Northern Lights in Iceland – How, When, and Where to See Them?

The Northern Lights — Aurora Borealis — are on many travelers’ bucket lists. In Iceland, the magic of green and purple lights dancing across the night sky is an unforgettable experience, but it requires a bit of knowledge, patience and .. luck! 

🌌 When to see them
The main aurora season runs from late August to early April, when nights are dark enough. The best months are usually September, October, February, and March — when skies are clear and nights are long but not too stormy.

📍 Where to see them

• Close to Reykjavík: Thingvellir National Park or Grótta Lighthouse are accessible spots.

• South Coast & Golden Circle: Dark skies, waterfalls, and open landscapes make for perfect viewing.

• North Iceland: Areas around Lake Mývatn and Akureyri often have higher chances due to clearer skies.

• East & Westfjords: Remote regions with minimal light pollution offer spectacular displays.

✨ Tips for success

• Always check the aurora forecast and cloud cover.

• Drive away from city lights for the best visibility.

• Be patient — sometimes the lights appear after hours of waiting.

• Dress warmly and in layers — nights are cold, and you may stand outside for a long time.

👉 Direction Iceland experience:
Our guides are experts in Northern Lights tours. When you travel with us, we arrange accommodations in prime locations for aurora spotting, keep you updated with nightly forecasts, and even provide special alerts if the lights appear suddenly. And if nature doesn’t cooperate — don’t worry, we make sure you still enjoy unforgettable evenings with Iceland’s hot springs, local food, and cosy settings.

Ready for this amazing adventure? Let’s go! 🙂