Northern Lights in Iceland: Guide to How, When, and Where to See Them

The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis in the Northern Hemisphere, is a natural phenomenon seen in the sky, primarily around the polar regions. They appear when charged particles from the sun, carried by the solar wind, interact with the Earth’s magnetic field.

Have you ever wondered why the Northern Lights can flash in different colors? The secret lies in the atmosphere’s gases. When particles collide with gases in the atmosphere, they release energy in the form of colorful streaks. Green is the most common hue, but you may also see pink, red, blue, and even purple. Each tint is created by different gases and their reactions with solar particles.

Auroras are usually seen near the magnetic poles, where the Earth's magnetic shield is weaker. These areas are Scandinavia, Iceland, northern Canada, Greenland, and northern Russia—known as the auroral zone.

❯ One of the most interesting Northern Lights facts is that during periods of strong activity, they can be visible all night.

Long before we understood the science behind the mysterious glow, people created fascinating myths to explain them. Eskimo tribes thought these lights were their ancestors' spirits, while some Inuit feared them as evil entities. Europeans imagined them as sky warriors. 

In Norse mythology, they were believed to be reflections from the Valkyries' armor or the bridge connecting Earth to the gods' realm. Icelandic folklore explained them with elves and magic or with superstitions ranging from harmful effects on pregnant women to being a lucky sign during childbirth.

It’s a common myth that seeing the Northern Lights depends on it being super cold.

In reality, there are three main factors that make the aurora visible: darkness, clear skies, and strong solar winds. Iceland meets all of the ideal conditions, and its location within the auroral zone makes it perfect for viewing.

Other elements like moonlight, snow reflection, and urban infrastructure can affect your experience, but they don’t prevent you from seeing Aurora Borealis. During the dark seasons, clouds and auroral activity are the key factors.

❯ If you’re exploring on your own, here are some quick tips:

• Check the solar activity and weather forecasts regularly.
• Choose a spot away from cities and with the least cloud cover.
• Look up frequently—if the sky is clear, the glow might be visible.
• Be patient. The auroras can take time to appear.
• Ensure you have warm clothing and a good camera to capture the moment.

You don’t need special gear to see the auroras - just the right timing and location. Fortunately, Iceland’s prime season gives plenty of chances to witness this natural spectacle.

Join daily Northern Lights guided excursions to boost your chances and stay comfortable. We often use specialized super-jeeps to go off the beaten track to hunt magical Lights, reaching remote and dark sites away from urban areas. Knowledgeable guides handle the logistics and forecasts. This means you can relax and enjoy the experience, knowing you're in the best hands as you search for the celestial glow.

The aurora season in Iceland is winter and runs from late September to early April, giving you up to 7-8 months to watch this stunning phenomenon.

It extends into parts of fall and spring, as there are only two main seasons in the country: winter and summer. During this time, the long nights provide the perfect canvas for the Arctic glow. This makes the dark season the best time of year to see the Northern Lights in Iceland because of the longer night hours.

So, if you’re wondering how often you can see the Northern Lights in Iceland, it’s around 200 chances each year. That’s plenty of opportunities for observation of the neon-lit sky. It's definitely worth a try, don’t you think?

Based on local statistics, the best months to see the Northern Lights in Iceland are September to April. This period includes peak activity around the equinoxes in fall and spring.

According to scientists, during the equinoxes, the Earth's and Sun's magnetic fields align just right, which is why these stunning light shows happen more often. However, viewing is a bit more challenging in late October and mid-winter due to harsher weather conditions.

There is no specific hour of the day when to see the Northern Lights in Iceland. Generally, they are most active a few hours after sunset, especially around midnight. Usually, during Icelandic winter, the sun sets around 3:30 PM, leaving you with plenty of darkness to work with.

Our best advice? Stay outside as much as you can, keep checking the sky, and keep your fingers crossed. It’s unpredictable, but when you do see them, it’s nothing short of magical.

For more details on timing and locations, you might find this best place and time to see the Northern Lights guide useful.

There isn’t a bad place to go for this exciting hunt. In Iceland, you have a great chance of seeing the Northern Lights from almost anywhere in the country if they're active that evening.

Fortunately, the wide-open landscapes make it easy to find dark areas. Here are some of our favorite locations to catch the northern skies’ illumination:

Thingvellir (Þingvellir) National Park: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the three main Golden Circle wonders. There are a few parking lots to set up your observation. The large hill that rises above the park is a great viewing point.

Mývatn Geothermal Area: This idyllic nature reserve is known for its blue lakes, volcanic craters, and hot springs. It's a perfect spot for stargazing because there are no trees or glaciers to block the view. You're in luck if the aurora leads you there!

