The Northern Lights are never guaranteed as there are several factors that can affect their appearance. If you’re planning a winter visit, don’t leave it to chance — book early, leave room for flexibility, and wrap up warm. If you do just one during your visit to Iceland, make it this. Seeing the northern lights was the absolute highlight of our trip to Iceland
This post is based on my personal experience during a trip to Iceland in winter 2016/2017. The information has been updated for 2025 to reflect current tour policies, aurora forecasts, and travel advice. Please check with your chosen operator for the most up-to-date information.
Northern lights in Iceland captured on a Go Pro
Booking Guarantee
Tour operators in Iceland know that chasing the aurora is unpredictable, which is why most now offer generous rebooking policies. Working closely with the university, many receive accurate updates on weather conditions and magnetic activity, so they can let you know in advance if a tour is likely to go ahead.
These days, most reputable operators include a guarantee. If conditions aren’t favourable, your tour will be cancelled and you’ll be offered either a full refund or the option to rebook. If the tour does go ahead but the Northern Lights don’t appear, you won’t be refunded — but you can rebook free of charge, as many times as needed, until you do see them. In most cases, your rebooking is valid for up to two years, giving you flexibility if you’re staying for a few nights or planning to return.
When we visited Iceland in 2016/2017, we booked our Northern Lights tour with Iceland Guided Tours, who had a brilliant rebooking policy at the time. However, as of 2025, it seems they no longer offer Northern Lights tours. That said, there are still plenty of excellent options.
Here are a few trusted operators currently offering Northern Lights tours from Reykjavik:
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Reykjavik Excursions – Large and reliable operator with flexible rebooking if the lights don’t show.
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Arctic Adventures – Small-group tours with expert guides and complimentary rebooking.
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Wake Up Reykjavik – Cosy minibus tours with hot chocolate, wool blankets, and a more intimate vibe.
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Iceland Tours – Full holiday packages including Northern Lights tours, accommodation, and transport.
As always, check each company’s policy before booking — but the flexibility is much better these days, and the chances of getting a second attempt (or third) are well in your favour.
Our Northern Lights Tour Experience
We booked our Northern Lights tour for the evening of our arrival in Reykjavik, giving us multiple opportunities to reschedule if necessary. As it turned out, we had to postpone twice due to unfavourable conditions, and the tour finally went ahead on our third night.
Pick-up by minibus began promptly at 8:30 PM from our hotel. It’s important to be ready and waiting outside at the designated time, as the schedule can vary depending on other pick-ups.
Fortunately, the conditions were ideal: a KP index of 4, which is considered good visibility on the 0 to 9 scale. Our guide, aptly named Thor, drove us about 40 minutes outside Reykjavik to a quiet spot nicknamed “Whale Beach,” far from the city’s light pollution.
In near-complete darkness, we were treated to a mesmerizing display — the aurora borealis growing stronger minute by minute.
Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Iceland (2025)
The optimal period to witness the Northern Lights in Iceland is from September to April, with peak visibility typically between November and March. In 2025, solar activity is expected to be near its peak, enhancing the likelihood of vibrant auroral displays.
Tips for a Successful Northern Lights Tour
- Dress Warmly: Layer up with thermal clothing, including base layers, a fleece or wool sweater, and a waterproof outer layer. Don’t forget gloves, a hat, and insulated boots.
- Bring a Tripod: For photography enthusiasts, a tripod is essential for capturing clear images of the aurora.
- Be Patient: The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and can be unpredictable. Be prepared for a wait, and enjoy the unique experience of Iceland’s nighttime landscapes.
- Capture it on your phone or GoPro: You don’t need a professional camera to get a decent shot. Most newer iPhones (11 and up) can pick up the lights if you use Night Mode, set focus manually, and hold very still or use a small tripod. A GoPro with Night Lapse mode is also a great hands-free option — just don’t expect National Geographic-quality without practice.
Final Thoughts
Experiencing the Northern Lights in Iceland is truly a once-in-a-lifetime event. With the updated tour policies in 2025, you have greater flexibility and increased chances of witnessing this natural wonder. Remember to book your tour early, dress appropriately, and keep an eye on the aurora forecasts to make the most of your adventure.
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