Northern Lights Holidays Iceland 2025

About our Northern Lights Holidays Iceland

It is possible to hunt the northern lights in Iceland in many ways, whether you are staying in Reykjavik for a weekend or spending several days travelling around the country. Hunting the northern lights will be a memorable experience regardless of your choice.

How and where to see the Northern Lights in Iceland

So, how can you witness the dancing colours of the Aurora Borealis? The key is to venture out on a clear night away from the city lights. You can spot the aurora borealis, even in the capital city of Reykjavík. But for the best chances, head to areas with minimal light pollution, such as Kirkjufell or Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Other popular places are the Blue Lagoon, the Golden Circle and the South Coast.

Keep an eye on the weather forecasts during the day and pick a night with clear skies for the best chance to catch the aurora borealis. Book a guided tour to enhance your experience. The local experts will take you to the most promising viewing spots and share their local knowledge about this enchanting phenomenon.

Remember, patience is the key. Sometimes, nature's beauty takes time to reveal itself, but it is worth waiting for. Undoubtedly.

Iceland Northern Lights tours

Do you need to participate in a tour to see the magical northern lights in Iceland? Not, but going on a guided tour can be a great choice. The local guides know the best spots with minimal light pollution and clear skies with the highest chances of seeing the lights. You can forget everything about monitoring the northern lights activity and weather cloud coverage.

Tour operators often allow joining a tour the following night if the northern lights are not visible on the first night. However, a return tour typically isn't offered if you're booking a combo-type tour that combines a northern light hunt and an activity or sightseeing at other sites.

What are the Northern Lights? 

The scientific explanation behind this natural spectacle is quite intriguing. Gigantic flares or solar storms originating from the sun, located 150 million kilometres away, propel charged particles towards the Earth's atmosphere. Approximately 40 hours later, these particles come in contact with our planet's magnetic shield and get directed towards an oval-shaped region around the magnetic North Pole.

As they enter the upper atmosphere, electrons collide with atoms and molecules, creating the beautiful northern lights. The resulting colours may differ depending on the gas particles colliding: green, pink, yellow, blue, red, and violet.

The best time to see the northern lights in Iceland

If you're hoping to glimpse the northern lights in Iceland, your best bet is to visit during the months with the most hours of darkness - typically from September through March. However, the aurora borealis is not visible in Iceland during the spring and summer months due to the longer days and lack of complete darkness.

The best months to observe the northern lights in Iceland are usually October to February. It is when the nights are the longest, providing the best opportunities for observing this natural phenomenon. However, it also brings with it sub-zero temperatures, demanding that you come well-prepared with layers of warm clothing and insulation.

Your Iceland Northern Lights holidays

Ultimately, the best time for your Iceland northern lights trip is a personalised choice based on your preferences and the adventure you seek. Whether you opt for the pristine, wintry landscapes or the foliage autumn, Iceland is a magical place for catching the Northern Lights.

However, remember that the northern lights are natural and cannot be guaranteed. Visibility can be affected by weather conditions, solar activity, and light pollution. So, even during the recommended months, it is best to check the aurora forecast and be prepared for potential disappointment, as sightings are never guaranteed.

Winter activities in Iceland

Exploring the magical northern lights is just one of Iceland's numerous attractions during late autumn and winter. Enrich your experience by combining the search for the mystical northern lights, sightseeing amidst Iceland's breathtaking landscapes and engaging in thrilling winter activities.

Join a snowmobile tour, take a glacier walk, soak in the blue milky waters at the Blue Lagoon, go ice caving or snorkel between tectonic plates in Silfra. You can also explore the wonders of the Golden Circle, go horseback riding, or opt for an exciting super jeep tour.

With so many options available, the possibilities are endless.

Culinary paradise

Experience the Icelandic culture and its world of extraordinary cuisine.

Perfect conditions

There are wide open spaces without any light pollution.

Short distance

You don't need to travel far from Reykjavik to see the northern lights.

We help you with your Northern Lights Holidays