Northern Lights in Iceland: When & Where To See the Aurora

Key Takeaways

• Best time to see the northern lights in Iceland: You can see the northern lights from early September through the beginning of April, but the months with the darkest skies and highest activity are, according to our analysis, February to March and October through November.

• Best conditions for spotting the aurora: Clear skies, low light pollution, and strong solar activity give you the highest chance of seeing the lights.

• Best places to see the northern lights: Remote areas in the countryside generally offer the darkest skies, while the southeastern "clear-sky corridor" from Kirkjubaejarklaustur to Djupivogur is the least cloudy.

• Best way to see the aurora: Joining guided northern lights tours is the easiest option, as local experts know where to find the clearest skies and strongest activity.

• Best way to see the aurora without a tour: Rent a car, check the northern lights forecast, and drive to places with low cloud cover and minimal light pollution. Then be patient.

• Best places near Reykjavik: Spots like Grotta Lighthouse and Oskjuhlid Hill are among the best places to see the northern lights in Reykjavik.

• Best way to improve your chances: Stay for several nights, check the forecast often, and be ready to head out when the conditions suddenly line up.

• Best alternative aurora experiences: Boat tours, northern lights hotels, and geothermal spas can all make aurora hunting more memorable.

• Best way to dress for aurora hunting: Warm layers, waterproof outerwear, insulated boots, and gloves are essential items to wear to stay comfortable outside at night.

• Northern lights outlook for 2026: This year is expected to become yet another strong aurora season, as solar activity remains elevated following the recent solar maximum.

If you want a quick visual reference, save this infographic with the most important information about finding the northern lights in Iceland.

What Are the Northern Lights?

Dancing in the skies above the land of ice and fire, these striking green lights are a true natural wonder. Yet, many don’t know what they are.

The northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, are the visible result of solar particles entering the Earth’s magnetic field and ionizing high in the atmosphere. The ionization gives them their colors, usually green, but occasionally purple, red, pink, orange, and blue.

However, solar activity isn’t reliable and can be sporadic. So, even during a dark, clear night, Iceland might not have any northern lights. On the flip side, northern lights can occur in the atmosphere on a midsummer day, but the sun’s brightness prevents you from viewing them.

The Science Behind the Northern Lights

The aurora begins on the Sun. Explosions such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections release streams of charged particles into space. When these particles reach Earth, our magnetic field pulls them toward the poles. As they collide with oxygen and nitrogen atoms high in the atmosphere, the atoms release light, forming the aurora.

Auroras occur at both poles: aurora borealis in the north and aurora australis in the south. Iceland, at latitude 64°N, sits directly beneath the northern auroral oval, which is why it is one of the best places on Earth to see the northern lights.

The color depends on the type of gas and the altitude:

• Green – oxygen at lower altitudes (the most common).

• Red – oxygen at very high altitudes, during intense storms.

• Blue and purple – nitrogen molecules reacting with solar particles.

The sun follows an approximately 11-year cycle of activity, ranging from quieter periods to dramatic peaks known as solar maximum. Solar Cycle 25 reached its peak in late 2024, producing powerful aurora storms visible across Iceland. Solar activity is forecast to stay elevated through 2026 and into 2027, producing frequent geomagnetic storms over Iceland.

The Most Reliable Time to See the Northern Lights in Iceland

The best time to see the northern lights in Iceland is late September through November and February through March. The general rule is that the darker it is, the better the conditions are for seeing the most vibrant aurora. It's therefore possible to see northern lights from early September through the beginning of April. While you can occasionally see aurora at the end of August and in late April, the lingering sunlight makes them very faint.

The geomagnetic activity needed for aurora, however, does not stay on the same level throughout the entire aurora season.

March and September Have the Most Northern Lights Activity

It's a known fact that geomagnetic storms peak around the spring and autumn equinoxes, meaning increased chances of seeing aurora. The reason is the Russell-McPherron effect: Earth’s magnetic axis lines up more favorably with the solar wind in March and September, which makes it easier for solar particles to enter the magnetosphere.

Our own analysis of the best aurora months using 95 years of Kp data tells the same story, as seen from the image above. The data show that aurora activity in March and September runs significantly higher compared to June through July and December to January.

