If you’ve never seen the northern lights before, Iceland is a great, accessible destination for your first experience. If you haveseen the northern lights before but not in Iceland,there’s no place quite like it. In short, everyone will enjoy seeing the northern lights in Iceland, which might be why it’s one of the best places on the planet for seeing the aurora!
Iceland is home to fascinating geologic formations, welcoming locals (as long as you are a respectful visitor), and stunning natural experiences. The aurora borealis or northern lights are near the top of the list of what draws people to visit Iceland, and you’re not alone in wanting to see them too.
While Iceland is a popular destination and you might encounter some crowds while hunting for the aurora there, it’s also one of the most stunning landscapes on earth. With the aurora dancing overhead, you might just think you’ve been transported to another planet entirely!
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know to see the aurora in Iceland, weather permitting. While I can’t make any guarantees, if you use these tips and go to these places and the aurora is out, you’ll hopefully have an unforgettable experience seeing the northern lights in Iceland.
Featured photo credit: Andrés Nieto Porras via Flickr
This post was originally published in November 2018, and was updated most recently in November 2022 for this winter.
Table of Contents
What are the Northern Lights?
If you’ve made it to this post, you probably already know what the northern lights are. In case you’re not familiar with the science behind this amazing astronomical phenomenon, here’s a quick explanation.
In short, the sun is constantly emitting particles. Some of these electrically charged particles from the sun collide with gases in the earth’s atmosphere. As these collisions occur in different gases, light is produced in a variety of colors, depending on the altitude of these collisions. For example, at a certain altitude, oxygen produces the common red color seen in the aurora; lower, it produces the green most commonly seen in the night sky.
In the northern hemisphere, the northern lights also known as the aurora borealis. This name came from Galileo, who named them after the Greek word for the ‘north wind.’ If you’ve ever seen a picture of the aurora, you can understand why he thought they looked like the wind!
When to See the Northern Lights in Iceland
Because of its high northern latitude, Iceland is a country whose calendar is dominated by winter. The short summer and shoulder seasons are popular for many tourists who want to explore Iceland without snow and ice. But when can you see the northern lights in Iceland? If you’re chasing the aurora, you’ll want Iceland’s dark winter months to help you.
Iceland’s long winter is the best time for seeing the northern lights in Iceland. Between October and March, longer nights give you ample opportunity to see the aurora if the weather permits. January is the ‘wettest’ month of the year in Iceland (when it snows the most), so keep that in mind when you’re planning a trip since clouds are more common then too.
What about the other seasons in Iceland each year?
- Spring (April to May) –As winter comes to an end, it’s still possible to see the aurora in Iceland if you’re willing to stay up late into the night. In the months of April and early May, it’s possible to see the aurora, but increasingly less likely as the sun comes back to this part of the world.
- Summer (June to July) –Summer is short and sunny in Iceland. The weeks surrounding the June solstice bathe Iceland in sunlight, making it almost impossible to see the aurora because it just doesn’t get dark enough. If your goal in visiting Iceland is to see the northern lights, don’t plan your trip in the summer.
- Autumn (August to September) –It’s also possible to see the northern lights in Iceland in autumn. The months of August and September get continuously colder and darker, which are ideal aurora-viewing conditions. On a good, clear night with a strong aurora, it’s possible to see the northern lights during these months.
The Best Places in Iceland to See the Northern Lights
Iceland is, for the most part, not a hugely developed country. Vast portions of Iceland are rural or undeveloped, meaning you can find places to spot the northern lights all over the country. Some of the most popular places are near towns or interesting geologic features, but if you’re traveling Iceland on your own, you can set up pretty much anywhere on a good night and get a great view.
Here are 16 great places to see the northern lights in Iceland (in random order):
1. Hella
This small town is in a prime location for viewing the Northern Lights. The nearby Hotel Rangá, in particular,is a popular place to stay while watching this incredible phenomenon.
2. Höfn
Höfn is a charming little fishing village in southern Iceland. Its Aurora Adventure tour, which takes you to a nearby glacier, is a popular way to go searching for the Northern Lights.
3. Skógar
Skógar is a very small, Icelandic village with a population of fewer than fifty people. Because of its small size, you won’t have to worry too much about light pollution interfering with your view of the sky.
4. Thingvellir
Thingvellir National Park is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Iceland. It also gets surprisingly dark here at night, which makes it a fantastic spot to view the Northern Lights.
