The northern lights in Iceland are a natural phenomenon, which means it’s pretty tricky to plan your entire trip around them. Ultimately, if you are wondering about the best time to see the northern lights in Iceland, or where you need to go on your trip, you’ll need to start with a few basic things.
You’re going to need luck, patience, and a selection of crucial conditions in place to make your expedition a success.
Here are the 3 things that you need at any time of year to see the Iceland northern lights:
Aurora activity: There needs to be solar activity in the sky for the Aurora Borealis to appear. This is a must-have. The Icelandic Met Office can offer a forecast for you on most days that will show you how likely it is for Aurora activity to take place. However, once again, the outlook is just a prediction — not a guarantee. Additionally, it’s only possible to know a few days in advance what the forecast is going to look like.
Darkness: The Aurora Borealis might be all about illumination, but you’re going to need darkness if you want to view them properly. That’s why the Iceland northern lights season takes place during winter when the nights are longer and darker. Additionally, it’s worth noting that the pollution from the artificial lights in cities can often bleed into the skies and make it more difficult for you to see the northern lights. That’s why it’s essential to get as far away from civilization as possible during your trip. Standing in the rugged natural landscape also makes the experience more natural and authentic.
Clear skies: Remember that clouds will block your visibility when it comes to viewing the northern lights, as they appear higher up in the earth’s atmosphere. Usually, the skies will remain clearer when the temperature drops below zero — which once again makes winter the best time to visit Iceland for the northern lights. Check the forecast to make sure that cloud coverage isn’t going to get in the way of your view.
There are also other factors that can affect your chances of seeing the northern lights in Iceland. For instance, the length of your stay in the region can be an essential factor.
Most of the time, the Aurora Borealis tends to be very active for a few nights, then it slows down for about four or five nights in ongoing cycles.
The longer you stay, the better your chances.