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LIVE AURORA FORECAST

JANUARY 11th – GOOD CHANCES

Aurora activity is expected to be moderate tonight, peaking at 3. This means good chances for visible displays in Iceland, if the skies stay clear.

Clouds: Reykjavik and surrounding areas are expecting clear skies during prime aurora viewing hours.

Sufficient darkness: 17:19

Moon: Waning crescent 42%, rises at 3:38.

Best window to watch: 22:00 to 00:30 (local time).

Outlook for the next days: Skies are expected to be clear around Reykjavik, with moderate solar activity. Monitor the forecast for updates.

TONIGHT’S OUTLOOK

Aurora Activity

5,3

High chances

Bz (nT)

-3,0

Field Tilt

Bt (nT)

7,6

Field Strength

Solar Wind

527

km/s

Updated: 2026-01-11T23:02:26+00:00 UTC

CHASING THE NORTHERN LIGHTS - A STEP BY STEP GUIDE FOR YOUR AURORA HUNT

Plan your Northern Lights hunt with Iceland’s most complete aurora forecast. A clear 6-step guide combining KP index, solar activity, cloud cover, and the best locations to watch the aurora.

01

PLANE VORAUS

Maximise your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights by following our expert tips!

Two factors matter most when you plan your trip

The 27-day KP forecast: The 27-day KP forecast is based on the Sun’s rotation. Since the Sun turns once every 27 days, active regions can reappear and give a rough idea of aurora chances weeks ahead.
Das moon phases: A bright full moon can wash out faint auroras, but it can also create magical photo opportunities by lighting up Iceland’s landscapes. Learn more about auroras and the moon phases here.

02

FIND DARK SKIES

Darkness is essential for seeing the Northern Lights, making autumn, winter, and spring the best seasons for aurora viewing. In Iceland’s summer, nearly 24/7 sunlight makes spotting the lights impossible. Below, we’ve provided a map highlighting the main areas of light pollution in Iceland – moving away from these coloured areas will give you clearer views of the Arctic night sky. Plus, we’ve created a detailed guide to the best locations, ensuring you escape light pollution and maximize your chances of witnessing this breathtaking phenomenon.

03

FIND CLEAR SKIES

Aurora Hunting Tip: If you can see stars, you might see the Northern Lights!

Check cloud cover to find clear skies. Use the time slider to track changes, and look for white or light areas on the map for the best viewing spots.

Map colors explained:
🟢 Green – All clouds (composite)
🔵 Blue – Low clouds
🔴 Red – Middle clouds
🟠 Orange – High clouds (Northern Lights may still be visible through them)

Slide to start

04

PICK A SAFE SPOT

Chasing the Northern Lights in Iceland means travelling in the dark, often on icy or snowy roads, making safety a top priority. Avoid stopping on roadsides, as it endangers both you and other drivers. Instead, use designated parking areas for a safer experience. For a worry-free adventure, join our expert-led tours – they handle the planning and safety, so you can fully enjoy the magic of the aurora.

05

MONITOR SOLAR ACTIVITY

Monitoring solar activity is essential for predicting the Northern Lights. The Kp Index, shown on the 9-point scale below, measures the planet’s geomagnetic activity and provides an average aurora strength over a 3-hour period. A Kp of 0–2 indicates low activity, 2–3 offers moderate chances, and 4–6 signals strong displays. Readings of 7–9 are rare and can produce spectacular shows. For the most accurate and up-to-date readings, check the real-time data provided below.

Aurora Forecast for the Northern Hemisphere

Image updated in real-time, courtesy of NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center.

06

MONITOR LIVESTREAM FROM REYKJAVÍK AND The Golden Circle

Live Stream from Reykjavík: Your Window to the Northern Lights and Midnight Sun
Live Stream from The Golden Circle: Next to The Kerið Crater

Experience the magic of Iceland in real-time with our live stream from Reykjavík, available year-round on aurorareykjavik.is. Whether you’re dreaming of witnessing the Northern Lights or eager to catch a glimpse of the Midnight Sun, this live feed offers you an immersive look at the stunning natural phenomena Iceland is famous for.

Live Stream from The Golden Circle – One of the World’s Best Locations for Aurora Hunting
Facing north, towards Búrfell and Þingvellir

REAL-TIME AURORA FORECAST

CURRENT SOLAR ACTIVITY

Image updated in real-time, courtesy of NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center.

The image above, sourced from NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, offers the most up-to-date view of the auroral oval across the Northern Hemisphere. The farther south the oval extends, the greater the chances of seeing the Northern Lights at lower latitudes.

CURRENT KP INDEX

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3-DAY KP INDEX

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CURRENT BZ VALUE

UNDERSTANDING THE AURORA FORECAST

Auroral Activity (Kp Index)
The Kp index measures global geomagnetic activity on a scale from 0 to 9. The higher the number, the stronger the potential aurora.
Good for aurora hunting: Kp2 or higher usually means visible lights in most of Iceland.

