The Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Iceland (Month by Month)

Everyone asks about the best time to see the northern lights in Iceland, and the honest answer is a range, not a date. The aurora needs two things: a dark sky and solar activity. Iceland has the darkness for roughly half the year, but the activity and the weather are up to nature, which is why nobody can ever guarantee a sighting.

This guide looks at the season month by month and explains what you can do to improve your odds.

When the season runs

The aurora is happening all year, but you can only see it when the sky is dark enough. In Iceland, that generally means from around late August or September until about mid-April. From May to July the nights are too bright, and around midsummer the sun barely sets at all.

Month by month

September and October

The season begins as nights get properly dark again, and the weather is generally milder than in midwinter. Many travellers like these months because the roads are easier, the days are still a decent length and the autumn colours are a bonus. The equinox periods are often said to bring more geomagnetic activity, though it is never a promise.

November, December and January

These are the darkest months, with the longest nights and therefore the longest windows to see the lights. They are also the months with the shortest days, the most unsettled weather and the most challenging driving. Cloud is your biggest enemy at this time of year.

February and March

Nights are still long, but daylight returns quickly, so you get a better balance of sightseeing and aurora hunting. Many people rate these months highly for that reason, and the March equinox is often mentioned for stronger activity.

April

Early April can still give you dark skies, but the nights get shorter fast. By the end of the month the window is closing, so treat April as a bonus rather than your main plan.

May to August

It is too light to see the aurora, especially from May to July. Summer in Iceland offers other highlights instead, like the midnight sun and puffins. See our guide to Iceland in summer.

What really affects your chances

• Cloud cover: clear skies matter more than the month. Check the cloud forecast, not only the aurora forecast.
• Darkness: get away from town lights, and avoid a bright full moon if you can.
• Solar activity: forecasts give you an idea, but they cannot promise anything. Our guide on how to read the northern lights forecast explains the numbers.
• Time on the ground: the more nights you spend, the better your odds. A single evening is a gamble.

Common myths about the aurora

• "It is always better when it is colder." Cold is not the cause. Clear skies and solar activity are what count.
• "The lights are always green and bright." Many displays are faint to the eye and look stronger in a camera. Your phone may show more than you see.
• "There is a guaranteed best night." Forecasts help, but the aurora can surprise you in both directions.
• "You must travel far from Reykjavík." Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Darkness helps, but you do not need to cross the country.

Where and how to look

You do not have to go far. Reykjavík sits in a good latitude, and on a clear, active night the lights can sometimes be seen from the edge of town. Most people get a better view away from city lights, which is where a driver helps: they can move you to a dark spot with clearer skies, and handle winter roads in the dark.

For a full overview, read our northern lights guide. If you want to photograph the display, see our tips for northern lights photography.

Going with a private driver

With a private driver you travel in your own car or van, so you can wait, move and adjust to the conditions on the night. Economy (Tesla) takes 1 to 4 passengers and Van (Mercedes Vito) takes 5 to 7, with a minibus for 8 to 16 on request. We cannot promise the lights, because nobody can, but we can help you give yourself the best chance. Message us on WhatsApp at +354 777 3949 and we will tell you what we can arrange for your dates.

Browse our private tours for daytime plans, and read Iceland in winter to prepare for the season.

FAQ

What is the best month to see the northern lights in Iceland?

Can I see the northern lights in summer?

Can you guarantee I will see the northern lights?

Do I need to leave Reykjavík to see them?

What should I wear?