Are Northern Lights visible in Reykjavik?

Even if you're only visiting the capital, you still have a chance to see the northern lights in Reykjavik. The best way to see the northern lights in Reykjavik is the same as how to see the northern lights anywhere else in Iceland. You need to find the darkest place possible and wait until your eyes have adjusted.



Yes, the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are visible from Reykjavik, though the city's light pollution can make them appear fainter than in more remote areas. Because 2026 falls near the Solar Maximum—the peak of the sun's 11-year activity cycle—aurora displays are currently expected to be more frequent and intense than usual. On nights with high solar activity and clear skies, you can often see the green ribbons dancing directly above the city, with the Grótta Lighthouse on the edge of town being a favorite local viewing spot with less light. However, for the best "high-definition" experience, most travelers book a short tour or drive 20 to 30 minutes out of the city into the dark Icelandic countryside. The aurora season in Reykjavik runs from late August to mid-April, with the deepest darkness occurring between November and January, providing ample opportunity to witness this natural spectacle during the current peak years of solar activity.

People Also Ask

While you're never guaranteed to see the northern lights in Iceland, a little planning and forethought can pay off. Read on to discover the best time of year to visit, the most scenic places to go, unique tour options and more.

MORE DETAILS

Norway is often ranked as the best destination to see the Northern Lights; and so it is only appropriate that we begin this list with the Aurora Borealis capital that is Tromsø. The gateway to the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is a whimsical city surrounded by the white peaks of Northern Norway.

MORE DETAILS

The rise in phenomenal aurora displays doesn't look like it will stop anytime soon. The 2023/24 aurora season has begun and is ramping up to something quite spectacular in the next few years. Here's why aurora activity is on the rise and why now is the best time to plan your northern lights adventure.

MORE DETAILS

The best time to see aurora borealis in Iceland is between September and April. It's when the nights are dark enough to see the aurora. Iceland only gets 4-5 hours of daylight in midwinter, providing endless opportunities to hunt for aurora borealis during that time.

MORE DETAILS

Iceland is relatively expensive compared to many other countries but on the other hand, the average salary is higher than in most other countries. There are several reasons for Iceland's high prices, including a small market, oligopoly, high reliance on imports, geographical isolation and high import taxes and tolls.

MORE DETAILS

The cheapest time to visit Iceland The off-season begins in early Autumn and goes into late Spring (from September to May). There are far fewer tourists and crowds from January through May, which means flights, car rentals, and accommodation are at their cheapest.

MORE DETAILS

Fortunately, they occur frequently. The northern lights are happening 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, said photographer Chad Blakely, owner of the northern lights tour company Lights Over Lapland. But that doesn't mean they're easy to spot; you need to be at the right place at the right time.

MORE DETAILS

Yes, you can see the northern lights from the Blue Lagoon. Much like trying to spot aurora borealis anywhere else in Iceland, it depends on the weather conditions and solar activity. Since the Blue Lagoon is away from the city, there's less light pollution than in Reykjavik.

MORE DETAILS

The best time to visit Iceland is between September and March to see the Northern Lights, or between June and August for summer activities.

MORE DETAILS