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Northern Lights in Iceland: When Is the Best Time for Viewing?

When is the best time for seeing northern lights in iceland

In order to view the Aurora Borealis in Iceland it is important to choose the right period, the time when the green light is most visible and when the sun’s activity is the highest.

This phenomenon is not easy to spot as it is not present every night, but if you visit Iceland during September or March it drastically increases your chances of seeing northern lights.

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best time for seeing northern lights in iceland
best time to see northern lights in iceland

When is the BEST time to see northern lights in Iceland

I claim that the best time for seeing northern lights in iceland is from September to October, because you will certainly get friendlier weather conditions, warmer temperature levels and also means less clouds than December and also January.

It is possible to experience much better solar activity so think about scheduling your trip early to get the most effective rate for accommodation near finest places for aurora.

Top accommodations to see aurora lights

If you wish to capture Aurora near Snaefellsness Peninsula:

or

If you wish to capture Aurora on the Southern Region:

Northern Light Inn
  • close to Blue Lagoon
  • far from light polution
  • overlooking the lava fields near Reykjavik
Harbour View Cottages Grindavik
  • close to Blue Lagoon
  • sea view
The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland
  • inside the Blue Lagoon
  • far from Light polution
  • great rooms and tasty breakfast

If you prefer to stay on the Northern Part of the island:

Siglo Hotel
  • car hire at the reception
  • hot spring bath
  • hot tub and sauna
  • view over the harbour
Hestasport Cottages
  • individual cottages with nice view over the surroundings
  • remote area outside Varmahlid village
Ytri Vik
  • remote area
  • view over the sea
  • far from any light pollution
  • with nice rooms and a fully equiped kitchen

Best way to view the northern lights

It is recommended not only to choose the right period to see the north lights, but also to choose the best way to see it.

You can choose to rent a car which will give you the freedom to move around and chase the lights on the Icelandic sky.

Reserve your rent a car in Iceland today

If you prefer to skip driving it is recommended to take a guided tour to see the Iceland Aurora, and here are the best guided tours to choose from:

Here are the Best guided tours to see the northern lights with your own eyes

Iceland Northern Lights Bus Tour from Reykjavik

Iceland Northern Lights Bus Tour from Reykjavik

Iceland: Northern Lights Bus Tour from Reykjavik

Experience Aurora, one of the world's most beautiful natural light phenomena on a 4-hour evening bus tour in Iceland.

  • Duration 4 hours
  • Live tour guide English
  • Pickup optional
  • Free cancellation

Aurora Borealis: Northern Lights Tour from Reykjavik

Aurora Borealis Northern Lights Tour from Reykjavik

Aurora Borealis: Northern Lights Tour from Reykjavik

Watch the spectacular natural light phenomenon, dancing around in green, pink, purple colors across the dark sky.

  • Duration 3 hours
  • Live tour guide English
  • Pickup optional
  • Free cancellation

Iceland Norhtern Lights Bus Tour

Iceland: Northern Lights Bus Tour

Head out to search for the northern lights in a comfortable bus with a qualified and knowledgeable guide.

  • Duration 4 hours
  • Live tour guide English
  • Pickup included
  • Free cancellation

We highly recommend taking any of the tours below as we‚ have carefully selected them based on the experience, high review rate from tourists and we know they are reliable and professional.

So if you wish to read more about how to choose the perfect time to see the northern light in Iceland and know all the details read the article below:

Logistical tips and tricks for your trip

Book your accommodation
We always use Booking.com as they have the best price-quality ratio and they offer a wide range of hotels, guesthouses, apartments, and villas to choose from.

You will find here all types of accommodations, from the cheapest ones to the most luxurious.

Don't forget travel insurance
We never leave home without HeyMondo Insurance or Safety Wings Insurance as they offer the best services and a good value for money.

When we go for longer trips around the world we get Globelink Insurance as it offers a good cover for an affordable price.

Travel insurance will always protect you against unexpected costs caused by medical events like illness, injury, theft, or travel cancellation.

We never go on any trip without travel insurance and there were many cases when we had to use it.

Renting a car
We like to explore a country on our own and a car gives us the mobility and freedom to do that.

We always rent our car from Discovercars as they have free cancellation 48 hours prior to starting date and a wide range of car rental companies and options to choose from all over the world.

Tours and attractions
When we are looking for some adventure or we simply want to break up the monotony and discover new places, we always use GetYourGuide.

We love it because we always find the most amazing experiences, with free cancellation and a large variety of activities and tours to choose from.

Airplane tickets and holiday packages
Expedia is our ally when searching for the best price for airplane tickets as it works as an aggregator for a huge number of airlines and we always find the best price for our flights.

Travel tip: use Expedia when you are searching for holiday packages as they have many last-minute offers and great discounts for hotels, flights, and even the whole holiday packages.