FAQs: How to? Northern Lights

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