Will I See The Northern Lights In Iceland?

Keith

Keith Crockford

Yes, no, maybe.

The truth is, there’s no guarantee that you’ll see the Northern Lights when you’re in Iceland.

The longer you’re there, the better chance you’ve got.

Your best chance of seeing the Northern Lights is in the winter months from November to March – the darker it is, the brighter the Aurora Borealis is. 

It can be unpredictable and changing weather conditions (wind, rain, cloud cover) can mean it’s hard to tell even on the night whether you’ll see the Northern Lights or not.

BUT… the chances are that you will see the Northern Lights when you’re in Iceland. And there aren’t many places in the world that set a better stage. 

Picture of the Northern Lights Iceland

Where Is My Best Chance Of Seeing The Northern Lights?

If you’re itching to tick “seeing the Northern Lights” off your Bucket List, you’re in for a dazzling treat. While these celestial dances can occasionally be spotted from places as far-flung as Alaska and northern Canada, Europe really steals the show when it comes to front-row seats. 

Norway’s Tromsø offers a nearly magical view amidst its snowy landscape, and Sweden’s Abisko is famed for its clear skies. Finland’s Lapland, a true winter wonderland, is another prime spot where the lights mingle with the forests and frozen lakes to create an otherworldly scene. 

But let’s be honest, Iceland offers SO much when it comes to seeing the Northern Lights. Not only are your chances superb there, but this island is a jackpot of other natural marvels too. Click here to get our rundown of the ten best things that you CAN’T miss in Iceland!

Imagine watching the auroras swirl overhead while nearby, geysers erupt and glaciers loom majestically. The joy of witnessing this display in Iceland, where every corner promises a new thrill, is just unbeatable.

Iceland Northern Lights

What Is My Best Chance Of Seeing The Northern Lights?

The winter months are your best shot as seeing the Northern Lights.

It’s a mesmerising and unique experience and occurs when the charged particles from the sun collide with atoms in the earth’s atmosphere…

Which causes a colourful display of light in the night sky that’s genuinely spectacular. 

September to April is your best chance of seeing it, but if you want to make doubly sure you’ve got the best possible chance of seeing the Northern Lights, November to 

March tend to be even darker, with longer nights. 

Our awe-inspiring 8-day Iceland Winter Adventures usually take place in March, to increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights.

Black Beach Iceland

How Else To Increase Your Chances Of Seeing The Northern Lights

It’s recommended that you head away from the bright lights of the cities and into a more remote location with clear skies to give you the best possible view, away from light pollution. 

If you’re in Iceland for at least a week, you’ve got a much better chance of witnessing the Aurora Borealis, since it tends to occur 2-3 days at a time. 

Organised trips and tours are a great way to give you a better chance of seeing the lights as they know the best times, the best spots, and what the weather looks like…

In fact, on Day 4 of our Icelandic Adventure Trip, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to keep your eyes peeled for the Northern Lights (and rather a lot of other spectacles of nature to keep you busy). Find out more about that and our itinerary by clicking here.

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