ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NORTHERN LIGHTS
10 Night Sky Events not to be missed in 2025
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THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SEEING THE NORTHERN LIGHTS IN ICELAND IN 2025
Planning to see the Northern Lights in Iceland? This ultimate guide covers everything you need to know: the best time and places to see them, how to enhance your chances, what to bring, and how to capture stunning Aurora photos. From guided tours to self-drives, we’ve got you covered to make your Aurora hunt a success!
Help! It’s Full Moon! Will It Ruin My Aurora Experience?
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What Are The Main Types of Northern Lights?
Despite their enchanting beauty, not all auroras are created equal. They come in various forms, each with its own unique characteristics and charm.
This guide delves into the main types of Northern Lights, explains the science behind their differences, and offers tips for maximizing your chances of seeing them at their most spectacular.
Do the Northern Lights Occur Every Night?
The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, are a breathtaking natural phenomenon that occurs every night. However, visibility depends on key factors like solar activity, weather, and location. Discover when, where, and how to maximize your chances of seeing the aurora, with expert tips and real-time tools. Whether you’re in Iceland or elsewhere near the auroral oval, this guide will prepare you for an unforgettable Northern Lights adventure!
How Long Do the Northern Lights Last?
Northern Lights displays are as unpredictable as they are awe-inspiring. Some nights, they light up the entire sky for hours, while on others, they may appear for only a few minutes – sometimes in a much softer glow. But, more often it can come in waves of intensity known as Substorms.
Let’s take a deep dive into the science, timing, and some of the most thrilling insights to help you understand what goes into the length of an aurora show, and maybe give you a better chance of witnessing one of nature’s greatest spectacles.
How to Read an Aurora Forecast: Your Complete Guide to not miss the Northern Lights
Catching the aurora isn’t just a matter of luck; it’s a combination of being in the right place at the right time and understanding the science behind the aurora forecast.
This guide goes beyond the basics, explaining every key element of an aurora forecast so you can maximise your chances of experiencing this incredible natural phenomenon for yourself.
THE 10 BEST NORTHERN LIGHTS ACCOMMODATIONS IN ICELAND IN 2025
Seeing the northern lights dance in the Icelandic sky is every traveler’s dream. Although the phenomenon can be seen anywhere around the country, light pollution sometimes spoils the view.
By opting for a full-comfort countryside northern lights stay, you will maximise your chances of success – literally at your doorstep.
Here are our 10 favourite country accommodations for seeing the northern lights in 2025.
Can You See the Northern Lights with the Naked Eye?
Yes, you can absolutely see the northern lights with the naked eye—under the right conditions! While cameras often pick up more detail and intensity than our eyes, a strong aurora combined with dark skies and clear weather can create an unforgettable spectacle visible to anyone looking up. In this guide, we’ll share tips to maximize your chances of experiencing the magic firsthand, no special equipment required!
The 25 Best Places To See The Northern Lights In Iceland
As a lifelong Northern Lights enthusiast and founder of Aurora Reykjavík, I’ve spent countless nights chasing the auroras across Iceland. Each experience feels like the first—an awe-inspiring dance of color and light against the vast Icelandic skies. In this guide, I’ll share my 25 favorite spots to witness this natural wonder, from remote highlands to coastal gems. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned aurora hunter, these locations offer something truly magical. Let me take you on a journey to the best places in Iceland to see the Northern Lights. – Grétar Jónsson
MONTH-BY-MONTH GUIDE TO THE ICELANDIC WINTER SEASON
Northern lights and winter season go hand-in-hand. Longer hours of darkness, accompanied by good weather, solar activity, and a bit of luck, often translate into amazing Aurora Borealis displays – a truly unmissable show!
The northern lights are potentially visible all winter long, but statistically not two months are the same. To help you choose the best time for your Aurora Borealis getaway, here is our month-to-month guide to winter in Iceland.
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HELP, IT’S FULL MOON! WILL IT RUIN MY AURORA EXPERIENCE?
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Find out more about the phenomenon here.
DO AURORAS OCCUR ON OTHER PLANETS?
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SPRING AURORAS – WHY YOU SHOULD HUNT THE NORTHERN LIGHTS BETWEEN FEBRUARY AND MID-APRIL
The season between February and mid-April is a magical time for seeing the northern lights in Iceland. Snowy landscapes, spring equinox and milder weather are some of the reasons to choose this time of the year for your Icelandic holiday. Find out more here.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT NORTHERN LIGHTS TOUR
Heading to the arctic wilderness with an aurora super jeep adventure, or joining one of Iceland’s best aurora photographers on a photo tour? Or maybe taking it a bit slower, and enjoying the dazzling lights while bathing in one of Iceland’s hot lagoons? Find your perfect tour with our ultimate northern lights tour guide – Iceland is waiting for you!
BEST SPOTS TO SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS IN REYKJAVÍK
“Can you see the northern lights from Reykjavik?” is a question of many hopeful aurora hunters. The short answer: You can. And here’s where to go!
About the Exhibition
How to get to the museum ?
City bus (stræto) #14, # 3 : Stop “Fiskislóð”, right in front of the museum.
Hop on Hop off : Stop #4 “Whales of Iceland”
By taxi: The number for a taxi in Reykjavik is +354 588-5522. Ask them to take you to the Aurora Reykjavík Northern Lights Center, at Fiskislóð 53.
We also offer a spacious free parking area for our visitors just outside the museum.
When is the latest time I can visit ?
The museum closes at 6:00pm so we recommend starting your visit no later than 5:00pm to have ample time to comfortably enjoy the exhibition.
