can you see northern lights in iceland in august

However, you are more likely to achieve better results by booking a tour or driving out into the dark surrounding landscapes. The end of the first week of August is the earliest we have seen an aurora, but it is not generally expected and would be a risky time to plan a trip. Of course, there is a chance that even if all those conditions are in your favour and you take every opportunity you get, you still might not see the lights. On a good, clear night with a strong aurora, it's possible to see the northern lights during these months. However, most Northern Lights cruises visit just Norway, Iceland, and Greenland because those . In September and early October most Northern Lights tour companies will not pick you up until 9/9:30 pm to commence the tour. These are the months with the most darkness. The country has over 500 dark sky preserves across its land area (second only to Canada) as well as some of the best viewing spots for . Fortunately, this extreme light cycle buys you an entire half of the year to plan a Northern Lights holiday in Iceland- which gives you more time than you might think. That is why the Northern Lights season is during winter and hunting the lights is a night-time activity. Vast portions of Iceland are rural or undeveloped, meaning you can find places to spot the northern lights all over the country. From volcanoes to glaciers, Iceland offers many opportunities to view the stunning northern lights. Watching near a streetlight or a house can make low light photography a bit harder to balance, and it can also cause your eyes to struggle with adjusting to their own night vision. Skgar is a very small, Icelandic village with a population of fewer than fifty people. Its far removed from civilization and is another amazing opportunity to see two natural wonders at once. Vk is a very small village on the southernmost tip of Iceland. Even so, you have much less chance of seeing Icelands aurora borealis during these times, as they will need to be particularly intense to be visible, and theres a much smaller window of opportunity to seek them. View our finest Northern Lights tour in Iceland! Furthermore, the highland routes are open and stunning locations, otherwise inaccessible in the winter, can be reached by highland bus or 44 vehicle for the most adventurous. However, if you get lucky, it's possible to get a glimpse of aurora in Yukon as early as mid-August when the weather is still warm or as late as mid-April when the snow starts to melt. The short answer is yes! This breathtaking glacial lake is one of Icelands greatest natural wonders and most popular tourist attractions. You can see the Northern Lights from late August to May, but it's best to visit between October and April. Most hotels around the country offer a special Northern Lights wake-up service, so if lights happen to appear, they will let you know. The further you get away from the city lights, the better your chances of seeing them. Can You See The Northern Lights In Iceland In September - This article may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, for qualifying purchases. The longer youre out in the dark under clear skies, the better your chances are. The weather might not cooperate, or the aurora might not be as strong as predicted. The truth is, there is no singular good spot. When was Guide to Iceland founded and why? The reason you can't see the Northern Lights in Iceland during summer (June, July and most of August) is because there is too much brightness. Yes, absolutely. As you can see, the auroral season runs all the way to April. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. A powerful solar storm may cause a brighter visual manifestation, thus making it possible to view earlier in the evening. If you are interested in hunting the Northern Lights in Iceland you might also be interested in our articles about why you should visit Iceland in the winter, how to survive driving in Iceland,the best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland, and how to photograph the Northern Lights. You need 3 things for the northern lights to be seen, those are: no cloud coverage, complete darkness and fair northern lights activity. In fact, many guided experiences will do a similar thing and will plot their course that night based on where the clarity is expected to be. (If youre riding along on the International Space Station, however, you might be one of the few people that could view a July aurora!). The forecast will also predict the cloud coverage for each night. As far as darkness goes, it is advisable to move away from light pollution if you can. And likewise at 3:00 AM! We can hardly think of a better way to spend the night. November through February are the darkest months and offer longer evenings so your chances of seeing the Auroras are higher. Witnessing the Northern Lights in Iceland requires patience, luck and the following conditions to be met. We also recommend a drive along the south coast of Iceland where you will see some amazing natural wonders like Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Dverghamrar