No matter how many times I’ve seen the northern lights in Iceland, it never gets old!
For so many travelers, seeing Iceland’s aurora is a total #BucketListMoment.
And I want to help you make it happen!
In this post, I’ll give you the necessary knowledge and tips so that you can experience the magic of the northern lights in Iceland for yourself.
From technical tips on how to see them, to when to go and where to go, you’ve got everything you need for the best viewing experience possible in this guide.
Are you wondering how to see the northern lights in Iceland on your trip? You’ve come to the right place!
Get ready for a journey into Iceland’s aurora! ✨
Let’s get into it!
What Are the Northern Lights?
In a nutshell, you can see the northern lights when charged particles from the sun collide with gases in Earth’s atmosphere. This creates beautiful waves of color in the sky ranging from green, pink, purple, and sometimes even red light.
Oh, and when you hear people speaking about the Aurora Borealis or Aurora, it’s just a different name for the same thing!
The Science Behind The Northern Lights & Why They Happen
Alright, a quick science lesson on the northern lights – because who doesn’t love a bit of science, am I right?
The northern lights start their journey from our life-giving star – the Sun. Our Sun periodically releases solar flares that head toward Earth as high-energy electrons.
But our planet has its own defense mechanism – a geomagnetic field, acting as an invisible shield.
These solar flares hit the Earth’s magnetic field and start wrapping around our planet’s atmosphere.
Then, they separate at the poles, creating these stunning lights in the process. That’s why you can only see them from the extreme hemispheres.
And here’s a fun tidbit for you: There’s a Southern counterpart to the northern lights, known as Aurora Australis. These lights can be seen from places like Antarctica, Australia, and New Zealand.
So, no matter which hemisphere you’re in, you can catch a glimpse of these fantastic light shows. Pretty cool, huh?
When is the Best Time to Visit Iceland for the Northern Lights?
If you want to travel during the aurora season in Iceland, you’ll want to be here in autumn, early spring or winter. A big reason why we chose to visit Iceland in the fall the first time we visited, was because we desperately wanted to see the northern lights.
And I’m so glad we did, fall and winter are the best times of year to see the northern lights in Iceland!
Unfortunately, if you’re traveling to Iceland during the summer (from about May – early August) there’s just waaay too much daylight to spot them.
What Are the Best Months to See the Northern Lights in Iceland?
The best months to see the northern lights in Iceland are from late August through mid-April, with the most intense colors appearing in September/October and March.
Just remember, if you visit Iceland during this time, there will also be limited daylight for exploring.
It all depends on your priorities! For more pros and cons of each season, read this guide for the 👉 best time to visit Iceland.
What is Solar Maximum & How Does it Affect the Northern Lights?
Every 11- years or so, our sun goes through a cycle where its magnetic field flips, causing a lot more solar activity. That means a lot of sun spots and solar flares. When this peaks, it’s called solar maximum.
Think of it like a crackling campfire. Sometimes there are more sparks and other times less. Times with ‘more crackling’ so to speak, means that there’s a lot more solar activity.
During solar maximum, the northern lights are even more intense with more vibrant colors. Which means crazy beautiful lights in the sky!
Experts still debate exactly when the solar peak was, but even though it’s on the decline, it’s expected that 2026-2027 is still an excellent time to catch the aurora storms. In fact, it’s one of the most active periods of the current solar cycle.
So if you’re visiting Iceland in 2026 or 2027 and the northern lights are at the top of your “must-see” list…you’re in luck!
The Best Conditions to See the Northern Lights: Factors That Affect Viewing
Now, let’s get into factors that affect viewing, so you can have the best chance possible at spotting these beauties!
- Low light pollution: Avoid as much light pollution as possible. This means getting out of the center of Reykjavík! Or any city you are in. The darker the area around you, the better.
If you are in Reykjavík and don’t have a car to drive away from the city, Grótta Lighthouse is a great place to view the northern lights not far from Reykjavík and is accessible by bus. (I’ve put more info on my favorite viewing spots below!).
- Low cloud cover: Cloud cover is the most important factor. The sun could be throwing huge flares for days, but if the clouds are heavy in the sky, there’s no chance you’ll catch a glimpse of the northern lights… Make sure to check the cloud cover forecast for the evening.
That said, don’t give up too quickly. I’ve had nights where the forecast looked terrible, only for the clouds to suddenly break for an hour and reveal an incredible aurora display.
Iceland’s weather changes fast, so it’s worth keeping an eye on the forecast throughout the evening.
