North Atlantic · Aurora guide
Northern lights
in Iceland.
Explore northern lights activity across Iceland. The island-wide map shows how the modeled oval sits over the country, with a dedicated Reykjavík view for the capital region.
Coming soon for iPhone and Android
Activity model · not a sighting guarantee
The same NOAA aurora model used in the Aurora Signal app. Readings refresh every five minutes.
Take the next step with Aurora Signal
Make the most of
your Iceland nights.
The map shows aurora activity. The app brings your local outlook and favorite places together, so you can decide when to look up.
- Find a time worth considering.Explore activity, clouds, and darkness together in your Premium outlook.
- Keep your skies close.Save Iceland and the other places you care about for your next visit.
- Look beyond one location.Explore the aurora map and surrounding skies from your phone.
The app is getting ready for launch. Some planning features require Premium. Aurora sightings are never guaranteed.
Follow your curiosity north
Keep exploring.
Explore nearby skies and other aurora destinations.
A little sky knowledge
The northern lights
in Iceland.
Iceland is small enough to inspect as one island but large enough that the activity layer can vary across it. Follow the band from the southwest toward the north and east rather than reading one city’s location as a forecast for the whole island.
Visit Iceland places the aurora season from late August to late April. Summer’s bright nights limit visibility even though the processes that produce aurora continue throughout the year.
Destination reference: Visit Iceland
Model and forecast explanation: NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center.
Can aurora appear anywhere in Iceland?
Displays can be visible across Iceland when activity and viewing conditions align. The map shows where the model places the aurora at its forecast time; it does not guarantee an island-wide display.
When is the northern lights season in Iceland?
Late August to late April. This is a guide to the darker part of the year, not a prediction for a particular night. Aurora activity changes throughout the year.
How far ahead does the map forecast?
NOAA’s OVATION product provides a short-term outlook, typically around 30–90 minutes depending on solar wind conditions. It is not a forecast for the whole night. Check the forecast timestamp and return for a fresh reading.