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Ilulissat •Kangerlussuaq •Nuuk •Qaqortoq

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Akureyri •Reykjavík •Vík

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Aurora Forecast

Reykjavík

Home / Iceland / Reykjavík

Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland, is a vibrant city known for its stunning landscapes, rich culture and as one of the best places to experience the Northern Lights. With its unique blend of urban charm and natural beauty, Reykjavík offers an unforgettable setting for witnessing this spectacular phenomenon.

Why Reykjavík? Reykjavík is surrounded by incredible natural landscapes, making it easy to escape the city lights for optimal Northern Lights viewing. The city is rich in history and culture, featuring numerous museums, galleries and geothermal spas. Take a day trip to visit the Golden Circle, including Þingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall. The best months for Northern Lights viewing are from September to April, with peak viewing opportunities during the winter months when nights are longer.

Weather conditions can change rapidly, so keep your plans flexible to enhance your chances of witnessing the Aurora.

A trip to Reykjavík for the Northern Lights is a fantastic way to experience Iceland’s natural beauty and vibrant culture. Whether you’re hunting for the Aurora or exploring the city’s rich offerings, Reykjavík provides a perfect backdrop for an unforgettable adventure.

How are my chances of seeing the aurora today?

Many factors contribute to your likelihood of viewing the aurora in Reykjavík. 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

41%

There is a 41% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Reykjavík area (forecast for 21 March 2026 at 5:33am UTC)

Kp 7.00

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 77 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 -12 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 27 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 4.88 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 489.2 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 18%

Sunrise 7:25am

Sunset 7:44pm

Moonrise 7:02am

Moonset 12:00am

Weather Forecast for Reykjavík

Snow

-2°C Feels like -9°C

High
1°C
Low
-2°C

  • Chance of precipitation 100%

  • Cloud cover 100%

  • South-Westerly winds 19 km/h gusts of 24 km/h

  • Snow 7 mm

Book an amazing adventure in Reykjavík

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

  • Free cancellation

    Northern Lights Tour: Cozy Night Adventure with Hot Chocolate

    5.0 (20)

    4 hours From £59.74

    We combine the expertise of dedicated aurora hunters with an exceptional focus on comfort and a cozy, shared experience. While all tours chase the lights, our guides are specialists in local microclimates and real-time solar activity. We don't just drive to a fixed spot; we use dynamic routing to find the clearest, darkest patch of sky, maximizing your viewing chances far away from the city's light pollution. The journey itself is part of the experience. You travel in a comfortable, warm vehicle and enjoy the famous Icelandic hospitality with a complimentary hot chocolate as you wait beneath the stars. This transforms the hunt into a relaxed, memorable gathering with fellow travelers. You leave the stress of driving on dark, icy roads to us, allowing you to focus completely on the sky.

  • Free cancellation

    Glacier Hike and South Coast Small-Group Tour from Reykjavik

    4.8 (833)

    12 hours From £149.35

    Spend 12 hours exploring the magnificent southern coast of Iceland including a glacier hike with an experienced guide. Discover the Sólheimajökull Glacier as well as the Seljalandsfoss waterfall and the Reynisfjara black sand beach. Ensure comfort with a small group tour and transport provided by minibus.

  • Free cancellation

    From Reykjavík: Evening Lava Tunnel Tour and Northern Lights Tour

    4.7 (51)

    5 hours From £143.10

    Get ready to experience the stunning colors and unique formations of the Lava Tunnel at night, followed by a thrilling search for the magical Northern Lights! We’ll start by picking you up in Reykjavík and heading to the beautiful Blue Mountains. There, you’ll explore Raufarhólshellir, a captivating lava tube cave formed by a volcanic eruption over 5,000 years ago. Led by our expert guide, you’ll discover the cave’s vivid colors, intricate rock formations, and fascinating volcanic history. After the cave, we’ll head out into the peaceful countryside, where our experienced team will find the ideal spot to catch the elusive Northern Lights. We’ll keep you cozy with warm blankets and treats as you enjoy the show. Join us for an unforgettable nighttime adventure in Iceland!

  • Free cancellation

    Blue Lagoon & Northern Lights Tour from Reykjavik

    4.3 (45)

    8 hours From £239.67

    Start your afternoon by visiting Iceland's most famous attraction, the Blue Lagoon. Included in this combo is the Blue Lagoon Comfort Package where you receive entrance to the Blue Lagoon, silica mud mask, use of a towel, and a drink. The Northern Lights Tour in Iceland takes you to see a spectacular natural phenomenon that happens during the winter months. The Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, are caused by the interaction of particles from the sun with the upper atmosphere near the North Pole. 12:30 Hotel/bus stop pick up (optional) 13:00 Blue Lagoon transfer departure from BSI Bus Terminal 14:00 Blue Lagoon comfort admission 16:15 Bus transfer departure from Blue Lagoon to Reykjavik 17:00 Enjoy some free time, eat dinner and get ready for the Northern Lights tour 20:30 Hotel/bus stop pick up (optional) 21:00 Northern Lights Hunt tour departure from BSÍ Bus Terminal* 00:00 Approximate return to Reykjavík *22:00 (25 August – 30 September & 15 March - 15 April)

  • Free cancellation Private tour

    Reykjanes Peninsula Private tour Iceland

    4.9 (20)

    4 - 5 hours From £456.50

    At Iceland on Wheels, our priority lies in providing a personalized and flexible experience to our esteemed clients. We understand that each individual has unique preferences and requirements, which is why our tour itineraries are meticulously designed to cater to their specific needs. The displayed itinerary serves as a comprehensive guide, but it is important to note that it can be easily modified to suit our clients' preferences. To ensure a seamless and enjoyable journey, our company boasts a team of highly experienced and professional tour guides. With years of expertise, they possess the skills necessary to expertly handle operations in the field, ensuring that our clients have a memorable and hassle-free experience throughout the tour.

  • Free cancellation

    2-Day Ice Cave & South Coast: Glacier Hike and Glacier Lagoon

    4.7 (213)

    2 days From £487.58

    Come to see most popular and unique locations in Iceland's South Coast and experience the world's rarest natural phenomenon: a blue ice cave which you will reach by hiking on the glacier, under Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier. In this 2-day tour you'll visit all attractions that make Iceland the best travel destination: powerful waterfalls, black sand beaches, Jokulsarlon, the one and only glacier lagoon, and will go hunting for the mighty northern lights.

Places to check out around Reykjavík

Explore more nearby Reykjavík

  • Hveragerði, Iceland at dusk

    Credit: aiden patrissi

    Hveragerði

    63°59'54"N, 21°11'18"W

    Aurora probability in Hveragerði: 40%

    Hveragerði, Iceland, is a unique town renowned for its geothermal activity, offering visitors a chance to experience hot springs, greenhouses and a vibrant connection with nature.

  • Eyrarbakki, Iceland

    Credit: Freysteinn G. Jonsson

    Eyrarbakki

    63°51'42"N, 21°8'28"W

    Aurora probability in Eyrarbakki: 40%

    A charming village on the south coast of Iceland, Eyrarbakki boasts a rich history, colourful wooden houses and a picturesque harbour, offering a delightful glimpse into Iceland’s past and present.

  • A view of the Borgarnes mountains from a green field in Iceland

    Credit: Job Savelsberg

    Borgarnes

    64°32'40"N, 21°54'37"W

    Aurora probability in Borgarnes: 43%

    Borgarnes, a charming town in West Iceland, offers a blend of history and natural beauty, with its quaint harbour, views of the surrounding mountains and close proximity to several of Iceland’s iconic attractions.

Other places in Iceland

Akureyri•​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