Generally, the best time to see the northern lights in Iceland is during an auroral storm.
These storms take place during the “solar maximum,” which is the period when the sun is at its most active point in an 11-year cycle. However, we’re not going to see another one of these storms until 2024 — so that might not help you much right now.
If you’re wondering when the best time to visit Iceland for the northern lights is in the following few years, then you’re better off paying attention to the months. In Iceland, the northern lights happen more often than you’d imagine.
Usually, peak viewing season takes place during the winter solstice, between the months of September and March.
This is when the nights are at their longest, and darkness can last for up to 19 hours at a time. However, it’s worth noting that you shouldn’t be booking your trip around a full moon, as this can drown out the show.
When it comes to deciding when to see the northern lights in Iceland, consider arriving about 5 days before a new moon.
It’s also worth looking into visiting Iceland during one of the equinoxes of the year when there’s an equal 12 hours of day and 12 hours of darkness. During this time, the magnetic field of solar energy from the sun faces south to the earth.
Sometimes, this can lead to brighter and stronger displays. This means that you could find that the equinox is the best time to visit Iceland for the northern lights.
Generally, the northern lights in Iceland are visible briefly during the months of August and May — but you won’t get much of a significant display.
It’s also essential to ensure that you’re checking the skies regularly between dusk and dawn because the aurora borealis can begin at virtually any time — not just the dead of night.