From gazing on the northern lights to soaking in a geothermal pool surrounded by volcanic landscapes, Iceland demonstrates the incredible power of nature at every turn. Best time to see the northern lights in Iceland. The length of your stay is also vital as the lights often appear for 2-3 days and then there can be nothing for some days. We were very lucky to see an incredible show in the sky which lasts for about 2 … There are generally three optimal places I recommend for you to have the best viewing experience of the northern lights in Iceland. Hotel Rangá is one of the most renowned hotels in Iceland for seeing the northern lights. The skies above Iceland are equally compelling, with celestial gifts that span the seasons. See Iceland's main holidays and festivals; See our recommended itinerary for Iceland It was the first hotel in the country to offer a northern lights wakeup call service to its guests so they could pull their parkas over their pyjamas if the Aurora made an appearance. I can’t stress this enough. Iceland’s long winter is the best time for seeing the northern lights in Iceland. The season for Northern Lights lasts from late September through mid-April, however there are conditions required to get the best view. The official Northern Lights season in Iceland is from October till March. Positioned on the edge of the Arctic Circle, Iceland is one of the best places on the planet to see the northern lights. For my photographer friends out there, seek out your photo location first during daytime! It’s also one of the most accessible places to encounter them: once there, you don’t need to journey to remote pockets of the country, because the lights can potentially be seen anywhere. The best time is between 21:00-03:00 although they can often be seen early evening or during the night. When to see the Northern Lights in Iceland? However, with long nights this is the best time to visit Iceland for Northern Lights. When is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland? Here’s How To Read The Map. Time is of the essence when you hunt for the northern lights, as they can appear and disappear very fast! In addition to letting you in on the best time to see Northern Lights in Iceland, I figured I’d share some tips and tricks as well for prepping to see them. The best time to see the northern lights are normally in the winter time. The tour is for small groups only, which means that not only will you be more comfortable throughout your trip, but you will also save precious time by not waiting for a throng of other passengers. The best place to see the northern lights in Iceland This answer surprisingly does change quite a lot at this time of year. Our northern lights tour is the best way to see the northern lights in Iceland! These are not only great places to see the lights but also feature many activities and natural sights. The first and more obvious reason to visit in the winter months is for the Northern Lights. That’s easier said than done, but no worries, I’ve been doing Northern Lights trip to Iceland for many years and I’ll help you succeed with a detailed guide on the best time and places to see Northern Lights in Iceland. What is the best time to come to Iceland and catch the northern lights? January is the ‘wettest’ month of the year in Iceland (when it snows the most), so keep that in mind when you’re planning a trip since clouds are more common then too. The best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland is between September and April each year. That means that there is always, technically, northern lights. The "season" for seeing the aurora borealis runs from September to April. Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Iceland . When planning a trip to Iceland it’s important to research what kind of things you would like to do and the places to see. Things at ground level are incredibly exciting in Iceland. Between October and March , longer nights give you ample opportunity to see the aurora if the weather permits. This stunning country is known for its otherworldly landscapes, black beaches, raging waterfalls and… being of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. The beauty of this is that you will often see the Northern Lights overhead and reflected in open water at the same time. With glaciers, waterfalls, geysers, wildlife-watching opportunities and the midnight sun, it's no surprise this astonishing place is near the top of so many people's bucket lists. 1. Hotel Rangá – the best place to see Northern Lights. Tours are offered during winter so it is easy to book one. On top of selecting the optimal time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland, there are a few other variables to consider as well. Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Iceland. From Mid April – Mid August you won’t be able to observe the Northern Lights. https://www.nordicvisitor.com/blog/best-time-place-see-northern-lights-iceland Best Time for Northern Lights. The weather in Iceland is unpredictable, especially during winter. The more activity the more likely it is that you will see the northern lights but that is not all. December is also the darkest time of the year. What options do you have after a day tour? This breathtaking natural phenomenon can only be seen in winter, when it’s dark and the sky is clear. Driving the Ring Road in winter is inadvisable at best, and impossible at worst. The Northern Lights, also known as the aurora borealis, are colourful swathes of light that appear in the dark night sky. What are the Northern Lights? Also known as Aurora Borealis, the Northern Lights are created when electrically charged particles interact with the atmosphere on the Earth. It was the first hotel in the country to offer a northern lights wakeup call service to its guests so they could pull their parkas over their pyjamas if the Aurora made an appearance. We were extremely fortunate to see the program from our bed at our lodging because lots of people spend hours to catch the best … Scout Your Photo Location First. This is one of the premiere locations on the