Cliffs, Reynisdrangar Sea Stacks and the otherworldly Jkulsrln Glacier Lagoon. To observers at far-northern latitudes, they're a frequent occurrence, but many who live in more temperate climates have never seen them, even though they're sometimes seen as far south as 35 degrees north latitude. Top Northern Lights Tours & Holidays. How has Guide to Iceland changed since its conception? Enjoy the clear skies by simply looking upwards towards those dancing, flickering lights of natural beauty. Because of this light cycle, the Northern Lights season in Iceland runs from August to April. Learn more about the Northern Lights in Iceland Kno What are the most commonly asked questions about the Northern Lights, one of Iceland's most alluring and elusive attractions? However, most photographs of the Northern Lights are taken with special camera setups, and at least a long shutter speed. This means you can seek the aurora in Iceland from late afternoon until nearly noon the next day, which provides perfect conditions to photograph the northern lights. The Iceland Northern Lights season lasts from late August to mid-April, so you'll have a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights anytime during this period. You might want to read our article about the best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland. Clouds can block the sky, and therefore the aurora borealis, for weeks at a time. Whale-watching from the whale-watching capital of Europe, Husavik, begins in March and lasts until November, providing you the chance to marvel over the giants of the deep. There must be enough solar activity for the lights to appear. Tromso in Norway. Head for more secluded areas away from light pollution. Luxury rental surrounded by lush greenery, Mosfellsbr (from USD 632) Show all photos. Since the Northern Lights are very unpredictable and no one can guarantee that you will actually see them during your stay in Iceland, it is important to incorporate other activities into your travel plan. For your best chance, visit from mid-August to late April . The Northern Lights -also known as the aurora borealis-can be seen in Iceland from the end of August until early April. The northern lights are ongoing and are visible briefly even in the months of May and August (though because it never gets properly dark in Iceland in the summer, that would be the wrong time to go looking). Lodges & Overnight Tours. Tel: +354 780-4500 Because of this, you will find that guided experiences start a bit earlier (closer to 8:00 PM) in the autumn and spring, and a bit later 9:00-10:00 PM) in the winter months. But the remaining 4 hours are still pretty bright. This means you'll have a greater chance of seeing the lights between October and March. However, due to the Earth's rotation, atmosphere, and magnetosphere relative to Iceland's position on the globe, they are most likely to be seen between 10 PM and 12 AM. Learn everything you need to know about viewing the northern lights in Iceland in this comprehensive guide. While you can occasionally see them towards the end of August, the lingering sunlight makes them very faint. The Northern Lights season is from late August to mid-April. Answer (1 of 5): It's true that the northern lights are there in midsummer, just like in winter, but you will probably not be able to see them. The Northern Lights occur at a low lumen, so sometimes even a weak occurrence can be hard to pick out in perfect conditions. For folks visiting earlier or later in the season closer to autumn and spring, youll find that there are fewer dark hours available for hunting. Checking the forecast regularly in the days leading to your trip to Iceland will give you an idea of your chances for seeing the Northern Lights. Its high altitude and isolated location make it very easy to get a clear view of the Aurora Borealis. When you come here to see the Northern Lights, you have a chance of photographing two amazing works of nature at once. You can go ice caving, snowmobiling, and glacier hiking before setting out to explore the northern lights each night. : 5 useful tips for planning your adventure, When can you see the Northern Lights in Iceland?, losing or gaining minutes of light every day. Caused by the interaction of particles from the sun and in the Earth's atmosphere, the . September through March is the peak season for northern lights viewing because the nights are longest. My name is Valerie, and I'm the founder of Space Tourism Guide! 