Bz (North–South Magnetic Field)
The Bz component tells us the direction of the interplanetary magnetic field. When Bz is negative (–2 nT or lower), it opens a “door” in Earth’s magnetic field, allowing solar particles to enter and create auroras.
Ideal: –3 nT or below.

Bt (Total Magnetic Field Strength)
Bt shows the strength of the magnetic field carried by the solar wind. Stronger Bt (above 6 nT) increases auroral intensity when Bz is southward.
Ideal: Bt ≥ 6 nT combined with Bz ≤ –2 nT.

Solar Wind Speed
The solar wind is a stream of charged particles flowing from the Sun. Faster winds deliver more energy into Earth’s atmosphere.
Good chances: speeds above 400 km/s often produce bright, fast-moving auroras.

Combine all these indicators with clear skies and darkness for the best viewing conditions.

JOIN US ON A NORTHERN LIGHTS TOUR

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BEWERTUNGEN VON REISENDEN

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FAQ

Why do Aurora forecasts change?

Aurora forecasts change because the sun is full of surprises! Solar activity, like solar flares and winds, constantly shifts, affecting how and where the Northern Lights appear. Weather conditions on Earth, especially cloud cover, also play a big role. That’s why checking real-time updates keeps you one step ahead for the best aurora experience.

Are there any other Aurora data sources I should keep track of?

Yes! Keep an eye on the Leirvogur Magnetic Observatory, which tracks magnetic disturbances over Iceland. When the graphs show increased movement, it means solar winds are shaking Earth’s magnetic field – often leading to aurora outbursts. Monitoring this alongside the Kp Index and real-time forecasts can give you the best chance to catch the Northern Lights!

How accurate is the Kp index for seeing the Northern Lights?

The Kp Index is a reliable tool for measuring geomagnetic activity and predicting the Northern Lights, but it’s not perfect. It provides a general forecast averaged over 3-hour periods, so conditions can change quickly. For the most accurate predictions, combine the Kp Index with real-time data on solar activity, cloud cover, and local magnetic disturbances.

What are the best months to see the Northern Lights in Iceland?

The best months to see the Northern Lights in Iceland are from September to April. During this period, the nights are longest and darkest, creating ideal conditions for aurora viewing. The peak months are October to March, when the skies are darkest, and solar activity is often stronger. Just remember to check the weather for clear skies.

What is the difference between a low Kp number and a high Kp number for Northern Lights viewing?

A low Kp number (0–2) means the Northern Lights will likely be faint, appearing as a soft, pale glow – often resembling thin clouds – and are usually only visible in far northern areas. A high Kp number (5–9) brings vibrant, dynamic displays with bright greens, purples, and even reds dancing across the sky, sometimes visible much farther south.

Can I see the Northern Lights in summer?

Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland during summer is extremely unlikely. From May to August, Iceland experiences nearly 24 hours of daylight due to the Midnight Sun, leaving the sky too bright for the aurora to be visible. For the best chance to see the Northern Lights, visit between September and April, when nights are dark and long.

What are the best Northern Lights forecast Apps to enhance my experience?

To enhance your Northern Lights experience, several apps offer real-time forecasts and helpful tools to find the best viewing spots. Top recommendations include:

My Aurora Forecast – Live aurora maps, 27-day forecasts, and customizable alerts. Great for both beginners and seasoned chasers.
Aurora Alerts – Northern Lights – Real-time alerts, cloud coverage maps, and Kp index readings. Perfect for instant notifications.
Hello Aurora – Community-shared sightings, forecasts, and real-time conditions. Ideal for a social and interactive experience.
Northern Eye Aurora Forecast – Detailed solar wind data, Kp index, and real-time solar activity updates. Best for science enthusiasts.
Aurora Forecast & Alerts – Hourly forecasts, cloud maps, and customizable notifications. Simple and user-friendly for quick updates.

What are the best Northern Lights tours in Iceland?

For an unforgettable Northern Lights experience in Iceland, joining a guided tour is one of the best ways to increase your chances of seeing the aurora safely and comfortably. Expert guides know the best viewing spots, track real-time conditions, and handle all the planning. We’ve listed our top recommended Northern Lights tours below, offering everything from small group adventures to luxurious super jeep excursions – ensuring there’s a perfect option for every traveller!

Where can I learn more about the Northern Lights?

To dive deeper into the wonders of the Northern Lights, visit the Aurora Reykjavík Northern Lights Center! This interactive exhibition offers fascinating insights into how the aurora forms, stunning photography, and even a virtual aurora experience. You can find the address and opening times in our page footer. It’s the perfect place to learn before heading out to chase the lights!

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