There are few things in the world as magical as witnessing the Northern Lights in Iceland. One moment the sky is pitch black, the next, it’s alive with dancing colors – green, pink, purple, and sometimes red – swirling overhead like something out of a dream.
If you’re planning a trip to this Nordic wonderland and want to know the best time to see Northern Lights in Iceland, you’re in the right place.
In this guide, we’ll cover when to go, where to see them, and even how to increase your chances of catching this incredible natural display. We’ll also share real stories, local tips, and everything else you need for the trip of a lifetime.
Best Place and Time to See Northern Lights in Iceland: Location Matters
The truth is, you can see the Northern Lights almost anywhere in Iceland, as long as it’s dark, the skies are clear, and there’s aurora activity. That said, some locations are better than others.
Top Spots to Watch the Northern Lights in Iceland:
- Thingvellir National Park – Close to Reykjavik, easy access, wide open skies.
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon – Stunning reflections of auroras on the water.
- Vík and the South Coast – Dark skies, dramatic landscapes.
- Akureyri and North Iceland – Less crowded, drier climate.
- Snæfellsnes Peninsula – Diverse terrain and fewer tourists.
- Reykjavik suburbs – Even the capital city can surprise you if you step away from the lights.
Pro Tip: Get away from artificial light. Even a streetlamp can dull the display. Rent a car or book a tour to escape into the countryside.
Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Iceland by Month
The Northern Lights season in Iceland runs from late August to mid-April, but not all months offer the same viewing conditions. Here’s a closer look, month by month.
August – September (Early Season)
- Pros: Less cold, fewer tourists
- Cons: Less darkness; shorter nights
While August might seem too early, the latter part of the month can actually offer a sneak peek of the auroras. September is better, with longer nights and decent weather.
Anecdote: I met a couple from Germany in early September who caught the lights on their very first night just outside Reykjavik. It wasn’t the brightest display, but for a first-timer? Pure magic.
October – November
- Pros: Good mix of darkness and weather conditions
- Cons: Increased cloud cover, unpredictable storms
October strikes a great balance of fewer crowds and a higher chance of clear skies. November brings colder air but stronger auroral activity.
December – February (Peak Season)
- Pros: Long, dark nights = high chances of auroras
- Cons: Coldest months, snowstorms possible
This is peak season for Northern Lights in Iceland. With up to 20 hours of darkness in December and January, your odds increase—but be ready for extreme cold and limited daylight.
Personal Story: I once spent five nights in January chasing the auroras. On the last night, near Thingvellir, the sky exploded in green waves. Worth every frozen finger.
March – April (Late Season)
- Pros: Longer daylight hours, good aurora activity
- Cons: Weather starts to shift; fewer dark hours
March is underrated. There’s still enough darkness, but better weather for road trips. April is less reliable, especially later in the month.
Northern Lights Best Time to See in Iceland: Step-by-Step Planning Guide
Want to boost your odds of seeing the auroras? Here’s a simple step-by-step guide that can help:
Step 1: Pick the Right Travel Dates
- Travel between late September and late March.
- Choose a time near the new moon to reduce light interference.
Step 2: Watch the Aurora Forecast
- Use the Icelandic Met Office Aurora Forecast.
- Look for a KP index of 3 or higher—that’s enough geomagnetic activity to be visible in Iceland.
Step 3: Get Away From City Lights
- Head out of Reykjavik or any town with significant lighting.
- The darker, the better. National parks, rural roads, and open coastlines are ideal.
Step 4: Dress Appropriately
- Bring layers, thermal gear, a windproof coat, hat, and gloves.
- It gets very cold, especially in January and February.
Step 5: Be Ready to Wait
- The Northern Lights don’t follow a set schedule.
- Peak viewing hours are usually between 9 PM and 2 AM.
Best Time of Year to See Northern Lights in Iceland Based on Conditions
Let’s summarize how each part of the year stacks up.
Late August – September
- Best for: Milder weather, early sightings
- Drawback: Short nights = fewer viewing hours
October – November
- Best for: Balanced weather and dark skies
- Drawback: Weather can be unpredictable
December – February
- Best for: Longest nights, most reliable displays
- Drawback: Coldest weather, possible snowstorms
March – Early April
- Best for: Mixed daylight and darkness
- Drawback: Season ends, fewer strong aurora nights
Tip: Statistically, the best time of year to see Northern Lights in Iceland is from mid-October to mid-March, with February and March often offering clearer skies and strong activity.
Photographing the Northern Lights in Iceland: Beginner Tips
If you’re hoping to capture the moment, follow these simple rules:
- Use a tripod to avoid blurry long exposures
- Set a high ISO (800–3200), wide aperture (f/2.8–f/4)
- Experiment with shutter speed (5 to 25 seconds)
- Manually focus your lens on a star or distant light
Tours vs. Going Solo: What’s Better for Seeing the Lights?
Aurora Tours
Pros:
- Local guides know the best viewing spots
- Transportation is provided
- Great for beginners
Cons: - Less flexibility
- Group setting may limit experience
DIY (Driving Yourself)
Pros:
- Total freedom
- Easier to explore multiple spots
- Great for photographers
Cons: - Driving in winter can be risky
- No backup if weather changes
Advice: If it’s your first trip, consider a Northern Lights tour. For seasoned travelers or photographers, self-driving offers better flexibility.
Best Hotels to See Northern Lights in Iceland
Choose accommodations away from city lights, or pick hotels that offer aurora wake-up calls. Some even provide heated domes or viewing platforms.
Recommended Places to Stay:
- Hotel Ranga – South Iceland, luxury plus aurora alerts
- ION Adventure Hotel – Near Thingvellir, ideal remote spot
- Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon – Midway between Jokulsarlon and Skaftafell
Anecdote: At a small guesthouse near Selfoss, the owner knocked on my door at 11:30 PM yelling “Lights!” I ran out in socks. It was freezing. It was perfect.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Chasing the Lights
- Only planning for 1–2 nights – Weather changes fast
- Not checking the aurora forecast – High KP numbers are crucial
- Ignoring moon phases – A full moon can wash out faint auroras
- Staying in bright areas – Even a car’s headlights can affect visibility
Quick Summary: Best Time to See Northern Lights in Iceland
| Month | Aurora Chances | Weather Conditions | Tourist Crowds | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August | Low | Mild | Low | Possible glimpses late in the month |
| September | Medium | Mild | Moderate | Increasing aurora activity |
| October | High | Unpredictable | Moderate | Strong activity, longer nights |
| November | High | Cold | High | Great chance if skies are clear |
| December–Feb | Best | Coldest | High | Peak aurora season |
| March | High | Improving | Moderate | Great balance of dark and daylight |
| April | Low–Medium | Milder | Low | Fewer opportunities as season ends |
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Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
Yes — a thousand times yes. Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland is like watching the universe whisper in color. It’s breathtaking, humbling, and unforgettable.
Plan well. Stay flexible. And give yourself enough nights to try. The lights don’t always show up when expected — but when they do, it’s pure magic.