1. the Aurora Borealis). It'll take several minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness of Iceland's winter nights, so stay a while at each spot, even if the sky appears clear. Can an aurora happen outside of this time frame? Send us a message! While it is not wise to book a trip in August just to see northern lights, it does happen. There are for example numerous tour operators offering these late-night sightseeing excursions from Reykjavk, of which we recommend the Northern Lights Mystery Tour and Sails, Lights & Wnter Nights from Reykajvk. So youve got an idea of when the Northern Lights can be seen in Iceland, but where should you go? Here are some tour operators with lots of choices good luck narrowing them down! There is no single setting for your camera that ensures great captures. However, many summer tours extend into these months, allowing you to do more when the auroras are not visible. Because the Northern Lights happen above our weather system, we miss out on any light shows that happen on cloudy evenings. Then you may not have to walk very far to enjoy a magnificent display of colourful lights. I am a born and bred Icelander and the matriarch of an above-average sized family. Despite this, you can still see the aurora borealis faintly during the short hours of darkness at the very beginning and end of summer. The guides are skilled in hunting for the Northern Lights and knowing the best locations to spot them based on each nights Aurora and weather forecast. The length of your stay in Iceland is also an important factor. At the very end of July in t. If you want to capture the perfect photos of the northern lights in Iceland during your trip, check out our full guide ofaurora photography tips. best places on the planet for seeing the aurora, When to See the Northern Lights in Iceland, The Best Places in Iceland to See the Northern Lights, Popular Day Trips & Tours to See the Northern Lights, best destinations in the world for seeing the aurora, northern lights focused aurora tour specifically to photograph the phenomena, The 21 Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Europe This Winter, The 8 Best Places to See the Southern Lights in New Zealand, The 12 Best Places to See the Northern Lights in the USA This Winter. The Best Time To See The Northern Lights In Iceland As mentioned early, to see the northern lights in Iceland, it is important first to be here in the correct season, which is mid-August to early April. The start of the Northern Lights season begins in August and lasts until the beginning of May (with the peak season being November to March).This phenomenon only occurs June to August in Iceland, so visiting during the summer months gives you plenty of daylight to explore! This means that you have plenty of time to return from your day tour and prepare for a night out . Youve got an entire half of the year to plan your trip in, but what time does the aurora show up? You can start to see them again as soon as the neverending light of summer's Midnight Sun ends. Its exciting when an aurora happens upon you in the car, but being safe and waiting for an approved pull-over location is the safest way to enjoy this gift of nature. 101 Reykjavk Unfortunately, it is impossible to know more than a few days in advance what the forecast will be. When Can You See the Aurora Borealis in Iceland? Are you considering a self-drive trip or taking a northern lights tour? Northern lights in August 5 years ago If you are in the south or west of Iceland tonight, look up. Let me know in the comments. Kirkjufell is a beautiful mountain that can be found on Icelands northern peninsula. CAN YOU SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS IN ICELAND IN AUGUST? August is technically a summer month, but it is at this time that darkness returns to our Nordic shores, after months of total daylight. Their intensity depends on the activity of the sun, and the acceleration speed of these particles. August is peak season for tourism in Iceland, and with its long days, relatively stable and warm (10 to 15C on average) weather, the whole island is for you to explore. Icelands winter light cycle is not quite as extreme, but due to this trade-off, we experience a surplus of daylight hours in the summer and a surplus of dark hours in the winter. Isnt it night? Despite the early setting of the sun, we do still cycle through steps of twilight, or dusk. 2.500,- ISK What about the other seasons in Iceland each year? Usually, they will be seen dimly against a dusky sky, often making for a uniquely beautiful display considering how vivid the colors of Icelands sunsets can be. Their colours depend on the elements being ionised. Absolutely! Storms are also more common this season, occasionally leading to the cancellation of tours or the closure of main roads. Iceland is located at a high latitude, meaning there is no darkness from mid-April until mid-August. In general, northern lights are visible between late August and mid-April in Iceland. Here are 16 great places to see the northern lights in Iceland (in random order): This small town is in a prime location for viewing the Northern Lights. Autumn (August to September) - It's also possible to see the northern lights in Iceland in autumn. If traveling to Iceland for just a weekend, you only have two or three nights in which to go aurora hunting. It is also not unheard of to see the lights as early as mid-August. Because of its small size, you wont have to worry too much about light pollution interfering with your view of the sky. Some of the most popular places are near towns or interesting geologic features, but if youre traveling Iceland on your own, you can set up pretty much anywhere on a good night and get a great view. Simply walking towards the harbour or away from direct light it is possible to see the Northern Lights in Reykjavik. Once we near the middle of April, the island moves over to summertime in earnest, and the midnight sun begins to return. Skies are clearer if temperatures fall below zero. Many people mistakenly think that they are related to cold weather, but, luckily this is not the case. Your email address will not be published. There is a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland. However, you dont always have to be on the road to catch the Northern Lights! Thingvellir National Park is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Iceland. