How to See the Northern Lights in Iceland

Iceland is one of the best places in the world to see the aurora borealis (also known as the northern lights). Here, at 65° N on the southern edge of the Arctic Circle, you can see auroras almost every night — and in warmer temperatures than many other viewing locations around the world.

The northern lights are caused by electrically charged particles from the sun smashing into Earth's magnetic field. This "solar wind" is funneled down to the magnetic poles of the northern and southern hemispheres, creating green, red, and blue swaths that swivel and shape-shift over the Arctic Circle. The aurora is happening almost all the time. All you need is darkness and cloud-free skies to see it.

It's easy to find a dark place in the Land of Fire and Ice, which has a population of about 387,000 scattered across an island smaller than the state of Kentucky. Between your hot spring swims and glacier hikes, you'll have a good chance of experiencing the northern lights on your trip to Iceland — especially if you follow this guide to spotting the natural light phenomenon.

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

Peak viewing season for the northern lights is September through March when the nights are long (during the winter solstice, darkness can extend for approximately 19 hours). Even if you're traveling to Iceland in the winter, don't plan a northern lights hunt during a full moon, which can drown out the show. Arrive about five days before a new moon, and you will have a very dark week ahead, perfect for seeing the lights.

There's a good reason to go to Iceland during one of the year's two equinoxes, in September or March. Equinox means "equal night," when there are 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness. During this time, the magnetic field of the solar wind from the sun (which causes the northern lights) faces at an optimal angle relative to Earth, which can lead to brighter and stronger displays. Aurora activity peaks during solar maximum, when the sun reaches its most active point in its 11-year cycle. The next solar maximum is predicted to begin in 2025.

During your trip, use the Aurora Forecast app, which shows the position of the auroral oval around the Arctic Circle and indicates the probability of seeing them where you are. The probability indicator goes from dark green at zero percent to vibrant red when activity is high.

Best Places to See the Northern Lights

Reykjavík

Although you can see the northern lights from the capital if they're intense, it's wise to plan an outing at least a short drive away from light pollution to maximize your chances. The beautiful Thingvellir National Park is a popular destination from Reykjavík. And the wild Reykjanes peninsula surrounding the city (including the famous Blue Lagoon) is another great place to see the northern lights.

Hella

The reason to come to Hella is Hotel Rangá, which — in addition to an aurora alert service and outdoor hot tubs — features an on-site observatory with astronomers on hand to help you take full advantage of any clear skies.

Höfn

A short drive southwest of Höfn is the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, where icebergs from the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier drift out to sea. It's a classic place to photograph the northern lights, as is nearby Icy Beach.

Skógar

This small town's chief attraction is the mighty Skógafoss waterfall. It faces south, so you can view the aurora above it and see the green light reflected in its river — another iconic photograph to try to capture. Fun fact: the site is known for its lunar rainbows or "moonbows," but visiting during a full moon will make it harder to see the northern lights.

Snaefellsnes

A few hours' drive from Reykjavik is the Snaefellsnes peninsula, a wild area with zero light pollution and excellent wilderness accommodations. The top choice is the luxury Budir Hotel near Budakirkja, an iconic black church, but the Guesthouse Hof is also close by.

Iceland Northern Lights Tours

If you're staying in Reykjavík, you can join one of the guided tours that aim to boost your chances of seeing the northern lights, including Gray Line's Northern Lights Tour and Reykjavík Excursions.

These three- to five-hour tours drive travelers into the countryside to different locations each day, according to optimal viewing conditions. Thermal suits and boots are not provided, so wear your warmest clothing before hopping on the bus.

Typically, a decision is made at 5 p.m. each night about whether the tour will take place, depending on visibility, weather, and other factors. If it's canceled, you'll either get your money back or a chance to take the tour again — so it's worth signing up early on in your Iceland trip.