Best month to see the northern lights in Reykjavík

Month-by-month viewing quality

Why these months?

Two things decide your odds in Reykjavík: darkness and activity. You need real darkness — so the bright midnight-sun months are out no matter how strong the aurora is. On top of that, geomagnetic storms run statistically stronger around the spring and autumn equinoxes (the Russell–McPherron effect), which is why September and October and February and March tend to edge out the dead of winter. Reykjavík's season runs september to mid-april.

Reykjavík puts the aurora within reach of a city break — fly in, and on active nights the lights are visible from the edge of town, with countless tours and self-drive spots within 30 minutes. Iceland's notoriously changeable weather is the catch: cloud, not Kp, is usually what decides your night.

Where to stand in Reykjavík

Escape the city glow at Grótta lighthouse, Öskjuhlíð hill (Perlan), or drive to Þingvellir National Park. With Iceland's fast-moving weather, a guided chase that follows the cloud gaps often beats staying put.

Tours & stays to book