Questions About Northern Lights Tours in Iceland

The Northern Lights season in Iceland runs from September to April, when nights are dark enough, and activity is most often visible between roughly 22:00 and 02:00, with the best displays often around local midnight. 

What matters most for seeing the aurora: 

• Darkness: You need dark skies (no Northern Lights in Iceland’s bright summer nights).  

• Cloud cover: Clear skies matter most—check cloud forecasts first.  

• Aurora activity: Higher activity improves odds, but it’s not enough if it’s cloudy.  

• Light pollution: Viewing is better away from city lights (tours drive out of Reykjavík).  

• Multiple nights: If you can, plan more than one evening and schedule it early in your trip to increase chances. 

During the darkest winter months, December and January, Northern Lights may appear as early as 20:00 or as late as 06:30, depending on conditions and solar activity.

It depends; guided Northern Lights tours usually increase convenience and reduce guesswork, while self-guided can work if you’re comfortable driving, reading forecasts, and adapting plans. 

Choose a tour if you: 

• Want experts to chase clearer skies / adjust route 

• Don’t want to drive at night or in winter conditions 

• Want pickup, local knowledge, and an easy plan 

• Want free photos 

• Have limited time and want the most frictionless option 

Go self-guided if you: 

• Have a car and are confident driving in dark/winter conditions 

• Can stay flexible (change locations fast, wait out clouds) 

• Know how to avoid light pollution 

• Are comfortable checking cloud cover and aurora activity forecasts 

• Can try multiple nights without losing value 

In summary: 

• Staying in Reykjavík without a car → tour 

• Road-tripping and flexible → self-guided can work 

• Changeable weather and limited time → tour

Often, yes — when conditions cooperate — but we can’t guarantee it. The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and visibility depends on the weather and aurora conditions on the night. 

What determines whether you’ll see them: 

• Cloud cover: even strong aurora activity can be completely hidden by clouds. 

• Aurora activity: the sun’s activity affects how strong the lights are. 

• Darkness and light pollution: you need dark skies; city lights can reduce visibility. 

What a guided tour does to improve your chances: 

• We monitor conditions and adjust the route to look for clearer skies. 

• We leave city lights to find darker viewing areas. 

• You don’t need to drive, navigate, or make last-minute decisions yourself. 

If the tour runs and no aurora is seen, you’re covered by our free retry policy (see the “Free Retry Policy” section). To understand the Northern Lights in Iceland better, read our guide.

For Iceland, the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) aurora and cloud cover forecast is the main and most reliable source to use. It combines cloud cover and aurora activity in one place and is the primary forecast used for Northern Lights planning in Iceland. We display the same data on our Northern Lights forecast for Iceland page in a simplified, easy-to-read format. 

When checking the forecast, use this quick checklist: 

• Cloud cover first: Start with the cloud cover map and look for areas with clearer skies. Cloud cover is the most important factor—if it’s cloudy, even strong aurora activity won’t be visible. 
  
  
• Aurora activity second: Check the aurora activity level as a general guide. The IMO map shows activity on a 0–9 scale, but higher numbers don’t guarantee visibility if cloud cover is high. 
  
  
• Time and location: Check the forecast for the time window you’ll be outside, and for the area you’ll be in. The Met Office maps are shown in Iceland’s local time, GMT (UTC+0). 

Important: Forecasts help with planning, but the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and can never be guaranteed.

Northern Lights viewing locations aren’t fixed — each night, the guide chooses where to go based on cloud cover, aurora activity, and road conditions, aiming for the clearest and darkest skies available. 

On most evenings, tours travel within their total duration from Reykjavík or Akureyri, often driving for a few hours throughout the night. The exact distance and direction vary by night, tour type, and conditions. Common viewing areas include countryside locations outside the city, coastal areas, valleys, or inland routes where skies are clearer and light pollution is lower. 

Guides choose locations based on: 

• Clearer skies (avoiding cloud cover) 

• Darker areas away from city lights 

• Safe roads and conditions, especially in winter 

During the evening, plans may change as conditions evolve. Some tours make multiple stops or adjust the route to improve visibility, while others may stay longer at one location if conditions are good. Short comfort stops may be included when possible, depending on the route and timing. 

Our goal is to maximize your chances of seeing the Northern Lights while keeping the tour safe and comfortable.

Yes—sometimes. You can see the Northern Lights from Reykjavik or Akureyri when conditions line up, but sightings aren’t guaranteed and are often limited by cloud cover and light pollution in town.