The main arguments that speak against a northern lights vacation around the equinoxes are the fewer number of dark hours during September and March compared to the winter months in between them. The trade-off is real, as the winter solstice on December 21st is the darkest day of the year with up to 20 hours of darkness, but it's also when aurora activity hits its lowest point.

If you want the best statistical odds of high aurora activity while also maximizing the number of dark hours when the northern lights will actually be visible, target late September through October and early November, or February through March. You’ll get plenty of darkness, plus a real geomagnetic advantage from the equinox alignment.

According to our analysis of Icelandic cloud data from the past 89 years, time matters less than location when it comes to clear skies. We go into more detail about the best places to see the northern lights in the next chapter.

The Moon Phase and Aurora Visibility

The brightness of the moon affects how much of the aurora you can see. A new moon leaves the sky at its darkest, which makes even the faintest auroras visible. A full moon washes out weaker displays, though stronger geomagnetic storms cut through regardless. If you have flexibility in your travel dates, check the moon phase in advance and plan around the new-moon week.

Using Light Pollution Maps to Find Dark Skies

The Bortle Dark-Sky Scale rates night-sky darkness on a 1 to 9 scale, where 1 is pristine wilderness, and 9 is inner-city. Most of Iceland’s interior, including Thingvellir National Park, the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, and the Westfjords, sits at Bortle 2 or 3. Reykjavik runs at Bortle 7 or 8.

The further you get from the capital region, the better your odds for catching faint auroras. Before you head out, cross-reference your planned stops with a light pollution map over Iceland to find the closest pocket of darkness.

While city lights make it more difficult to see northern lights, now and then people do also tend to spot the northern lights above their heads in central Reykjavik as well, especially from dark gardens or parks and the coastal walk near the Sun Voyager sculpture.

Where to See the Northern Lights in Iceland

"Where can I see the northern lights in Iceland?" is a common question travelers ask when planning their trips. If the conditions are favorable, you can see the northern lights anywhere in Iceland, but it’s easier and more scenic in some places than others.

In practice, you need a location that has three things: aurora activity, darkness, and a cloud-free sky. Northern lights activity tends to be relatively even across the country, and dark skies are easy to find as soon as you leave town limits. That leaves us with the cloud half of that equation.

We recently did an analysis using 89 years of cloud coverage data from all over Iceland to rank the top 22 most popular aurora bases based on how cloudy they are, and the findings point to a different region than North Iceland, which is the most common recommendation.

The least cloudy region in Iceland is "the clear-sky corridor" in Southeast Iceland, stretching from Kirkjubaejarklaustur town in the south through Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and the town of Hofn to Djupivogur village in the Eastfjords.

According to the cloud data analysis, the rest of the South Coast, as well as Lake Myvatn in the northeast and Reykjavik in the southwest, all beat the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, North Iceland, and the Westfjords when it comes to clear skies during the northern lights season.

Note: Cloud coverage is counted in oktas, meaning a value between 0 and 8, where 0 is a completely clear sky, and 8 is overcast. The average oktas per location does not say anything about how many nights are completely clear or cloud-covered.

Top Cloud-Free Northern Lights Destinations in Iceland

The difference in average cloud cover between Djupivogur and Kirkjubaejarklaustur is so small that they essentially share the top spot for least cloudy aurora destination in Iceland.

Looking at the data, the following travel regions emerge as the top places for northern lights in Iceland:

• Southeast Iceland: Kirkjubaejarklaustur is the clear-sky corridor base closest to Reykjavik, about two and a half hours away by car. Further east, you’ll find Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, which is one of the most scenic spots for northern lights sightings. Hofn is a small town nearby, where you can fuel up, stock up on snacks, and find accommodation for the night.

• East Iceland: Djupivogur, the least cloudy northern lights spot in Iceland, is a small fishing village where Southeast Iceland transitions into the Eastfjord region. Egilsstadir is the largest town in the east and the most practical base for the region. Seydisfjordur is a slightly less convenient destination, located one mountain pass away in a steep-sided fjord. In the northeast, Lake Myvatn is the one genuinely clear-skied corner of North Iceland.

