Plan your trip during Iceland's northern lights season from late September to early April for the best chance to see the aurora. Learn all you need to know about the best months and conditions for viewing the aurora borealis in Iceland.
The northern lights, or aurora borealis, are one of nature’s most magical phenomena. Iceland’s high latitude and low population make it an ideal destination, but catching them requires planning and a bit of luck.
Long, dark winter nights provide the best conditions, but clear skies and low light pollution are key. Check the aurora forecast and Icelandic weather forecast for the best viewing opportunities.
For flexibility, renting a car lets you hunt for the northern lights independently, but many travelers choose northern lights tours, where experienced guides take you to the best viewing spots.
Plus, there’s no better time to visit! The sun is in a Solar Maximum through 2025, meaning increased solar activity and more dramatic auroras. Continue reading to learn when and where to see the aurora in Iceland.
Key Takeaways
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The Iceland northern lights season runs from late September to early April when the nights are long and dark enough for optimal viewing.
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The best places to see the northern lights are away from city lights, with top spots including Thingvellir National Park, the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, and the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.
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Checking the aurora forecast and weather conditions is key, as clear skies and solar activity determine how much you can see.
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Joining a guided northern lights tour or booking self-drive tours increases your chances of witnessing this incredible phenomenon.
How To Find the Northern Lights in Iceland
Reykjavik offers occasional sightings, but for the best chances, stay in a northern lights hotel or a cozy cottage away from the city's light pollution.
With the right preparation and conditions, you can witness the breathtaking aurora borealis.
Timing and patience are just as important as location. Sometimes, the lights appear suddenly and vanish just as quickly. Other times, they dance across the sky for hours.
The Best Time To See the Northern Lights in Iceland
For the northern lights to be visible, you need dark skies and minimal cloud cover. This makes winter the best season to see them, as the long nights provide good conditions.
The Iceland northern lights season runs from September to early April, when darkness lasts long enough for the aurora to shine brightly. In midwinter, Iceland experiences just 4-5 daylight hours, giving plenty of aurora-hunting opportunities.
Astronomer and science communicator Sævar Helgi Bragason explains that predicting and viewing the northern lights depends on studying space weather data.
He recommends the equinox months—March, April, September, and October—as prime times for experiencing the aurora, with the best visibility typically occurring between 10:30 PM and 1 AM.
Thanks to Iceland’s location beneath the auroral oval—the area around Earth's poles where auroras are strongest—it remains one of the best places in the world to witness this natural wonder.
The Best Month To See the Northern Lights in Iceland
The northern lights months in Iceland are between September and April, and while there’s no particularly optimum time between this range, the nights are the darkest from November to January. This means you can seek the aurora in Iceland from late afternoon until nearly noon the next day, which provides good conditions to photograph the northern lights.
Winter can be a beautiful time to visit Iceland, as you'll see nature covered by a blanket of snow. Many of the main sites will remain accessible, such as the Golden Circle and the South Coast.
You can also experience winter activities, like snowmobiling tours or glacier hiking and walking tours. Or check out the crystal blue ice cave tour in the Vatnajokull Glacier before exploring the northern lights each night.
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See also the Best Winter Activities in Iceland.
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Explore The Best Photo Tours in Iceland.
Best Time of Night To See the Aurora Borealis in Iceland
You can see the aurora borealis in Iceland whenever the sky is dark. In December, they may be visible from 3 PM until 9 AM. While the weather in Iceland in December can be unpredictable, it's usually not as cold and snowy as in January, so you may have more luck with clear skies.
However, due to the Earth’s rotation, atmosphere, and magnetosphere relative to Iceland, they are most likely to appear between 10 PM and 12 AM.
This is when most northern lights tours set off. It also means you can search during the optimal time and return home early enough to keep your plans the next day.
If you’re renting a 4x4 car in Iceland and taking winter self-drive tours tailored to the aurora borealis, you can search throughout the night.
However, remember to avoid sunrise and sunset when light pollution significantly dims them. If you are out well into the early hours hunting for the auroras, it’ll be noticeably colder, so dress accordingly.
What Are the Best Conditions To See the Northern Lights?
