Night sky Iceland
Northern lights, Iceland
From autumn to early spring, Iceland's long dark nights give some of the best chances in Europe to see the northern lights. Leave the lights of Reykjavik for open places such as Thingvellir National Park or the coast of the Reykjanes peninsula, and check both the aurora forecast and cloud cover before you go. Daytime walks to waterfalls and lava fields fill the short days, and warm layers matter more than anything else.
Happening now 1 September 2026 to 30 April 2027 Typical window
Dates
| Year | When | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 September 2026 to 30 April 2027 | Typical window | Visit Iceland: the best time to see the northern lights is between September and April |
| 2027 | 1 September 2027 to 30 April 2028 | Typical window | Visit Iceland: the best time to see the northern lights is between September and April |
A typical window is the usual season from official records or the organiser, not a forecast for that year. Nature keeps its own calendar, so check the source closer to the time.
Routes near this event
More for these months
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Photo: Andreas Tille · CC BY-SA 4.0Trek IcelandThe Laugavegur Trail — Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk
Four days across Iceland's southern highlands, from the rhyolite mountains and hot springs of Landmannalaugar over an obsidian plateau and black-sand deserts to the birch woods of Þórsmörk.
- Duration
- 4 days
- Distance
- 55 km
- Difficulty
- Moderate