Northern Lights in Iceland: Our Unlimited Tips
The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are one of Iceland's most sought-after natural phenomena. With dark skies and minimal light pollution, the country offers excellent viewing conditions during the colder months. However, witnessing the aurora takes a combination of timing, patience, and a bit of luck.
When to See Them
- Best time: Late September to early April
- Peak months: October to March, when nights are longest
- Best hours: Between 9 PM and 2 AM
- Avoid: Summer (mid-May through early August) – nights are too bright
Where to Go
- Rural areas: Away from city lights is essential
- Popular spots: Thingvellir National Park, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Westfjords, and areas near Lake Mývatn
- Mobile apps: Use aurora forecast apps and cloud cover maps to track real-time visibility
What You Need
- Clear skies: Even a strong aurora won't be visible through cloud cover
- Darkness: Avoid streetlights, car headlights, and full moons when possible
- Patience: It can take hours of waiting. Dress warmly and bring a thermos or blanket.
Photography Tips
- Use a DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings
- Long exposure (5–20 seconds), low ISO (800–3200), and a tripod are essential
- Smartphone cameras with "night mode" can sometimes capture faint displays, but results vary
Tour or DIY?
- Northern Lights tours: Led by experts who know where to go; usually offer flexible rebooking if lights aren’t visible
- Self-drive: More freedom, but requires planning and safe driving, especially in winter
Reality Check
- The aurora is unpredictable. No matter how strong the forecast, there's never a guarantee.
- Sometimes the lights are faint and colorless to the naked eye, appearing green or white. Long-exposure photos can make them look more vivid than what you see in person.
Final Tip
Never plan your trip to Iceland only for the Northern Lights. Instead, enjoy the country’s dramatic landscapes, geothermal wonders, and rich culture—with the aurora as a bonus if nature cooperates.
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