What are the Northern Lights
The northern lights, known scientifically as the aurora borealis, are caused by solar particles from the sun colliding with gases in Earth’s upper atmosphere. These particles are carried by solar winds and guided by Earth’s magnetic field toward the polar regions. When they interact with oxygen and nitrogen at high altitudes, they release energy in the form of light. The result? Those glowing, shifting curtains in the sky that leave travelers speechless.
Now, why Iceland? It comes down to geography. The country sits directly under the Auroral Oval — a donut-shaped ring around the magnetic poles where aurora activity is most frequent. That means Iceland isn’t just a good place to see the lights but it’s one of the best on the planet. Add in long winter nights, low population density outside the capital (which means low light pollution), and plenty of wide-open landscapes, and you’ve got near-perfect conditions for catching the aurora on a clear night.
- Read more about What causes the Aurora Borealis?
The Aurora Colors
Most people think of the northern lights as green — and in Iceland (just like other places), that’s usually true. But the aurora can actually appear in several different colors, each tied to altitude and which atmospheric gas is doing the glowing.
The iconic green aurora comes from oxygen molecules about 100 to 300 km above Earth’s surface. It’s the most common and easiest to spot, even when activity is low. Under stronger solar storms, oxygen higher up in the atmosphere can produce red auroras, though they’re much rarer and harder to catch. Purples and pinks usually show up at the lower edge of the aurora curtain and are caused by nitrogen, while deep blue hues can sometimes appear when there’s a strong mix of both nitrogen and oxygen interactions.
Sometimes you’ll even see multiple colors at once — green at the core with pink or purple streaks at the bottom, especially during periods of strong geomagnetic activity. But don’t expect the same vibrancy you see in long-exposure photographs. With the naked eye, auroras often appear more muted at first, slowly brightening and shifting as your eyes adjust to the dark.
- Read more about The Colors of the Aurora Borealis
When to See the Northern Lights
The northern lights don’t dance across the Icelandic sky all year long — you’ll need darkness, first and foremost. That’s why Iceland’s aurora season runs from late August to mid-April, when nightfall is long enough for the lights to be visible. Between October and March, the nights are darkest and longest, which increases your odds. If you’re looking to play the numbers game, the sweet spot is between November and February, when total darkness arrives as early as 4 PM and sticks around until late morning.
Interestingly, the autumn and spring equinoxes — around September 21 and March 21 — often bring increased aurora activity. The theory is that Earth’s magnetic field aligns more favorably with solar wind around the equinoxes. Translation: if you’re visiting Iceland in September or March, your chances might get a little boost.
As for the best time of night? The aurora tends to peak between 10 PM and 2 AM, but that window isn’t fixed. I’ve seen the lights start at 9 PM and linger into the early hours, depending on solar activity and weather conditions. Your best strategy is to be outside, away from artificial lights, and keep your eyes on the sky from around 9 PM onward. And don’t forget to check the cloud and aurora forecasts before you head out — no amount of sky-watching helps if you’re under thick clouds.
- Read more about The Northern Lights Season by Months
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Where to see the Northern Lights
Seeing the northern lights in Iceland is all about location — and not just where you are, but what’s around you. The number one rule? Get away from artificial light. Light pollution from cities and towns makes it harder to see the aurora clearly, which is why most sightings happen in rural areas, remote coastlines, or elevated highlands with wide-open skies.
Places like Vík, the Golden Circle, and Diamond Beach aren’t just popular tourist stops but also northern lights sweet spots thanks to their dark surroundings, dramatic landscapes, and easy access from Reykjavík. Further away, up north, Lake Mývatn stands out with a climate that’s naturally more stable, tends to be less cloudy in winter, and the north also sits usually closer to the aurora oval — which may make aurora sightings slightly more likely.
Keep in mind, “where” is also about being ready. Some of the best sightings happen just outside a hotel or roadside pull-off — not necessarily at a famous site. So, wherever you are, be sure to check the cloud cover, aurora forecast, and moon phase to give yourself the best odds.
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Best Northern Lights Hotels in Iceland
When it comes to northern lights hunting, where you sleep can make all the difference. Choosing a hotel away from city lights means you might not even have to leave your room to catch the show. Some accommodations in Iceland are built with aurora visibility in mind, offering dark surroundings, wide-open views, and even wake-up calls when the lights appear.
Travel Reykjavík by Snæland Travel has partnered with a few remotely located hotels to accommodate guests on longer northern light tours including, Hotel Katla just outside Vík í Mýrdal and Gerði Country Hotel located close to the Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach, among other well-located hotels.
- Read more about the Best Northern Lights Hotels in Iceland
Iceland's Best Hot Springs for Northern Lights Views
Not every hot spring is open late enough for peak aurora viewing, so timing is key. Most staffed spas like the Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon, and Laugarvatn Fontana close around 9 or 10 PM in winter. That still gives you a chance at early activity, especially in deep winter months like November through February when darkness sets in early.
For better odds and more sky time, consider spots with later hours like Forest Lagoon in Akureyri, which is open until midnight and offers stunning fjord views with low light pollution. Then there are natural pools and hot rivers like Reykjadalur, Seljavallalaug, and Hellulaug that are open 24/7 and free to access. These require a bit more effort (and winter driving or hiking know-how), but they put you in some of Iceland's darkest and quietest places.
- Read more about Iceland's Hot Springs & Northern Lights