What to expect:

• From Reykjavik: It’s possible on clear nights, but city lights can make the aurora appear weaker. For a better chance, many people join a tour that drives away from the capital, see Northern Lights Explorer (from Reykjavik).
• From Akureyri (North Iceland): It’s also possible, but viewing is usually better just outside town lights. If you’re staying in the north, see the Akureyri Northern Lights Tour (from Akureyri).

Best tip: If you want stronger visibility, choose a viewpoint away from streetlights (or join our Northern Lights tours that drive to darker, clearer areas).

Choose based on departure location, comfort vs adventure level, group size, and whether you prefer a shared or private experience. 

• If you want the best all-round option from Reykjavík, choose the small group Magical Auroras: Minibus Northern Lights tour. 

• If you want a more adventurous experience, choose a Super Jeep Northern Lights tour or the Evening Lava Tunnel and Northern Lights Tour. 

• If you’d rather watch the aurora from the water, choose a Northern Lights boat tour (Reykjavík). 

• If you want a private experience (or you’re traveling as a group), choose a private Northern Lights tour. 

• If you’re staying in North Iceland, choose the Akureyri Northern Lights Tour.

The Northern Lights can be difficult to predict, so we decide whether to run or cancel the tour based on the latest conditions. Here’s how to check if your tour is running tonight: Check your email regularly on the day of the tour. In case of cancellation, you’ll be notified as soon as possible, usually by 18:15 local time. 

You can also follow the Icelandic Meteorological Office forecast for cloud cover and aurora activity, but please note that forecasts can change quickly. For a simple walkthrough, see our Northern Lights forecast page. 

If we believe there’s no realistic chance of seeing the aurora due to conditions, we’ll cancel the tour rather than take you out unnecessarily.

Northern Lights tours are usually canceled when conditions aren’t safe or don’t offer a realistic chance of seeing the aurora. 

Common reasons include: 

• Severe weather or unsafe road conditions, such as strong winds, storms, or icy roads 

• Very heavy cloud cover or poor visibility, with no realistic viewing opportunity 

• Operational or safety constraints, including road closures or access restrictions 

In these cases, we cancel the tour to keep guests safe and to avoid taking people out when conditions aren’t suitable.

If we cancel your Northern Lights tour (usually due to weather or road conditions), you have two options.  

You can: 

• Reschedule your tour to a new date through My Adventures self-service portal (for tours operated by us). 

• Receive a full refund if you prefer not to reschedule. 

Our Customer Care team will help you arrange your reschedule or process a refund, depending on what works best for your plans.  

Please note: Refunds are available only if your first scheduled Northern Lights tour is canceled by us. If you are already using the free retry option, a refund is not available.

If the tour runs but no aurora is seen, your booking is covered by our free retry policy. 

• Unlimited retries are available for up to 3 years until successful sighting. 

• Refunds aren’t issued if the tour takes place, but the Northern Lights don’t appear. 

• To book your next attempt, contact our Customer Care team, and they’ll help you schedule your retry. 

• Please note: retries are operated on a minibus. 

• If a retry tour is canceled by us, you can reschedule again. Refunds are not available for retry bookings.

Not always. For guests who originally joined the Magical Auroras Northern Lights tour, free retries are operated on the same minibus tour. For other Northern Lights tours, retries are operated on a minibus, regardless of the original tour type. 

Using a minibus for retries allows us to offer better availability and schedule retries more efficiently, so guests can try again on another suitable Northern Lights night without long waits. 

To book your retry and confirm the details for your booking, please contact our Customer Care team.

Your free Northern Lights retry is valid for up to 3 years from the date of your original tour, as long as the tour ran and no aurora was seen. 

How to book your retry: 

• Confirm that the original tour ran and that the Northern Lights were not seen. 
• Contact Customer Care by email, chat, or phone with your booking reference. 
• Choose a new date for your retry (subject to availability). 
• Receive confirmation of your retry by email, including updated tour details. 

Cost and fees: There is no additional fee for the retry. 

What the retry includes: Retries are operated on a minibus Northern Lights tour. 

Please note: 

• The retry is intended for the original passenger and should not be transferred to someone else. 

• Refunds are not issued if the original tour took place, but no Northern Lights were seen.

Northern Lights tour durations vary by tour type and conditions on the night, but most evening tours last a few hours. 