planet to view the Northern Lights, thanks to its remote location away from any city light pollution (save for Reykjavik). That said, you'll have more chances from October to March. Weather, location, and luck all play a part. Below you will find information on some great places in Iceland for viewing the northern lights. Near Reykjavík . Autumn and spring – especially during the equinoxes – tend to see an increase in activity. Well, lucky for you, it's not just one time, but rather a long period! Learn How to Photograph the Northern Lights; Discover the Best Times to See the Northern Lights in Iceland; Iceland is working to eliminate the Covid-19 virus. When is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland. (It’s also why winter is the best time to visit Iceland for Northern Lights 2021) When it comes to travel around the country in winter, visitors may find smaller and highlands roads impassible and driving conditions quite challenging, with weather patterns unpredictable. BEST TIME TO SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS IN ICELAND. The best time to visit Iceland to see the Northern lights is from October to April. Hotel Rangá – the best place to see Northern Lights. The country is a geological wonderland, and all the intense geothermal activity gives us marvels such Blue Lagoon Iceland and its rejuvenating waters. The good news is Iceland is located on the high – attitude meaning it’s easier for us to track the best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland. Days only last a couple of hours so you will really have to make the most of your sunlight. Iceland is one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights due to the country's extra-long nights from November to January. The rule is that if you can see the stars then you will have a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights. Whilst Whale Watching has traditionally been a Summer activity in Iceland, the last 2 winters have proven that the incidence of sightings in the winter is very good too at about 70%, so now you can see Whales and the Northern Lights at the same time! Please visit our page dedicated to Covid-19 information & support for all the latest updates on Iceland’s current travel restrictions. We saw Aurora Borealis at the beginning of October, which is one of the best months, possibly the best time to see northern lights in Iceland. Iceland is a fantastic place to spot the Northern Lights, but there are a few things to know before you embark on your adventure.From the camera gear you’ll want to invest in and the apps you’ll want downloaded to the best spots to see the show and the Northern Lights tours that are actually worth it, consider this your all-encompassing guide to seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland. photo by: worldwidetravel.tips - best time to visit Iceland for Northern Lights My skin goes goosebumps when I remember the moment when the lights appeared on the Icelandic sky. The map is updated daily and gives you an indication of Northern Lights viewing. Book with TUI and you’ll get the chance to head out every night of your holiday until you get to see one of nature’s greatest shows. For instance, you’ll want to select a location to watch the auroras that is as free from artificial light as possible. As you have probably figured out, it is important to dress warm when you visit Iceland. After being dropped off from the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, for instance, with a favorable forecast you can see the northern lights in Reykjavik. 1. The Northern Lights (formally called the aurora borealis) are photons (light particles) created by the reaction between Solar Energetic Particles (SEPs) and oxygen and nitrogen molecules in the earth’s atmosphere. Research has also shown that auroral activity is cyclic, and peaking every 11 years. Our planet is bombarded constantly by solar storms. So if you are going to Iceland only to see the Northern Lights it’s very unlikely that you will see it during this time period. We just can't see them! Iceland. To see the Northern Lights with your naked eye, you need: Darkness (winter only) Clear skies (no clouds) Aurora activity (Northern Lights) Todays Cloud Coverage and Satellite Images of the Aurora. The northern lights are visible for nearly nine months of the year from late August to mid-April offering plenty of scope for planning your holiday. We always recommend 4-5 days increase your chances. The best way to see Northern Lights in Iceland is to be there in the right place at the right time. The Grótta lighthouse on the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula is a famous viewing center in the suburbs. Northern Lights. If heading out on a Northern Lights and Stargazing tour then wrap up warm, while the bus is nice and cosy, you will be standing out watching the Aurora in some very cold conditions. Hotel Rangá is one of the most renowned hotels in Iceland for seeing the northern lights. The lights can be seen clearly and enjoyed right in the capital of Iceland, Reykjavík. The long periods of darkness and often the clear nights provide us with many opportunities to watching the northern lights dancing in the sky. The northern lights season starts at the beginning of September and ends mid April. It is predicted that the lights will be at their brightest level in 2012 so do not miss out of the opportunity to see this wonder of nature at its best. Next peak is going to be around 2013. In late August, when the days have started to get shorter, late at night you could get lucky and see the lights. Before we get into the best places to see the northern lights in Iceland, first thing’s first: it's all about timing. Best time to see northern lights in Iceland in 2020 travel tips. Average temperatures range from -1°C and -5°C so make sure to bring a jacket, gloves, scarf, boots, and a hat. It can be a truly spectacular sight and one that doesn’t occur after the big freeze sets in and the waterways freeze and become covered in the first snows of winter. 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