One of our top Iceland questions is about how to see the Northern Lights, so here are some Iceland Traveller tips.
The main Northern Lights season is October to March
- Some tours are also available in September and April, and you can get lucky out in the countryside in late August too
- When you are out at night, be patient, it’s a waiting game
- Be prepared, take good clothing and equipment
- Some people wear silk gloves, fingers can get very cold
- Make sure you know how your camera works for Aurora photography
- Battery life is shorter in the cold
- Just watching is amazing, you don’t see everything through a lens
- Food and drink is a good way to keep you going, take a snack, and maybe a thermos cup or hip flask
- We’ll always book you with a guide who will use local knowledge. Icelanders are experienced Aurora hunters
- Location is crucial, away from light pollution, so staying in the countryside is worth considering
- Take enough time in Iceland, 4 nights at least if possible. Give the clouds time to clear and weather to change
- Know the statistics. Our escorted tours record the average winter sightings success rate – 2012-13: 92%, 2013-2014: 85%, 2014-15: 92%, 2015-16: 98%, 2016-17: 89% (April not yet included)
- Don’t leave it till the last minute, popular holidays fill up fast
- Here’s a holiday suggestion that also includes seeing the spectacular Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon
- For bespoke holidays, private tours by superjeep or for photography assistance, please send us a message