Ylströndin í Nauthólsvík | Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach (Ylströndin í Nauthólsvík) : Reykjavík : Seek The Aurora

Reykjavík

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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, Reykjavik 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, Reykjavik provides a perfect backdrop for an unforgettable adventure.

Credit: Gantas Vaičiulėnas
Credit: Matheus Bertelli
Credit: Pavel Danilyuk
Credit: It's MJ!
Credit: wired_optics
Credit: Thibaut Tattevin

How are my chances of seeing the aurora today?

0%

There is a 0% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Reykjavík area (forecast for 28 April 2025 at 2:52pm UTC)

Kp 1.33

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 3 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 1.58 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 367.3 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.

Rain

11°C Feels like 9°C

High: 11°C
Low: 6°C

Precipitation: 96%
Cloud cover: 66%
Wind: 8 km/h
Rain: 1mm

Moon

Waxing crescent

Sun rises at: 5:09am
Sun sets at: 9:40pm
Moon rises at: 4:36am
Moon sets at: 12:00am

Book an amazing adventure in Reykjavík

Free cancellation

Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon with Ticket and Kerid Volcanic Crater

4.9 (4374)

11 hours From £175.10

The Golden Circle and the Blue Lagoon are the two most popular sights to visit in Iceland. Book this small group day tour and enjoy visiting both the Golden Circle and the Blue Lagoon in a relaxing fun filled day. Admission to all sights, also the Blue Lagoon, is included in the tour price so as soon as you have booked you can relax and start looking forward to your adventure. Your first stop is at the Thingvellir National Park, the UNESCO listed World Heritage Site. This is where the American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, which allows you the unique feeling of having one foot in each world. Next destination is the famous Geysir Hot Spring. Watch Strokkur erupt every few minutes up to 30 meters high. Here you can buy a lunch during the stop. Gullfoss the Golden Waterfall is next and will amaze you with its beauty and raw power. Adding even more, you will visit the Kerid Volcanic Crater before heading off the Blue Lagoon for a relaxing end to a great day.
Free cancellation

Iceland South Coast Full Day Small-Group Tour from Reykjavik

4.8 (5094)

10 hours From £95.58

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 Likely to sell out

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

4.7 (1349)

11 hours From £172.04

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 finish the day off in the Blue Lagoon. Book now to begin your journey!
Free cancellation

Reykjavik Food Walk - Local Foodie Adventure in Iceland

5.0 (16190)

3 hours From £97.11

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

The Blue Lagoon Comfort Package Including Transfer from Reykjavik

4.2 (243)

5 hours From £141.45

Discover one of the 25 Wonders of the World at Iceland’s iconic Blue Lagoon! Immerse yourself in its stunning milky blue waters, rich with natural silica, sulfur, and algae, known for their rejuvenating properties. Indulge in a complimentary 100% natural silica mask at the in-water mask bar – the perfect way to refresh your skin while you soak in this geothermal paradise. A visit to the Blue Lagoon is an absolute must for any traveler seeking relaxation and tranquility in Iceland. And with our included round-trip transfers from Reykjavík, getting there is effortless. Treat yourself to this unforgettable experience – book your escape today!
Free cancellation

Sky Lagoon Entrance Ticket Including 7-Step Ritual

4.6 (1757)

2 hours 30 minutes From £78.34

Revive your senses at the edge of the world in our all-new geothermal spa inspired by Icelandic nature, heritage, and history. The traditions of bathing culture are integral to the Icelandic way of life, and they’re at the core of the Sky Lagoon experience.