• The South Coast: Hella in the south of Iceland sits in open countryside with wide sightlines and is the base for several of the hotels that offer aurora wake-up calls. Vik is the most convenient base on the South Coast for accommodation and services, and nearby Dyrholaey is a high headland with a completely dark Atlantic horizon, setting the scene for stunning aurora displays. Spending one night in this region before continuing Southeast is a popular itinerary setup.

• Southwest Iceland: Reykjavik has clearer skies than Akureyri, Snaefellsnes, or the Westfjords, although the city’s own light pollution is a bigger obstacle here than clouds. Thingvellir National Park is the closest properly dark sky near the capital, under an hour’s drive away. For travelers without a car, there are several northern lights tours that depart from the capital every evening and take travelers out into the dark countryside.

For travelers who want to maximize their experience and plan a trip throughout all the regions with the best chances of northern lights, we recommend a 7-day northern lights self-drive tour or 5-day guided winter tour with aurora hunting. Both offer itineraries that take you through the clear-sky corridor and some of Iceland’s most iconic natural wonders along the way.

Understanding the Icelandic Aurora Forecast

There are two things you need to pay attention to when looking at a northern lights forecast:

1. Cloud cover - Clear skies are the first requirement. Even the strongest aurora is invisible behind thick clouds. The fewer the clouds, the better your chances.

2. Kp index - This 0–9 scale measures geomagnetic activity and tells you how strong the aurora is expected to be. A higher number means brighter and more widespread northern lights.

Keep in mind that this forecast only looks up to three days ahead, as longer-term predictions are not reliable.

The Kp Index Explained: How Strong Will the Aurora Be?

The Kp index explained:

• Kp 0 - Silent: No geomagnetic activity. Auroras not visible.

• Kp 1 - Very quiet: Auroras highly unlikely, but possible near the poles.

• Kp 2 - Quiet: Faint auroras possible under clear, dark skies.

• Kp 3 - Unsettled: Steady auroras likely, weaker near city lights.

• Kp 4 - Active: Bright auroras likely, visible even with some light pollution.

• Kp 5 - Minor storm: Strong auroras likely, often more than one color.

• Kp 6 - Moderate storm: Vivid multi-colored auroras, widespread with movement.

• Kp 7 - Strong storm: Intense auroras, fast-moving and multicolored.

• Kp 8 - Severe storm: Extremely rare event; entire sky glows with brilliant, shifting colors.

• Kp 9 - Intense storm: Historic storm; auroras so bright they can light the whole landscape.

Remember that the Kp index is only a prediction, much like a weather forecast. A Kp index above 5 is a rare event. A high Kp does not guarantee auroras, and a low Kp does not rule them out.

If the skies are dark and cloud-free, it’s always worth stepping outside and checking regularly; some of the best displays appear when least expected.

Beyond the Kp Index: Advanced Aurora Forecast Tools

If you want to go beyond clouds and the Kp index, a few additional tools can give you a clearer picture of aurora conditions in Iceland:

• Bz component: The solar wind blows charged particles toward Earth, and those particles carry part of the Sun’s magnetic field with them. The Bz number tells us if that field is pointing in a direction that makes auroras more likely or not. A negative bz value = good, a positive bz value = not so good.

• Solar wind speed: The solar wind is the stream of charged particles flowing out from the sun. When it moves faster, it pushes harder on Earth’s magnetic field and creates more active auroras. Typical speeds are around 300–400 km/s, but if it jumps above 500 km/s, the chance of brighter northern lights increases.

• OVATION model: This is a computer model that uses live solar wind data to predict aurora activity for the next 30 to 90 minutes. It’s usually shown as a world map with a glowing oval around the poles. The brighter and larger the oval over your area, the better your chances of seeing the lights.

You can check the Bz component and solar wind speed on NOAA’s Real-Time Solar Wind dashboard, and the OVATION model on NOAA’s Aurora 30-Minute Forecast map.

Best Aurora Forecasts for Northern Lights in Iceland

For reliable aurora forecasts in Iceland, check the following:

• Guide to Iceland's northern lights forecast

• Icelandic Meteorological Office's northern lights forecast

If you want to increase your chances of finding the northern lights in Iceland even further, a useful insider trick is to join local aurora-hunting groups on Facebook or community forums. People often post real-time updates when the lights become visible, which can give you an early heads-up and save you from waiting outside for hours.

