What are the Best Months to See the Northern Lights in Iceland?
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Sure thing, here it goes: The fact is that we see that while the aurora borealis is a natural event and in no way a sure thing, at certain times of the year your chances increase. I will break it out so you have confidence in the plan.
The Prime Season: From September to April
In Iceland the Northern Lights are seen best from mid September to early April.
During that time the nights are long and dark which in turn is the ideal setting for aurora viewing.
In summer although the setting is beautiful the season is out of the question because of the midnight sun which keeps the sky from ever fully darkening.
September & October
In the early fall you get cool air and long nights which are not at all cold.
Also you have the benefit of fewer crowds as compared to winter.
November to February
These are the lean times which also happen to provide the best chance for the auroras.
We have nights which stretch out to 20 hours which in turn greatly improve your chances of seeing the lights.
At the same time prepare for cooler than average temps and at times also for the storms.
March & Early April
Days are getting longer which is good but nights still remain dark which is great for seeing the Northern lights.
Also many travelers really into this time which they say is when you get winter’s magic with the arrival of milder weather.
Factors Beyond Just the Month
In the best of times it is noted that aurora visibility does:
Solar Action – We see in the form of solar particles which interact with Earth’s atmosphere. At high solar activity levels the displays put on a better show and are more colorful.
Weather – For our purposes is best when we have full and complete skies which are free of cloud. Also in this we have guides which do what they can to find us those breaks in the cloud which may appear.
Location – In Iceland get out of the city to see the night sky better. Head to rural areas, national parks, or private countryside tours for the best views.
Why Guided Tours Enhance Your Chances
While there are apps and aurora forecasts out there which you may use, at Enjoy Iceland Tours we believe in the value of local guide expertise.
Our English speaking guides at Enjoy Iceland Tours don’t just take you to any old dark site — they spin tales of Icelandic folklore, they explain the science behind the light show, and they also change routes at a moment’s notice to put you in the best position.
Guests report that which night was unforgettable for them was not just seeing the lights but hearing the guide’s description of how Icelanders in the past interpreted what they saw of the dance of the spirits in the sky.
Pro Tips for Travelers
Dress in layers; in Iceland’s winter you’ll want to pack the warmest of clothes.
Take a great camera along or ask your guide to help you out with the auroras.
Book well in advance at the start of your trip. If the first attempt is unsuccessful, you will have many more chances to try.
Final Word
The best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland is from September to April — that said the magic isn’t in the timing alone. It’s in how you experience it.
At Enjoy Iceland Tours we present to you not just a natural wonder but a story under the stars.
When you plan your aurora adventure check out our Northern Lights private tours which our expert guides will make your time in Iceland unforgettable.Planning a trip to Iceland can feel overwhelming. From the best time to see the Northern Lights, to whether the Blue Lagoon is included in tours, to how to prepare for Iceland’s ever-changing weather, travelers often have many questions before booking.
At Enjoy Iceland Tours, we’ve guided thousands of visitors on unforgettable journeys— from luxury private airport transfers to Northern Lights adventures, Blue Ice Cave explorations, and Golden Circle tours. Along the way, we’ve learned exactly what travelers want to know most.
This Iceland Tours FAQ page is your one-stop guide to planning smarter. We’ve organized answers into categories covering:
- General questions about traveling in Iceland
- What to expect on our Northern Lights tours
- Visiting the Blue Lagoon and other iconic landmarks
- Tour booking, payments, and cancellation policies
- Practical travel tips for different seasons
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or planning your second adventure, our FAQs will help you prepare with confidence. And if your question isn’t answered here, you can always click Contact Us Now for direct support—or secure your spot instantly with Book Now.