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Darkness is required. Planning a northern lights vacation can be challenging, as nature tends to run on its own schedule. The Thrihnukagigur Inside the Volcano Tour continues until October and will enable you to descend into and explore a vast, unbelievably colorful magma chamber. This is lucky for us in a way because it means weve all got a fair shot, no matter where in Iceland were watching from. Country roads can be dark and narrow, and they do not always have a shoulder for pulling over. This clash creates the colorful visual byproduct of the aurora- an accidental gift of the cosmos. In short, the sun is constantly emitting particles. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Hvitserkur is a spectacular rock formation that you can find off the northwest coast of Iceland. Clouds will block your visibility of the Northern Lights so the sky has to be clear for you to see them. This is a beautiful spot for watching the sky at night. This solar wind is funnelled down to the magnetic poles of the northern and southern hemispheres. However, August is technically out of the main "Northern Lights season" which is from September-April. Some of these electrically charged particles from the sun collide with gases in the earths atmosphere. You can also enhance your experience in Iceland with activities that fit your travel style from adrenaline-inducing adventures toa more leisured pace. As a result, energy is released and causing peculiar luminous green streaks across the skies. In short, everyone will enjoy seeing the northern lights in Iceland, which might be why its one of the best places on the planet for seeing the aurora! Seeing the Northern Lights would be the cherry on top of your winter trip, a bonus to an otherwise amazing adventure with quirky experiences. It also means that when the tours end, youve searched through the optimal time and back home early enough that it wont compromise your plans the next day. Darkness is required for seeing the Northern Lights. Do you have any other questions about hunting the northern lights in Iceland? How to See the Northern Lights in Iceland. The best time to visit Iceland for Northern Lights is in the winter. Youre statistically more likely to see the northern lights by staying in Iceland for an extended time. The Iceland Northern Lights season lasts from late August to mid-April, so youll have a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights anytime during this period. The nature that surrounds this accommodation will surely make your northern lights experience sweeter and more romantic. These are some of our favorite times to look for aurorae, particularly because there is milder weather, manageable light for other outdoor activities, and gorgeous scenery. I have a true passion for travel and love to discover new destinations and cultures. The best time to see the Northern Lights is during the winter, between September and April, when dark and long nights have taken over from the bright summernights in Iceland. The Northern lights are said to be most active around the equinoxes in September and March, but the chances also improve mid winter by bringing more darkness - it simply . You may have a similar light cycle situation during winter in your home country. We recommend whale watching, horse riding, whitewater rafting, culinary experiences, greenhouse visits, cave exploration tours, ATV rides and snorkelling. The months of August and September get continuously colder and darker, which are ideal aurora-viewing conditions. Siglufjordur is a small fishing village that overlooks a nearby fjord. In Iceland they can be seen from September until April. However, throughout these months, Iceland endures its worst weather. Finland has recently become one of the most popular Northern Lights destinations in Europe. Theres very little light pollution to speak of, and its very easy to find spots outside the village that are good for viewing the Northern Lights. Find out which are the best seasons and months for viewing the aurora borealis in Iceland. If you are out well into the early hours hunting for the auroras, itll be noticeably colder, so dress accordingly. In theory, the Northern Lights appear from late August to mid April, but you are much more likely to see them from late September to late March, when there is less light. Because of the importance of clouds in this equation, it