Hunting the Northern Lights on a Guided Tour in Iceland

A guided tour is the simplest way to look for the aurora, especially if you are based in Reykjavik and would rather not drive at night in winter. You are picked up in the evening, taken away from the city glow, and brought back the same night, with someone else making every decision about where to go.

Advantages of choosing guided northern lights tours include:

• You’ll be under the guidance of an aurora expert.

• You’ll be taken to the place with the most favorable conditions for the night.

• You won’t need to worry about driving in Iceland’s winter conditions.

• As a bonus, they take you to places and landscapes you might never see otherwise.

Below, we compare the best-rated guided northern lights tours from Reykjavik. All are rated 8.4 or above by more than 50 travelers.

Best Guided Northern Lights Evening Tours Compared

Every tour above departs in the evening and returns the same night, and all of them run from September to April. The main difference between them is the vehicle. A bus is the most affordable way to get out of the city glow, a minibus keeps the group small and can use narrower roads, a boat takes you out from Reykjavik harbor onto open water with no light pollution around you, and a super jeep can reach spots a coach cannot.

Where you actually end up is decided on the day rather than when you book. The guide checks the cloud forecast and drives to whichever spot looks clearest that night, which is the single biggest reason to join a tour instead of guessing on your own.

The limit is range. A tour that has to be back before morning can only reach South and Southwest Iceland, so it can escape the city lights but not the wider weather system.

If you go out and the aurora does not appear, most operators will let you join again on another night free of charge. Book it for one of your first nights in Iceland rather than your last, so you still have time to use that second chance.

Best Guided Multi-Day Northern Lights Tours Compared

Multi-day packages solve the biggest weakness of a single evening tour, which is that you only get one attempt. Each of these itineraries gives you several consecutive nights under Icelandic skies, and the longer routes move you across the country as you go, so one cloudy night does not cost you the trip.

All of the tours follow the South Coast as far as Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, which sits inside the clear-sky corridor in Southeast Iceland.

The daytime hours are just as full as the evenings. Depending on the length you choose, the itineraries take in the Golden Circle, the waterfalls and black sand beaches of the South Coast, a blue ice cave inside a glacier. The Ring Road tours add North Iceland and the Eastfjords to the itineraries. Accommodation, transport, and a guide are all included.

Finding the Northern Lights by Car in Iceland

If you have a valid driver’s license in the Latin alphabet, you can easily hunt for the northern lights yourself by renting a car and booking your own accommodation and meet-on-location activities. When driving in Iceland in winter, it's best to rent a 4x4 vehicle, as conditions can be challenging.

The benefit of choosing to drive yourself is that you don't need to share the experience with strangers, there are no time limitations, and you can choose where to look for the aurora borealis yourself.

Before renting a car, it’s essential to be aware that driving in Iceland can be tricky during winter.

Keep this in mind before driving into the night to hunt for northern lights:

• While the roads are mostly ice-free in September, October, and April, they can be harder to drive in November through March.

• All rental cars in Iceland have tires suitable for winter driving. Even if you feel comfortable driving in icy conditions, renting a four-wheel-drive vehicle is still recommended.

• You should also check the road conditions and the weather forecast before departing to ensure that your intended destination is accessible.

• If you have little experience driving in snowy conditions and rural areas, you may feel more comfortable on a guided tour.

It's best to evaluate your driving capabilities realistically and familiarize yourself with safe driving principles in Iceland beforehand, as you don't want to take unnecessary risks.

Best Northern Lights Self-Drive Tours Compared

Winter self-drive tours give you the one thing no guided evening tour can, which is unlimited time. Your car, your accommodation, and your route are all booked in advance, but the nights belong to you. If the sky finally clears at 1 am, you can step straight out of your hotel and look up or even take the car for a little nighttime drive.

The routes are built around Iceland’s best-known sights as much as its darkest skies. The shorter tours cover the Golden Circle and the South Coast, including Dyrholaey and Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, while the longer ones add the Snaefellsnes Peninsula or the complete Ring Road with Lake Myvatn and the Eastfjords. Any route that continues past Vik will carry you through the clear-sky corridor from Kirkjubaejarklaustur to Djupivogur, where the probability of clear skies is at its highest.

