Peak viewing season for the northern lights is always september through march when the nights are long in iceland during the winter solstice, darkness can. The aurora season in iceland is correlated with the time of the year with most hours of darkness, mainly fall and winter. What is the absolute best month with the highest changes of seeing the aurora lights. The northern lights of iceland can only be seen in the winter months. However, the sheer fact that it is possible to see northern lights in this eightmonth period doesnt mean that theyre always visible. However, due to the earths rotation, its atmosphere and its magnetosphere in relation to icelands position on the globe, the time when they are most likely to be seen is.
Peak viewing season for the northern lights is always september through march when the nights are long in iceland during the winter solstice, darkness can extend for approximately 19 hours. Some sources will recommend november to february, as they are the darkest months with the longest possible window to see the lights, however these sources often fail to take into account that these months can have the worst weather with lots of rain and snow. The northern lights in iceland inspired by iceland. The best time to see the northern lights in iceland hey. Akureyri is the unofficial capital of northern iceland with a population under 20,000 people, and opportunities to explore the remote areas that are prime for viewing the northern lights. In december, therefore, they may be visible from three in the afternoon until nine in the morning. Its one of the most beautiful phenomena in the world, and something you cant miss. For example, the first northern lights of the season in reykjavik this year were seen around the middle of august. Best way to see northern lights in iceland 2020 aurora. The northern lights season runs from 1st september, through winter, until 15th april, typically. Those bright, endless icelandic summer days are almost over, darkness is making its way back to iceland, which means we will be able to admire the northern lights again. When trying to determine the best month to see the northern lights in iceland, its more of a range than a specific month. Northern lights season in iceland starts in october and lasts through march. I got my first chance just three months later when i spent five nights in rovaniemi.
In december and january, the nights are the longest, with only around 45 hours of sunlight. Best time and places to see the northern lights in iceland. Iceland s northern lights season from late august to midapril is not only the best time to hunt for sightings of this jawdropping, natural phenomenon, its also an ideal time to soak in the warm, soothing waters of the blue lagoon, made even more. Where to see the northern lights before winter ends. Feb 25, 2020 if you miss the chance to see the northern lights before winter ends, plan ahead now. The best time to see the northern lights in iceland hey iceland blog. Best times and places to see the northern lights in iceland. Northern lights tours 50 degrees north offers unique tours to norway, finland, sweden and iceland. The northern lights in iceland can be seen whenever the sky is dark.
Northern lights iceland 2019 travel guide extreme iceland. The official aurora season in iceland is from october till march but like with so many other things that have to do with icelandic nature its not something you can say with any certainty. Northern lights tours in iceland aurora tours arctic. Iceland named top destination for northern lights in 2020. Best places to see the northern lights in iceland in 2020.
The highlight of icelandic nature is a mustsee if you visit iceland in winter. All images were taken in yoho national park on the night of may 27th, 2017 after receiving an alert about an unusual and sudden kp increase 7. Darkness winter only clear skies no clouds aurora activity northern lights todays cloud coverage and satellite images of the aurora. Northern lights in iceland best time to see the aurora. Northern lights tours,multiday tours,glacier tours,south coast,jokulsarlon. Which is the best month to see northern lights in iceland.
For this incredible display to be witnessed, there needs to strong solar activity, clear skies. The auroral oval, meaning the area with the highest probability of seeing the northern lights, covers most of alaska, northern parts of canada, the southern half of greenland, iceland, northern norway, sweden and finland. Seeing the northern lights in iceland in august is not easy. Best times to see the northern lights in iceland 2020. The thrill of witnessing the aurora borealis is a onceinalifetime experience for many. Northern lights tours, multiday tours, golden circle, south coast. I have compiled this guide for you that will help you find the best time. However, the best time to see the northern lights in iceland is during the equinoxes, that is, september and march. Get to know more about the aurora by reading what are the northern lights. As well as the western half of the russian north with the kola peninsula of.
But if you travel at the end of the month, check the aurora forecast in iceland. The ultimate guide to northern lights in reykjavik aurora. Iceland is one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights and the season to see the northern lights in iceland is from september to midapril. Aug 09, 2018 northern lights season is coming to iceland. Continue reading for an ultimate guide to hunting the northern lights in iceland. We are the only travel operator in iceland focusing on travel services for the winter season only. The best times to see the northern lights in iceland. Therefore, spring is a great period for chasing the northern lights in iceland. Generally, the best time of year to see the northern lights in iceland is between september and april. November to march are the darkest months of the year in iceland and thats why we often talk about those months as the northern lights season. Iceland is a yearround destination, but the winter months bring their own sort of magic. Northern lights season in iceland is anywhere from september until midapril during which our team of expert guides study the weather and aurora forecast to prepare for a variety of daily northern lights tours.
