Iceland Northern Lights Guide: Best Time, Locations & Tours
Witnessing the Aurora Borealis dance across the Icelandic sky is an unforgettable experience, a celestial ballet that captivates all who behold it. This guide provides essential information to help you plan your magical Northern Lights hunt in Iceland, covering optimal timing, prime viewing spots, and tour options.
Understanding the Aurora Borealis
The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are a natural light display in the Earth's sky, predominantly seen in high-latitude regions. They occur when charged particles from the sun collide with gases in the Earth's atmosphere, causing them to emit light. The resulting spectacle can range from faint green glows to vibrant streaks of pink, purple, and red, constantly shifting and swirling.
Several factors influence your chances of seeing the aurora: strong solar activity (measured by the Kp-index), complete darkness, and clear skies free from cloud cover. While the aurora is always present, it's only visible when these conditions align, making it a truly elusive and special phenomenon.
Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Iceland
Timing is crucial when planning your Northern Lights adventure. Iceland's geographical location makes it one of the best places in the world to witness this natural wonder, but specific periods offer higher probabilities.
Optimal Months
The prime season for Northern Lights viewing in Iceland runs fromlate August to early April. During these months, the nights are long and dark enough for the aurora to be visible. Peak viewing typically occurs between September and March, when the hours of darkness are at their longest.
Fun Fact:While the aurora is active year-round, Iceland's summer months experience nearly 24 hours of daylight, making it impossible to see the lights, no matter how strong the solar activity.
Best Time of Night
The Northern Lights can appear at any time during the dark hours, but they are most frequently observed between10 PM and 3 AM. It's advisable to be prepared to wait and check forecasts throughout the evening. Many tours depart in the late evening to maximize viewing opportunities.
Weather Considerations
Clear skies are paramount for aurora spotting. Even with strong solar activity, thick cloud cover will obscure the lights. Iceland's weather is famously unpredictable, so flexibility is key. Planning a trip of several days increases your chances of encountering a clear night.
Lunar Cycle
While not strictly necessary, planning your trip around a new moon can enhance your experience. A darker sky, free from the moon's illumination, allows fainter auroras to appear more vibrant and makes for better photography conditions.
Top Locations for Northern Lights Viewing in Iceland
To maximize your chances, you need to escape light pollution. The further you are from cities and towns, the better. Iceland offers numerous remote spots perfect for aurora hunting.
Near Reykjavík
Even if you're staying in Reykjavík City Center, you don't have to travel far to find darker skies. Areas just outside the city, such as Seltjarnarnes Peninsula (Grotta lighthouse) or the coastline towards the Blue Mountains (Bláfjöll), offer good viewing potential with minimal light pollution.
South Iceland
The South Coast is rich with dramatic landscapes that make for incredible aurora backdrops. Spots near Vík, and especially around the iconic Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach, are highly sought after by photographers. Imagine the aurora reflecting off floating icebergs!
West Iceland
The Snaefellsnes Peninsula is often called "Iceland in Miniature" and provides stunning foregrounds for the Northern Lights, including the famous Kirkjufell mountain. Its relatively low light pollution and diverse scenery make it an excellent choice.
North & East Iceland
These regions generally offer vast, unpopulated areas with very little light pollution, making them ideal for aurora viewing. While specific landmarks like Askja Caldera are remote, any open area away from towns offers excellent potential. Consider Hofn in the East or Akureyri in the North as bases, then drive out to rural spots.
Highland Areas
During shoulder seasons (early autumn, late spring), some highland areas like the Landmannalaugar Nature Reserve offer extremely dark skies. However, access to these areas is often limited to super jeep tours due to challenging road conditions, especially in winter.
Northern Lights Tours: Self-Drive vs. Guided Experience
Deciding how to chase the lights depends on your comfort level with winter driving and your desire for expert guidance.
Guided Tours
Joining a guided tour offers several advantages. Experienced local guides monitor aurora forecasts and weather conditions, taking you to the most promising locations. They often share fascinating facts about the aurora and Icelandic culture. Tours range from large bus excursions, which are generally more economical, to smaller super jeep tours that can access more remote areas. Some tours even include hot chocolate or warm blankets, enhancing the experience. If the lights don't appear, many tour operators offer a second chance for free.
Self-Drive Adventures
Renting a car provides the ultimate freedom and flexibility. You can chase clear patches of sky, stay out as long as you wish, and combine your aurora hunt with other activities like exploring the Golden Circle route, stopping at Gullfoss Waterfall or Strokkur Geysir by day. However, self-driving in Iceland during winter requires caution, experience with icy roads, and a reliable 4x4 vehicle. Always check road conditions and weather forecasts before heading out.
Essential Tips for Your Northern Lights Hunt
Preparation can significantly improve your chances and comfort during your aurora chase.
Patience is Key
The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and sightings are never guaranteed. Be prepared for patience, and enjoy the starry skies even if the aurora doesn't make a grand appearance.
Dress Warmly
Icelandic nights, especially in winter, are extremely cold. Dress in multiple layers, including thermal underwear, a warm waterproof and windproof outer shell, a hat, gloves, and insulated boots. Hand and foot warmers can also be a lifesaver.
Check Forecasts Regularly
Utilize aurora forecast websites (like vedur.is for Iceland's aurora and cloud cover forecast) and local weather apps. Look for a high Kp-index (3 or higher is good) and minimal cloud cover in your chosen viewing area.
Photography Tips
Capturing the aurora requires specific camera settings. Bring a sturdy tripod, a camera with manual settings, a wide-angle lens, and extra batteries (cold drains them quickly). Typical settings include a wide aperture (f/2.8 or lower), high ISO (1600-6400), and a long exposure time (15-30 seconds).
Consider Accommodation Choices
Staying in rural guesthouses or hotels away from town lights can allow you to step outside and potentially see the aurora without having to drive anywhere. Many offer aurora wake-up calls.
Safety First
If self-driving, inform someone of your plans, especially if heading to remote areas. Stick to marked roads, be aware of sudden weather changes, and never stop your car in the middle of the road for photos.
Maximizing Your Iceland Winter Trip
Even if the Northern Lights prove elusive, Iceland offers a wealth of incredible winter experiences. Explore stunning ice formations on a tour of Skaftafell Ice Cave, relax in the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon, or marvel at the powerful cascades of Gullfoss Waterfall. Plan your itinerary to include other activities, ensuring a memorable trip regardless of aurora sightings.
Hunting for the Northern Lights in Iceland is an adventure in itself. With careful planning, a bit of luck, and a flexible attitude, you stand a good chance of witnessing one of nature's most spectacular displays.