The northern lights are seen in Iceland during the dark part of the year, roughly from September to April. In summer the nights are too bright, because of the midnight sun, to see them.
The aurora season
The northern lights are seen in Iceland during the dark part of the year, roughly from September to April; see our guide to the best time for the northern lights for the wider picture, and when to visit Iceland for how the aurora season fits the whole travel year.
Month by month
September and October have longer nights returning, milder weather, and often clearer skies.
November to January have the longest, darkest nights but the most unsettled winter weather.
February and March again bring long nights with a chance of clearer, calmer spells.
By April the nights grow short again and the season ends.
In every month, dark, clear skies matter more than the exact date, so cloud cover and the aurora forecast should be checked.
The Icelandic Met Office publishes an aurora forecast on vedur.is.
The lights are never guaranteed on any night.
Planning by month and northern lights tours
You can compare Northern Lights tours to see the current options.
Use the available light
The Daylight Hours Calculator makes it easier to plan Northern Lights by Month in Iceland around sunrise, sunset, and the hours in between.