Northern lights iceland aurora borealis northern lights. There are forecasts predicting visibility at vedur. You have a greater chance of seeing the aurora borealis between october and march. If youre considering doing a selfdrive northern lights adventure or deciding on which day of the week to book your northern lights tour then the northern lights forecast can come in handy. And again dark clear sky might offer great opportunities for the northern lights. How to see the northern lights in iceland cnn travel. You can generally see the northern lights in iceland any time from mid september to mid april. Snaefellsnes is also known as iceland in miniature since this region contains nearly all different kind of icelandic scenery. The northern lights season in iceland starts just as soon as it is dark enough to see the lights which is around the middle of august.
On the northern lights from akureyri in a 4x4 jeep tour, youll head out to the countryside in a jeep after being picked up from a local hotel. Northern lights season in iceland is anywhere from september until mid. Northern lights in iceland useful information iceland travel. You can enjoy and find inspiration with our best pictures of the northern lights in canada in this gallery. To witness the aurora borealis in all their glory requires patience, luck, and the following conditions to be met. Northern lights tours,multiday tours,ice cave,south coast,jokulsarlon.
Between september and april, iceland is treated to a magnificent natural display. The aurora borealis takes its name from the roman goddess of dawn, aurora, and the greek name for the north wind, boreas. The final winter months are the best time to visit iceland for the northern lights in 2020, where you will witness the brightest auroras. Sep 08, 2018 best northern lights images in canada.
Northern lights are visible in iceland for about eights months a year, from the early september to late april. Sep 29, 2018 the northern lights in iceland in september tend to be good thanks to the autumn equinox and less cloud cover. It also has the least rainfall of any month in icelands northern lights viewing season. Best time to see the northern lights in iceland in 2019. Jan 18, 2019 the northern lights season in iceland is from late august to midapril. The best season to see the northern lights in iceland is from september to midapril these are the months where there are full dark nights. The best time to see the northern lights in iceland. Nov 09, 2018 northern lights season in iceland iceland is located just off the arctic circle and therefore has the characteristics of the arctic. Best way to see northern lights in iceland 2020 aurora borealis. The earliest we usually see the northern lights is after the middle of august and the latest somewhere around the beginning of may.
However, from late september to late march, it is dark after 6 pm, and one enjoys. The northern lights in iceland can be seen from august to april. To see the northern lights with your naked eye, you need. Northern lights forecast for iceland aurora borealis. When is the best time to see the northern lights in iceland. Best time to see the northern lights in iceland 2020. The best time to see the northern lights in iceland is from october to march. Best time and place to see the northern lights in canada. While the aurora borealis is visible before and after, it is the equinox that provides the best spatial conditions, which often result in some of the best northern lights displays of the season. In the evening the ocean diamond leaves stykkisholmur for the direction of the westfjords. However, only during winter, you could see the northern lights and experience polar night, when the sun rises only for a few hours a day. Aug 12, 2019 learn the best time to visit iceland this year with tips for traveling during the summer high season, the winter low season, and when to see the northern lights. Where is the best place to hunt for the auroras in iceland, and where is the best place to see them in reykjavik. There are many great photos of the northern lights in iceland, but these are usually the produced through hard work, experience and a good dose of luck.
The first, obvious needs are darkness and a clear sky. The northern lights or aurora borealis is one of the most beautiful phenomena in nature. The best time to see the northern lights in iceland is from late august to late april. One of the benefits of this prolonged darkness is the aurora borealis. Check out our northern lights break in iceland iceland beyond. Peak viewing season for the northern lights is always september through march when the nights are long in iceland during the winter solstice. Your winter tour operator in iceland we are the only tour operator in iceland focusing on the winter season only. There are a few tricks to capturing the opportune moment, when the northern lights dance across the sky.
The best time during the year to see the northern lights in iceland is from september to april, due to lower light pollution and frequency. We have very bright summers with midnight sun and very dark winters where the sun barely manages to climb over the horizon for a short time each day. Icelands long days of sunlight and warm weather conditions convince most people to visit iceland during the spring and summer months may september. Jan 09, 2020 northern lights season in iceland is anywhere from september until midapril during which our team of expert guides study the weather and aurora forecast to prepare for a variety of daily northern lights tours. Oct 19, 2019 winter is less popular travel season in iceland.
Here, at 65 n on the southern edge of the arctic circle, you can see auroras almost every night. You can sometimes see the aurora in iceland in late august, but this is relatively rare. Northern lights and whales tour 1 2020 iceland procruises. The final winter months are the best time to visit iceland for the. Find the best iceland northern lights tours in february 2021 with tourradar. The northern lights season is from late august to midapril. The best time to see the northern lights in iceland the. Luxe adventure travelers complete guide to northern lights in iceland. Are you looking for the best time to see the northern lights in iceland in 2019. What is the best month to see the northern lights in iceland.
You must be visiting between september to april while they can occasionally be seen towards the end of august, the lingering sunlight makes them very faint. Sep, 2019 northern lights season in iceland starts in october and lasts through march. Top 10 iceland northern lights tours in february 2021 with. The ultimate guide to the northern lights in iceland.
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