Akureyri

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Akureyri is Iceland’s second largest urban area and the main town of the north, sitting at the head of Eyjafjörður, one of Iceland’s longest fjords. At 65°N it’s just south of the Arctic Circle, and its sheltered position at the base of the fjord gives it a noticeably milder and drier climate than much of Iceland, which is good news for aurora viewing on clear winter nights.

The town has a relaxed, small-city feel with a surprising amount going on. The Akureyri Art Museum, Hof Cultural Centre and the botanical garden (one of the world’s most northerly) are all worth a visit. The compact town centre has a good selection of restaurants, cafes and bars, and the iconic Akureyrarkirkja church overlooks the harbour from the hilltop.

For aurora viewing, the fjord itself provides a natural dark corridor with mountains on both sides. Heading out of town along the eastern or western shore of Eyjafjörður quickly leaves the street lights behind. The nearby Mývatn area, around an hour’s drive east, offers geothermal landscapes, lava formations and exceptionally dark skies for aurora watching. Dalvík and Ólafsfjörður to the north are also good options.

Akureyri is a popular base for exploring north Iceland more broadly. Husavík, one of Europe’s best whale watching towns, is nearby, as are the Goðafoss and Dettifoss waterfalls and the Ásbyrgi canyon. The town has its own ski area at Hlíðarfjall and is well connected by domestic flights from Reykjavík, with the flight taking around 45 minutes.

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How are my chances of seeing the aurora today?

Many factors contribute to your likelihood of viewing the aurora in Akureyri. Geomagnetic activity, cloud cover and the amount of ambient light all play a big part. Check the forecasts for how good the viewing conditions are today.

Aurora Probability and Atmospheric Conditions

6%

There is a 6% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Akureyri area (forecast for 27 August 2026 at 6:07am UTC)

Kp 1.33

The Kp-index is a scale used to measure geomagnetic activity. It ranges from 0 to 9, with higher values indicating greater geomagnetic activity.

  • 0-2 (Very low) Far north, quite dim, and not very active.
  • 3-5 (Moderate) Can be seen further south, with increased brightness and activity. Chance of good viewing conditions nearer the pole.
  • 6-7 (High) Visible in many northern regions, with vibrant displays.
  • 8-9 (Extreme) Widespread visibility, often seen in areas much further south than usual, with intense and colorful displays.
HPI 19 GW

The Hemispheric Power Index (HPI) is a vital measure used to assess the strength of auroral activity at the poles. It estimates the total auroral energy input, with values above 20 GW indicating an aurora-active state. When the HPI reaches levels of 100 GW or more, it signifies a very significant geomagnetic storm, which can lead to spectacular auroral displays.

Bz 0 nT

Bz refers to the north-south orientation of the magnetic field embedded in the solar wind. It is measured in nanoteslas (nT).

When Bz is negative (southward), it allows solar wind particles to penetrate the Earth’s magnetic field more easily. A strong negative Bz is often associated with increased chances of seeing the Northern Lights.

Conversely, when Bz is positive (northward), the Earth’s magnetic field tends to block the solar wind, resulting in reduced aurora activity.

Bt 4 nT

Bt measures the overall power of the Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF) from the Sun; higher numbers (e.g., above 20 nT) mean more energy available for aurora.

Density 2.77 p/cm3

Solar wind density refers to the number of charged particles in a given volume of the solar wind, typically measured in particles per cubic centimetre (p/cm3).

A typical solar wind density is around 2.76 p/cm3.

The density of the solar wind affects how many particles reach the Earth’s magnetosphere. A higher density means more particles are available to interact with the Earth’s magnetic field. When these charged particles collide with the gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, energy is released in the form of light that we see as the aurora.

Speed 265.0 km/s

Solar wind speed refers to the velocity at which charged particles are ejected from the Sun’s outer atmosphere, known as the corona.

A typical solar wind speed is about 375 km/s. When both speed and density are high, the energy transferred to the Earth’s magnetosphere increases, enhancing the chances of seeing vibrant auroras.

Light Levels

Moon

Waxing gibbous 96%

Sunrise 5:32am

Sunset 8:55pm

Moonrise 8:44pm

Moonset 4:04am

Weather Forecast for Akureyri

Rain

6°C Feels like 2°C

High
7°C
Low
5°C

  • Chance of precipitation 100%

  • Cloud cover 100%

  • North-Easterly winds 3 km/h

  • Rain 7 mm

Aurora season in Akureyri

The aurora season in Akureyri runs from September to April, with the best viewing conditions in October, February and March.

Peak viewing In season Off season

Book an amazing adventure in Akureyri

Explore this selection of tours and activities to make the most of your visit to Akureyri.

  • Free cancellation

    From Akureyri Port: Godafoss Waterfall Tour for Cruise Ships (V)

    4.5 (104)

    2 hours 30 minutes From £56.81

    A scenic and memorable excursion in Iceland to the majestic Godafoss Waterfall. Godafoss is one of the most spectacular and historic waterfalls in Iceland. The name means the "waterfall of the gods". The waterfall is about 12 meters high (36 feet) and 30 meters wide (90 feet), and it forms a horseshoe shape that creates a stunning spectacle of water and mist. You will have about 45 minutes to explore the waterfall and take photos of this natural wonder. After admiring the waterfall, you will board the bus again and head back to Akureyri but not exactly the same way. You will drive through the beautiful Fnjoskadalur Valley, up to the mountains and down to the Eyjafordur Bay with astonishing view. The Eyjafjordur Bay is the longest in Iceland, and surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Before you arrive to Akureyri the bus will stop at the Akureyri Viewpoint so you can enjoy the view over the town of Akureyri, the Bay and the mountains, and take pictures!