- Moon phase: We always want the darkest and clearest conditions possible to see the aurora. So, generally speaking, a new moon will be the best time to spot them because it’ll be darker.
But, sometimes the lights are so vibrant you’ll be able to see them clearly even on a full moon!
What is the KP Index?
The KP index is a scale that measures geomagnetic activity in the Earth’s atmosphere. It ranges between 0 and 9 (with 0 being no activity and 9 being the most intense displays). So, many people think that to have a good chance of seeing the northern lights, you’re looking for a number 5 or above.
BUT…
This number isn’t actually that useful for northern lights chasers in Iceland. Don’t get too hung up over the KP number.
Iceland lies within the auroral oval (an oval-shaped belt around the magnetic poles where the aurora is best seen). Because of this, I’ve managed to see them with a KP reading of 3 or 4.
The Best Places To See Northern Lights In Iceland
Whether you’re looking to see the northern lights in Reykjavík or you’re willing to travel a little more off the beaten path, you’ll be able to find a viewing spot on this list for you!
How to See the Northern Lights: Reykjavík
Some people are surprised to learn that you can actually see the lights in Reykjavík. Of course, you need to consider the city lights, and I suggest driving a little further out of the city center to get darker conditions.
The good news is that you don’t have to travel far!
Here are some of the best places to see the Northern Lights near Reykjavík.
Grótta Lighthouse
One of my favorite viewing spots just outside Reykjavík is The Grótta Lighthouse on the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula.
I usually see a mix of locals and tourists gathering here to escape the city lights and I’ve gotten quite a few insta-worthy shots of the aurora here.
So just remember, while it’s an easy, convenient spot not too far from downtown, you won’t exactly have the place to yourself!
Bonus points: if you don’t have a car, The Grótta lighthouse is accessible by bus. Just take bus 11 from City Hall all the way to Lindargata Road (stop Hofgarðar). From there, it’s just a 5-minute walk to the lighthouse! You could also take a quick 10-minute taxi if you don’t mind paying a bit more.
Öskjuhlíð Forest Near Perlan
If you’re up for a little drive, just around the corner from the city is the Öskjuhlíð Forest, right around Perlan.
There aren’t a whole lot of trees in Iceland, so seeing a forest in the city is so cool! This wooden hill area is a popular spot for hikers and runners because of all the trails. But it’s also a great place to see the aurora.
Plus, getting even further away from the city lights only going to improve your viewing experience.
Trust me, it’s worth the mini road trip!
Elliðarárdalur
Next, we’re heading over to this lovely park, Elliðarárdalur – yeah, try saying that five times fast! 😂
As a nature lover, this place makes my soul so happy. It’s a park with beautiful leafy trees, brimming with the sounds of running water.
There is such a peaceful vibe to this place, it’s like a little oasis tucked right outside the city! And it’s just far away enough from Reykjavík that you’ve got a clear sky and great viewing opportunities.
Bonus: The Aurora Museum, Reykjavík
While not technically a viewing spot, The Aurora Museum Reykjavík is a great way to take your northern lights knowledge further.
This museum in Iceland is located downtown and it’s super impressive – their motto is “Where the Northern Lights are always on display!”
The museum has interesting information about the mythology and science of the northern lights, and of course, the photos are incredible!
There’s even an amazing widescreen room where you can watch time-lapse video footage of the northern lights captured from all around Iceland. I’ve learned so much here, and every time I see the aurora, I appreciate them even more.
Side effects of visiting may include an intense desire to hike to remote locations through Iceland in the dark and freezing cold just to become a professional northern lights photographer! 😂
Adult Admission Price: 3,900 ISK.
➡️ READ: 23 Free & Cheap Things to do in Reykjavík on Your Trip
Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Iceland: Outside Reykjavík
If you have a car and don’t mind getting a little further outside the city, I have a few other solid options for you to catch the northern lights in Iceland!
They’re not too far away, but it’s important to plan ahead. Be sure to check the northern lights forecast so that you can time it perfectly.
Heiðmörk
This is a stunning 3,000-hectare nature conservation area just outside of Reykjavík.
Surrounded by volcanic hills, called Rauðhólar, and the beautiful Lake Elliðvatn, this is one of my favorite places to catch the lights!
Reykjanes Peninsula
Another one of the best places to see the northern lights in Iceland is along the Reykjanes Peninsula.
It’s about an hour’s drive from the capital, but it’s worth it.
Some of my go-to spots are the Gardur Lighthouse and Kleifarvatn Lake.