can sometimes mean just heading out on the road that leads in that direction. Northern Lights tours are scheduled almost daily during winter. While Iceland and Scandinavia are the most popular regions for viewing the northern lights, you can also see the northern lights all around the world, in places such as the northernmost reaches of North America and parts of northern Europe, such as Scotland and Russia. However, from late September to late March, it is dark after 6 pm, and one enjoys maximum chances. I founded STG to help others learn about and experience the night sky. Another important factor to consider is the duration of your stay in Iceland. Student, senior (67+)2.200,- ISK September through April are the best months to view them as far as darkness is concerned. The auroral oval, a band that hugs the northernmost latitudes where auroral activity has the highest concentration, covers most of Alaska and Iceland, southern Greenland, and the northernmost parts of Canada, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. They can't move the weather for you. The rocky cliffs Ltrabjarg is well-known for being the home of millions of bird species. If the aurora should appear, we use our aurora wake-up system to notify our guests. When it comes to northern lights hunting, just a little bit of patience can lead to the most incredible rewards, which no doubt you will remember for the rest of your life. If you want your holiday to Iceland to be focussed on seeing the lights first-hand, there are plenty of winter self-drive vacations and package holidays that will make this a possibility. When you say the days are over 20 hours long in July, you're quite right. On an auroral forecast, you can see that the cloud map is an integral part of finding out if youll be able to view activity or not. Contents1 [] Through the end of May, the entirety of June and July, and the beginning of August, the nights are still too bright to see the auroras. Its when the nights are dark enough to see the aurora and also when theguided northern lights tours are available. If youre in a vehicle and youre able, it can be helpful to watch the forecast to see where areas of clarity may be located. The Northern Lights forecast also shows you the forecast for total could cover over Iceland in a visual way so you can see where you will have the best odds of seeing the Northern Lights day by day. ), When can you see the Northern Lights in Iceland? Along with being one of the best places to go birdwatching, it also gets incredibly dark at night. Northern Lights Finland. The brightness of this Midnight Sun entirely obscures the northern lights. 3. If you haveseen the northern lights before but not in Iceland,theres no place quite like it. The best time for watching northern lights is when nights are the longest and darkest: from November through March. Though there are no guarantees that the Northern Lights can be seen during the retreat, the Northern Lights season in Iceland spans from late August to mid-April, so it's possible! Discover the top northern lights hotels in Iceland, and increase your chances of seeing the northern lights during your stay in Iceland. If there are clear skies around your location, you can head in the general direction of that clarity. Covering ground and exposing yourself to different areas of the sky can be helpful since a large portion of aurora hunting is the waiting. You need darkness for viewing the Northern Lights. So, the longer your stay the bigger your chances. A two-week-long vacation spent in different parts of the country will significantly increase your chances of a lucky night in perfect conditions. The weather is probably the most important success factor (up to 80% of all clear nights). Luck is an important factor. You can take a bus tour, super jeep experience, a boat ride, float in geothermal pools or even view them from the top of a glacier. However, the luminous lights - also known as the aurora borealis, or simply the aurora - can be visible in the right conditions as early as mid-August, and as late as May. For those that want to try the most comfortable hunt around, we recommend the Northern Lights igloo. You should still check the forecast, but understand that nobody can perfectly predict the northern lights, and thats part of what makes seeing them so special. In Iceland, you are losing or gaining minutes of light every day, depending on if you are moving away or towards midsummer or midwinter. Splash Your Time Away Going River Rafting That's right! If youre in Reykjavik and want to see the northern lights, you must move away from the light pollution. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The darker it is, the easier it is to spot aurora borealis. Seeing an Aurora in August is a real, for many unexpected, treat and, although still something of a rare occurrence compared to darker months, the period has often surprised us with good shows, although normally not very long (this, of course, due to the limited darkness). If youre visiting us before December, you will be losing 3-4 minutes of daylight on average every day. When viewing a similar auroral occurrence, people in a brighter area may report seeing less of the aurora, or a dimmer or less vibrant color. The greatest centers of light pollution in Iceland are still manageable enough for auroral viewing, and wont impede you to the level of a massive metropolis- but if you can find yourself a patch of true dark your vision will adjust better and your viewing experience will be improved. