- Season
- Sep–Apr
- Best hours
- 22:00–02:00
- Darkness in late Dec
- ~19 h
- Often enough
- Kp 2–3+
When to see the northern lights
The aurora is visible in Iceland from roughly late August to mid-April, whenever the sky is dark and clear and solar activity is high enough. There are no northern lights to see between May and July, when the nights are too bright. Activity is often strongest around the equinoxes in September–October and March, while December and January give the most hours of darkness. The best hours are usually between 10 pm and 2 am.
How to read the forecast
The Icelandic Met Office (vedur.is aurora forecast) shows predicted cloud cover and an activity scale from 0 to 9. Cloud cover matters more than activity: a moderate display under a clear sky beats a strong storm behind clouds. In Iceland, even a Kp index of 2 to 3 can produce a visible display. Look for gaps in the green (cloud) areas on the map and drive towards them.
Best places to see the aurora
Anywhere away from artificial light works. Near Reykjavík, Grótta lighthouse is the easiest spot, while Þingvellir and Kleifarvatn are properly dark. On a road trip, the best photo spots are Kirkjufell on Snæfellsnes, Jökulsárlón and Stokksnes in the south-east, and Lake Mývatn in the north. Countryside hotels with an aurora wake-up call are a great way to avoid missing a display.
Countryside hotels on the South Coast often offer a northern lights wake-up call.
Countryside hotels ↗Tours or self-drive?
Aurora tours leave Reykjavík around 8–9 pm and drive to wherever the skies are clearest, sometimes over an hour away. Guides help with camera settings and most offer free rebooking if you see nothing. Self-driving gives flexibility but winter roads can be icy and dark, so stay on main roads and never stop on the carriageway.
Small-group, super-jeep and boat aurora tours run nightly from Reykjavík from September to April.
Compare aurora tours ↗Photography tips
- Use a tripod, manual focus set to infinity, a wide lens at its widest aperture, ISO 1600–3200 and 5–15 second exposures.
- Most recent phones have a night mode that captures the aurora well; brace the phone against something solid.
- Dress for −10°C even if the forecast says −2°C: you will be standing still for a long time.
Plan your trip to the northern lights
Tours & tickets
Guided tours, day trips and activities with free cancellation on most bookings.
See tours ↗Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see the northern lights in Iceland?
September to March are all good. September, October and March combine long dark nights with milder weather; December and January have the longest nights but more storms.
Can you see the northern lights from Reykjavík?
Yes, during strong displays, especially from darker places such as Grótta lighthouse. For a better view, drive 20 to 45 minutes out of the city.
Do northern lights tours give refunds?
Most tours do not refund, but offer free rebooking on another night if the lights do not appear. Book early in your trip so you have more chances.
Last reviewed October 2026. Opening hours, prices and road conditions change: check official sources before you travel.