The views are incredible, so have your camera ready! 📸
Find out more about visiting the Reykjanes Peninsula below. 👇
➡️ READ: Reykjanes Peninsula: 5 Must-See Gems You Can’t Miss and More!
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Let me preface this by saying that visiting Jökulsárlón is a must in my books. Whether or not you’re here to see the aurora in Iceland!
The glacier lagoon is incredible and when you pair it with the northern lights… 10 out of 10!
You view them from the main shoreline, from the bridge that’s only a short walk from the parking lot, or Diamond Beach.
Getting photographs of the lights with the ice in the lagoon is absolutely spectacular!
Kirkjufell Mountain Northern Lights
I was literally stunned when I saw the lights above Kirkjufell.
It felt like the whole landscape was glowing and it was even more beautiful than I had imagined.
If you’re visiting the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Kirkjufell should be on your to-do list.
Not only is this one of the most photographed mountains in Iceland, it also has waterfalls AND it’s one of the best places to spot the aurora in Iceland!
Þingvellir National Park
And last but certainly not least when it comes to spots to catch the northern lights in Iceland is Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park.
This isn’t just any park, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Every time I visit Þingvellir, I’m reminded of how wild the landscape feels.
And because it’s so far from the city lights, the sky gets nice and dark… perfect for seeing Iceland’s aurora. You can find some good viewing points overlooking Þingvallavatn Lake.
Þingvellir is also one of the three major stops on the famous Golden Circle route. If you want to discover more in the area, look no further. 👇
➡️ READ: Golden Circle, Iceland: Everything You Need to Know for a Dream Trip
Northern Lights Apps to Track the Aurora in Iceland
While it’s never a *guarantee* that you’ll see the northern lights in Iceland, if you visit during the right time of year, and consistently check the aurora forecast in Iceland, your chances of spotting them are highly likely!
Here are my favorite Aurora trackers and forecasting tools!
My Aurora Forecast & Alerts: This shows you the KP index and list of best viewing locations in real time.
Download My Aurora app 👉 here.
Hello Aurora: Northern Lights: This app is user-friendly and gives you personal alerts for best viewing spots.
Download Hello Aurora app 👉 here.
Vedur (Veður): Shows cloud cover and this is also a great one to download because it gives you travel warnings and information on road closures.
Other websites you can use are Geophysical Institute, where they rate the likelihood of seeing them and their intensity.
Soft Serve News which breaks down KP activity in half-hour increments and you can check the phase of the moon for your travel dates on timeanddate.
These apps and sites are going to be your best friend when trying to see northern lights in Iceland!
Apps can make your travel experience a lot easier. Here are some of the most useful ones to download before your trip. 👇
➡️ READ: The 13 Best Apps for Iceland You Can’t Travel Without!
How To Photograph Northern Lights
Okay, so now that you know how to see the northern lights in Iceland, you want to be sure to capture a memorable photo! Here are the general rules:
- Long exposure time, i.e. 20 seconds
- Mid-range ISO. I like to keep it around 800 (this will be different depending on surrounding light pollution).
- Aperture between f/2.8 and f/5.6
- Keep the camera completely still. A tripod is a must for this. If you have a shutter release that would be extra helpful to minimize any blurring.
Get your camera ready and prepare to be amazed!
How to Photograph Northern Lights with Your Phone
I must admit, technology has come a LONG way since I first arrived in Iceland, and you can capture some pretty amazing pictures on your Smartphone these days.
You can download apps that’ll help you get the best photographs possible. Some of these include; Northern Lights Photo Taker, Camrote (for timelapse), NightCap Pro and ProCam X – Lite
Whether you’re using a camera or Smartphone, one thing’s for sure. You NEED a tripod to keep your camera as still as possible, otherwise, you’ll just end up with super blurry photos!
Settings can differ depending on whether you’re using an iPhone or Android. But here are a few tips on how to capture the northern lights on your phone:
- Mount your phone to keep it steady.
- Turn off flash and activate night mode if your phone has it then stay in photo mode.
- If you have an Android stay in Manual Mode so you can adjust the ISO, Aperture and Focus. (ISO 1600 or above and aperture f-2.8 or lower).
- Tap on the moon or a star to focus on it or set focus to infinity.
- When the aurora comes out, you start taking your pictures and lower your exposure (shutter speed) as needed to see what works best. Start with 5-10 seconds and take it from there,
The iPhone has an automatic setting in low light to take long exposure, so as long as your camera is stable, you can take photos of the northern lights!
