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, 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.

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.

0%

There is a 0% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Reykjavík area (forecast for 23 November 2025 at 11:58am UTC)

Kp 1.67

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 -7 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.

Density 9.23 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 421.7 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

Waxing crescent 20%

Sunrise 10:22am

Sunset 4:06pm

Clear

0°C Feels like -3°C

High
1°C
Low
-2°C
  • Chance of precipitation 0%

  • Cloud cover 4%

  • North-Easterly winds 3 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

    Sky Lagoon Entrance Ticket Including 7-Step Ritual

    4.7 (2141)

    2 hours 30 minutes From £85.99

    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

    Golden Circle and Glacier Snowmobiling Day Trip from Reykjavik

    4.6 (1103)

    10 hours From £207.49

    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

    Northern Lights Bus Tour from Reykjavik with Hot Chocolate

    4.1 (1475)

    4 hours From £55.95

    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.

  • Free cancellation

    Reykjavik Food Walk - Local Foodie Adventure in Iceland

    5.0 (18564)

    3 hours From £111.90

    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

    Northern Lights Small-Group Tour with Hot Chocolate & Photos

    4.7 (1905)

    4 hours From £115.38

    Northern Lights Adventure: Small Group Iceland Tour´ Join us for a cozy, unforgettable night chasing the aurora borealis in a small, intimate group (max. 19 guests). Our friendly local guides, who specialize in Northern Lights forecasting, use live data every evening to find the best, crowd-free locations, giving you the best chance to see this magical phenomenon. Wrap yourself in warm Icelandic wool blankets, sip delicious hot chocolate, and savor traditional pastries as the night sky comes alive. Our guides, who are also professional photographers, will capture beautiful photos of you under the lights, delivered straight to your inbox within 8 days, so you can relive the magic. This isn’t just a tour; it’s a shared story of Icelandic folklore, stargazing, and the untouched beauty of Iceland’s wilderness. If the auroras don’t appear, don’t worry, we’ll invite you back for free. Let us help you create memories you’ll treasure forever!

  • Free cancellation

    Iceland South Coast Full Day Small-Group Tour from Reykjavik

    4.8 (5854)

    10 hours From £103.01

    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.

Places to check out around Reykjavík

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Other places in Iceland

See also

Aurora ForecastPlanning Your Northern Lights AdventureNorthern Lights PhotographyScience Of The AuroraNorthern Lights PlaylistNorthern Lights Myths And LegendsAbout Seek The Aurora

Sky Lagoon

Sky Lagoon is a Spa at Vesturvör 44-48, Kópavogur, Ísland

Website

Where to find Sky Lagoon?

64°7'0"N, 21°56'40"W

What do people think of Sky Lagoon?

  • 4.9
  • Best experience ever had to come bk highly recommended 🫶🏽

    Caramia21 August 2023

  • I still dream about this place, months later. Pure perfection. We did the 7-step ritual, but the lagoon alone is also great. We heard from multiple people it was better than Blue, too.

    Kaitlin16 March 2023

  • Beautiful, cosy

    Kamile13 October 2022

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