Ketilkaffi : Akureyri : Seek The Aurora

Akureyri

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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?

0%

There is a 0% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Akureyri area (forecast for 19 September 2025 at 9:33am UTC)

Kp 0.67

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.

Bz 1 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 auroral activity.

Density 0.58 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 centimeter (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 425.2 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.

Snow

3°C Feels like 0°C

High: 4°C
Low: 1°C

Precipitation: 100%
Cloud cover: 95%
Wind: 5 km/h
Snow: 2mm

Moon

Waning crescent

Sun rises at: 6:45am
Sun sets at: 7:26pm
Moon rises at: 2:44am
Moon sets at: 7:26pm

Book an amazing adventure in Akureyri

Free cancellation

Lake Mývatn & Goðafoss Waterfall from Akureyri Port

4.8 (151)

6 hours From £125.82

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

Goðafoss Waterfall from Akureyri Port

4.9 (270)

2 hours 30 minutes From £84.17

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

100% Whale Watching

4.9 (264)

2 hours 30 minutes From £67.38

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 (921)

3 hours From £74.12

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

Big Whales & Puffins RIB boat tour from Húsavík

4.9 (491)

2 hours From £124.04

A 2-hour whale watching tour on a speedy RIB boat from the town of Húsavík, The Whale Capital of Iceland.! The RIB boats seat a maximum of 12 passengers per boat, each with an expert whale watching guide and captain on board. Each passenger gets a warm overall, a life jacket and raincoat (if needed). The focus is on small group tours, eliminating competition for the best view on board.
Free cancellation Likely to sell out

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

4.4 (471)

6 hours From £142.25

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.