Northern Lights Tours

The Northern Lights are an inspiring natural phenomenon visible in the sky above Iceland between end of August to mid April. The Northern lights are caused by charged particles from the sun, sometimes referred to as the solar wind hitting the atmosphere. (br) During spring and summer, the long daylight hours make the sighting of the Northern lights impossible or at least unlikely. The best time to see the northern lights in Iceland is when the days are shorter, from mid September till end of March.

In order to see the Northern Lights, you need a dark, clear night. The best time to see the northern lights in Iceland is between mid September till end of March. They are however visible from late August to early April anytime during dark hours. There are no guarantees that you will see the Northern Lights during your stay, but in most cases, sightings are greatly improved outside populated areas, especially away from the light pollution of the capital. That is why our Northern lights self drive tours and guided tours staying out of the city are the ideal way to see the Northern lights.

Consider the following:

Time and Budget: Determine how much time you have and your budget. Self-drive tours offer flexibility with start dates, while Longer Bus Tours have set departure dates.

Tour Type: Decide if you want the freedom of a Self-drive tour, where you control your schedule and pace, or the convenience of a Longer Bus Tour with guided experiences and no driving worries for a mix of both, consider a Private Tour.

Season: Choose dates within the Northern Lights season, and check the availability before booking flights. Self-drive tours provide independence, while bus tours offer expert guidance and a social atmosphere. For winter conditions, consider a 4x4 vehicle.

Each tour type has unique benefits, so select one that fits your preferences and travel style for more details see our blogpost Iceland Northern Lights Tour Packages, what to keep in mind?

For a northern lights trip to Iceland, pack warm and waterproof clothing. Essentials include:

- Thermal base layers (top and bottom)
- Insulated, waterproof jacket and pants
- Wool or synthetic sweaters
- Warm, waterproof boots with good traction
- Thick socks (preferably wool)
- Hat, gloves, and scarf
- Swimwear (for hot springs and geothermal pools)
- A good camera with a tripod (for Northern Lights photography)
- Sunglasses (for low-angle sun glare) for more details see our post about How to pack for your Iceland trip