Skip to Content

Northern Lights in Iceland: The Optimal Time for Viewing

The Best time to view Northern Lights in Iceland

Iceland is such a wonderful country! It has so many beautiful attractions spread all over the country! Incredible waterfalls, relaxing hot springs, dangerous volcanoes and unbelievable scenery, all put together in one place!

But do you know that Iceland is one of the best places to spot Northern Lights in the world!? Yes! It is!
This wonderful phenomenon can be seen from many places across the country! Now, that you know that Iceland is one of the best destinations for seeing Northern Lights let me tell you when is the best time to see Northern Lights in Iceland.

If you know a little about Aurora Borealis, then you know for sure that late autumn to early spring is the best time to see Northern Lights in Iceland!

No matter what others say, in my opinion, you also need a little luck to spot this unique phenomenon. There are several conditions which should be fulfilled so don’t you think that if you travel to Iceland anytime from late autumn to early spring you will definitely see Aurora Borealis.

Sometimes you might need hours, or even days to spot the Northern Lights. I know many stories of people who waited in the dark and cold Icelandic nights for the perfect shot even if they went to Iceland when was the best time to view Northern Lights in Iceland!

best time to observe northern lights in iceland

best time to view northern lights of iceland

And another thing! The lights are more visible from total darkness! So, you need to drive far from any light pollution just to be sure you can observe them better! And for this, you need a car! Rent a car if you want to have the freedom to chase Aurora Borealis and to get the best picture!

Get the best price for your car rental today

If you ask me, it is a matter of luck to see these incredible lights! Don’t plan your trip having the main purpose of seeing Aurora Borealis! This should be like a bonus, as the cherry on top of your trip!

This is the Best time to view Northern Lights in Iceland

So, plan your trip anytime between late autumn to early spring, when is the best time to view the Northern Lights in Iceland and you might see the Green Lady dancing on the sky! It is indeed an amazing show!

If you like to do a Guided Tour to see Aurora Borealis and not think too much on picking the right area, driving there and also arrange everything yourself, there are some wonderful Guided Trips that take care of everything for you and even pick you up from your hotel. They have experience in seeking and finding the aurora borealis as they do this often during Aurora season.

We recommend the following tours for you to try, chosen based on other tourists reviews and impressions:
Iceland Northern Lights Bus Tour from Reykjavik

Iceland Northern Lights Bus Tour from Reykjavik

Iceland Northern Lights Bus Tour

Iceland Northern Lights Bus Tour

Reykjavik 3-hour Small-Group Northern Lights Tourr

Reykjavik 3-hour Small-Group Northern Lights Tourr

You need to know that Aurora Borealis duration in Iceland is associated with late fall along with winter, which is the time of year with the most darkness time, being also the coldest. If you were planning to visit Iceland in spring for Aurora Borealis, think again, as this may not provide you the best time to view Northern Lights in Iceland as days start to grow longer and there are less hours of darkness, so fewer minutes with full darkness, therefore less chances to see the northern lights in Iceland.