Can I see Northern Lights in Iceland in October?

As we said earlier, October is the best time of year to see the Northern Lights in Iceland, so taking a Northern Lights tour should be your absolute top priority. Of course, Northern Lights tours take place at night, so that leaves plenty of time to explore Iceland's winter wonders during the daylight hours.



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You are more likely to see the northern lights in winter, between the months of October and April. This is because the night sky is darker in winter and there are fewer daylight hours. You need darkness to be able to spot the colours of the aurora borealis, as they are harder to see in daylight.

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You should know that jeans are completely useless in Iceland and even more so in winter. They'll get wet when it rains (it will rain!) and you'll be cold and wet the whole day. You can still pack a pair of jeans to wear in the hotel in the evening but don't wear them for exploring during the day.

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Here's What to Pack for Iceland in the Fall
  • Waterproof Jacket (1) ...
  • Waterproof Hiking Shoes (1) ...
  • Wool Socks (Multiple Pairs) ...
  • Warm Hats (2 or 3) ...
  • Small Umbrella (1) ...
  • Thermal Leggings (2 pairs) ...
  • Waterproof Pants (1 Pair) ...
  • Rain Boots (1 Pair)


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WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS IN ICELAND? The best time to see the Northern Lights is during the winter, between September and April, when dark and long nights have taken over from the bright summernights in Iceland.

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Tromsø and other destinations in northern Norway are hot spots for Northern Lights tours. But you can up your chances of a successful viewing if you head further north still, to the town of Alta in the county of Finnmark, which is right under the auroral oval.

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If you want the greatest odds of spotting they Aurora we recommend that you spend at least seven nights in the country. This is because the Auroras tend to be quite active for two to three nights in a row and then activity drops for four to five nights in ongoing cycles.

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Hours of Daylight in Iceland in October September and October both tend to have roughly 12 hours of sunlight per day. On October 1, the sun rises at 7:37 a.m. and sets at 6:56 p.m. By the end of the month, daylight hours have reduced; on October 31, the sun rises at 9:08 a.m. and sets at 5:13 p.m.

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October is one of the wettest month of the year in Iceland (average precipitation is 86mm), but despite that it is for many, especially photographers, one of the most beautiful month.

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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.

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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.

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So although you can save money by choosing to chase the lights yourself (although, to be honest, car rental prices often end up being more expensive than tour costs), going on a northern lights tour is an expense that's well worth it to guarantee you have the best experience and chance to see the Auroras.

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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.

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So what I always tell people is this: if you want to experience the most beautiful landscape and are willing to pay for Northern Lights tours (or are comfortable driving in the snow), definitely head to Northern Norway.

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Yes, you can wear jeans in Iceland. The summer and shoulder seasons are especially good times to travel in your most comfortable pair. If you plan to go on an adventurous excursion, we recommend wearing the appropriate, activewear clothing.

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You should know that jeans are completely useless in Iceland and even more so in winter. They'll get wet when it rains (it will rain!) and you'll be cold and wet the whole day. You can still pack a pair of jeans to wear in the hotel in the evening but don't wear them for exploring during the day.

MORE DETAILS

Yes, you can wear jeans in Iceland. The summer and shoulder seasons are especially good times to travel in your most comfortable pair. If you plan to go on an adventurous excursion, we recommend wearing the appropriate, activewear clothing.

MORE DETAILS