Have you always dreamed of seeing the Aurora Borealis dance across the night sky? The vibrant greens and reds of the Northern Lights are a spectacular natural phenomenon that everyone should witness at least once in their lifetime. As a popular seaside town on the North Yorkshire coast of England, Whitby offers some of the best views of the Aurora Borealis in the UK. The combination of minimal light pollution, wide open spaces, and dramatic coastlines make it an ideal destination for aspiring Aurora hunters and photographers. In this guide, you'll discover when and where to see the Northern Lights in Whitby, and get pro tips to capture them on camera. By the end of this, you'll be chasing the Aurora Borealis with the best of them.
Did you know that over 80% of tourists miss the Northern Lights due to the lack of Aurora knowledge? Don't let that be you! The right time and the right place are the key. Northern Lights Online Course and Aurora mobile app designed for beginners will significantly increase your chances.
Designed For Beginners
Designed For Beginners
The best time to see the Northern Lights in Whitby is between 10 pm and 3 am when the sky is darkest. For the strongest displays, check the Aurora forecast and head out when the Kp index is 6 or higher.
The Top Spots to See the Lights
Head to the coast for stunning views without light pollution. Saltwick Bay and Whitby Beach are perfect. You'll have an unobstructed view over the sea where the lights tend to be most vibrant. Sandsend Beach and Kettleness are also great options if you want to escape the crowds.
The North York Moors National Park has wide open spaces ideal for Aurora hunting. Head to the Hole of Horcum, a massive natural amphitheatre, or the cliffs at Bridestones Moor for panoramic views.
On the edge of the moors, the historic Abbey ruins and Whitby Whalebone Arch are popular photography spots, with the lights as a dramatic backdrop.
To capture the Aurora, use a DSLR camera with a wide-angle lens, set to a high ISO, open aperture and long exposure. A tripod is essential to keep your camera still for the 30-second or longer exposures needed. Shoot in RAW image format for the best results.
With stunning coastal scenery, dark skies, and multiple vantage points, Whitby is a premier destination for seeing the Northern Lights dance across the sky. Bundle up, grab your camera, and get ready for a show you'll never forget!
Check our article on how to easily find the best place for Northern Lights viewing in 4 easy steps: Where Can I See the Northern Lights
An easy way to find the darkest place near Whitby ideal for Aurora viewing is to use the light pollution map: Light Pollution Maps for Aurora Hunters
The Northern Lights Whitby Forecast for 3 days and long-term Aurora forecast for up to 27 days ahead can be found here: Geophysical Institute
Before going out for your Aurora Borealis Whitby hunt take Northern Lights Online Course where you will learn all you need to know to successfully hunt for the Northern Lights and significantly increase your chances. This course is designed for beginners so you don't need to worry about not knowing much yet.
The coastline around Whitby offers some of the best views of the Northern Lights in North Yorkshire. Here are the top three spots to see the Aurora Borealis near Whitby:
Boulby Cliffs
The dramatic sea cliffs at Boulby, just a 30-minute drive from Whitby, provide an epic backdrop for the Northern Lights. Their height means light pollution is minimal, and you'll have unobstructed views across the North Sea. For the best photos, try composing the sea cliffs in the foreground with the colourful lights dancing above.
Staithes
The picturesque fishing village of Staithes, a 20-minute drive north of Whitby, is a prime viewing location. Walk down to the harbour or beach and find a spot to set up your tripod. The lack of ambient lighting means the sky truly comes alive here. You may even spot reflections of the Aurora shimmering in the still waters of the harbour.
Robin Hood's Bay
Another scenic coastal village, Robin Hood's Bay is just a 15-minute drive south of Whitby. Walk out onto the beach or pier and look north across the sea. The bay's natural amphitheatre-like shape seems to contain the Northern Lights, intensifying their glow. For photography, capture the village's higgledy-piggledy rooftops and the lights above.
To have the best chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis near Whitby, watch the forecasts and activity levels. When the Kp index hits 6 or higher, get out to one of these locations, set up your camera, and wait for the show to begin. With a little luck and patience, you'll be rewarded with a once-in-a-lifetime display.
To capture the Aurora Borealis in all its glory around Whitby, keep these photography tips in mind:
Location, location, location
Find an area with little light pollution for the best views of the Northern Lights. Head to the North Yorkshire Moors, about 10 minutes from Whitby. The moors offer wide open spaces with no artificial lighting. For seascapes featuring the ocean and Aurora, hit the beaches in Sandsend or Whitby Harbour.
Camera settings
Use a DSLR camera with manual settings for the most control. Shoot in RAW image format to capture more data. Use a wide-angle lens, like 24mm or less. Set your camera to a high ISO, around 1600 to 3200 or higher. Choose a long exposure, between 10 to 30 seconds. Use a sturdy tripod to keep your camera still during long exposures.
Composition
Frame your shot with an interesting foreground element like rocks, trees or a building to give a sense of scale. Leave room in front of the direction of the Aurora for them to “dance” into your composition. Try vertical and horizontal orientations for different effects. For extra drama, include the reflection of the lights on still water.
To maximize your chances of seeing and capturing the Aurora Borealis around Whitby, keep an eye on the geomagnetic activity forecasts. Be ready to head out at a moment’s notice when the Kp index reaches 6 or higher! With the right timing and techniques, you’ll be well on your way to photographing a spectacular display of the Northern Lights.
So there you have it, everything you need to know to chase those elusive Northern Lights in Whitby. Now it’s up to you to get out under those starry skies, find a cozy spot away from the light pollution, and wait for the show to start. When that green glow starts dancing across the horizon, you’ll know the wait was worth it. The Aurora Borealis is one of nature’s most spectacular displays, and seeing it with your own eyes is a memory you’ll cherish forever. Make the most of your night under the lights in Whitby—enjoy every shimmer, take lots of photos, and don’t forget to just stop and stare in wonder at the beauty of it all. The magic of the Northern Lights awaits you—so start planning your adventure and get ready for a sky full of color!
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