Are there specific times for the movie ?
There are no specific times to enter the exhibit. Our film is played on a seamless loop, allowing you to enter whenever you like, and enjoy the view for as long as you wish.
Do I need to pre-book the ticket ?
No need to pre-book, you can just buy your ticket on the spot.
How long does the visit take ?
We recommend 60 minutes to experience the entire museum. This of course depends on your pace, and how long you spend in the interactive areas. Once you have entered the museum, you are free to enjoy the exhibition for as long as you like.
When are you open ?
We are open every day from 9:00am – 6:00pm, except on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, when we are open 9:00am – 4:00pm.
Any changes to these hours will be reflected on our social media accounts and our website.
About the Northern Lights
When can I see northern lights in Iceland ?
The northern lights season in Iceland begins in late August and continues through mid-April.
When is the best time to catch the northern lights ?
During wintertime: There is no best time to catch the aurora!
Visibility relies on multiple factors cooperating together: dark skies with partial clarity, and the presence of solar activity.
That being said, statistics point to October and March as the best months to try your luck. The weather is often more stable then, with less precipitation.
Why can´t I see any northern lights in the summer ?
To be able to see the northern lights you need complete darkness. During summer we have what we call the “midnight sun”, meaning that there are no hours of actual nighttime darkness. These conditions are perfect for late night hiking, but make it impossible for us to observe the Aurora in Iceland between May and early August.
To see the sun graph and learn about the light balance for Reykjavik, visit these pages:
https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/iceland/reykjavik
https://www.timeanddate.com/astronomy/different-types-twilight.html
Where should I go to see the northern lights ?
It is hard to tell with more than a few hours advance where the best spots for northern lights hunting are, as those depends primarily on the weather conditions. In order to find the best locations, we recommend going on a northern lights tour. Or, if you’d rather go on your own, check our Aurora Forecast for more information. The forecast updates frequently, and checking it frequently is key to selecting the right destination for your northern lights hunt.
What time do the northern lights show up ?
Northern lights are statistically often seen between 9:00pm and 1:00am, but they may appear at any time as long as it is dark (and the sky clear). Patience is key!
Can I see the northern lights from Reykjavík ?
Catching the northern lights is easier in the countryside or in areas with very little light pollution. During wintertime, if the weather is favorable, it can be possible to see them in the city. We recommend staying away from the city center, as the light concentration there is at its highest.
The lighthouse at Grótta is a popular spot for Aurora hunting. Alternatively, take a walk along the northern seashore – you will have the light pollution behind you, therefore maximizing your chances of success.
When was the last time you saw some northern lights?
We see this amazing phenomenon pretty frequently here in Iceland. Our photographers go out almost every night for a chance to capture the best northern lights, and share their experience in our Aurora Diary.
How can I take pictures of the northern lights ?
You’ll find everything you need to get started with northern lights photography at our page here. For pro tips and guidance, we recommend visiting our exhibition – we have an entire section dedicated to this subject!
About the tours
What should I wear and/or take with me on a northern lights tour ?
Winter nights are cold and often windy. Hunting for northern lights may require for you to stand outside for a long period of time, so make sure to wear warm layers of clothes, hat and gloves. Waterproof jacket and shoes are also recommended, as you may have to face snow during your trip. As we say in Iceland “Það er ekki til slæmt veður ef þú klæðir þig rétt”, meaning there is no bad weather – as long as you are appropriately dressed.
Preparation is everything 😉
My northern lights tour has just been cancelled, what should I do now ?
If your northern lights excursion has been cancelled by the tour operator, you can reschedule it for the next available date. Please contact the tour company in order to reschedule. You’ll find their contact information on your voucher.
If you haven´t been able to attend a northern lights tour at all during your stay because of cancellation by the tour operator, you may be entitled for a refund. Please contact your tour provider for more information.
What do you do during a northern lights tour ?
After being picked-up from/near your hotel (check your voucher for details), you will be driven to the countryside – away from the bright city lights of Reykjavík. Whether you choose to go on a super jeep, minibus or bus tour, your guide will make sure to take you to the best location for northern lights hunting, according to the latest forecasts. When on location, you’ll have the opportunity to get off the vehicle and take your time to observe and photograph the northern lights.
Once the tour is over, you’ll be driven back to your drop-off location. The duration of the tour is determined by the type of excursion you’ve booked, and varies from 2hrs to 5hrs.
How to book a northern lights tour ?
Visit our tour booking page and browse our different options through filters. Once you click on the desired tour, you will access a detailed description of the tour and a calendar. Select the date, time, number of people, and extras (if applicable), then click “book”. The next page will ask for your personal details, pick-up location (if needed) and payment information. After agreeing to our terms and conditions, your booking will be confirmed.
An electronic voucher will be sent automatically to your email. Please read it carefully: you’ll find all the details regarding pick-up time and location there, as well as the contact information of the tour company operating the tour.
Please contact the tour company directly if you have questions regarding your tour or would like to make changes to your booking. We are also reachable daily from 9:00am to 6:00pm for assistance, so do not hesitate to give us a call or drop us an email, if you have any questions.
Do you run northern lights tours ?
Aurora Reykjavík is a multimedia museum experience about the northern lights. Here you can learn everything about this natural phenomenon, including how to catch and photograph it – the perfect preparation for your northern lights hunt. We do not run excursions ourselves at this time, but we collaborate with trustworthy tour operators and offer a good selection of tours on our website and at our booking desk.
Book your tour here
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