Set just below the Arctic Circle, Iceland's northern location is prime for viewing the colorful natural phenomenon that is the northern lights, or aurora borealis. To give you the best chance at spotting the elusive lights for yourself, we’ve gathered everything you need to know—from expert advice on what to pack for Iceland’s cool climate, when's the best time to visit to increase your chances of seeing the northern lights, and what causes the northern lights, as well as our picks for the best places to go to see the aurora borealis in Iceland.
There's no doubt that one of the best things to do in Iceland is to try and see the northern lights, a natural phenomena that occurs in Earth’s atmosphere above the most northerly latitudes of the planet. The aurora borealis are bands of colored light and are seen in green (the most common color), pink, red, purple, white and even yellow and are the result of particles from the sun that collide with our atmosphere and interact with our atmospheric gasses. The colors appear to dance across the sky during the darkest months of the year (December through March) and have captivated humans for millennia.
Due to its prime geographical location, low light pollution, and typically clear skies, Iceland is considered one of the best places in the world for seeing the northern lights. And as Guðrún Dagmar Haraldsdóttir, a Gray Line guide who leads northern lights tours around Iceland, notes: “To see the lights, you need a lot of darkness.” Luckily, Iceland can offer that. Thanks to its long winter nights, the country is plunged into darkness throughout most of the mid-winter, with an average of around four hours of daylight in December. That makes seeing the northern lights easiest between September and early March for aurora hunters.
And what about summer? Although Iceland receives nearly 24 hours of daylight during the height of summer, the aurora can sometimes be spotted late at night during the warmer months. Late August offers the greatest chance of catching warm weather sightings of the northern lights. However, the chances of a sighting are very low from April through September, so if you’re set on seeing the northern lights, don’t book a trip in the summer, but do enjoy them if you catch a glimpse.
In summary, September to March is generally considered to be the prime time to see the northern lights in Iceland, but Haraldsdóttir recommends following an online aurora forecast to see the intensity of upcoming aurora activity. And while technically you may see the northern lights in summer, if you really want to increase your chances, opt for a mid-winter trip to Iceland instead.
If you're wondering what to pack to see the northern lights in Iceland, wonder no more. “In Iceland, we never talk about bad weather—we talk about bad clothing,” Haraldsdóttir says. She recommends aurora hunters bring thermal underwear in addition to warm layers and outerwear. Think winter coat; snow pants and shoes; and thick hats, gloves, and socks. “A thin pair of gloves (merino wool or polyester) inside your thicker pair can be helpful when you’re taking pictures,” Haraldsdóttir adds.
This is because the aurora arrives in Iceland during the coldest, darkest months of the year, even though, generally, the country doesn’t get as frigid as its name suggests. The expected weather conditions in Iceland during the winter include temperatures which hover around 32°F (0°C), higher than those seen in other northern lights destinations such as Alaska or Finland.
There are several ways to get great photos of the northern lights, but they require a bit more thought than "point and shoot" ... and definitely no flash!
How to take photos of the northern lights with a manual camera:
How to take photos of the northern lights with an iPhone:
Yes, you can still see the northern lights from the Icelandic capital, you just need to choose your viewing point carefully to avoid the bright city lights.
And once you're finished hunting down the northern lights, there are lots more things to do in Reykjavik. During the day, take a downtown walking tour to see such sites as the striking Hallgrim's Church (Hallgrímskirkja) and waterfront Harpa (Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre). Then, by night, hit the always-lively bars of Reykjavik on a runtur (bar crawl).
Sitting within the famous Golden Circle, Thingvellir National Park offers little light pollution yet is still close to Reykjavik, great for northern light hunting.
And when you've had your fill of northern lights, there are lots more things to do in Thingvellir National Park. Join a snorkeling tour to swim between tectonic plates at the park’s Silfra Fissure, or visit the Reykjadalur valley in Nesjavallir for the chance to bathe in a thermal river.
Vík offers plenty of chances (and places from which) to spot the northern lights, plus it's within easy reach of the capital, Reykjavik.
And once you've finished looking skyward, be sure to check out the other things to do in Vík. Saddle up and ride a surefooted Icelandic horse across the black-sand beach for views of the Reynisdrangar sea stacks, or walk across pure ice on a guided Sólheimajökull Glacier hike.
There are many ways to seek out the northern lights in Akureyri, the ideal destination for adventurous northern light seekers in Iceland.
And when you're done hunting for the aurora, there are plenty more things to do in Akureyri. For example, explore the famed turf houses on horseback, or keep warm at Mývatn Nature Baths, then take advantage of the city’s northern location by taking a day trip out to Lake Mývatn, Dettifoss waterfall, or Goðafoss waterfall.
What are the best weather conditions for seeing the northern lights? Clear and dark skies are essential for spotting the northern lights, as cloud cover will obscure the view. If you’ve booked a northern lights tour in Iceland, your guides should keep you up-to-date on any weather changes that might impact your viewing of the aurora. If possible, try to be flexible with your travel dates to give yourself the best chance for perfect weather conditions.
Where are the best places to see the northern lights in Iceland? You can see the northern lights from nearly anywhere in Iceland, even in Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik (where most travelers stay while in the country, even for a few days). In Reykjavik, there are elevated spots and easily accessible places that are near the city yet far away from the modest city lights. Other top spots for seeing these incredible atmospheric light displays in Iceland include Vík, Akureyri, and Thingvellir National Park.