By Soren Rivero
You've always wanted to see the Northern Lights in person, haven't you? These magical natural wonders are only visible from specific places on Earth, and Iceland is one of those lucky places.
Chasing these dancing displays of light should definitely be on your travel bucket list. If you need some help, this guide will highlight what is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland.
Finding the Northern Lights in Iceland
Iceland is one of the best places to visit to see the Northern Lights across the globe. Between the cool and clear skies and the excellent location, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll see a glimpse of this natural wonder during your trip to Iceland.
That doesn’t necessarily mean that the Northern lights are 100% visible from every part of Iceland. To increase your chances at seeing the Northern Lights, try to stray away from more heavily populated areas, especially those with a high light pollution.
You can also check out our guide to the best places to see the Northern Lights in Iceland.
The Best Months to See the Northern Lights
Timing is just as important as location when it comes to chasing the Northern Lights. It's quite unlikely to spot a good view during Iceland’s summer months, but thankfully, the season is rather short and only lasts between June and September.
The rest of the year promises much better chances, making the best months to see the Northern Lights in Iceland between September and April. Mid-winter is especially great for viewing as the clearer, much darker skies create the perfect canvas for the light. Just be prepared to brave the cold!
To increase your chances even more, consider aiming your trip to Iceland around the autumnal equinox in September or the vernal equinox in March. These dates have historically shown the highest Northern Lights activity across the past few decades.
The Best Time of Day to See the Northern Lights
Ideally, you’ll want to head out to somewhere isolated (with clear skies and good weather) around 11:00PM - 3:00AM. These are the darkest hours of the night, which create the perfect opportunities to see the Northern Lights. However, you might be able to spot them as early as dusk depending on time of the year.
