All you need to chase the Northern Lights in Iceland
The Northern Lights in Iceland are one of the world’s most breathtaking natural displays — a dance of green, pink, and violet ribbons across the Arctic sky.
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The northern lights draw thousands of travelers to Iceland every year
Most of those who visit Iceland during winter hope to witness the unforgettable phenomenon of the northern lights. However, here’s my honest advice: don’t make the Northern Lights your only reason to visit Iceland. The aurora is unpredictable — that’s part of its magic. On cloudy nights or when solar activity is low, the lights might not appear at all. Still, every night spent looking for them is a small adventure filled with anticipation and wonder.
When and Where to See the Northern Lights in Iceland
The best time to see the Northern Lights is between September and April, when Iceland’s nights are long and dark. To increase your chances, you’ll need:
- Clear skies
- Minimal light pollution
- Patience and warm clothing!
If you’re staying in Reykjavík, you don’t have to go far. Head to the following places to see the northern lights:
- Grótta Lighthouse on the Seltjarnarnes peninsula
- Öskjuhlíð Hill, near Perlan
- Elliðaárdalur Valley, a quiet green area within the city
If you are outside of Reykjavik, head to the following places to see the northern lights:
For rural travelers, the South Coast, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and Westfjords offer incredibly dark skies and dramatic scenery.
How to Maximize Your Chances of Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland
Use real-time aurora forecasts to plan your Northern Lights hunt. Trusted sources include:
- Icelandic Meteorological Office Aurora Forecast
- NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center
- The fantastic Iceland By Night website by Sævar Helgi Bragason, Iceland’s stargazer in chief
You can also join a Northern Lights tour with expert guides who know the best viewing spots based on weather and solar conditions.
Save on Northern Lights tours by subscribing to the Stuck in Iceland Travel Magazine
Pro tip: Subscribe to my free newsletter to instantly receive exclusive discount codes for Northern Lights tours, car rentals, and exhibitions in Iceland.
Save 10% on the Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland with Gravel Travel
Looking for the ultimate Northern Lights experience in Iceland? Gravel Travel’s new 2025 – 2026 Northern Lights tours combine adventure, comfort, and expert guidance—and Stuck in Iceland newsletter subscribers get an exclusive 10% discount. Choose between a rugged Super Jeep photography tour or a budget-friendly minibus tour from Reykjavík, both featuring hot chocolate, Icelandic pastries, cozy blankets, and professional aurora photos. Every tour now includes entry to the Reykjavík Aurora Northern Lights Center, where guests enjoy interactive exhibits and a 4K aurora film before heading into the wild. With a 98% success rate and a free re-book guarantee if the lights don’t appear, these tours offer one of the most magical—and reliable—ways to see the aurora in Iceland. Sign up for the free Stuck in Iceland Travel Newsletter to claim your discount code instantly.
See the Northern Lights by Boat in Reykjavík – Get 10% Off Elding Tours
Looking for a unique way to see the Northern Lights in Iceland? Join a Northern Lights boat tour with Elding, where you can enjoy the aurora far from city lights and even combine your experience with whale watching. Out at sea, you’ll have panoramic views of Reykjavík and its surroundings—without the glare of urban light pollution. Elding offers several options, including the Reykjavík Northern Lights Cruise and the Superior Northern Lights Expedition on Viðey Island, both designed to maximize your chances of seeing the aurora. Sign up for the free Stuck in Iceland Travel Newsletter to receive exclusive 10% discount codes for Elding’s Northern Lights and whale watching tours.
Enjoy the Journey, Not Just the Lights
The Northern Lights are a reminder that nature doesn’t perform on command — and that’s what makes seeing them so special. Whether you catch a bright display or just a faint shimmer, the experience of waiting together under the Icelandic sky is unforgettable.
If you’re traveling with children, turn the search into an adventure. Teach them the science behind the aurora — how charged solar particles collide with Earth’s atmosphere to create light. It’s the perfect mix of science, storytelling, and magic.
Northern Lights FAQ
10 questionsWhen is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland?+
September through April, when the nights are long and dark enough for the aurora to show. Activity often peaks around the autumn and spring equinoxes. On any given night, the sweet spot is usually between 10:30 p.m. and 1:00 a.m. — though they can appear earlier or later, so stay flexible.
Where are the best places to see them?+
Anywhere with dark, clear skies away from light pollution. Outside the capital, the South Coast, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the Westfjords, and North Iceland all have wonderfully dark skies. A good trick: if it's cloudy where you are, check the forecast for another region. It's often clear in the north when Reykjavík is socked in.
Can I see the Northern Lights from Reykjavík?+
Yes, on a good night you don't have to go far. Head to Grótta Lighthouse on the Seltjarnarnes peninsula, Öskjuhlíð Hill near Perlan, or the Elliðaárdalur Valley. You'll always get a better show by driving away from the city glow, but a strong display is perfectly visible from these spots.
Do the Northern Lights only appear when it's cold?+
No — that's a common myth. The aurora has nothing to do with temperature. It happens when charged particles from the sun collide with our atmosphere, exciting oxygen and nitrogen atoms that then give off light. The lights are present year-round; you just can't see them during Iceland's bright summer nights, which is why you need the dark season.
What affects visibility the most?+
Three things: solar activity (the higher, the better), cloud cover, and light pollution. Of these, cloud cover is the big one — even a strong aurora is invisible through cloud. So clear skies matter more than anything else. If the forecast shows cloud where you are, be willing to drive to where it's clear.
How do I check the aurora forecast?+
I rely on three: the Icelandic Meteorological Office aurora forecast (en.vedur.is), NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center, and the excellent Iceland at Night site by Sævar Helgi Bragason, our stargazer-in-chief. Check them in the early evening so you have time to drive to a clear patch of sky before the show starts.
Should I join a tour or go on my own?+
Both work. A guided tour means someone else watches the forecasts and drives you to the best conditions, and most offer a free re-book if the lights don't show. Going solo in a rental car gives you total freedom. Stuck in Iceland subscribers get 10% off tours with Gravel Travel (Super Jeep or minibus from Reykjavík) and Elding (aurora by boat from the Old Harbour, away from all city light).
What should I wear and bring?+
Dress far warmer than you think you need to — you'll be standing still in the dark for a long stretch, which is much colder than walking around. Thermal base layers, a warm mid-layer, a windproof and waterproof outer shell, hat, gloves, and proper boots. Hand warmers are worth it. A thermos of something hot makes the wait a pleasure rather than an endurance test.
How do I photograph the Northern Lights?+
You need a camera with manual controls, a wide-angle lens, and — most importantly — a sturdy tripod. Start with a high ISO (1600–3200), the widest aperture your lens allows (f/2.8 or lower), and a shutter speed of around 5–20 seconds depending on how active the display is. Charge your batteries fully and keep a spare warm in a pocket; the cold drains them fast. Modern phones in night mode do a surprisingly good job too.
How do I save on Northern Lights tours?+
Subscribe to the free Stuck in Iceland newsletter and you'll get exclusive discount codes straight away — including 10% off aurora tours with Gravel Travel and Elding, plus codes for car rentals, camper vans, and more. Sign up here.
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