  • Free cancellation

    Lake Myvatn, Hot-Springs & Godafoss Waterfall Tour from Akureyri

    4.4 (558)

    6 hours From £140.50

    Our 6 hour Lake Mývatn, Hot-springs & Godafoss Waterfall Tour from Akureyri is the perfect introduction to north Iceland. Visit Lake Mývatn, a region whose landscape has been sculpted thousands of years of volcanic activity. See the craters of Skútustaðir, the lava formations at Dimmuborgir, a stunning waterfall and much more besides. A delicious packed meal is included with your tour ticket.

  • Free cancellation

    100% Whale Watching

    4.8 (301)

    2 hours 30 minutes From £67.26

    This is a 2,5 to 3 -hour whale watching tour 25 minutes north of Akureyri in Hauganes. A comfortable tour with the oldest whale watching tour operator in Iceland where you will be observing the fantastic scenery, bird life, and the diverse range of whale species in Eyjafjordur. In 2022 we saw humpback whales in 99% of our tours.

  • Free cancellation

    Lake Mývatn & Goðafoss Waterfall from Akureyri Port

    4.8 (232)

    6 hours From £138.96

    A coach tour to Lake Mývatn from Akureyri port offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning natural wonders of North Iceland. The journey begins at Akureyri port, where travelers board a comfortable coach for the scenic drive to Lake Mývatn. As the coach travels through the rugged Icelandic countryside, passengers are treated to panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, cascading waterfalls, and lush green valleys. The coach stops at several points of interest along the way, allowing travelers to stretch their legs, take photos, and soak in the natural beauty of their surroundings. We return from Lake Mývatn at least 1 Hour before the ship departure, making sure you do not miss your departure.

  • Free cancellation

    Whale Watching from Downtown Akureyri

    4.6 (1068)

    3 hours From £77.73

    Experience the incredible humpback whales in Iceland's longest fjord, Eyjafjörður, aboard our specially modified sightseeing boat. This is a family friendly and great value whale watching tour, operated all year round from Akureyri, North Iceland. Elding Whale Watching Akureyri is an environmentally friendly company and recognised worldwide for its environmental efforts. Our mission and goal is to minimise the operational impact on the environment while offering an unforgettable experience at sea. We abide by a code of conduct for responsible whale watching, ensuring the wellbeing of the wildlife in our waters.

  • Free cancellation

    Lake Myvatn Day Tour and Godafoss Waterfall for Cruise Ships from Akureyri Port

    4.5 (538)

    5 - 6 hours From £148.58

    Discover the magical wonderland of Lake Myvatn and Godafoss Waterfall with an experienced local tour guide. We set off from Akureryi Port stopping at the stunning Godafoss waterfall and then onto the famous Lake Myvatn area. in Lake Myvatn area we visit the Dimmuborgir Lava formations and the Námafjall area where you can view the bubbling Hverir Mud pools and Natural steam vents or fumaroles. We also stop at Myvatn Nature Baths where you can enjoy the baths and cafe (Please note the entrance fee to the Nature Baths is NOT included). Passengers can also opt to skip the Nature bath and visit Grjotagja cave and rift instead. This great value tour includes a small group tour with an experienced local tour guide and transport. We offer free pick up and drop off to Akureyri Port.

Places to check out around Akureyri

Discover Waterfalls, Volcanoes, Hot Springs and more…

Explore more nearby Akureyri

Get off the beaten track, these nearby destinations also offer opportunities to see the Northern Lights and are within easy reach of Akureyri.

  • Husavik port with welcoming lights in late evening

    Credit: ArtHouse Studio

    Húsavík

    66°2'50"N, 17°20'38"W

    Aurora probability in Húsavík: 6%

    Húsavík, Iceland, is a charming town known as the Whale Watching Capital of Europe. It offers visitors incredible opportunities to see various whale species in their natural habitat, along with stunning coastal landscapes and a rich cultural heritage.

  • Aurora borealis over lake Mývatn, northern Iceland

    Credit: Martin Brechtl

    Mývatn

    65°36'14"N, 16°59'45"W

    Aurora probability in Mývatn: 6%

    Mývatn, in Northern Iceland, is a stunning lake region renowned for its unique volcanic landscapes, rich birdlife and geothermal activity, offering visitors a captivating blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventures.

  • A view of Siglufjörður, Iceland with colourful buildings along the waterfront

    Credit: Alena Timofeeva

    Siglufjörður

    66°9'0"N, 18°54'37"W

    Aurora probability in Siglufjörður: 6%

    Siglufjörður, Iceland, is a picturesque fishing town nestled in a fjord, known for its rich herring industry history, charming architecture and stunning natural surroundings, making it a captivating destination for visitors seeking both culture and scenic beauty.

Other places in Iceland

Reykjavík•Vík