Jokulsarlon (Jökulsárlón) Lagoon: The deepest lake in Iceland, filled with countless floating icebergs. With the added beauty of the shimmering glow reflecting on the icy water, it becomes a truly magical place to be.

Snæfellsnes Peninsula: Empty roads, vast lava fields, and shockingly beautiful landscapes. What can be better for Northern Lights watching? This area is featured in several music videos and movies, but the nature show is best to see there. 

Kirkjufell Mountain: Kirkjufell is one of the most photographed places in Iceland. Everybody who's been there understands why. Now imagine adding one of the world’s most beautiful phenomena to this equation. It’s so majestic, and even the toughest ones might shed a tear or two.

Reykjavík is the only capital city besides Nuuk, Greenland, where you can see the Northern Lights. You can even view them in the heart of the capital, but you have to be lucky. Observing the sky from urban areas is more difficult because houses, shopping malls, and streetlights all create light pollution.

However, if the aurora forecast looks promising, you don't have to travel far to find a good observation point. Here are a few locations within a short drive from the city center: 

• Grotta Lighthouse: 10 minutes by car. 
• Grandi District: 6 minutes by car.
• Öskjuhlíð Hill (near Perlan Museum): 8 minutes by car. 
• Elliðaárdalur Valley: 15 minutes by car.
• Hljómskálagarður Park: 10 minutes by car.

If you're looking for a romantic and calm cosmic light experience, enjoy the show from the water on the boat tour from Reykjavík Harbor.

So here you are, looking at the true wonder of nature, wanting to keep a piece of it with you forever. Not everyone has a professional camera, but you can still take great shots with a smartphone. It might even capture the glowing sky better than you can see it with your eyes.

For the best aurora shots, turn off your flash unless photographing someone in front of the lights. Use Night Mode if available. Otherwise, switch to Pro/Manual mode, set ISO to 1600+, adjust white balance to 3200K, and tweak shutter speed based on aurora brightness (1-5 seconds for bright lights, 20-30 seconds for dim ones).

In general, try to use something to keep your phone very still. Apps like NightCap Camera (iOS) or ProCam X Lite (Android) can also improve your shots.

There is also a small hack to create a long exposure photo on your iPhone. Turn on Live Photo, take your picture, then tap "Live" in the Photos app and choose "Long Exposure" to blend the movement into a smooth effect.

See how we capture the magic happening on our tours in this behind-the-scenes video:

Want to focus on the experience rather than the photography? Our guides use professional cameras on the Northern Lights adventures. After the trip, you can download free high-quality photos for your lasting memories.

And if the auroras play hard to get, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! Our tours include a free retry for up to 3 years if you don’t see them the first time.

It’s better not to plan your whole vacation in Iceland with the Northern Lights as your main goal. Keep in mind that it’s a bit of a gamble. The sightings can’t be predicted longer than a few days in advance, and the weather is notoriously tricky. 

When hunting for your magical experience, avoid cities, stay up late, and be prepared for a waiting game. Dress warmly in layers and bring snacks and entertainment. Also, remember to monitor the weather and solar activity forecasts.

❯ Instead of making the auroras your trip's only focus, consider them a bonus. Enjoy Iceland’s other wonders, and if the lights appear, it’ll be a great extra.

While you wait for the right time to hunt, plan other activities to fill up your days. Who wants to sit around doing nothing when you're in Iceland? Consider booking a combo excursion. You get the best of both worlds: exciting daytime activities and a polar lights outing with a guide at night.

The Northern Lights activity forecast focuses on two main things: solar activity and cloud cover. It also provides information on hours of darkness and lunar visibility. A bright, full moon can wash out the colors and elements of the aurora, making it less visible. The predictions are usually updated daily and show changes hourly.

There are several different forecasts, but the most reliable source is the Icelandic Meteorological Office. First, move a slider below the map to make sure you are looking at the correct date. You'll see how the cloud cover changes throughout the day.

❯ One of the most important numbers to inspect is the Kp index, a measure of solar activity.

The forecast gives an aurora score from 0 to 9 each day. If the number is between 0 and 2, it means that solar activity is low. 2-3 means moderate activity - the odds of seeing the aurora are pretty good. If the sky is clear, go for it! 

If you see numbers between 4 and 6, or even 7-9, prepare to be greeted by the strongest display, even if there is some light pollution.

Keep in mind that forecasts are just that - forecasts. They can't guarantee a successful sighting, or an unsuccessful one, either. That's the wonderful thing about nature - it's always full of surprises.

