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When to see the Northern Lights

The Northern Lights are one of the most popular natural attraction in Iceland. However, you can only see them during the winter time and they are quite elusive.

Very many people come to Iceland to see the Northern Lights, to experience seeing the auroras dancing across the night sky. However, choosing the right time to see the lights is paramount, especially since the auroras are quite elusive.

You need darkness, my friend!

First of all, during summer the nights are bright as day in Iceland. This is due to the northerly position of the island and the tilt of Earth’s axis. In fact, many tourists who are used to dark nights often find it hard to fall asleep in Iceland in that season.

The Auroras can only be seen at nights, since they are invisible in the sunlit sky. Therefore it is better to plan your visit after the fall equinox and before the spring equinox.

You also need cold!

Ok, now it is getting tricky. The colder it is, the likelier it is that the skies are clear. It is nigh impossible to see the Northern Lights when the sky is overcast. Here in Iceland, if the temperature falls beneath 0°C very often it means that the nights are still and clear.

Therefore, the optimal season to see the auroras around Reykjavik is late September – early December and late January – early March.

Though the chances of seeing the Northern Lights in December and January are good, the weather conditions can be a trouble, especially if you need to leave the city to find the opportune place for spotting the Northern Lights.

We can help you see the Northern Lights!

Many of our driver guides are experienced Aurora hunters and know myriad of places and locations where you can spot the Northern Lights. They are, however, a natural phenomenon and sightings can therefore never be guaranteed. You greatly increase your chances, however, with a local expert driver-guide on a private Northern Lights tour.

Feel free to reach out to us, we are glad to help.

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