If you’re not confident with taking photographs yourself, you can opt to take a northern lights tour and many of them will include photographs.
Iceland Northern Lights Tours
If you’re wondering how to see the northern lights in Iceland without having to find them yourself, there are more guided options available.
There are plenty of companies that offer Iceland Aurora tours, and they’ll plan everything out for you.
They’ll take care of the details – you’ll be collected right from where you’re staying, or from a pre-arranged meeting point. Then, they’ll whisk you away from the hustle and bustle of Reykjavík, steering you directly to the best spots to see the lights.
You don’t need to worry about finding the right location, just set yourself up at the spot they take you to and get ready to enjoy the show.
These tours will guide you to prime viewing spots of the aurora, making your northern lights experience as easy as pie while you’re visiting Reykjavík.
If you’re looking for a northern lights tour in Iceland, Reykjavík is a good place to start from. 👇
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: Northern Lights Bus Tour From Reykjavík
Iceland’s Northern Lights: What to Wear
As with everything you do in Iceland, you need to dress the part when chasing the Aurora! Waiting in the cold is to be expected, so layer up well!
Here’s what you’ll need:
Base layer: A base thermal layer for your top and bottom is essential.
Mid layer: Wear a wool sweater or fleece. I highly recommend investing in a genuine Icelandic Lopapeysa. I bought mine years ago and it’s as good as new. Plus, it’s the warmest sweater I own!
Outer layer: Your outer coat and pants need to be wind and water resistant. The weather can change very quickly, so make sure you’re prepared.
Accessories: wool socks, gloves, warm hat
Footwear: warm boots or hiking shoes, camera + tripod
Oh, and don’t forget a thermos with hot chocolate or tea to warm you up while you wait. It really helps with the cold.
Knowing what to pack for Iceland can be challenging, especially if you’re traveling during the winter months. Make the most of your luggage space by packing only what you need.
I’ve put together the 👉 Ultimate Iceland Packing Guide that shows you how to layer up, there’s seasonal checklists and shopping lists of products I swear by for the whole family.
Download your FREE Iceland Packing Guide below. 👇
FAQs
Here’s a few questions you had about the aurora in Iceland.
Are the Northern Lights Visible in Reykjavík?
Yes, the northern lights are often seen from Reykajvik. In fact, it’s one of the only capital cities where you can see them.
Sometimes the aurora is so strong that I’ve seen the lights from my living room window!
Just remember that time of year, city lights, cloud cover and pollution can affect visibility. I suggest a short drive out of the city center for the best results.
When is the Best Time of Day to See the Northern Lights?
Sometimes the lights can come out as early as 8 P.M. and other times, they’re not visible until after midnight or even 1 A.M. A word to the wise, patience is your friend when you’re waiting to see the aurora, so get comfortable!
What City in Iceland Has the Best Northern Lights?
Some of the best cities to see the Aurora in Iceland are Reykjavík and Akureyri, although sometimes you’ll need to travel a short distance from the city center. The villages of Vík, Siglufjörður and Djúpavík are also great options because there isn’t a lot of light pollution.
Can You See the Northern Lights Without a Tour?
Yes, absolutely. A tour is not necessary if you know where to go and the ideal conditions for viewing. Make sure you download the appropriate apps to help increase your chances of seeing them. If you want someone else to do the work for you, then a tour is definitely easier.
How Do I Decide if it’s a Good Time to Go Northern Lights Hunting?
- Check Aurora forecasting apps or Veður for cloud cover.
- Check the KP reading for the night.
- Wait until it’s dark
- Drive out of the city center to improve your chances.
- Be patient and wait for them to come out.
Picking An Itinerary for Your Iceland Northern Lights Holiday
If you’re stuck on how to plan a trip to see the northern lights, you don’t need to struggle piecing it together on your own.
Planning a trip to Iceland in the winter is a whole other ball game!
There are challenges you might not have thought of, like longer driving times, limited daylight hours, and even regions that are closed off, like the Highlands and Westfjords.
The great thing is that my 👉 Winter Itineraries have everything planned out for you.
Jeannie is the founder of Iceland with a View, an Iceland trip planning resource she launched in 2015 after moving to Iceland. Having lived in Iceland for nearly 11 years, she shares firsthand travel advice through in-depth articles, guidebooks, maps, itineraries, and a YouTube channel with over 110,000 subscribers. Her mission is to help travelers confidently plan unforgettable Iceland trips with practical, experience-based guidance.
