Iceland may not be the easiest place to see the Northern Lights, but it certainly offers one of the most dramatic displays of the Aurora Borealis. With its stunning landscapes and dark, pristine skies, Iceland provides an ideal canvas for the lights to paint the sky in brilliant colours.
You witness nature’s stunning light show when charged particles from the sun collide with Earth’s magnetic field, resulting in vibrant waves of colour across the sky.
We’ll get to the science of it later. First, let’s bust some myths about the Northern Lights.
Busting The Myths
1 Northern Lights Only Appear in Winter
FALSE!
Winter holiday photos on social media showing Northern Lights in Arctic skies may have led you to believe they only appear during winter — but that’s not entirely true. The Northern Lights also occur during summer; however, they aren’t visible because sunlight is too strong. Aurora Borealis activity depends on weather and solar conditions. The key isn’t temperature, but darkness and clear skies.
Winter does bring longer nights near the Arctic Circle, making it a favourable time to hunt for the lights due to a longer viewing window. But even in winter, they won’t be on display all the time.
2 Northern Lights Show Up Only at Night
FALSE!
Technically, the Northern Lights are happening all the time, but daylight makes them impossible to see. That’s why we need a clear, dark night sky to witness the spectacle.
3 Northern Lights Are Magic
FALSE!
Well, they certainly look magical. But in reality, several natural factors must align for auroras to occur and be visible to us.
4 Northern Lights Always Look Bright Green
FALSE!
You may have seen bright, dancing green waves in most photographs. But in reality, the aurora often appears subtler to the naked eye — and there can be other colours too. That’s science! The colour depends on altitude and the atmospheric gases involved.
• Green – The most common colour, caused by oxygen around 60 miles up.
• Red – Rare, caused by oxygen at higher altitudes (around 200 miles).
• Blue – Caused by nitrogen; a less frequent sight.
• Purple – A mix of oxygen and nitrogen interactions. If you see this, you’re really lucky!
And speaking of science…
How Are Auroras Formed?
- The sun releases charged particles known as solar wind.
- Earth’s magnetic field directs these particles toward the North and South Poles.
- At altitudes between 60–200 miles above Earth, these particles collide with oxygen and nitrogen in the atmosphere.
- These collisions create glowing lights — the beautiful auroras you see dancing in the night sky.
What’s the Best Time to Visit Iceland for Northern Lights?
September to March is the best time to visit Iceland for chasing the Northern Lights, as these months bring longer and darker nights.
While December and January offer the longest nights, daylight lasts only 4–5 hours, which can make exploring Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes more challenging.
Statistically, spring (March/April) and autumn (September/October) show the highest levels of auroral activity. During these periods, Earth’s position in its orbit relative to the sun increases the potential for geomagnetic and solar activity, leading to stronger and more frequent auroral displays.
Best Locations in Iceland to View Northern Lights
- Thingvellir National Park
- Snæfellsnes Peninsula
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
- Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Can You See Northern Lights from Reykjavik?
Yes! Iceland’s capital often offers spectacular views of the Aurora Borealis. If you’re lucky, all you have to do is step out of your hotel.
Aurora Viewing Tips
• Layer up: Thermal layers and insulated outerwear are essential.
• Stay up late: 10 PM to 2 AM is considered peak aurora time.
• Drive away from cities: Avoid light pollution.
• Be very patient: The lights don’t appear on schedule — you may have to wait for hours.
• Capture it: Familiarise yourself with your camera or phone settings before your trip.
Ready to Tick the Northern Lights Off Your Bucket List in 2026?
Join our Iceland Self-Drive Expedition
Iceland rewards those who take the wheel. The freedom to explore, stop, reroute, and chase the light makes self-driving the most immersive way to experience the country.
