Can you see the northern lights in Reykjavik in October?

There's no guarantee of seeing the northern lights at any time of year in Iceland, but it is certainly possible during October. Plan accordingly and cross your fingers for a clear night sky!



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We actually recommend October as the perfect month to see the Northern Lights in Iceland because there isn't as much snow and ice over everything as November to February.

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In theory, the Northern Lights appear from late August to mid April, but you are much more likely to see them from late September to late March, when there is less light.

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Yes, it's possible to see the northern lights from Reykjavik. As it's the most densely populated part of Iceland, light pollution is higher than elsewhere—making the aurora borealis appear a little less vivid than elsewhere. However, we frequently see the northern lights here too.

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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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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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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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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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Northern Lights Forecast in Iceland Just remember, that even though the weather is great, clear sky on a cold winter night, there's never any guarantee that the auroras will light up the sky. The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon.

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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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Iceland can stay relatively warm through the first week of October, so planning a September visit can be ideal since most crowds have thinned as children return to school. May, too, provides ample daylight for sightseeing, warmer temperatures, and fewer crowds.

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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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