Find the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights

Plan your northern lights trip with expert travel advice, real-time aurora forecasts and destination guides. Whether you’re chasing the aurora borealis across Scandinavia, Iceland or the Canadian wilderness, we’ll help you find the best time and place to witness one of nature’s most spectacular displays.

Canada

Banff •Churchill •Edmonton •Jasper •Whitehorse •Yellowknife

Faroe Islands

Tórshavn

Finland

Inari •Levi •Luosto •Rovaniemi

Greenland

Ilulissat •Kangerlussuaq •Nuuk •Qaqortoq

Iceland

Akureyri •Reykjavík •Vík

Norway

Alta •Bodø •Lofoten •Tromsø

Shetland

Lerwick

Svalbard

Longyearbyen

Sweden

Abisko •Björkliden •Kiruna

USA

Anchorage •Fairbanks •Healy

See also

Aurora Forecast•​Planning Your Northern Lights Adventure•​Northern Lights Photography•​Science Of The Aurora•​Northern Lights Playlist•​Northern Lights Myths And Legends•​About Seek The Aurora

Akureyri

Home / Iceland / Akureyri

Akureyri, often referred to as the "Capital of North Iceland," is a charming town that offers a fantastic opportunity to witness the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) in a stunning natural setting. With its picturesque landscapes, vibrant culture and proximity to various outdoor activities, Akureyri is an ideal spot for travelers seeking the magic of the Aurora.

Nestled at the base of the Eyjafjörður fjord, Akureyri is surrounded by mountains and lush landscapes, providing a breathtaking backdrop for Northern Lights viewing.

The prime time for Northern Lights sightings is from September to April, with the best chances occurring during the darkest months of winter (December to February).

A visit to Akureyri for the Northern Lights presents a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences. Only a short flight from Reykjavík why not combine both for an unforgettable Icelandic adventure.

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

7%

There is a 7% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Akureyri area (forecast for 12 April 2026 at 6:45pm UTC)

HPI 21 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.

Density 1.87 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 478.8 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

Waning crescent 36%

Sunrise 5:45am

Sunset 8:40pm

Moonrise 6:12am

Moonset 12:28pm

Weather Forecast for Akureyri

Rain

3°C Feels like 0°C

High
9°C
Low
2°C

  • Chance of precipitation 100%

  • Cloud cover 100%

  • Northerly winds 7 km/h gusts of 11 km/h

  • Rain 29 mm

Book an amazing adventure in Akureyri

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

  • Free cancellation

    Lake Mývatn & Goðafoss Waterfall from Akureyri Port

    4.8 (157)

    6 hours From £126.08

    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 Likely to sell out

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

    4.4 (478)

    6 hours From £142.15

    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 Likely to sell out

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

    4.5 (474)

    5 - 6 hours From £150.94

    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.

  • Free cancellation

    Whale Watching from Downtown Akureyri

    4.6 (981)

    3 hours From £78.64

    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

    Goðafoss Waterfall from Akureyri Port

    4.9 (279)

    2 hours 30 minutes From £84.35

    The Goðafoss Waterfall tour from Akureyri port is save and easy day tour for cruise ship passengers stopping in Akureyri City. We have a return to ship guarantee. We stop for 1 hour or more at the waterfall providing ample time to experience Icelandic nature at is peak. Our vehicles are equipped with Wifi, reading material in multiple languages about the area and it's major attractions and audio material in multiple languages.

  • Free cancellation

    Godafoss Waterfall Shore Excursion From Akureyri Port

    4.5 (24)

    2 hours From £62.15

    Visit the beautiful Godafoss Waterfall also known as the "Waterfall of the Gods". The tour suits cruise ship passengers perfectly as it is a short drive from Akureyri with a guaranteed return to ship. We will pick you up at the pier and drive to Godafoss and there we would spend 1 hour which gives our clients pleanty enough time to take in the beautiful surroundings.

Places to check out around Akureyri

Explore more nearby 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: 7%

    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: 7%

    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: 7%

    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

See also

Home•​Aurora Forecast•​Planning Your Northern Lights Adventure•​Northern Lights Photography•​Science Of The Aurora•​Northern Lights Playlist•​Northern Lights Myths And Legends•​About Seek The Aurora