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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, 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.

48%

There is a 48% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Reykjavík area (forecast for 13 January 2026 at 3:08am UTC)

Kp 4.33

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.

HPI 64 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 -4 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 7 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 0.93 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 573.3 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.

Moon

Waning crescent 32%

Sunrise 10:59am

Sunset 4:12pm

Moonrise 7:16am

Moonset 10:58am

Clear

-2°C Feels like -9°C

High: -1°C
Low: -4°C

Chance of precipitation 0%
Cloud cover 0%
Northerly winds 13 km/h gusts of 18 km/h

Book an amazing adventure in Reykjavík

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

Free cancellation

Golden Circle and Glacier Snowmobiling Day Trip from Reykjavik

4.6 (1225)

10 hours From £226.92

Explore Iceland's iconic Golden Circle on an unforgettable journey that blends natural wonders with thrilling adventure. Begin with the awe-inspiring sights of Thingvellir National Park, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates converge. Marvel at the powerful Gullfoss waterfall, cascading dramatically into a rugged canyon. Then, experience the geothermal activity at the Geysir geothermal area, home to bubbling mud pools and erupting geysers. But the excitement doesn't end there – embark on an exhilarating one-hour snowmobile ride across the vast Langjökull glacier, Iceland's second largest ice cap. Feel the rush as you traverse pristine snowfields and panoramic icy landscapes, guided by expert instructors ensuring both safety and thrills. This tour promises the perfect blend of natural beauty and adrenaline-pumping action, offering an unparalleled Icelandic experience that will leave you with lasting memories of this breathtaking land.
Free cancellation Likely to sell out

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

4.7 (1790)

11 hours From £191.37

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

#1 Northern Lights Tour In Iceland from Reykjavik with PRO photos

4.6 (2845)

4 hours From £137.16

This is what you get on the tour: ✅ This is the highest rated Northern Lights tour in Iceland ✅ You get FREE photos of you with the Northern Lights in high quality ✅ You get hot homemade chocolate to warm you up in the cold The real stuff! ✅ You get cinnamon rolls from the BEST bakery in Iceland. ✅ For you to have the best possible experience, we have collected the elite of guides in Iceland, to make sure your experience will be unforgettable! ✅ You get a wool blanket from the best possible fabric to keep you warm. ✅ Experienced local guide to make your chance the highest of seeing the lights ✅ You can join as many times again if you do not see the Northern Lights. ✅ You get the best service because everyone involved wants to make your experience the best possible ✅ This tour is ran by a small family company We are Northern Lights experts! ✅ With the mix of this team at Reykjavik Out Luxury Tours, you will not get better experience or chance of seeing the Northern Lights
Free cancellation

Blue Lagoon Admission Including Return Transfers from Reykjavik

4.2 (463)

5 hours From £170.19

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. Choose between Comfort and Premium admissions to tailor your experience: Comfort includes all the essentials for a relaxing soak, while Premium offers extra perks like use of a bathrobe, two additional masks of your choice, and a second drink to enhance your visit. 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

Golden Circle Classic Day Tour from Reykjavik

4.5 (5149)

6 hours 30 minutes From £63.71

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

Small-Group Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon with Ticket & Kerid Crater

4.9 (5463)

11 hours From £188.34

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.

Places to check out around Reykjavík

Discover Restaurants, Hot Springs, Waterfalls and more…

12 Tónar

Record Store
Bakarí Sandholt

Bakery
Bastard Brew and Food

Brewery
Bláa lónið (Blue Lagoon)

Hot Spring
Brauð & Co

Bakery
Bruarfoss

Waterfall
Fish Company

Seafood Restaurant
Fiskmarkaðurinn | Fish Market

Seafood Restaurant
Gamla / Old Iceland

Restaurant
Gjáin

Other Great Outdoors
Glymur

Waterfall
Grasagarðurinn

Garden
Grótta

Lighthouse
Gullfoss

Waterfall
Háífoss

Waterfall
Hallgrímskirkja

Church
Harpa

Concert Hall
Hjálparfoss

Waterfall
Hljómskálagarður

Garden
Höfnin

Seafood Restaurant
Hrunalaug

Hot Spring
Icelandic Street Food

Scandinavian Restaurant
Kaldi Bar/Café

Bar
Kerið

Lake
Klambratún

Park
Laugardalslaug

Swimming Pool
Laugardalurinn

Park
Messinn

Seafood Restaurant
Öskjuhlíð

Park
OTO

Japanese Restaurant
Öxarárfoss

Waterfall
Perlan

Scenic Lookout
Reykjadalur

Hot Spring
Reykjavik Harbour

Harbor or Marina
Reykjavík Roasters

Coffee Shop
Seltjarnarnespottur

Hot Spring
Skúli Craft Bar

Bar
Sky Lagoon

Spa
Slippbarinn

Bar
SNAPS

Bistro
Sólfar / Sun Voyager

Outdoor Sculpture
Stóri Geysir

Hot Spring
Sümac

Lebanese Restaurant
Valdís

Ice Cream Parlor
Vesturbæjarlaug

Swimming Pool
Ylströndin í Nauthólsvík | Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach

Hot Spring
Þingvellir National Park (Þingvellir þjóðgarður)

National Park
Þjóðveldisbær

Other Great Outdoors

Explore more nearby Reykjavík

Credit: aiden patrissi

Hveragerði

63°59'54"N, 21°11'18"W

Aurora probability in Hveragerði: 47%

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.
Credit: Freysteinn G. Jonsson

Eyrarbakki

63°51'42"N, 21°8'28"W

Aurora probability in Eyrarbakki: 47%

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.
Credit: Job Savelsberg

Borgarnes

64°32'40"N, 21°54'37"W

Aurora probability in Borgarnes: 48%

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.