Winter
During the winter, you’ll find clear skies and less light pollution than in summer. As a result, it is the best time of year to go to Iceland to see the northern lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis.
It’s worth noting that you can’t guarantee that you’ll see the northern lights, as it depends on how dark the sky is and the strength of solar activity. The best times to see the auroras are during periods of intense solar activity, which happen every 11 years at a time known as “solar maximum.”
While the weather can make a big difference in your chances of seeing the auroras, other factors can improve your experience too. An experienced tour guide is essential, as they will know which areas are most likely to see the auroras on any night.
You’ll also want to pack warm clothes, waterproof footwear, and a wind and rainproof coat. It will help keep you warm and dry while traveling during the winter.
There are plenty of tours and activities you can take part in during the winter to keep you entertained, including snowmobile trips on a glacier and dog-sledding.
Spring
Winter can be the travel season to see northern lights in Iceland, but spring is also a great time to visit. With longer days and higher temperatures, this is a quiet time of year to explore all the country offers.
Spring is also a great time to visit the Jokulsarlon Glacier lagoon and catch the new icebergs breaking off the glacier as they melt. There’s no better place to get up close and personal with these massive chunks of ice.
You can also witness the fantastic purple lupine flowers blooming in fields throughout the island in mid-June. These bright violet flowers spread across the landscape and make for fantastic photos.
The weather can be very changeable in Iceland throughout the year, so it’s essential to watch the forecast and choose an evening without clouds or wind. Going outside after dark and avoiding city lights will increase your chances of witnessing the aurora.
The aurora is one of the most magical natural phenomena in the world, but it can be very unpredictable. It’s about more than just the weather, and it’s hard to predict where the lights will be spotted when they appear, so it’s always best to take a tour. These tours are guided, and you know how to use the aurora forecast to find the best places to watch this beautiful display of nature’s light show.
Summer
During the summer, the days in Iceland are long and bright thanks to the Gulf Stream. You can experience various outdoor activities, including hikes, fishing trips, and more.
But there’s a downside to the summer travel season in Iceland: it can be busier than other times of the year and more expensive. So if you want to get the most out of your trip, we recommend booking well in advance – or staying off the beaten track for a few weeks to avoid the crowds and experience the island more relaxedly.
On the other hand, because it is the shortest of the three winter seasons, September is one of the finest months to observe northern lights in Iceland, and nighttime temperatures are much warmer than during the depths of winter. Plus, it’s common to see solar activity, which helps increase your chances of seeing the aurora borealis.
If you want to maximize your chance of spotting the northern lights in Iceland, head to the far north or west Fjords. These areas offer breathtaking landscapes and are incredibly remote, so you’ll have the best chance of spotting the lights without worrying about driving or walking in the dark. But it would be best if you were prepared for the cold, so pack thermals and a good pair of boots.
Fall
Fall is a great time to visit Iceland and see the northern lights because it’s not too cold or hot. It also dishes up soft golden light, crunchy leaves, and fresh temperatures, making it the perfect time to walk around town or explore a new area by bike.
The northern lights season in Iceland runs from September to mid-April, with the best months for viewing being September and March. The main reason is that solar activity increases during these months, increasing the chance of seeing an aurora display.
In addition, the weather in September tends to be less cloudy than in other seasons, which means it’s usually easier to see the auroras when they appear. The northern lights season in Iceland typically ends in April, though it’s possible to see them at other times of the year.
If you’re looking for a place to see the auroras in Iceland, we recommend heading west. This island has many exciting backdrops, including glaciers, mountains, lava fields, and ice caves. In addition, West Iceland is a good option for watching the auroras because there’s minimal light pollution.