5. Threngsli
Threngsli is a beautiful stream that’s actually considered to be one of the best spots in the country to see the Northern Lights. There’s almost no light pollution to speak of, and you get a very clear view of the sky.
6. Seljavallalaug Pool
Seljavallalaug Pool is a mountainside swimming pool that’s over 25 meters long. It’s located in a spot that’s far removed from civilization, making it a good place to see the night sky.
7. Vík
Vík is a very small village on the southernmost tip of Iceland. It has a black beach nearby that’s isolated from any potential light pollution. This is a beautiful spot for watching the sky at night.
8. Eldborgahraun
Eldborgahraun is a lava area in southern Iceland with an altitude of 211 meters above sea level. Its high altitude and isolated location make it very easy to get a clear view of the Aurora Borealis.
9. Djúpavík
Djúpavík is a tiny village that’s located miles away from any other settlement. The village itself only has seven houses in all, making it a nice, quiet place to view the Northern Lights.
10. Látrabjarg
The rocky cliffs Látrabjarg is well-known for being the home of millions of bird species. Along with being one of the best places to go birdwatching, it also gets incredibly dark at night. This gives you an excellent of the night sky.
11. Ásbyrgi Canyon
The Ásbyrgi Canyon is a fascinating horseshoe-shaped formation that is popular among hikers. It is yet another natural location that’s removed from light pollution and is a great spot for viewing the Northern Lights.
12. Hvammsfjordur
Hvammsfjordur is a large bay that can be found in western Iceland. It gets very dark at night and is a great spot to go if you’d like to see the Northern Lights and the ocean at the same time.
13. Jökulsárlón
This breathtaking glacial lake is one of Iceland’s greatest natural wonders and most popular tourist attractions. When you come here to see the Northern Lights, you have a chance of photographing two amazing works of nature at once.
14. Hvitserkur
Hvitserkur is a spectacular rock formation that you can find off the northwest coast of Iceland. It’s far removed from civilization and is another amazing opportunity to see two natural wonders at once.
15. Siglufjordur
Siglufjordur is a small fishing village that overlooks a nearby fjord. There’s very little light pollution to speak of, and it’s very easy to find spots outside the village that are good for viewing the Northern Lights.
16. Kirkjufell
Kirkjufell is a beautiful mountain that can be found on Iceland’s northern peninsula. There are two-day tours available where you can come to this gorgeous location to watch for the Northern Lights.
Bonus: You Can See the Northern Lights in Reykjavik!
Like most major cities, it’s hard to see the night sky within Reykjavik. This is especially true in the winter months when snow reflects light up into the sky. There are a few places in Reykjavik where you have better chances to spot the aurora:
- Grótta is a famous, old lighthouse that’s located in Reykjavik’s north-westernmost point. It’s one of the most popular places in the capital to go looking for the Northern Lights, and its geothermically heated pool makes it a very comfortable spot as well.
- Öskjuhlío is a large hill located in the capital city of Reykjavik. It stands over 200ft above sea level. This will provide you with an up-close view of the sky when watching the auroraborealis.
- Reynisvatn is a lake in Reykjavik’sGrafarholt neighborhood. It’s secluded enough that you can get away from some of the light pollution and see the sky a bit better.
Some guides offer aurora tours in Reykjavik too, so they may know additional locals-only spots where you can get a good view of the night sky and the aurora if it’s visible.
Aurora Alerts in Iceland
Like all natural phenomena, there’s no guarantee the northern lights will be visible in Iceland just because you’re there. The weather might not cooperate, or the aurora might not be as strong as predicted. You should still check the forecast, but understand that nobody can perfectly predict the northern lights, and that’s part of what makes seeing them so special.
Check out these good Iceland aurora forecast resources
- The Icelandic Met Office runs a helpful site with real-time aurora and weather forecast tools.
- Aurora Service has great tools for seeing the aurora forecast for the whole northern hemisphere, including Iceland.
Popular Day Trips & Tours to See the Northern Lights
Iceland is one of the most popular and best destinations in the world for seeing the aurora (along with Norway) so you have tons of choices for tours. Here are some tour operators with lots of choices… good luck narrowing them down!
- Extreme Iceland has tons of Iceland aurora tours ranging from 2-3 hours to 16-18 hours to multi-day tours. Multi-day tours add on fun activities like glacier hikes, ice caving, and whale watching along with viewing the northern lights. Whatever your time frame and budget, they probably have an option you’ll like.
