Best Time & Places to See Northern Lights in Iceland

The Northern Lights in Iceland is a phenomenon many have on their bucket list, and for good reason. In very short the best time to see the northern lights in Iceland is from September to April between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m. with your odds increasing during the darkest months from November through January particularly around midnight. The conditions you'll need are clear skies, darkness and of course aurora activity. Which is why the best places to see the aurora in Iceland are in complete darkness away from any light pollution.

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When is the Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Iceland?

Northern Lights Season in Iceland

Let’s set the record straight: the Northern Lights don’t magically appear whenever you feel like seeing them (certain conditions cause the aurora boralies). Iceland’s aurora season runs from late August to mid-April, when the skies are dark enough to catch the show. This is when the auroral oval [2] is well-positioned over the island.

You need three things: darkness, clear skies, and solar activity (aka the sun sending charged particles our way). So, while aurora season spans nearly eight months, the prime viewing window is between late September and March, when nights are longest and conditions best line up. With further increased activity around the fall and spring equinox [1].

You can read more about the aurora season in our month-by-month northern light guide.

Pro tip: avoid full moons, they brighten the sky and can wash out the lights.

Best Time of Day to See the Aurora Borealis

The sweet spot for aurora sightings in Iceland is typically between 9:30 PM and 2:00 AM, although it can be earlier or later if the activity is strong. I've personally seen them dance at 8:30 PM and once even at 2:30 AM. Your best bet? Keep your eyes peeled from around 9 PM onward.

Now here’s where it gets a little more detailed. These sunrise/sunset times show when it’s actually dark enough for aurora chasing each month, but remember that's from September to April:

As you can see, mid-October to March offers that sweet combination of long nights and high aurora activity. And honestly, february tends to be my favorite as it's still dark, but usually less stormy than December.

Pro tip: See if your hotel has a Northern Light wake up call.

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Where is the Best Place to See the Northern Lights in Iceland?

Honestly, there's not really one specific place in Iceland that has logged more activity or sightings than another. Personally, I've seen them at a remote farm in North Iceland away from heavy light pollution, 2-minute drive outside a small town, from within a suburban area in Kópavogur facing Elliðarárvatn, and even from Vesturbær in Reykjavík in the midst of light pollution city.

However, if you came all the way to Iceland and don't want to leave your luck entirely up to chance then be smart and head out of the city or town you're staying in. Here are a few good places to head out to.

Reykjavík Area

Yes, you can see the Northern Lights in the capital. But your odds improve greatly just by driving 10–15 minutes outside the city lights. Head to Grótta Lighthouse on the Seltjarnarnes peninsula, it's super close, easily accessible, and one of the locals favorite lookout points.

If for some reason you're unable to leave the city Seltjarnarnes is one of your best bets along with more open spots on the outskirts of the capital area including lake Elliðavatn, Vífilsstaðavatn lake, Álftanes, and lake Rauðavatn. These are some of the best places to go in Reykjavík to see the Northern Lights.

Reykjanes Peninsula

Now if you have the chance to venture out of the city (maybe you have your own car), Reykjanes Peninsula is a great place. It's surprisingly remote and has very little light pollution considering it's the location of a few towns and the International Airport. But the area is large and plenty of remote spaces, especially on the peninsula's south side away from the traffic of Reykjanesbraut highway.

You can head out to Kleifarvatn, the largest lake in this area, and if luck's on your side you'll catch a beautiful aurora reflection on the water.

Vík & South Iceland

If you’re heading along the South Coast (hello, snow covered waterfalls and black sand beaches for northern lights viewing), this is a stunning backdrop for the lights. Vík is great to see the northern lights as the town has minimal light pollution, and spots like Reynisfjara Beach or the fields near Skógafoss are absolutely surreal under an aurora-lit sky.

And if you don't want to stay in the town there are hotels a few minutes outside of town that are remote enough to catch a sighting from the hotel grounds. Including hotels that guests on northern light tours with Travel Reykjavík stay at.

Þingvellir National Park

Þingvellir is a double win. Not only is it one of Iceland’s most culturally and geologically important spots (two tectonic plates meet here), but it’s also a top aurora-viewing destination, and just 40 minutes from Reykjavík. No lights, big views, and lots of space to pull over safely. Iceland's Golden Circle and northern lights go great together and Þingvellir is just one of the beautiful places along that route perfect for a viewing.

And if you’re staying at the ION Hotel nearby, that’s one epic front-row seat as it's one of the best northern light hotels in Iceland.

