Experience the magic of the Northern Lights in Iceland! The dancing green lights in the sky are one of the most breathtaking natural phenomena in the world. But when and where can you see the Northern Lights best? Here’s everything you need to know about the best travel time, top locations, and essential tips for your Northern Lights adventure in Iceland!

When is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland?

The Northern Lights appear between September and April, when the nights are long enough. Your best chances are in the winter months from October to March, as there is less daylight.

👉 Best time: Between 10:00 PM and 2:00 AM for the highest chances.
👉 Key conditions: Clear skies, little light pollution & high solar activity are crucial.

The Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Iceland

To fully enjoy the Northern Lights, you need a place with minimal artificial light. Here are the best locations:

✅ Þingvellir National Park – UNESCO World Heritage site with perfect darkness
✅ Kirkjufell (West Iceland) – The famous “Witch Hat” mountain, great for photography
✅ Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon – Stunning reflections of the lights on the water
✅ Reykjanes Peninsula – Remote coastal locations with great visibility
✅ The Westfjords – Fewer tourists, untouched nature
✅ North Iceland (Húsavík, Mývatn) – Lower cloud cover probability

👉 Tip: You can even see the Northern Lights in Reykjavík! Simply head to Grótta Lighthouse or Perlan Hill to escape the city lights.

Follow me on Instagram for more breathtaking pictures and tips: XploringFar

Best Apps & Websites for Northern Lights Forecasts

To increase your chances, check Northern Lights forecasts. These tools will help:

📱 „My Aurora Forecast“ – Shows probability for your location
📱 Vedur.is – Iceland’s official weather service with aurora predictions
📱 „Aurora Alerts“ – Real-time notifications for high solar activity

Tips for Capturing the Perfect Northern Lights Photos

Want to capture the magic of the Northern Lights? Here are the best camera settings:

Camera: DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual mode
ISO: 800–3200 (depending on brightness)
Exposure time: 5–15 seconds
Aperture: f/2.8 or lower

Don’t forget a tripod! Blurry images can ruin the experience.

Conclusion: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience!

Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland is a magical adventure you’ll never forget! With proper planning, the best locations, and a bit of luck, you can witness this breathtaking spectacle live. 🌌✨

📌 Follow me on Instagram  @xploringfar for daily Iceland impressions! 🇮🇸✨ More information about Iceland can be found here.

Find more about Iceland & travel tips here.