- Reykjavik Excursions offers a number of northern lights tours, including a 3-hour aurora ‘day’ tour from 4999ISK (about $42 USD). They also offer that if you don’t see the aurora on their tour, you can come back for another tour free of charge.
- For the photographers out there, Iceland Aurora offers a northern lights focused aurora tour specifically to photograph the phenomena. Their guides are all photographers, so you’ll get pro-tips to ensure you capture great shots.
- Aurora Reykjavik offers a small-group minibus aurora tour from the capital city. During certain months, your ticket also includes access to the Aurora Reykjavik museum.
The website Guide to Iceland also has a super comprehensive list of aurora tours you can browse. There are over 120 options, so be prepared to scroll for a while!
If you want to capture the perfect photos of the northern lights in Iceland during your trip, check out our full guide ofaurora photography tips. Have other questions about seeing the northern lights in Iceland? Let me know in the comments.
FAQs
How likely will I see Northern Lights in Iceland? ›
Your chances of seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland are very high, thanks to an 8-month aurora season, long hours of darkness during the winter, and low light pollution throughout most of the island.
What month is best to see Northern Lights in Iceland? ›September through March is the peak season for northern lights viewing because the nights are longest. Just make sure you're on the lookout between dusk and dawn because they can occur at any time.
Which part of Iceland is best for Northern Lights? ›The best place to see the northern lights in Iceland is the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, which lies by the Vatnajokull glacier. You can drive to the lagoon along the Ring Road from Vik or find one of the black sand beaches of South Iceland to enjoy the view of the lights dancing across the sky.
What is the best time of night to see the Northern Lights in Iceland? ›Northern lights often appear during the darkest part of the night, so most sightings happen between 11 PM and 2 AM. You can spend the night stargazing, on the lookout for this otherworldly display.
How long do Northern Lights last? ›They don't usually exhibit for long – they may only show for a few minutes, then glide away before returning. A good display may last for no longer than 15-30 minutes at a time, although if you're really lucky, it could extend to a couple of hours or longer.
What time is best to see the Northern Lights tonight? ›Nevertheless, the optimum time seems to be around 9.30pm to 1am and that is when we concentrate most of our searches. As ever with Mother Nature, these things are impossible to predict but as we head into solar maximum, we expect the lights to appear earlier than usual and much more often.
Do Northern Lights happen every night? ›There is no official season since the northern lights are almost always present, day and night. Caused by charged particles from the sun hitting atoms in Earth's atmosphere and releasing photons, it's a process that happens constantly.
What is the cheapest way to see the northern lights? ›Book a tour
The cheapest way is to book a northern lights hunt*, a tour in which you will likely be driven around in a group as the guide tries to find a good vantage spot free of other spotters.
But while you might not see them, the processes that cause the northern lights are happening all year round. That's all down to solar activity. Solar storms can happen as often as a few times a day, meaning that it's likely that the northern lights will happen every night.
Where are you most likely to see northern lights? ›The northern lights most commonly occur within the geographic area beneath the auroral oval. It encompasses latitudes between 60 and 75 degrees and takes in Iceland, northern parts of Sweden, Finland, Norway, Russia, Canada and Alaska as well as southern Greenland.
Can you see northern lights from sky lagoon? ›
The night sky is just as amazing in the winter, as the lagoon gives you a perfect view of a bright starry sky. And, if you time it right, you might even be able to catch the Northern Lights as they dance in neon colours across the sky.
How many days do you need for Iceland? ›A minimum of 1 week in Iceland is ideal, but visiting for up to 2 or even 3 weeks will allow you to see more of this beautiful country in the same trip. Staying for less than 7 days in Iceland is still doable, but there's no doubt you'll want to come back again to see and do more.
Can you see northern lights from Blue Lagoon? ›Can you see the Northern Lights from Blue Lagoon? Yes, absolutely. Blue Lagoon is the perfect location to see the Northern Lights during the season. We are set in nature, surrounded by moss-covered lava fields.
Does it have to be cold to see northern lights? ›3. It doesn't have to be cold to see the Northern Lights; it just has to be dark. Another common misconception people have is that it has to be cold to see the Northern Lights.
Does it have to be cold for the northern lights? ›To see the Northern Lights, the sky needs to be dark and clear of any clouds. Some people claim the aurora comes out when temperatures are colder. This isn't the case – it's just that when the skies are cloudless, temperatures tend to drop.