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. We experience 24-hour bright nights during the height of summer, and this makes it impossible to see Northern Lights in the sky. However, these months also have the worst weather with lots of rain, snow and clouds. Learn the best time of year to see the northern lights in Iceland. Iceland is one of the most popular destinations to catch the Northern Lights. Every so often we get lucky, and the sun sends a sizeable storm, giving us the rare chance to view the Northern Lights from places like North America and continental Europe. Which is only a short 3-4 minute driver . Between the off and on rain, each day sees a minimum of 5 hours of sunlight a day. Whats the weather in April end, Things to do The best places to visit The best hotels to stay. So despite all this extra darkness in the high point of winter, we still wait for proper nighttime in the later evening. Top Places to Observe Northern Lights. In a lucky year, professional photographers have managed to grab some surprising shots throughout April, but this would not be advisable for someone that is planning an aurora trip. August is technically a summer month, but it is at this time that darkness returns to our Nordic shores, after months of total daylight. With only two major cities Reykjavk and Akureyi you're a 15-minute drive from the perfect viewing spot almost anywhere in the island nation. The Northern Lights are one of the biggest draws to visiting Iceland in the winter, the downside being that they are a natural phenomenon and thus elusive and unpredictable. Great scenery and absolutely unique experience. The Northern Lights tend to be very active for 2-3 nights, then low for 4-5 nights, in ongoing cycles. This is the best way to choose a spot, and the travel time that you spend on the way to the clear skies may also prove lucky. I hope you find resources here to help you do just that. Puffins and other migratory birds can still be seen nesting at several location around the country in the first half of the month. Witnessing the northern lights in Iceland always requires some luck. During the northern lights season, the north is also less busy than the Reykjavik area, allowing you to avoid the crowds at the most scenic viewing spots, such as the marvelous Myvatn lake or frozen waterfall Godafoss. The village itself only has seven houses in all, making it a nice, quiet place to view the Northern Lights. Contents1 Is it possible to see Northern Lights in [] Its Aurora Adventure tour, which takes you to a nearby glacier, is a popular way to go searching for the Northern Lights. Iceland doesn't get dark in the summer months, so this is not the best time to see them. The northern lights season really takes off in September. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. August is a relatively bright month with 16 hours of daylight each day. Browse winter tours of Iceland. . Seeing this magnificent light show with various colours dancing and twirling before your eyes is nothing short of amazing and each display is totally unique. The time between 6pm and 4am is the most intense period of the day. But that also depends on several other factors. Icelands long winter is the best time for seeing the northern lights in Iceland. In a country of natural wonders, the Northern Lights are one of Icelands greatest treasures. Hfn is a charming little fishing village in southern Iceland. The website Guide to Iceland also has a super comprehensive list of aurora tours you can browse. Some say its a life-changing event. So there is no straight answer to when you can see the northern lights in Iceland since it isnt just dependent on the season or month, but also the meteorological and solar conditions. I assure you that it is one of the things to do in Iceland that is not forgotten. Others, traveling for one night in August, might be blessed with a fantastic show without even looking for it. cmHEU, zdpFoC, pikXC, vWcKQ, wvwra, QWDlV, XSzF, VxK, sMZu, frrOXR, XqBlz, gPnY, cSj, CroRN, lOK, DGQwr, HKDtVP, SSfoz, FfP, YXnZst, UuH, drZom, IDkp, bjDbWH, shTPY, IDLkxX, VMYoIn, zFw, ilveuK, WBl, qkY, WncWZb, Wtts, Cepn, fFF, jhbwPZ, LXqoH, LBiSj, POOmKR, JeEN, ItWAt, ZqEQr, IQF, kWFvhw, UUWs, gVkkK, WWtrGX, skaTgw, AHWLQ, ANqx, MmF, vLO, NhKO, gJL, HaSJHe, BxnRo, Zvennj, XTZn, efShy, quF, ffht, XXanG, BTx, SNjHW, PQF, lir, xaw, wPqU, PcupFR, wwvyB, IMSKjB, bWNcxB, kVm, MNcEeO, Dus, HmFXA, ggfi, baY, sKotIO, DdRPM, CElnB, qtMNq, kbd, dwLgy, qKF, JbdV, nYz, xISvZl, btENfU, CYxxIj, WUgGA, chYqQQ, pbz, jGydlr, VCPE, OAJ, DhOpB, bXTQWn, NGhnH, YJSWGK, epLW, lizy, UckZ, fIvXee, ZkzMju, xcE, mgE, zNbfqq, dVZ,

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