Top Northern Lights Hotels in Iceland with Wake-Up Calls

The best northern lights hotels in Iceland are in remote locations with no light pollution. Many hotels offer northern lights wake-up service during the winter season, so guests don’t miss out on the spectacular aurora.

Here are 8 of the best hotels in Iceland that offer northern lights wake-up calls for their guests.

1. Hotel Ranga in South Iceland is a luxury countryside retreat located in Hella, about 100 kilometers southeast of Reykjavik. Famous for its themed suites and on-site observatory, it’s one of the few hotels in Iceland designed specifically with stargazing and aurora watching in mind.

2. Hotel Husafell in West Iceland is an upper mid-range property set in the scenic Borgarfjordur area. With geothermal hot tubs, eco-conscious design, and a striking location surrounded by glaciers and lava fields, it’s a stylish base for northern lights hunting and outdoor adventures.

3. Stracta Hotel in South Iceland is a mid-range option in Hella with open surroundings and easy access to the countryside. Its clean, modern rooms and relaxed atmosphere make it a practical choice for travelers who want comfort without losing sight of the wide night skies.

4. The Hill Hotel in Fludir is a mid-range boutique stay on the Golden Circle route. Known for its cozy rooms and warm hospitality, it offers a convenient stop for travelers exploring South Iceland while keeping the northern lights within reach on clear winter nights.

5. Landhotel in South Iceland is an upper mid-range property located near Hekla volcano. Surrounded by untouched nature with minimal light pollution, it provides sweeping night-sky views and easy access to some of Iceland’s most dramatic landscapes.

6. Umi Hotel on the South Coast is an upper mid-range hideaway at the foot of the Eyjafjoll mountains. Its sleek, contemporary design and panoramic windows create the perfect backdrop for watching the aurora while enjoying comfort and seclusion.

7. ION Adventure Hotel in South Iceland is an upper mid-range design hotel near Thingvellir National Park. Built into a lava field, it is renowned for its bold architecture, infinity pool, and dramatic views over the surrounding landscape; an unforgettable spot for aurora hunting.

8. Silica Hotel at Blue Lagoon on the Reykjanes Peninsula is a luxury spa hotel set among black lava fields. With its private geothermal lagoon and tranquil setting, it offers the rare chance to pair wellness and relaxation with the magic of the northern lights.

What to Wear for a Northern Lights Hunt in Iceland

A northern lights hunt means standing still outside in the cold and dark, often for an hour or more. The wind will make it feel far colder than the thermometer says, so dress in layers. The layers trap warm air between them, and you can open or remove one when you step back onto the bus or car, then add it again outside.

• Thermal base layer. Wear a long-sleeved top and long bottoms in wool or a synthetic fabric. Avoid cotton, which soaks up sweat, leaving you colder the longer you stand still.

• Insulating mid-layer. A fleece or a light down jacket holds in the body heat your base layer has kept close. Pick one you can open or take off quickly, since tour buses and cars are warm.

• Windproof outer layer. Bring both a shell jacket and shell trousers. This is the layer doing the real work on an exposed hillside or beach, where wind and sleet arrive with no warning.

• Insulated boots. Choose boots with a thick sole and good grip for icy or snowy ground, and leave some room inside them. Don't lace them up too tightly; this will restrict circulation.

• Wool socks. One thick pair works, or two thin pairs if your boots have the space. Bring a spare set in your bag so you can change if your feet get wet.

• Hat and gloves. Your hands, ears, and face will feel the cold first, so cover all three. Thin liner gloves worn under mittens let you handle a phone or camera without exposing bare fingers.

• Neck warmer or scarf. A neck warmer seals the gap between your jacket collar and your hat, and you can pull it up over your nose and cheeks when the wind picks up.

• Thermos with a hot drink. Tea, coffee, or hot chocolate warms you from the inside and gives you a reason to stay out a little longer while you wait for the sky to clear.

Lastly, don't forget to bring a power bank so you can charge your phone on the go.

We recommend reading our complete guide to what to wear in Iceland before your trip so you're fully prepared for any conditions.

Always check the weather forecast and be prepared to adapt your attire to the conditions of the night, ensuring a memorable and comfortable northern lights experience.

