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When is the best time for Northern Lights in Iceland

Iceland’s Northern Lights are just one of its major attractions, completing only with other legendary all-natural wonders such as the ice caverns, glaciers and also volcanoes.

The possibility to view the auroras dance in a place of such unbelievable natural appeal influences thousands to reach this island’s coasts, electronic cameras in hand and also container listings all set to be examined.

Update for Northern Lights in Iceland in 2024:

Best time of year to see northern lights in Iceland in 2024 is either in March or in late September to early October, because these times are close to the two equinoxes.

The best time for northern lights in Iceland

However, I recommend trying to go in September or October rather than in March since you get a higher chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis since there is a lot more darkness than in March.

Since March is so close, book your trip now so you still have a high chance of seeing the green lady this spring.

Best time of year for northern lights in Iceland
Best time of year for northern lights in Iceland

Despite this, the aurora borealis are fickle; though they are omnipresent in Iceland’s skies, they are just noticeable under specific problems, at particular times of the year, and also only after that with enough solar task.

Understanding when ahead to Iceland in search of them, for that reason, is a crucial part of making certain that you have the most effective chances of a unique watching.

Best time to see Northern Lights in Iceland is in September or March, equinox months.

Can Aurora Borealis be seen in summer?

Iceland; rather, it circles the skies, touching the southern perspective however never ever sinking listed below it.

The illumination of this ‘Midnight Sun’ completely obscures the North Lights. With the end of May, the entirety of July as well as the start of August, the evenings are still as well light for the auroras to be seen.

However, you have a lot less chance of seeing the Northern Lights throughout these times, as they will require to be especially extreme to be noticeable, as well as there is a much smaller sized home window of possibility to seek them.

If you wish to see the aurora borealis in Iceland while still appreciating the fairly moderate climate and also the alternative to take part in a lot of summer tasks, then it is recommended to find it in September.

When is the Best Time of Year to See Northern Lights in Iceland

The North Lights of Iceland can only be seen in the winter season. For this amazing display to be observed, there requires to solid solar task, clear skies, and also as little light as possible.

Considering Iceland only obtains between two as well as four hours of daytime in midwinter, depending upon the latitude, this season offers countless opportunities to hunt for among nature’s best wonders.

Northern Lights scenic tours are run in between September and also April, and within this array, there is not actually an optimal time.

In November, December and also January, the nights are the darkest, permitting you to start looking for the aurora borealis from mid-afternoon as well as proceed until almost twelve noon the next day if you are so likely.

Another benefit of coming in midwinter is that it allows you to witness this country under a covering of snow, and to take advantage of Iceland’s various other winter season phenomena, most notably the crystal blue ice caves, which are located in few other places worldwide.

Choose the best time for northern lights in Iceland:

What Night Time is best time for Northern Lights in Iceland?

The Northern Lights in Iceland can be seen whenever the skies are dark.

In December, consequently, they might show up from three in the mid-day up until nine in the early morning.

Nonetheless, due to the planet’s rotation, its atmosphere and also its magnetosphere in regard to Iceland’s placement on the world, the moment when they are most likely to be seen is in between 22:00 and twelve o’clock at night.

Best time for northern lights in Iceland
Best time for northern lights in Iceland

However, if leasing a vehicle and also searching for the lights independently, either based in Reykjavík or on a wintertime self drive excursion customized to the auroras as well as many various other winter chances, you can look throughout the evening for the North Lights.

Certainly, the least ideal times are those around sunup as well as sundown, where light air pollution substantially dims them.

Keep in mind that if you are out well right into the early hours hunting for the auroras, it will be visibly colder so outfit appropriately.

What Else Can you do to Make Sure you See Aurora Borealis in Iceland?

Other than waiting on a clear winter’s evening, there are a number of other procedures you can take to optimize your chances of enjoying a fantastic display of the aurora borealis in Iceland.

It needs to be kept in mind, however, that despite the actions you take, witnessing this impressive program of nature always requires a specific level of luck.

Some unlucky tourists dead-set on aurora searching may be shafted with cloud cover or an absence of solar activity every night of their vacation, while some taking a trip for one evening in August might be honoured with a great program without even looking for it.

This is why it is so important to know when is the best time for northern lights in Iceland so you have the highest chance of seeing it.

We wrote some more detailed articles on this subject here: Best time to see Northern Lights in Iceland , should you wish to read more about Iceland and when is the best time of year to see Northern Lights in Iceland