If you want to catch the famous glow without the hassle of moving around, a country hotel is just what you need. In Iceland Northern Lights hotels often offer a wake-up service when the aurora makes its appearance. Here are some top picks to enjoy both a fantastic view of the polar lights and a comfy stay.

Wilderness Center Hotel
This remote hotel in East Iceland lets you enjoy clear views of the night sky in one of Iceland’s wildest areas. This unique adventure center is both a museum and a place to stay, with almost non-existent light pollution.

Hotel Geirland
This cozy, secluded hotel in South Iceland is surrounded by mountains from one side and is a great place to see the neon-glowing sky. It’s away from major cities but close to the Vatnajökull National Park in case you want to take your hunt there.

Hotel Hof
Located on the South Coast, this hotel is great for aurora hunting because of its excellent observation options. You can enjoy the dance of colors right outside your room or near the turf-roofed church. Plus, it's a 45-minute drive to the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon - one of the photographers’ favorites.

Hotel Hellissandur
Located on the western tip of the Snæfellsnes peninsula, this hotel is perfect for admiring the Northern Lights. It's in a tiny fishing village, one of the oldest in Iceland, providing ideal winter darkness. Svörtuloft lighthouse, a fantastic photo spot, is only a 20-minute drive away.

The Northern Lights of Iceland are undoubtedly one of nature's most incredible creations. If you want to see this natural spectacle, make sure you come here during the aurora season. The key is to find a spot with as little light pollution as possible. You can drive yourself or let an experienced guide show you the way. Check the forecast and start planning your trip! The magical auroras are waiting.

Yes, Iceland is one of the best countries for viewing the Northern Lights in the world. This is because the island is located just south of the Arctic Circle and within the auroral zone. Additionally, there is much less light pollution compared to other locations. Even if the lights don’t show up, the volcanic landscapes and activities make it a fantastic trip. So, it's a win-win!

The Northern Lights are visible in Iceland from autumn (September to November) until early spring (March). Clear weather and low light pollution are key, but the sightings are hard to predict, so luck plays a big role. Check the KP index and weather forecasts to plan your nights.

The best time to observe the polar lights in Iceland is winter. The long darkness periods (20 hours in December!) give you plenty of time to enjoy the magnificent display of glowing colors. Plus, the equinoxes (spring and fall) are especially good because the solar wind is stronger. In terms of hours, it is usually between 9 PM and 2 AM at night.

Yes, there are Northern Lights tours every winter in Iceland. They typically run for 3-5 hours, start after 9 PM, and include blankets and hot beverages. It’s a good choice if you’re not up for driving in the dark or dealing with unpredictable weather. Review tour details and forecasts before booking, though.

If you don’t catch the magical show on your first night, don’t stress—just try again. Missing them one day doesn’t mean you won’t spot them the next. That’s why we offer a free retry on our tours, valid for 3 years, so you can join another departure to catch the aurora!

The famous glowing sky is a natural wonder influenced by weather and timing, so there's no guarantee you'll see it on your trip. That’s part of the charm! However, you can add Aurora Museum in Reykjavik to your itinerary and enjoy repeating displays of the phenomenon anytime.

No, you can’t see the Northern Lights in July. Iceland has long days in summer, and because the sun never fully sets, you won’t see the auroras. Instead, July is perfect for camping and sightseeing because of the warmer weather and extra daylight.

Although it is technically possible to see some Northern Lights at the end of August, the chances are very slim because it is simply too bright. Daylight lasts about 16 hours a day.

You can see Iceland Aurora Borealis in April. We suggest visiting Iceland during the first half of this month, as the days are getting longer later on. Try a Super Jeep tour to increase your chances of seeing the auroras, as these vehicles can reach more remote areas.

May has long days and relatively short nights, which unfortunately makes it impossible to see the famous colorful glow. For this reason, most tours stop operating at the end of April.

No, you won’t see the Northern Lights in June, as it is one of the brightest months in Iceland. The Midnight Sun means there is almost constant daylight, which makes it impossible to see the aurora. If you want to plan a trip to see the Lights, choose one of the winter months instead.

September marks the start of the Northern Lights season. As the nights get longer, you have a better chance of spotting them. In fact, we usually see the first sightings of the season on our tours during the first nights of the month.

You can't see the Northern Lights in summer because it's just too bright. During this time, especially in places like Iceland, the sun doesn’t set for long periods—a phenomenon known as the Midnight Sun. The polar glow still happens, but it’s not visible due to the constant daylight. They need dark, clear skies to stand out.