Typical duration ranges by tour type: 

• Standard minibus Northern Lights tours: about 4–5 hours 

• Super Jeep Northern Lights tours: about 4–5 hours 

• Northern Lights boat tours: about 2–2.5 hours 

What can affect the total duration: 

• Cloud cover and route adjustments during the evening 

• Time spent waiting at viewing locations if conditions are promising 

• Road conditions and driving distance, especially in winter 

Most Northern Lights tours return to Reykjavík late in the evening or after midnight, depending on the conditions and the route. For this reason, we recommend keeping your next morning flexible and avoiding tours that start around 07:00–08:00. 

For exact start and return times, see What time do tours start, and when will I be back in Reykjavík? 

For details about routes and driving distances, see Where do you go to see the Northern Lights, and how far do you drive?

Northern Lights tours typically start in the evening, with pickup beginning at either 20:30 or 21:30, depending on the season. 

Return times are usually late evening or after midnight, most often between around 23:30 and 02:00, depending on conditions, the route chosen on the night, and how long the group stays at viewing locations. 

Seasonal variation: 

• In mid-winter, tours usually start earlier, as darkness comes sooner. 

• In early autumn and late winter, departures tend to be later in the evening. 

Your exact pickup and return times are shown during the booking process and on your final voucher. Please note that pickup can take up to 30 minutes while guests are collected from different locations.  

For same-day go/no-go updates, see How do I know if the tour is running tonight?

Pickup is available from selected hotels and official pickup stops in Reykjavík and Akureyri, depending on the tour. 

You choose your pickup location during the booking process. If needed, it can also be adjusted after booking by contacting Customer Care. 

Pickup takes place within a 30-minute window, as guests are collected from multiple locations. Please be ready at your chosen pickup point at least 15 minutes early and keep an eye out for the vehicle or guide checking in guests by tour name. 

Your exact pickup location and time are shown in your confirmation email and voucher. 

For a full list of pickup locations and details, see our Pickup Information page.

Inclusions vary by tour — always check your specific tour page for the exact list. 

A typical Northern Lights tour includes: 

• Guided Northern Lights experience, led by an experienced local guide 

• Transportation for the tour, based on the selected tour type (minibus, Super Jeep, or boat) 

• Travel away from city lights to look for clearer, darker viewing areas 

• Pickup and drop-off from pre-approved locations 

May vary by tour: 

• Photos taken by the guide (usually included, but subject to conditions and tour type) 

• Hot drinks, blankets, or other comfort extras 

• Group size and vehicle type 

Not included unless stated on the tour page: 

• Food or meals 

• Additional cold-weather clothing (such as overalls on the boat tour) 

Because inclusions differ by tour type and departure location, the best place to confirm details is the “What’s included” section on the individual tour page you’re booking.

Yes, Northern Lights tours usually include at least one planned restroom stop, but this can vary depending on the route and conditions on the night. 

What to expect: 

• Restroom stops are typically made at service stations or cafés before heading into darker countryside areas. 

• Once the tour is outside towns, facilities may be limited or unavailable for a while. 

• Guides choose stops based von the route, timing, and conditions on the night. 

Tip: Use the restroom before pickup or at the first available stop to stay comfortable during the tour.

Dress for cold, wind, and standing outside for short periods—warm layers are key. 

What to wear (layering): 

• Base layer: thermal top + leggings (avoid cotton) 

• Mid-layer: fleece or wool sweater 

• Outer layer: insulated windproof/waterproof jacket + warm trousers 

• Accessories: warm hat, neck gaiter/scarf, insulated gloves or mittens 

• Feet: wool socks + warm, waterproof boots with good grip 

What to bring: 

• An extra layer (or spare gloves/socks if you get cold easily) 

• Hand warmers (optional but nice) 

• Phone and power bank (cold drains batteries fast) 

• Any medication you may need 

For a complete checklist, see our Iceland packing list.

Yes, many Northern Lights tours are suitable for children and families, but the minimum age (usually 6 years) and overall experience can vary by tour. 

Things families should consider: 

• Late-night timing: Tours run in the evening and often return late, which can be challenging for young children. 

• Cold weather: Guests may spend time standing outside while waiting for the aurora. 

• Vehicle type and comfort: Minibus tours are generally calmer, while Super Jeep tours can be bumpier and more physically demanding. 

• Limited restroom access: Bathroom stops may be infrequent once the tour leaves town. 

• Child temperament: Patience, sensitivity to cold, and usual sleep schedules all matter. 

