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

1%

There is a 1% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Akureyri area (forecast for 11 October 2026 at 6:39am UTC)

Kp 3.67

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 11 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 8 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 17 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 5.66 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 641.2 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 crescent 6%

Sunrise 7:53am

Sunset 6:04pm

Moonrise 9:47am

Moonset 5:00pm

Weather Forecast for Akureyri

Clouds

2°C Feels like 2°C

High
7°C
Low
1°C

  • Chance of precipitation 0%

  • Cloud cover 87%

  • Southerly winds 1 km/h gusts of 6 km/h

Aurora season in Akureyri

The aurora season in Akureyri runs from September to April. The best viewing conditions are in the peak months of 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

    Akureyri Lake Myvatn Godafoss and Lava Fields Tour

    5.0 (21)

    6 hours From £138.43

    Explore North Iceland's volcanic beauty on this 6-hour shore excursion from Akureyri. Begin with a scenic drive through stunning landscapes and stop at the iconic Goðafoss waterfall, known as the Waterfall of the Gods. Discover the unique Mývatn craters and the mysterious lava formations of Dimmuborgir. This tour is designed for cruise passengers, ensuring a comfortable experience with guaranteed return to the port before your ship departs. Please note that food is not included in the tour, so we recommend bringing your own snacks or lunch to stay comfortable throughout the day. - 6-hour guided tour perfect for cruise ship passengers - Visit Goðafoss waterfall and explore the Skútustaðagígar craters - Discover Dimmuborgir, the “Dark Castles” of Iceland - Includes scenic stops, comfortable transport, and an English-speaking guide

  • Free cancellation

    100% Whale Watching

    4.8 (311)

    2 hours 30 minutes From £69.21

    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

    Whale Watching from Downtown Akureyri

    4.6 (1100)

    3 hours From £87.67

    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

    Forest Lagoon Admission Ticket with Towel and One Drink included

    4.6 (121)

    2 hours From £62.11

    Discover Tranquility in the Heart of the Forest – Book Your Escape to Forest Lagoon Immerse yourself in a one-of-a-kind geothermal experience unlike anywhere else in Iceland. Nestled in the lush Vaðlaskógur forest, just minutes from Akureyri, Forest Lagoon offers the rare chance to unwind in naturally heated pools surrounded by towering trees and panoramic views of Eyjafjörður fjord. More than just a spa, Forest Lagoon is a sanctuary where nature and relaxation meet. Soak in mineral-rich geothermal waters, enjoy a drink at the swim-up bar, experience the invigorating contrast of a cold plunge, and breathe deeply in our forest-view sauna. Whether you visit under the midnight sun or the dancing Northern Lights, each moment here is unforgettable. This is not your average hot spring – this is Icelandic wellness reimagined. Don’t miss out on the magic. Book your Forest Lagoon experience today and let nature do the rest.

  • Free cancellation

    Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins Speedboat Tour from Húsavík

    4.8 (493)

    2 hours From £128.53

    Join Iceland's original RIB whale watching tour on modern speedboats Cover a wide area of Skjálfandi Bay aboard a fast, modern RIB speedboat to maximise your chances of spotting large whales in the wild Learn about Iceland's nature and wildlife from an expert guide Stay warm in safety overalls provided by the crew Choose a truly locally owned family company in Húsavík

  • Free cancellation

    Goðafoss Waterfall & Forest Lagoon from Akureyri Port

    4.9 (188)

    5 - 6 hours From £180.29

    Goðafoss Waterfall & Geothermal Baths tour is the perfect introductory tour to North Iceland. We start the tour in Akureyri in Eyjafjord and drive the coastline to Grenjaðarstaður Turfhouse Heritage Museum. There we get insight into the heritage and history of the area, experiencing how people used live. Next, we head towards Goðafoss Waterfall. After experiencing the power of the Skjálfandafljót glacier river and capturing the picturesque waterfall we head back to the Forrest Lagoon in Eyjafjordur for a relaxing soak to end the tour.

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: 0%

    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: 0%

    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: 1%

    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

ReykjavíkVík