Catching the Northern Lights in Iceland is an experience you won’t want to miss. But, it's all about timing, location, and a bit of patience.
Best Time to Visit: The prime season is from September to April when the nights are longest. During this period, your chances of seeing the aurora are much higher. Insider Tip: My favorite time to visit iceland is in September, around the fall equinox. While the nights may not be as long as they are in the dead of winter, the fall equinox tends to lead to AMAZING light shows. The weather is also not as cold, plus tourist season is a bit slower, which is why it's definitely a great time to enjoy Iceland!
Perfect Locations: Reykjavik is a great starting point, but to escape the light pollution, head to Vik, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, or Akureyri. These areas provide wide-open skies, perfect for viewing the light display in all its glory.
Insider Tip: You can book an amazing boat cruise out into the harbor of Reykjavik. This will eliminate a lot of the light pollution from the city, which allows for a beautiful show!
Stay at Aurora-Watching Hotels: Some Icelandic hotels, like Hotel Rangá and Ion Adventure Hotel, are perfect for aurora hunting. These hotels not only offer amazing views but also have a Northern Lights wake-up call system so you don’t miss a thing!
Keep an Eye on the Forecast: Iceland’s weather is unpredictable, but there are tools like the Aurora Forecast and Icelandic Met Office that can help you track the best viewing conditions. Clear, dark nights with little to no light pollution offer the best opportunities.
Insider Tip: My favorite Aurora apps and websites: My Aurora Forecast & Alerts, SpaceWeatherLive, Northern Light Aurora Forecast, LightPollutionMap
Dress for Success: Temperatures drop significantly during the best viewing months, so layering up is essential. Bring warm clothing, hats, gloves, and a thermos of something hot to sip while you wait for the lights to make their appearance.
Be Patient: The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, so they can be unpredictable. Be flexible with your plans, and don’t be discouraged if you don’t see them right away—sometimes the best displays happen when you least expect them! ★ Bonus Tip: Using a phone is perfectly fine for taking pictures of the lights - just make sure you're using night mode! You can also adjust the exposure time to help get more light into the aperture. The longer you increase the exposure, the more light you will allow. If the lights aren't extremely vibrant, adjusting the exposure to 10 will help! Keeping the exposure short (2-3) is better for capturing the light pillars.
With a bit of planning, the right gear, and patience, witnessing the Northern Lights in Iceland will be a memory that lasts a lifetime. So bundle up, stay persistent, and get ready to be mesmerized by nature's dazzling light show!
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