Reykjavík

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Reykjavík is the world’s most northerly capital city, sitting at 64°N on the south-west coast of Iceland. While the city itself has enough light pollution to make viewing difficult from the centre, the surrounding countryside is dark and sparsely populated, putting good aurora viewing conditions within a short drive. Several operators run evening bus tours from the city to darker locations, adjusting their routes based on cloud cover forecasts.

Popular viewing spots near Reykjavík include the Grótta lighthouse on the Séltjarnarnes peninsula, Þingvellir National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the tectonic plates meet) and the Reykjanes Peninsula to the south. The Golden Circle route, Þingvellir, the Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall, is one of Iceland’s most popular day trips and passes through areas with excellent dark skies.

The city itself has plenty to fill the daylight hours. Hallgrímskirkja church dominates the skyline, and the Harpa concert hall on the waterfront is a striking piece of modern architecture. The National Museum and the Settlement Exhibition cover Iceland’s Viking-age origins, while the geothermally heated pools and hot pots found across the city are a daily ritual for locals and visitors alike. Reykjavík also has a disproportionately lively food, music and nightlife scene for a city of around 140,000 people.

Iceland’s weather is changeable, so flexibility is key when aurora hunting. Cloud can roll in quickly, but it can clear just as fast. For those wanting to venture further afield, Vík on the south coast and Akureyri in the north are both reachable for multi-day trips. Keflavík International Airport has direct flights from most major European cities and several North American destinations.

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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

1%

There is a 1% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Reykjavík area (forecast for 17 September 2026 at 4:10pm UTC)

Kp 3.00

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 17 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 2.33 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 448.4 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 42%

Sunrise 6:56am

Sunset 7:48pm

Weather Forecast for Reykjavík

Rain

10°C Feels like 7°C

High
10°C
Low
9°C

  • Chance of precipitation 100%

  • Cloud cover 99%

  • North-Westerly winds 12 km/h gusts of 17 km/h

  • Rain 2 mm

Aurora season in Reykjavík

The aurora season in Reykjavík runs from September to April. The best viewing conditions are in the peak months of October and March.

Peak viewing In season Off season

Book an amazing adventure in Reykjavík

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

  • Free cancellation

    Sky Lagoon Entrance Ticket Including 7-Step Ritual

    4.7 (3091)

    2 hours 30 minutes From £88.19

    Sky Lagoon, a scenic geothermal lagoon that opened in 2021, is a relaxing passage through Icelandic bathing culture. There you are surrounded by reefs, lava cliffs, and the open ocean and you get a chance to unplug, without having to even leave the capital area. Sky Lagoon is visited equally by locals and travelers and has become their Zen place in the city. The unique architecture invites you to time travel between centuries where the strong natural connection from the early ages and the advanced modern technology of today come together in perfect harmony. Their 7-step Ritual, a therapy of hot and cold. helps you relax and restore which is the core of the experience. At the edge of Sky Lagoon, you’ll find a 75-metre long infinity edge giving you the feeling of sea and sky coming together as one.

  • Free cancellation Likely to sell out

    Golden Circle, Volcano Crater and Blue Lagoon Small-Group Tour

    4.8 (2775)

    11 hours From £202.81

    Experience the best of Iceland's natural wonders on this one day mini bus tour. Join us for this magnificent combination of of Iceland, we will take you to the Golden Circle pearls and enoy the soothing waters of the Blue Lagoon. Book now to begin your journey!

  • Free cancellation

    Iceland South Coast Full Day Small-Group Tour from Reykjavik

    4.8 (6602)

    10 hours From £100.42

    Visit the natural wonders of Iceland on this 10-hour tour from Reykjavik. Travel in a minibus to the black sand beaches of Reynisfjara, Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, Sólheimajökul glacier and the Eyjafjallajökull volcano. Enjoy convenient hotel pickup and drop-off.

  • Free cancellation

    Reykjavik Food Walk - Local Foodie Adventure in Iceland

    5.0 (21028)

    3 hours From £110.49

    Local food, city & history tour of Reykjavik. In the tastiest sight seeing tour in Iceland, we explore down town Reykjavik through delicious local cuisines that you would never come across in your typical “to-do in Iceland” itinerary! You will stroll around the city and visit 5-6 wonderful local restaurants with a fun & knowledgeable guide by your side. In our tours you will have a chance to try the best local cuisines of Iceland in each season, like the delicious Icelandic lamb, home made Icelandic ice cream from a secret family recipe, an authentic catch of the day, a hot dog from the famous Icelandic hot dog stand and much more! If you like to experience Reykjavik, Iceland’s culture, unique cuisine, local restaurants and make new friends, you should definitely join our Reykjavik Food Walk. Just make sure you show up hungry!

  • Free cancellation

    Golden Circle Classic Day Tour from Reykjavik

    4.5 (5756)

    6 hours 30 minutes From £62.87

    Discover some of the best sites in Iceland on the the Golden Circle Tour, in the company of a professional guide who will tell you all you need to know about the area's history, culture and nature. Leave the city behind and get into the history of Iceland at Thingvellir National Park, witness the powerful beauty of a multi-tiered waterfall at Gullfoss and walk among bubbling geothermal pools at Geysir Geothermal Area.

  • Free cancellation Special offer

    Northern Lights Bus Tour from Reykjavik with Hot Chocolate

    4.2 (2014)

    4 hours From £57.21

    The Northern Lights bus tour takes you out of Reykjavik city to see the bright dancing lights of the aurora. The Northern Lights are one of the most spectacular shows in Iceland and can frequently be seen during the winter months.

Places to check out around Reykjavík

Discover Restaurants, Hot Springs, Waterfalls and more…

Explore more nearby Reykjavík

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

  • Hveragerði, Iceland at dusk

    Credit: aiden patrissi

    Hveragerði

    63°59'54"N, 21°11'18"W

    Aurora probability in Hveragerði: 1%

    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: 1%

    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: 1%

    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