How to interpret the Aurora Forecast
The Icelandic Met Office measures solar activity. Combined with the Cloud Forecast, it will give you clues on where the Northern Lights are likely to be seen.
Use the slider at the bottom of the graphic to adjust the date and time of the forecast.
Please note that the forecast changes frequently and is most reliable at about 6 pm of the current day. This is however not a guarantee for seeing the Aurora.
Cloud cover
A simple rule: No clear sky = No northern lights.
There are different cloud levels that have different impacts.
Change the display for cloud types using the tabs at the top of the graphic.
High clouds don’t really bother us in Iceland. Focus on the lower and middle clouds, and look for white spots or lighter shades on the map.
Solar activity
The 9-point scale on the right side of the page is a simple way to judge your chances of seeing something.
0-2: Low, almost no, activity. Anything you see may appear as pale as a cloud.
2-3: Moderate, but with good chances to catch the Northern Lights. This is the most usual forecast. Go out!
4-6: Húrra! A big solarstorm is coming, don’t miss your chance to catch some amazing Aurora displays!
7-9: Highly unusual, maybe your friends and relatives at home will see the Northern Lights, too!
Leirvogur – Magnetic Observatory
The magnetic observatory Leirvogur measures the magnetic disturbances above Iceland. When the graphs start moving, solar winds are rattling the magnetic field of the Earth which is usually followed by outbursts of auroral activity. Click on the picture to see the real-time-record.
Space Weather Prediction Center
Join a guided northern lights tour!
To fully enjoy the Northern Lights experience we recommend a guided tour. You will save time and worries, the guides are aware of the conditions both in weather and solar activity and you’ll be in great company with like-minded people. We fully recommend any of the companies below. We’ve carefully selected these collaborators since we’ve known them for years and know they are reliable and professional.
Aurora Activity Roundup – September 2020
Aurora Activity Roundup - September 2020 By Chris Ayliffe, Traveo Source: FrozenBritAbroad In Iceland, September is usually the real start of the Northern Lights season. Though we often get some glimpses accompanying the growing darkness towards the end of August,...
There is something about STEVE – why the aurora named Steve isn’t an aurora at all – and what it is instead
By Chris Ayliffe Photo credit: Rocky Raybell. As is the case with astronomy, there are constantly new discoveries and observations that lead to new and exciting theories and hypotheses. Particularly, with the Northern Lights, science has propelled our understanding of...
5 RAISONS POUR LESQUELLES NOUS AIMONS LES AURORES AUTOMNALES
5 RAISONS POUR LESQUELLES NOUS AIMONS LES AURORES AUTOMNALES Nos visiteurs nous demandent souvent quel est le meilleur moment pour observer les aurores boréales. N'importe quel moment de septembre à la mi-avril est propice à leur observation, mais notre moment de...
5 Gründe, warum wir Polarlichter im Herbst lieben!
5 Gründe, warum wir die Nordlichter im Herbst besonders lieben! Einmal im Leben das Polarlicht mit eigenen Augen sehen - das ist für viele ein langgehegter Traum. Und wer es einmal erlebt hat, dieses faszinierende Naturschauspiel am Polarkreis, den lässt es...
5 Reasons why we love autumn aurorae
5 Reasons why we love autumn aurorae Of all the questions that we get about the Northern Lights, one truly leads the pack: When is the best time to observe the Aurora Borealis? Let’s start by demystifying the most common myth about the Northern Lights: “The Aurora...
Do Auroras Occur on Other Planets?
By Chris Ayliffe As Iceland sits in a sweet spot within the Aurora belt, travellers frequently get the pleasure of witnessing one of nature’s greatest phenomenons when visiting our shores during the winter season (September - April). However, as with all great things,...
Great news for Northern Lights hunters: The next solar cycle has started!
Is the sun increasing in activity? What is a solar maximum and when will it be? Have we now passed the solar minimum? What impact does this have for those wanting to discover the dazzling Northern Lights? Find out the answers to these questions and more below.By Chris...
BREAKING: Iceland To Open To Tourists Again On June 15th
Did you have a trip planned to Iceland this year and are worrying about possible cancellations? There might be some very good news for you! At a press conference held this afternoon, Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir announced some up-coming significant...
The Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Iceland
Seeing the otherworldly Aurora Borealis, or northern lights, has been fascinating humans for centuries – and is a life-long dream of many travelers. For each and every northern lights enthusiast, one question arises: When is the best time to see the Northern...
The Ultimate Guide to Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland
Best time Best places Best tours There is perhaps nothing more magical than witnessing the beauty of a Northern Lights display, and it has been a lifelong dream of many. However, those unpredictable, ever dancing lights don’t always show up on cue. Here is all you...
Solar stream forecast
The model shows the solar stream from the Sun alongside its 27-day rotation. The earth is the yellow dot.