When is the best time to see the northern lights in Iceland?

The best time to visit Iceland to see the northern lights, or aurora borealis, is when the nights are long and the skies are clear. That typically spans September to April. 

With its close proximity to the Arctic Circle, long winter nights and dark skies, Iceland is the perfect place to experience the northern lights. Explore more tips to get the very best out of your Iceland northern lights trip.

What you’ll learn:

• If you plan to visit Iceland, northern lights season typically goes from September through April.

• The best time of day to catch the northern lights is usually between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m., with midnight being peak time.

• Top places to see the northern lights in Iceland include remote regions with minimal light pollution, like Jokulsarlon and the Westfjords.

• Capital One travel credit cards can elevate your northern lights trip through flexible rewards, smart tools and travel benefits.

September through mid-April, when the nights are at their longest and darkest, is typically considered the best time of year to see the northern lights in Iceland. But within those months, there are a few key periods when your chances of seeing the northern lights might be higher: 

• November to January: The night sky stays darker for longer during the winter months, so you may have a better chance of catching the lights in winter. On the shortest day of the year, some areas in Iceland remain dark for as long as 19 hours. 

• Spring or fall equinox: There tends to be more auroral activity during the spring equinox in March and the fall equinox in September. But the days are longer in spring and fall than in the winter, so you could have a smaller viewing window.

In general, the northern lights in Iceland are most visible from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. each night, with the best time typically being around midnight.

While you can see the northern lights almost anywhere in Iceland throughout the winter months, a few different factors can increase your likelihood of seeing them. These include clear skies, minimal light pollution and enough solar activity. But in general, some top locations for northern lights viewing in Iceland include:

A charming seaside town on Iceland’s South Shore, Vik is home to natural wonders like black-sand beaches, glaciers and waterfalls. It’s about two and a half hours from the capital of Reykjavík and offers unobstructed sky views free from light pollution.

Jokulsarlon is a glacier lagoon on Iceland’s South Shore, located on Iceland’s Ring Road—a highway that loops around the entire country. If you’re lucky, you can watch the lights dance in the sky and reflect on the lake as massive icebergs glide through the water. The lagoon is also a haven for seals, so watch for them too.

The Snaefellsnes Peninsula has the nickname of “Little Iceland” for its diverse geographic features. These include Kirkjufell, which National Geographic named one of the 25 most beautiful mountains in the world; Djupalonssandur, a beach of smooth black pebbles; and Vatnshellir Cave, the product of a volcanic eruption.

The Westfjords are in Iceland’s far-northwest corner. It’s remote and sparsely populated. But its untouched rural landscapes, quiet fjords and low light pollution create the perfect conditions for aurora hunting. Enjoy the lights from Reykjanes’ natural hot springs or the viewing platform on top of Bolafjall Mountain.

About an hour from Reykjavík, Thingvellir National Park is within the Golden Circle, a 190-mile scenic loop that showcases some of Iceland’s main attractions. You can watch the lights from your car or hike through the park to find a vantage point.

As you start planning your trip to see the northern lights in Iceland, there are a few steps you can take to give yourself a better chance of success.

Plan your trip during the months of September through April for optimal dark skies. And you can check the forecast ahead of time to gauge the likelihood of seeing the lights on certain dates.

Iceland can be extremely cold, especially during the winter months and at night, so it’s important to pack appropriately; don’t forget your winter accessories, like hats, gloves, scarves and socks. Keep in mind that you may be walking or standing outside for a while, so comfort is also key.

Staying away from bright city lights can help increase your odds of seeing the northern lights, so plan your route accordingly. You might look into northern lights tours and let an expert take you to the best viewing locations. If you’re not joining a guided tour, you could rent a car to find more remote places to watch the lights.

Your plans may have to change due to inclement weather or cloud cover, so keep your schedule open, making it easy to adjust plans as necessary. It’s also recommended to stay for more than just two or three days if you’re hoping to catch the northern lights in Iceland. The longer you stay, the better your viewing chances. And be patient—it may take some time for the lights to appear, even on the darkest nights.

If you’re planning a trip to see the northern lights in Iceland, consider taking a Capital One travel rewards credit card. Eligible cardholders enjoy smart tools, unlimited miles and other benefits, such as:

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Iceland’s long winters, dark and clear skies and unique geographic location make it a premier destination for northern lights viewing. The best time to go is when it stays dark longer, usually from September through April. 

Capital One offers travel rewards credit cards with exclusive benefits and elevated rewards that can help make your travel experience even more enjoyable. 

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