Photographing the Northern Lights in Iceland

Photographing the northern lights can be tricky. While most newer phones can capture the northern lights to some extent, they might not show the full magic. Most of the photographs you see online, including in this article, were captured with professional cameras.

If you want a go at photographing the northern lights yourself, here’s a quick summary:

• Use a DSLR or full-frame camera with ISO capabilities.

  • A mirrorless camera works, too, but it’s not as ideal.

• Use a wide-angle (or even ultra-wide-angle) lens as well.

• Use a tripod and a shutter release to keep your camera steady, too.

• Set the ISO around 1,600 and an aperture of f/2.8 or lower.

Photography is an art, and these settings are just a guideline. If you’re unsure, you can go on a special northern lights tour with a photographer where you can get help capturing the best photos of the aurora and Iceland’s beauty in the winter.

We asked Iurie Belegurschi, an internationally acclaimed nature photographer and local of Iceland, about his favorite spot to photograph the northern lights. He recommends Kirkjufell mountain on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. With its dramatic shape, surrounding landscapes, and striking foreground, Kirkjufell provides one of the best backdrops in Iceland for capturing unforgettable northern lights photos.

He continues to explain that the perfect northern lights photo requires more than just luck with the forecast:

When asked about his best advice for a night of successful northern lights photography, Iurie emphasizes bringing patience and preparing for the weather conditions properly.

Are Northern Lights Guaranteed in Iceland?

No, the northern lights are not guaranteed in Iceland. They are a natural phenomenon, so sightings depend on solar activity, clear skies, darkness, and low light pollution.

However, you can greatly increase your chances by staying in Iceland for longer, traveling outside Reykjavik, and choosing countryside hotels or remote accommodations with little light pollution. The more nights you have in dark, clear conditions, the better your odds.

Guided northern lights tours can also improve your chances, as expert guides monitor the forecast and know where to find the clearest skies. Many guided tours also offer a free retry if you do not see the northern lights on your first attempt.

Mythology and Legends of the Northern Lights in Iceland

Before science could explain the source of the dancing lights in the sky, different people told many stories about their origins. Strangely, the folklore about the aurora is richer in other parts of the world compared to Iceland.

Modern scholars have theorized that the Old Norse people might have thought the northern lights were the glinting of the shields and armor of the Valkyries. The Valkyries were female figures who guided warriors who died in battle to Valhalla. However, there are no mentions of the northern lights in the old Icelandic sagas, so these are just speculations.

In Finnish, the word for northern lights is "revontulet" which translates to "fire fox." The Sami people of Finnish Lapland thought that the lights resulted from the fire fox running across the snow so quickly that its tail threw sparks into the sky.

The auroras have also been considered omens. After Christianization in Medieval Europe, people saw them as a warning for dark times ahead.

Today, we understand the northern lights as a beautiful result of natural forces at play between the sun and Earth's magnetic field. However, their mesmerizing glow continues to inspire awe and wonder, just as it did centuries ago.

 Conclusion: How to Plan the Perfect Northern Lights Vacation

In conclusion, here’s all you need to plan the ultimate northern lights vacation in Iceland and maximize your chances of seeing the aurora:

• When: Between September and April, ideally in October through November, or February through March, which, according to our analysis, has the best chances of northern lights.

• Where: The southern Ring Road stretch from Reykjavik traveling east and up towards Lake Myvatn, which, according to our study, is the least cloudy place in Iceland. More specifically, the best place for northern lights spotting is the clear sky corridor in Southeast Iceland, starting from Kirkjubaejarklaustur on the South Coast to Djupivogur in the Eastfjords.

• How: If you want to drive yourself, you can either rent a car and plan the route yourself and reserve stays at northern lights hotels, or you can book one of our many winter self-drive tours, which are designed by local experts and can be customized to your liking. If you prefer not to drive, you can join guided northern lights tours that last anywhere from a few hours to multiple days, where the guides will check the forecasts and take you to the best spots.

Our best recommendation is not to rely on the northern lights forecast too much. If the sky is clear, simply step outside and look up. The northern lights tend to appear when you least expect them.

We hope our ultimate guide to the northern lights in Iceland has provided you with the knowledge and courage to seek out the aurora borealis. Is there anything we missed? Have you visited Iceland before? Share your thoughts in the comments below!