verified magnetic latitude is 56.3°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.

In Orkney, the aurora is affectionately known locally as the Merry Dancers.

Follow forecasts, cloud maps and aurora alerts for Orkney 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 Orkney tonight?
Aurora visibility in Orkney depends on geomagnetic activity (Kp index), cloud cover, and darkness. At 59.0°N latitude, Orkney 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 Orkney?
The best time to see aurora in Orkney 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 Orkney?
For the best aurora viewing in Orkney, 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 Orkney?
Orkney is at 59.0°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 Orkney, United Kingdom a good place to see northern lights?
Orkney is a great location for aurora viewing. Located at 59.0°N, it sits within the auroral zone where northern lights are frequently visible during active periods.

Nearby Aurora Destinations

Kirkwall

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Stromness

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Yesnaby

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