The Ultimate Northern Lights Guide to Iceland

The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are one of the most magical experiences Iceland has to offer. From September to mid-April, long dark nights provide the perfect backdrop for these dancing green and purple lights. But catching them isn’t just about luck - it’s about preparation, patience, and knowing where to go.

This guide covers everything: the science of the aurora, the best conditions, recommended apps and websites, top locations in Iceland, photography tips, and even tours you can book for the best chance of seeing them.

Best Conditions for Viewing ✅

The Northern Lights don’t just appear anywhere, anytime. Several conditions need to align:

1. Clear Skies (No Clouds)
The aurora may be strong, but if the sky is covered in clouds, you won’t see it. In Iceland, weather can change quickly, so checking the forecast is essential. Use the Icelandic Met Office (vedur.is) — their aurora map shows cloud coverage in green, with white areas representing clear skies. The forecast updates every few hours. Sometimes, driving just 30 minutes away from a cloudy area can reveal perfectly clear skies. Flexibility is key.

2. Darkness (No Light Pollution)
The aurora is visible even from Reykjavík occasionally, but city lights make it faint. For the best experience, head to remote areas where there is little to no artificial light. Beaches, national parks, and rural areas are ideal. Even car headlights can ruin photos, so find a safe pull-off, turn off the lights, and let your eyes adjust.

3. Solar Activity (KP Index)
The aurora is caused by solar wind particles hitting Earth’s magnetic field. Scientists measure this activity with the KP index, which runs from 0 to 9. A KP of 3 or higher gives a good chance of visible auroras in Iceland. Websites like Aurora Service (aurora-service.eu) and apps like My Aurora Forecast show live KP readings and even predict activity up to three days in advance.

4. Moon Phase
The moon can brighten the sky and wash out weaker auroras. A new moon (no moonlight) offers the darkest skies, but don’t cancel your plans if it’s a full moon — strong auroras can still be seen, especially if they’re overhead. The moon can even add drama to photos by illuminating the landscape.

5. Patience & Timing
The Northern Lights don’t run on a schedule. They can appear at any time between dusk and dawn, but the best window is usually 10 PM–2 AM. Sometimes they show for just a few minutes, other times they dance across the sky for hours. Plan to stay out at least 1–2 hours, bundle up, and keep watching.

Best Tools & Apps 📱

Having the right apps will drastically improve your chances of seeing the aurora. Here are the must-haves:

• My Aurora Forecast (App, iOS & Android)
  One of the best and easiest apps to use. It shows the KP index, cloud cover, and your probability of seeing the aurora in your current location. You can set notifications so your phone buzzes when activity spikes.

• Aurora Service (aurora-service.eu)
  A reliable website for real-time space weather data. It gives a global aurora map, KP index predictions, and solar wind data. Best for travelers who want deeper details.

• Vedur.is (Icelandic Meteorological Office)
  The official site for Iceland’s weather and aurora forecast. It shows three key layers: aurora activity, cloud cover, and moonlight. The site updates regularly and is considered the gold standard in Iceland.

• Aurora Alerts Northern Lights (App)
  Sends customizable push notifications based on your location and forecast. Helpful if you don’t want to refresh apps all night.

• SpaceWeatherLive (Website/App)
  More advanced — it shows real-time solar wind speed and magnetometer readings, which hardcore aurora hunters use to predict sudden bursts.

Tip: Use at least two apps together (Vedur.is + My Aurora Forecast is the winning combo)

Best Places in Iceland to See the Aurora 📍

Þingvellir National Park (Golden Circle)
Close to Reykjavík yet dark enough for great viewing. The wide open fields make it ideal for catching auroras with mountains in the background.

Grótta Lighthouse (Reykjavík)
The easiest option if you don’t have a car. Just a short drive from downtown, it’s one of the best spots near the capital. Visit at low tide to walk out to the lighthouse.

Vík & Reynisfjara Beach (South Coast)
Famous for its black sands and sea stacks, this location offers dramatic backdrops for aurora photography. Be cautious of sneaker waves — never get too close to the water at night.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach
Watching the aurora reflect off floating icebergs is unforgettable. This area is remote, so plan to spend the night nearby.

Akureyri & Lake Mývatn (North Iceland)
The north gets longer and darker nights, giving you more chances. Lake Mývatn, with its volcanic landscapes, is particularly scenic.

Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Nicknamed “Iceland in Miniature,” this area combines cliffs, beaches, and mountains — all with little light pollution. Kirkjufell Mountain is especially iconic for aurora photos.

Westfjords (e.g., Ísafjörður, Hornstrandir)
Remote and untouched, these regions have some of the darkest skies in the country. Perfect if you’re looking for solitude.

Photography Tips 📸

• Camera Settings: Wide-angle lens, aperture f/2.8 or lower, ISO 800–3200, shutter 5–20 seconds depending on aurora brightness.

• Focus: Switch to manual and focus on a bright star or distant light.

• Tripod: Absolutely essential to keep shots sharp.

• Composition: Include foreground elements like waterfalls, mountains, or icebergs for depth.

• Smartphones: Newer models can capture auroras in night mode. For best results, use apps like NightCap or ProCam and keep the phone steady.

Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland 🚐

If you prefer expert guidance or don’t want to drive, tours are a great option.

• Northern Lights Bus Tour from Reykjavík (Viator) – Budget-friendly, large groups, great for first-timers.

• Small-Group Aurora Tour with Photos & Hot Chocolate (Viator) – Smaller groups, pro photos included.

• Northern Lights Super Jeep Tour (Tripadvisor) – Access remote off-road locations.

• Aurora Boat Cruise from Reykjavík Harbor (Tripadvisor) – Unique view of the lights from the water

Quick Survival Tips 🔑

• Dress warmly: Wear thermal layers, down jacket, hat, gloves, scarf, and waterproof boots. Standing still in freezing temps is the hardest part of aurora hunting.

• Bring snacks & hot drinks: A thermos of tea or cocoa makes the wait much easier.

• Stay flexible: Weather in Iceland changes fast. Be ready to move locations if one area is cloudy.

• Avoid first-night bookings: Flight delays and jet lag can ruin your chances. Plan your tour for the second or third night of your trip.

• Be patient: The lights may show up quickly or take hours. Give yourself multiple nights to maximize chances.