Seeing the northern lights in Iceland depends on a few key things: strong solar activity, clear skies, and darkness. If you know what to look for, you’ll have a much better chance of catching this amazing natural show.
1. Strong Solar Activity
The solar wind is the reason behind the appearance of northern lights. The Kp-index forecast measures the level of solar activity. The optimum level is above three, and you can check this on the northern lights forecast in Iceland.
2. Clear Skies
The Icelandic Meteorological Office also has a cloud cover forecast to help you find the best place to spot northern lights in Iceland.
3. As Little Light as Possible
The darker it is, the easier it is to spot the aurora borealis. They still appear in cities like Reykjavik, but the best results are from the remote countryside, where there are no distracting lights.
So there is no straight answer for when to see the northern lights in Iceland; it depends on the season or month, the weather, and solar conditions.
Can You See the Northern Lights in Reykjavik?
Though the urban light pollution usually hampers visibility, you can sometimes see the northern lights from the city center of Reykjavik.
There are also areas within and around the city where the lights are more visible. Look for parks and coastal areas, like the Grotta Nature Reserve or the Sun Voyager Sculpture, as they’re some of the best places to see the northern lights in Reykjavik.
For some unique northern light experiences while in Reykjavik, you can take this dedicated northern lights tour with an optional visit to the Aurora Reykjavik Museum. Or check out the award-winning northern lights show as part of admission to the Perlan Museum observatory.
Best Places To See the Northern Lights in Iceland
Iceland’s best northern lights spots are far from city lights. Thingvellir National Park, just 28 miles (45 kilometers) from Reykjavik, offers dark skies and easy access.
The Snaefellsnes Peninsula is another great choice, with dramatic coastlines and minimal light pollution.
Along the South Coast, the nature surrounding the village of Vik and the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon provide stunning backdrops for aurora displays. In the north, Myvatn Lake boasts clear skies and Myvatn Nature Baths to warm you while you wait.
For the most remote viewing, the Westfjords offer untouched landscapes and some of Iceland’s darkest skies. The Icelandic Highlands can be spectacular in early autumn or spring, but accessibility depends on road conditions.
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Learn more about Driving in Iceland: The Ultimate Guide to Road Trips.
Tips for Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland
Witnessing the northern lights in Iceland always requires some luck. Some travelers dead set on aurora hunting may encounter cloud cover or a lack of solar activity every night of their holiday. Others, traveling for one night to Iceland in August, might be blessed with a fantastic show without even looking.
Other than waiting for a clear winter’s night, there are several ways to optimize your chances of enjoying a fantastic display of the aurora borealis in Iceland.
1. Take a Northern Lights Tour
Joining day tours is a great way to increase your chances of seeing the northern lights while experiencing Iceland’s stunning landscapes. Expert guides track aurora activity and take you to the best viewing locations, ensuring you don’t miss a thing.
Some of the most popular include:
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Northern Lights Tour From Reykjavik: A full-circle guided winter tour of Iceland featuring glacier hiking, waterfalls, ice caves, and the northern lights.
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Northern Lights Boat Cruise From Reykjavik: A guided evening tour that takes you beyond the city lights to prime viewing locations.
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Northern Lights Super Jeep Tour From Reykjavik: A thrilling off-road adventure in a custom 4x4, bringing you to remote viewing spots.
If you prefer more flexibility, self-drive tours allow you to explore at your own pace while chasing the aurora on your schedule.
Some of the top self-drive tours include:
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7-Day Northern Lights Self-Drive Tour: A full week of winter exploration, including top sights and activities.
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6-Day Northern Lights Self-Drive With Ice Caving: Experience Iceland’s winter wonders, including ice caves, glaciers, waterfalls, and the magical northern lights.
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5-Day Northern Lights South Coast Tour: Blend aurora chasing with visits to glaciers and waterfalls.
Explore guided multi-day tours for longer travel experiences!
2. Avoid Urban Areas When Northern Lights Hunting
All lights have the same dimming effect on the auroras as the sun. If you’re in Reykjavik and want to see the northern lights, move away from the light pollution.
You can take a city bus to the Grotta Nature Reserve, which is fairly dark compared to the rest of the city. However, you are more likely to achieve better results by booking a tour or driving out into the dark surrounding landscapes.
