Tonight’s Guide to Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland

Can I See Northern Lights in Iceland Tonight?

To find out if you can see the Northern Lights in Iceland tonight, follow these three simple steps:

1. Check real-time aurora activity

Download the Hello Aurora app on your iPhone or Android devices to get live aurora forecasts and real-time sightings from other users across Iceland.

‼️Don’t rely only on the KP index, it’s a global estimate and not accurate for your location. Iceland is already in the aurora zone, you don't need high KP to see the aurora in Iceland.

Instead, monitor the real-time forecast such as aurora strength, Bz value and Bt value (which shows how favorable the magnetic field is).

The Hello Aurora app explains these metrics clearly, so it’s easy to understand even for beginners.

2. Check the sky conditions

Ask yourself: Is the sky clear where I am?
If you’re in Iceland between late August and late April, you’re in aurora season and 2025, during the solar maximum, gives you an especially high chance.

If the sky looks cloudy, check the cloud coverage map on the Hello Aurora App
Focus on finding clear gaps, especially areas with no low and middle clouds, these are the biggest blockers.

Low clouds can completely hide the aurora because they’re thick layers of water droplets that scatter and absorb visible light, preventing the aurora’s glow from shining through.
If you can see star try to look north and use your phone or camera to take the photo of the sky.

3. Get aurora alerts

Turn on aurora alerts in the Hello Aurora app to get notified when others spot the lights nearby. It will show you the location and real-time sighting photos.
You can also wait for substorm notifications, which signal stronger aurora activity.
Having both alerts active greatly increases your chances of catching the show.
👀 Watch this video on how you can see the Northern Lights from your home in Iceland every night!

How to check for the Northern Lights?

Where can I see the Northern Lights in Iceland?

Iceland is one of the best places on Earth to see the Northern Lights, sitting directly under the auroral oval.

Based on real-time sighting data from the Hello Aurora app (January–April 2025), these are the top 5 most spotted aurora locations gathered from thousands of verified user reports across Iceland.

🥇 1. Reykjavík & surroundings — 1,400+ reports

Iceland’s capital tops the list with over 1,400 real sightings, proving that strong aurora activity can outshine even city lights.
About 40% of sightings came from downtown Reykjavík itself.
📍 Best spot: Grótta Lighthouse on the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula — wide ocean views, minimal light pollution, and easy access.

🥈 2. Reykjanes Peninsula — 500+ reports

With over 500 sightings, Reykjanes ranks second. The Garðar Lighthouse area stands out for its dark skies and scenic double-lighthouse view.
Even downtown Keflavík logged 100+ sightings, confirming auroras can be visible in urban areas during strong activity.

🥉 3. Hella & Hvolsvöllur

Popular southern stopovers for travelers saw consistent aurora activity.
Their open landscapes and numerous accommodations make them great bases for chasing the lights along the South Coast.

4. Selfoss — 400 Reports

Selfoss, a key Golden Circle town, recorded 400 sightings.
Its proximity to major attractions and good sky visibility make it both convenient and reliable for aurora hunters.

5. Vík

The coastal village of Vík rounds out the top five.
Famous for its black sand beaches and low light pollution, it remains one of Iceland’s most photogenic aurora locations.
⚠️ Safety note: Avoid Reynisfjara Beach at night — dangerous waves have caused fatal accidents. Choose nearby safer viewing spots instead.

Live Northern Lights map: See where people are seeing the Northern Lights right now

Hello Aurora lets you track where people are seeing the Northern Lights in real time.

When someone spots the aurora, they can share a photo and location, and it instantly appears on the map — helping others nearby know exactly where the lights are visible right now.

💡 Why it’s helpful

Instead of asking on Facebook groups like “Can anyone see the lights in Reykjavík?” or “Where can I see them tonight?”,
the Moment feature shows you live, user-submitted aurora sightings — the most up-to-date and reliable information available.

No waiting, no guessing — just real-time data from real people seeing the Northern Lights across Iceland.

Live webcam

Several locations in Iceland have live webcams that show current sky conditions, helping you:

• See the actual sky right now
• Confirm if the Northern Lights are visible
• Plan trips to remote locations safely

⚠️ Tip: Camera settings can make auroras appear stronger or weaker than in reality. Use webcams as one data point, not the only factor for deciding where to go.

📍 Live webcams to check

• Road.is Traffic Webcams - All Iceland
• Landhotel in Hella and Hvolsvöllur
• Lava Centre in Hella and Hvolsvöllur

Northern Lights FAQ — Iceland

Q: Can I see the Northern Lights tonight?
A: The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon — nothing is guaranteed. But using real-time forecasts and sightings (like the Hello Aurora app) can greatly improve your chances.

Q: Where is the best place to see them tonight?
A: Anywhere dark with clear skies. Popular spots: outside Reykjavík toward Þingvellir National park and the southern coast, and high ground away from towns. Always check regional cloud maps.

Q: What is the best Northern Lights app for Iceland?
A: Hello Aurora was made in Iceland from real aurora hunting experience. Used by locals, tour operators, and professionals, with over 240,000 users.

Q: How do I know if they’re visible right now?
A: Use Hello Aurora to track real-time sightings. When someone spots the lights, they share location and photos, letting others nearby know exactly where to go.

Q: Can I see them from Reykjavík?
A: Yes! Reykjavík is one of the most reported locations. Turn on Hello Aurora notifications to increase your chance of spotting them from your hotel.

Q: How long does a Northern Lights show last?
A: From a few minutes to several hours. Be ready to stay out for at least an hour.

Q: Can I see them if the KP-index is low (0-2)?
A: Yes, especially in Iceland, if the skies are clear.

Q: How long should I wait for the lights?
A: Watch the Aurora strength (nT):

• Drop (~-150 nT) → substorm, aurora likely soon
• Rise (~+150 nT) → aurora is charging, may appear in minutes
• Return (~5 nT) → aurora is quiet, wait for the next shift

Q: What is the trickiest part about seeing the Northern Lights?
A: Icelandic weather is unpredictable. Clouds are the biggest obstacle.

Q: Do I need a professional camera?
A: No. Modern phones (iPhone 11+ or latest Androids) are enough to capture the lights.

Q: What if the forecast says 45% chance?
A: Go check! If the sky is clear and other metrics (Bz, Bt, solar density) are favorable, it’s worth looking. Use your phone camera — it can detect faint auroras before your eyes do.

Q: Does Hello Aurora work only in Iceland?
A: No! Hello Aurora provides aurora forecasts for Iceland, Norway, Finland, and Sweden. You can also share aurora sightings from anywhere in the world—even from locations where the Northern Lights are rare, like Germany when you see it.