Where and when to see the northern lights in Iceland

Witnessing the colorful hues of the aurora borealis in the dark winter skies is something on many travelers’ bucket lists. Deciding when and where to see this natural wonder is the first – and perhaps most important – step in planning a northern lights trip.

The northern lights can be seen from a number of places in the auroral oval – an area of Earth’s atmosphere around the magnetic poles. On a map, the oval covers places sitting between 60° and 75° latitude, including northern parts of Sweden, Finland, Norway, Russia, Canada, and Alaska, southern Greenland – and, of course, Iceland.

Of course, we naturally think that Iceland is one of the best places to see the northern lights. In this guide, we’ll explore why the Land of Fire and Ice is a top aurora-viewing destination. We’ll also break down when to visit Iceland to see the northern lights, as well as where in Iceland you should head for the most scenic viewing spots.

Iceland’s latitude and proximity to the North Pole mean it’s a prime spot for northern lights viewing. Alongside its ideal geographic location, Iceland’s a great place to go looking for the aurora because of the following factors.

• Milder temperatures: While Icelandic winters can be cold, on average the temperature is higher than other aurora-viewing hotspots like Greenland or northern Scandinavia. This can make evenings spent out in the countryside waiting to spot the lights more enjoyable – just remember to wear warm clothes!
• Low light pollution: With a population of under 400,000 people and plenty of rural landscapes, Iceland experiences very little light pollution, creating the perfect northern lights conditions. Also, because Iceland’s so close to the Arctic Circle, the fall and winter months here bring long, dark nights, ideal for aurora hunting.
• Plenty of viewing spots: Iceland has so many accessible aurora-viewing points, making it an easy choice for those hoping to catch a glimpse. Some of the best places to see the northern lights are just 30 minutes outside of Reykjavík, but travelers can also head further afield to the South Iceland or the remote Westfjords, which provide some of the darkest – and most spectacular – viewing conditions.
• Other winter experiences: Another great reason to come to Iceland to see the aurora is the variety of other experiences and activities on offer during the winter months, from hot-water lagoon soaks to heliskiing and ice cave exploration. Then there’s glacier hikes and ATV adventures, so there’s plenty to enjoy.

The darker the nights, the brighter the lights! Read on to learn more about optimum conditions for aurora hunting.

September to March is often referred to as northern lights season, providing the best chances for seeing the aurora – but you can also get lucky and see them in late August, or early April.

The September to March period brings long, dark nights, creating the ideal conditions for the lights to be visible. The equinoxes in March and September are also considered prime viewing times as the aurora is often brighter because of the angle of the Earth’s magnetic field. But, be warned, these months can also bring cloudy conditions, making it harder to see the lights.

If you’re wondering when the best month to see the northern lights is, we suggest planning a trip in October or December. Compared to September, October brings shorter daylight hours and more cold and clear nights, ideal for seeing the aurora.

As the peak of the season, December is another great time for spotting this phenomenon. With the longest nights of the year happening during this month, you’ll have even more chances to view the aurora. December is also a great time to visit Iceland in general, with plenty of winter activities and festive celebrations taking place.

One more tip is to avoid timing your northern lights hunt with when there’ll be a full moon if you can. The light from the moon means the sky won’t be as dark, which can make it harder to see the aurora. While it should still be visible, the full moon can reduce the contrast and result in a less visually striking display than on darker nights.

So, now you know what time of year to travel, when should you actually head outside? The best time to see the northern lights is the darkest point of the night, usually between 10pm and 2am.

Whether you’ll see the lights can depend on lots of factors like light levels, weather conditions, and the strength of the solar wind, but going out at this time of night gives you the best chances of seeing something – even if it’s a faint display.

And of course, while this is the ideal window, the lights are as unpredictable as they are spectacular, so remember to be patient. You may see the display within a half-hour of waiting, or it could be closer to sunrise that the lights show up.

If conditions are right, you can potentially see the aurora absolutely anywhere in Iceland.

It’s important to know that there’s not one magical ‘best’ place in Iceland where you’re always guaranteed to see the northern lights. Instead, there are fantastic places with dark skies for optimal viewing conditions, and with unique backdrops for capturing awesome aurora pics.

Depending on where you’re traveling, we’ve put together a list of some of our recommended places in Iceland to see the northern lights.

So, there you have it. We hope our guide on when and where to see the northern lights in Iceland has given you some inspiration. From hotspots close to Reykjavík to more remote parts of Iceland, there are many wonderful locations to head to for an unforgettable view of the aurora.