How do you tell if the northern lights will be out? ›The KP index is the most common way to forecast the Northern Lights, and you can use it both for short-term and long-term Aurora prediction. This Aurora forecast indicator (known as “planetary K-index”) is simply a scale to measure the geomagnetic activity that is directly related to Northern Lights visibility.
Can you see Northern Lights early morning? ›You can only see the northern lights during winter time when it's dark outside (from around late August to late April). Also you only see them if it's cloudless, not raining and not snowing. There is no certain time when they appear the most – they can appear from early evening to early morning.
Where is the best place in the world to see the Northern Lights? ›The best sightings will occur during the darkest hours of the night, between 10 P.M. and 2 A.M. Picking a geographic location close to the North Pole will help boost your chances of seeing the northern lights—northern-latitude places like Iceland, Canada, Alaska, Norway, Finland, and Sweden are often sure bets.
Can you see the Northern Lights with the naked eye? ›Yes. If the Northern Lights are strong enough you can see them with your naked eye. However, most photographs of the Northern Lights are taken with special camera setups, and at least a long shutter speed.
Do the northern lights make noise? ›Listeners have described them as a faint rustling, clapping or popping. An observer in the 1930s said the northern lights made “a noise as if two planks had met flat ways — not a sharp crack but a dull sound, loud enough for anyone to hear.”
Can the northern lights turn red? ›
On occasion the aurora gets a deep red color. This comes from higher altitudes, around 120-180 miles (200-300 km). It is again the oxygen atom that is responsible for this color.
Can the northern lights be seen in the United States? ›The northern lights can be seen in parts of the Midwest, like northern Minnesota, when the conditions are just right. Cook County is actually one of the best places to spot the phenomenon in the lower 48 states.
How can I increase my chances of seeing the Northern Lights? ›Head north. The best way to see the northern lights is to head north. Most of the molecular activity that causes the northern lights happens near the Earth's magnetic poles. For that reason, the Arctic region is an ideal location for hunting the aurora.
Are Northern Lights tours worth it? ›They're definitely worth the time, expense, and cold to see them at least once in a lifetime. And if you want to see the aurora Norway is the place to go! That said, I know there can be a bit of confusion surrounding the northern lights and how to set off in search of them.
How much do you need to see the Northern Lights? ›The price of the tour packages of the Northern Lights starts from INR 1, 90,000 per person.
Can the northern lights be seen from Reykjavík? ›Can you see the Northern Lights in Reykjavik? Yes, it's possible to see the Northern Lights in Reykjavik! In fact, Reykjavik is the only capital city besides Nuuk, Greenland where you can see the Northern Lights.
Where is a blue lagoon? ›The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa found on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwest Iceland. It is the most popular attraction in Iceland, drawing people from all across the world.
How expensive is Iceland? ›An average trip to Iceland cost for travellers that want to vacation in Iceland is approximately $90-290 USD per person per day. This means that the cost of 7 days in Iceland is around $630 to $2030 USD excluding airfare.
Do you need to book a tour to see northern lights in Iceland? ›We recommend a self-drive tour that lasts at least a week to have the best chance of a sighting. And, of course, you won't be able to see them in the summertime. The good news is that you don't need to book onto a guided tour to see the Northern Lights in Iceland.
How far are the northern lights from Reykjavík? ›Around Reykjavik (max 45 minutes drive)
If you only have a few days in Iceland and plan to stay in its capital Reykjavik fear not: there are plenty of places in close proximity to witness the northern lights.
Is Iceland or Norway better for northern lights? ›
September-October and February-March are generally accepted as the best times to visit either destination on an aurora hunt. However, while all of Iceland is in prime northern lights territory, things aren't the same in Norway. You'll need to travel to the north of the country for a similar likelihood of a display.
Which is better the Blue Lagoon or the Sky Lagoon? ›The Blue Lagoon is the more famous of the two, so you can brag to your friends back home. It's also bigger, so better equipped to deal with the crowds that can descend on Iceland's more popular attractions. But the Sky Lagoon is newer and more modern, plus those ocean views take some beating.
How long do you stay at Sky Lagoon? ›How long can I stay in the lagoon? The recommended time is 1,5–2 hours. It's very important that you stay hydrated whilst enjoying the warm water. This will help ensure you get the most out of your experience and stay healthy.
Can you see Blue Lagoon without going in? ›You do not need to go inside the Blue Lagoon to see the milky blue waters. Just park in the parking lot of the Blue Lagoon and walk around the outside of the resort. There is a trail that takes you around some of the water and the lava landscape so you still can experience a bit of the Blue Lagoon.
