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

The northern lights are visible over Iceland during the dark-sky season, roughly September to March, when nights are long enough for the aurora to show. Clear skies and low light pollution matter more than the exact month.

Best months

Best time

September to March (dark-sky season)

Peak

October to February

Where

Reykjavík, Iceland

The aurora needs darkness and clear skies, so the season runs from late August or September, once the nights draw in, through to March or early April. Midsummer is too bright to see them at all.

A common shape is to base yourself near Reykjavik and head out of the city on clear nights, or join a guided hunt that moves to wherever the sky is clearest. Nothing is guaranteed on any single night, so allow several evenings to improve your odds.

Explore Reykjavík

Seasonal timing from Visit Iceland. Place data from Head Your Way. How Head Your Way compiles its data.