The minimum age limit is usually 6 years, but it can vary by tour, so always check the specific tour page or tour card before booking. 

If you’re unsure which option is best for your family, contact our Customer Care team and we’ll help recommend the most suitable tour.

It depends on the tour type and your mobility needs, so please check before booking. 

By tour type: 

• Minibus tours: Generally the most accessible option, with easier boarding and fewer uneven surfaces. 

• Super Jeep tours: More physically demanding, with higher steps, uneven ground, and possibly bumpy road travel. 

• Boat tours: Boarding involves steps, and guests may need to move between indoor and outdoor areas while on deck. 

What to expect on most tours: 

• Stepping up into vehicles and using handholds 

• Short walks on uneven or icy ground 

• Standing outside in cold and windy conditions 

• Limited restroom access depending on the route 

If you have specific mobility needs or concerns, contact our Customer Care, and we’ll help recommend the most suitable option and confirm accessibility details before you book.

Yes, your guide will take a photo of you with the Northern Lights behind you. Photos can be single or group shots and are free of charge. 

How you receive them: your photos will be available online after the tour. Your guide will show you how to access them, and you’ll also find the link on your tour voucher. If you can’t find the photos, contact Customer Care, and they’ll help.

There isn’t one perfect setting for every night, but these starter settings work well for many Northern Lights photos (with a tripod and manual controls): 

Starter settings (adjust as needed): 

• Aperture: f/2.8–f/4 (or as wide as your lens allows; up to ~f/5.6 if needed) 

• ISO: 800–3200 

• Shutter speed: 5–20 seconds (use 20–25 seconds for faint, slower aurora) 

• Focus: use manual focus (focus on a distant light/star, then don’t touch the focus ring) 

What to bring: 

• Tripod (essential) 

• Spare battery (cold drains batteries fast) 

• Optional: remote shutter or 2-second timer, warm gloves you can operate controls with 

For step-by-step tips from our in-house photographer, see our How to Photograph the Northern Lights guide.

You can book online in a few steps: 

• Choose your tour (minibus, Super Jeep, boat, or Akureyri departure). 
• Select your date and number of travelers. 
• Choose your pickup location (if included for your tour). 
• Complete payment in our secure checkout. 
• Check your email for your booking confirmation with your ticket/voucher and pickup details. 

Need help or booking for a larger group? Contact our Customer Care team and we’ll assist.

Prices vary by tour type and date. 

The main factors that affect the price include: 

• Tour type: standard minibus, Super Jeep, boat, or private tour 

• Group size and comfort level: smaller groups and private tours cost more 

• Season and demand: prices can change depending on the time of year 

• Pickup inclusion: some tours include pickup, while others meet on location 

For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing, see live prices and compare tours on our Northern Lights tours page.

If you’re having trouble paying during checkout, first try a different payment method or contact your bank/card provider (some transactions require approval, especially for foreign currency). If it still doesn’t work, contact our Customer Care team—we’ll help you complete your booking. 

For detailed troubleshooting (accepted currencies, common card errors, and next steps), see Questions About Bookings and Payments.

Yes, in many cases you can reschedule (subject to availability and policy). 

Please note: 

• Rescheduling is subject to the notice period stated in our policy. 

• Availability on the new date is required. 

• Multi-day and combo tours may have more limited flexibility due to accommodation and activity scheduling. 

To reschedule, contact our Customer Care team with your booking reference, and they’ll help you change the date if possible.

Yes — for day tours and multi-day tours operated by Arctic Adventures, you can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before departure. 

Cancellation policy: 

• More than 24 hours before departure: Full refund 

• Less than 24 hours before departure: No refund 

Important details: 

• Approved refunds are issued to the original payment method, according to the policy shown at the time of booking. 

• The 24-hour policy applies only when the cancellation is submitted through the My Adventures customer portal. 

• If the portal is unavailable, cancellations must be submitted in writing via the customer contact form. 

• Extras and rental gear booked as part of a day or multi-day tour follow the same cancellation rules. 

• This policy applies only to tours operated by Arctic Adventures. Tours run by trusted partners follow the partner’s own cancellation policy. 

To cancel your booking, use the My Adventures portal or contact Customer Care with your booking reference.

Customer Care handles all booking changes. Our guides can’t help with rescheduling, cancellations, refunds, or payment questions during the tour. 

If you need to change your booking or have any concerns, please contact our Customer Care team and we’ll be happy to assist.