Type of luxury escape, destination or month

phone +44 (0)20 7022 6560
search

Blog 20/02/2020

How to Maximise Your Chances of Seeing the Northern Lights

  • Adventure

    Adventure

  • Celebrate

    Celebrate

  • Discovery

    Discovery

  • Extraordinary Experiences

    Extraordinary Experiences

  • Romance and Honeymoons

    Romance and Honeymoons

There’s no denying that the Northern Lights are an extraordinary spectacle - but there’s also no denying that they’re notoriously hard to catch. Only showing up when the conditions are perfect and only in a few places, you’re lucky if you see them on your Iceland trip. Luckily, there are ways you can maximise your chances, and we’ve got all the tips you need.


 

Know Where To Go

You’re already heading to Iceland which is a great start at increasing your Northern Lights luck. It’s one of the best places in the world to spot them, and there are plenty of places within the country that are great viewing spots. If you’re in Reykjavik, the capital city, take a trip up to Öskuhlið hill where you can head inside the glass-domed museum for a 360 degree view of the city and sky. Other great spots to watch the lights from include: Grótta lighthouse in Seltjarnarnes, Hveragerði, Thingvellir, from geothermal baths or from the comforts of your hotel - your room might have floor-to-ceiling windows or a glass roof. 

Know When To Go

In Iceland, plan your trip between September and early to mid April for the best chance of seeing the lights. These are the months when the country experiences dark nights, compared to during summer when the nights can stay much brighter. You should also look for clear skies on the weather forecast, and avoid rainy or snowy nights. To increase your chances, spend a few nights searching for the lights rather than just one.

Download an App

If you’re serious about trying to catch the Northern Lights, download an app that will help you, such as Aurora Forecast. These will track the night’s conditions, including solar flare, density, and wind speed to show you just how likely it is that the lights will make an appearance. They’re not a full-proof guarantee to catching them, but they’ll definitely help. 

Get the Help of an Expert

If you want the best chance of seeing the lights on your Iceland escape, ask your Travel Specialist to arrange a professional guide to help you out. After years of aurora-chasing, they’ll be able to take you to the best areas to catch them at the right time, and they’ll use the conditions to predict how likely they are to show up. We always recommend having an expert who knows the area well, especially on the dark cold nights - getting lost out in Iceland wouldn’t be ideal. Speaking to your travel specialist to arrange a private guide would be our top tip for catching the unforgettable Northern Lights.

Your Iceland Trip

Even with perfect conditions and dark nights, the Northern Lights still might not come out to play. This is why you shouldn’t plan your trip just to spot them, but instead view them as an added bonus if they do show up. So, make sure the rest of your adventure is just as incredible. If you need some inspiration, why not take a look at our ‘A Land of Wonders’ experience?

This experience gives you the opportunity to discover the Land of Fire and Ice over the course of 5 days full of extraordinary experiences. Not only will you have the chance to enjoy breath-taking views like nowhere else, you will also have the opportunity to indulge in a visit to the serene and enchanting Blue Lagoon. Travel around the island visiting volcanoes and glaciers on a range of different transport, from snowmobiles to helicopters. 

If you want to plan the perfect Iceland itinerary, our expert Travel Specialists can help you. Our VIP Preferred Partner status gives you access to the most exclusive hotels and resorts around the world with exclusive luxury benefits. We can also arrange incredible experiences just for you, suiting everything to your style and tastes. 

Get in touch with our team to learn more. 

Didn't find what you're looking for?
Our specialist team can help, simply get in touch.

Call us now on +44 (0)20 7022 6560

Enquire Now