3. Extend the Length of Your Holiday
If traveling to Iceland for just a weekend, you only have two or three nights in which to go aurora hunting. Considering the unpredictable weather and fickle nature of the aurora borealis, you’re not setting yourself up for success.
You’re statistically more likely to see the northern lights by staying in Iceland for an extended time.
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See also How Many Days To Spend in Iceland.
4. Travel Across Iceland
A longer tour, like this two-week northern lights package, can increase your chances of a lucky night in perfect conditions.
Travelers could also consider spending much or all of their holiday in North Iceland. The nights here are longer, providing increased opportunity.
During the northern lights season, the north is also less busy than the Reykjavik area, allowing you to avoid the crowds at the most scenic viewing spots, such as the marvelous Myvatn Lake or the frozen Godafoss Waterfall.
5. Check the Weather Forecast for Northern Lights
Iceland’s weather website has regularly updated pages revealing the predicted and current cloud cover around the country, allowing you to plan to reach the areas with the clearest skies. The aurora forecast measures from zero to nine, with three and above considered promising.
6. Be Well-Prepared and Patient
It'll take several minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness of Iceland's winter nights, so stay a while at each spot, even if the sky appears clear. The northern lights can also begin at any moment, so don't rush away if they aren't immediately active.
Make sure you have many layers of warm clothes so you can comfortably wait for the auroras for as long as you need. A bit of patience can lead to the most incredible rewards, which you will remember forever.
FAQs About Iceland’s Northern Lights Season
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about seeing the northern lights in Iceland, from the best times to go to how to check the aurora forecast.
How far in advance should I check the aurora forecast?
Aurora forecasts update daily, and solar activity can be predicted up to three days in advance. However, weather conditions can change quickly in Iceland, so it’s best to check both the aurora and weather forecasts on the day you plan to go aurora hunting.
Can I see the northern lights in Iceland during autumn and spring?
You can see the northern lights in late fall and early spring, but you will have a smaller window of opportunity to see them due to the longer daylight hours.
The weather in Iceland is milder during this time, so you may have less cloud cover, although the weather can be unpredictable in Iceland, even during the warmer months.
Many summer Iceland tours extend into fall or spring, allowing you to do more when the auroras are not visible. You can travel around the country in a rental car and enjoy unique experiences.
For example, the most popular whale-watching tour from Husavik in North Iceland, the whale-watching capital in Europe, begins in April and lasts until November.
The Thrihnukagigur Volcano tour near Reykjavik continues until October and will enable you to descend into and explore a vast, unbelievably colorful magma chamber.
Keep in mind the best time for northern lights in Iceland is the winter months. However, seeing them in late autumn and early spring is still possible.
Can I see the northern lights in summer?
In the summer equinox weeks at the end of June, the sun never sets in Iceland. Instead, it circles the sky, touching the southern horizon but never quite sinking below it. The brightness of this midnight sun entirely hides the northern lights.
Through the end of May, the entirety of June and July, and the beginning of August, the nights are still too bright to see the auroras. Despite this, there is a slim chance of seeing the aurora borealis faintly during the short hours of darkness at the beginning and end of summer.
Even so, you have much less chance of seeing Iceland’s aurora borealis during these times, as they will need to be particularly intense to be visible, and there’s a much smaller window of opportunity to seek them.
Late September is an ideal time to see the aurora borealis in Iceland while enjoying mild weather and access to most summer activities.
Experience the Northern Lights and Iceland’s Winter Landscapes
Seeing the northern lights in Iceland is unforgettable, but there's so much more to explore during the day. A Golden Circle day tour takes you to geysers, waterfalls, and Thingvellir National Park, offering a perfect mix of nature and history.
For ultimate relaxation, book a Blue Lagoon comfort admission and soak in its warm, mineral-rich waters, surrounded by Iceland’s snowy winter landscapes. We also recommend exploring ice caves for an unforgettable opportunity.
With so many incredible experiences, Iceland offers adventure both day and night.
Do you have any other questions about hunting the northern lights in Iceland? What time of year are you planning to visit? Are you considering a self-drive trip or taking a northern lights tour? Tell us in the comments below!
