Iceland is one of the world’s most magical destinations to experience the Northern Lights.
With its volcanic landscapes, glaciers, black-sand beaches, and thundering waterfalls, the aurora here is not just a light show but a spectacle set against some of Earth’s most dramatic scenery. Whether you stay in the capital or venture into remote national parks, every aurora sighting in Iceland feels extraordinary.
Come and discover together what makes Iceland so special for witnessing the Northern Lights!
Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Iceland
The Northern Lights season in Iceland runs from late September to mid-April, when nights are long and skies dark enough for the aurora to appear. The peak months are February and March, when clear skies are more common, but sightings are possible throughout the season.
The best hours of the night are usually between 9:00 PM and 2:00 AM, when auroral activity tends to be strongest. Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable, so flexibility is important — clear skies may appear after a sudden storm, and conditions can change in minutes. For this reason, many travelers plan at least 3–4 nights in Iceland to improve their chances of seeing the lights.
Best Northern Lights Excursions in Iceland
Bestselling Aurora Tour in Reykjavik, Iceland
Join a 4-hour evening bus tour in Iceland and witness one of nature’s greatest wonders. Leave the bright lights of Reykjavik behind as you journey into the countryside in search of the magical Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis).
Includes
- Transportation
- Professional guide
- Hot Chocolate
- Stops to take photos
- Free follow-up tour if you do not see lights on your first attempt
Most Popular Small Group Experience with Extras
Boost your chances of seeing the Aurora on this evening tour from Reykjavík. Guided by real-time forecasts, you’ll visit the best viewing spots, enjoy hot chocolate with Icelandic pastries, and receive souvenir photos of your Northern Lights experience.
Includes
- Hot chocolate and Icelandic pastries
- Live commentary on board
- Professional driver/guide
- Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points
- Photos (if conditions allow)
Top-Value Combo with Blue Lagoon Admission
Enjoy Iceland’s perfect mix of adventure and relaxation with a soothing soak in the Blue Lagoon followed by an unforgettable Northern Lights hunt.
Includes
Blue Lagoon
- Admission to the Blue Lagoon
- Silica mud mask at the Blue Lagoon
- Use of a towel at the Blue Lagoon
- Drink of choice at the Blue Lagoon
Northern Lights hunt tour
- Professional English-speaking local guide during the aurora hunt
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (as per option selected)
Bestselling Combo with Golden Circle Highlights
Explore Iceland’s geological wonders on a guided bus tour, with an optional visit to Kerid Crater, before ending the day chasing the Northern Lights.
Includes
- Live guide
- Transfers (across the different places)
- Hotel pick-up & drop-off (as per option selected)
- Free Wi-Fi on board
Best Northern Lights Cruises in Iceland
Luxury Yacht Experience with Aurora Views
Boost your chances of seeing the Aurora on this evening tour from Reykjavík. Guided by real-time forecasts, you’ll visit the best viewing spots, enjoy hot chocolate with Icelandic pastries, and receive souvenir photos of your Northern Lights experience.
Includes
- Hot chocolate and Icelandic pastries
- Live commentary on board
- Professional driver/guide
- Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points
- Photos (if conditions allow)
Best Places in Iceland to See the Northern Lights
6 Tips for Seeing the Aurora Borealis in Iceland
What Makes Iceland Special for Northern Lights Excursions?
What sets Iceland apart is how seamlessly aurora hunting fits with other adventures. You can soak in the Blue Lagoon, tour the Golden Circle, or hike across a glacier during the day — and then spend the evening chasing the aurora. Few places in the world combine natural wonders with such easy access to the Northern Lights.
Iceland also offers a variety of experiences: affordable evening bus tours, small-group excursions with hot drinks and photos, or combo packages that mix sightseeing with aurora chasing. No matter your style of travel, Iceland ensures your Northern Lights experience will be as dramatic as its landscapes.
FAQ - About Northern Lights in Iceland
What month is best to see the Northern Lights in Iceland?
From late September to mid-April. Winter nights are long, though weather can be unpredictable.
Can the Northern Lights be seen in Reykjavik?
Yes, but city lights reduce visibility. Most tours leave Reykjavik to darker areas like Thingvellir National Park.
What city in Iceland is best for the Northern Lights?
Reykjavik is the main starting point, while countryside locations along the South Coast and Westfjords offer better conditions.
What’s the best way to see the Northern Lights in Iceland?
oin a guided tour. Operators know where to drive for clear skies, and many include hot drinks, photos, or even a dip in the Blue Lagoon. Check our Iceland Northern Lights tours.