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Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

This one’s for the adventurers who’ve driven further east. Jökulsárlón is easily one of the most breathtaking aurora backdrops in Iceland. And right on the other side of the road is the Diamond beach a famous northern light view spot. Both places are excellent for photo opportunities as the colors of the aurora borealis can reflect in the water and ice bergs. It adds to the magic.

Snæfellsnes National Park

If you want fewer crowds but an absolutely jaw-dropping landscape, Snæfellsnes Peninsula is my secret weapon. You've got it all: lava fields, snow-capped volcanoes, crashing waves, and charming fishing villages. Which explains its nickname Iceland in miniature.

This place has little light pollution, little people traffic in winter and beautiful scenery.

And bonus points: Kirkjufell mountain under the aurora is pure Icelandic magic and one of the most famously photographed mountains in Iceland.

Westfjords & North Iceland

The Westfjords and North Iceland are both excellent choices for northern lights viewing, although they have very little tourism in winter, mostly due to the sometimes less-than-ideal winter road conditions.

In the Westfjords, towns like Ísafjörður are surrounded by quiet fjords and mountains, and you don’t need to go far to get away from artificial light. Spots like Flateyri and Bolungarvík are just a short drive and offer wide sky views but always check road conditions in winter as they can change fast. The westfjords in winter should only be visited by experienced winter drivers or by joining a local tour. 

Up north, Akureyri, a good northern light spot, makes a great base. Just outside the city, Kjarnaskógur and the Súlur trailhead give you clear vantage points with minimal light interference. Nearby, Forest Lagoon is one of the few places where you can soak in a geothermal pool and watch the aurora at the same time. It's also one of the best hot spring for northern light viewing in Iceland.

If you’re heading to Mývatn in winter, you’ll find fewer people, less clouds and beautiful sights. Lake Mývatn's climate is characterized by relatively low winter precipitation, fewer overcast days, and a high frequency of clear skies compared to coastal regions, due to this inland microclimate [3]. This makes Mývatn ideal if you want a remote location with geothermal pools and some of the most consistent aurora chances in Iceland.

If you’re lucky enough to travel to places like Ísafjörður or Akureyr for northern lights, keep your camera close and always make sure to check the forecast and road conditions before heading out

Best Ways to Experience the Northern Lights

Let’s talk logistics. You’ve got a few ways to chase down those dancing lights, depending on how much time and effort you’re willing to invest.

1. Join a Multi-Day Tour

If the aurora is your top priority, this is your best bet. With 3-4 nights in hand, you dramatically increase your chances of seeing the lights. These tours will combine daytime sightseeing and even ice caves with nightly views of the aurora (as long as conditions are right). Guides track weather and KP indexes, so you don’t have to.

And having someone else do the driving in winter while you sit back and relax is a gift, especially on Iceland's icy and snow covered roads.

• 5-Day Northern Light Hunt
• 4-Day Ice Cave and Aurora Adventure

2. Book a Private Tour

Perfect if you want flexibility, comfort, and a bit of romance. Your guide will pick you up, monitor the forecast, and drive you to the best spot based on conditions. You get more time, more local knowledge, and the chance to customize the experience.

• Private 4x4 Super Jeep & Northern Lights
• Private Winter Golden Circle & Northern Lights

3. Join Evening Tours

Enjoy staying in Reykjavík and head out on a scheduled evening tour to view the auroras far from the city lights. These tours are affordable and social group tours great for solo travelers or anyone on a budget. They depart from Reykjavík and run for 3–4 hours usually visiting areas including Reykjanes or Þingvellir, all depending on the aurora forecast.

• Northern Light Stopover - 3 Nights in Reykjavík

The Magic Awaits!
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Sources

Palmroth, M., Grandin, M., Ala-Lahti, M., Aikio, A. T., Partamies, N., & Vanhamäki, H. (2020). Understanding space weather to shield society: A global road map for 2015–2025 commissioned by COSPAR and ILWS. Journal of Space Weather and Space Climate, 10, A01. https://www.swsc-journal.org/articles/swsc/pdf/2020/01/swsc190051.pdf

Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy. (n.d.). Auroral ovals around the two geomagnetic poles. Retrieved from https://www.aeronomie.be/en/encyclopedia/auroral-ovals-two-geomagnetic-poles

Halldórsson, B., & Jónsson, T. (2003). Climate and climatic variability at Lake Mývatn. Aquatic Ecology, 38(1), 129–144. Retrieved from https://www.academia.edu/15141624/Climate_and_climatic_variability_at_Lake_Myvatn

Aurora Reach. (n.d.). Iceland - Best Times. Retrieved from https://aurorareach.com/places/is