Curious about the Northern Lights in Iceland? You're not alone—seeing the Aurora Borealis is a dream for many. Our guide reveals why Iceland is the go-to location for seeing this magical glow. Discover in detail what causes them, where to find the best views, and when to plan your trip. Don’t miss your chance to see the sky explode in color!
The Northern Lights, also known as the aurora borealis in the Northern Hemisphere, are a natural light phenomenon that appears in the night sky over high-latitude regions near the Earth’s magnetic poles. They form when charged particles from the sun, carried by the solar wind, are guided by the planet’s magnetic field into the upper atmosphere, where they collide with gas molecules and release energy as colorful light.
Iceland is one of the best places to see the glowing polar lights. Photo by Gunnar Gaukur Guðmundsson.
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 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 — our guide on what to wear in Iceland can help you pack — and bring snacks and entertainment. Also, keep an eye on Iceland's 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.
Northern Lights and starry sky above outbuilding. Photo by Gunnar Gaukur Guðmundsson.
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!
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.
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