Do I need cash in Iceland? ›Iceland is an almost cashless society, with nearly every purchase made by credit and debit cards. You won't need much cash at all for your trip.
What can I do in 3 days in Iceland? ›- Visit the Blue Lagoon.
- Find the Northern lights.
- Explore an Ice cave.
- Go on a Road trip.
- Do the Golden circle.
- Visit Reykjavik.
- See the Glacier lagoon.
- Discover the South coast.
The average Iceland trip cost for a family spending a week in Iceland is around $9,000-10,000 including airfare. Yup, that is about $1,400 a day. I have worked with families of five that have spent $25,000 on a 10-day trip, and couples who have spent $5,000 on a week-long trip.
Can you just turn up at the Blue Lagoon? ›In general, entry to the Blue Lagoon is fully booked throughout the year. In order to reserve your desired date and time—and avoid the possibility that the lagoon will be sold out on the day you intend to visit—pre-booking is absolutely essential.
How warm is the Blue Lagoon water? ›The water in the Blue Lagoon is heated to around 37-40 degrees Celsius (98-104 F). Due to fluctuations in weather conditions, the precise temperature may change month to month, however you can expect pleasantly warm waters year-round.
Is Blue Lagoon better at night? ›The best time to visit the Blue Lagoon is in the evening to enjoy the midnight sun in summer or the northern lights in winter. The average water temperature is 102 F (39 C) all year. The Blue Lagoon is not natural and was formed in 1976.
Is it easy to see northern lights in Reykjavik? ›
THE NORTHERN LIGHTS SEASON
Iceland is close enough to the North Pole to have a few months of the midnight sun during which the sky is too bright for the Northern Lights to appear. They are still there but the sky is lit up by the sun so we cannot detect the Aurora Borealis in Iceland.
It is possible to see the northern lights from Reykjavik. But it is uncommon due to the light pollution of the city lights. However, if you're in Reykjavik while there is high northern lights activity and clear skies. Then your best to see the northern lights in Reykjavik is by the 'Grótta lighthouse.
Will I see the northern lights in Reykjavik? ›The season between February and mid-April is a magical time for seeing the northern lights in Iceland. Snowy landscapes, spring equinox and milder weather are some of the reasons to choose this time of the year for your Icelandic holiday.
How likely are you to see the northern lights? ›The Northern Lights are unpredictable.
They are visible from late August to early April anytime during dark hours, which in places like Abisko or Tromsø can be nearly 24 hours a day in winter.
Book a tour
The cheapest way is to book a northern lights hunt*, a tour in which you will likely be driven around in a group as the guide tries to find a good vantage spot free of other spotters.
There is no official season since the northern lights are almost always present, day and night. Caused by charged particles from the sun hitting atoms in Earth's atmosphere and releasing photons, it's a process that happens constantly.
Can you see the northern lights without a tour? ›First of all, if the aurora is dancing brightly you'll be able to see it even from a city center (plus you'll always be able to get away from bright lights in Norwegian cities by heading to the parks). So if the weather and aurora forecast are good, you might not need to take a tour to see the northern lights.
How far is the Blue Lagoon to Reykjavik? ›How far is the Blue Lagoon from Reykjavik? The Blue Lagoon is located about 50 kilometers (31 miles) southwest of Reykjavik, or about a 45-minute drive. Visitors can also take a bus or a guided tour from Reykjavik to the Blue Lagoon.
How often are the northern lights visible in Reykjavik? ›Iceland is perfectly positioned in the Auroral Zone and offers the chance to see the Northern Lights 7 to 8 months per year!
How often do the northern lights happen? ›Fortunately, they occur frequently. "The northern lights are happening 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year," said photographer Chad Blakely, owner of the northern lights tour company Lights Over Lapland (opens in new tab).
How far are the northern lights from Reykjavik? ›
Around Reykjavik (max 45 minutes drive)
If you only have a few days in Iceland and plan to stay in its capital Reykjavik fear not: there are plenty of places in close proximity to witness the northern lights.
Head north. The best way to see the northern lights is to head north. Most of the molecular activity that causes the northern lights happens near the Earth's magnetic poles. For that reason, the Arctic region is an ideal location for hunting the aurora.
Where is the highest chance to see northern lights? ›Tromsø is northern Norway's largest city and is situated in the middle of the auroral oval, the area noted for having the highest probability of seeing the lights.