Aurora Viewing Guide
Quick Answer: Reykjavik in Iceland sits at 65.3° geomagnetic latitude, requiring a minimum KP index of 2 for aurora visibility. The best viewing months are Sep to Mar, with up to 20 hours of darkness during peak season. Average cloud cover is 70% during aurora season, and the area has Bortle Class 5 dark skies.
Iceland sits directly under the auroral oval, making the entire island a prime viewing destination. While Reykjavik itself has some light pollution, driving just 20 minutes outside the city brings you to exceptionally dark skies. The advantage of Iceland is the dramatic volcanic landscape that creates unforgettable aurora photographs. Glaciers, waterfalls, geothermal hot springs, and black sand beaches all serve as extraordinary foreground elements. The weather is unpredictable, so flexibility is essential.
At a geomagnetic latitude of 65.3 degrees, Reykjavik requires a minimum KP index of 2 for aurora to become visible. NOAA describes that activity level, "Low", as: Slightly elevated activity. Northern lights become visible at high-latitude locations with clear, dark skies and no moon. Average cloud cover here during aurora season is 70%, on the higher side, so plan for at least 3 to 4 nights to improve your odds of a clear sky.
Aurora season in Reykjavik runs from Sep to Mar. The chart below shows aurora probability by month, adjusted for Reykjavik's 70% average cloud cover during that season.
These are the curated viewing locations in and around Reykjavik. Each spot lists its type and light pollution level, with GPS coordinates, a Bortle class, and accessibility notes where available.
Located on the northern tip of the Seltjarnarnes peninsula, this lighthouse sits away from Reykjavik's brightest lights with an unobstructed view over Faxafloi Bay toward the northern horizon.
An elevated, forested hill near the Perlan museum in central Reykjavik. The higher vantage point rises above much of the city's light pollution and offers views in all directions.
The westernmost point of the greater Reykjavik area. The peninsula extends away from downtown, reducing light interference and providing open Atlantic sky views to the north and west.
The nearest airport to Reykjavik is Keflavik International Airport (KEF).
General clothing and camera equipment for an aurora viewing trip to Reykjavik.
Base layer
Merino wool or synthetic, top and bottom
Insulated jacket
Down or synthetic
Insulated pants or overtrousers
Add over regular clothing once you stop moving
Warm hat (covers ears)
Fleece or wool, windproof
Gloves
Touchscreen-compatible for phone use
Wool socks
Two pairs: a thin liner plus an insulating layer
Waterproof boots
Standing still for long stretches needs more insulation than walking
Neck gaiter or scarf
Blocks wind on exposed skin
Camera with manual mode
Full-frame preferred for low-light
Wide-angle lens (14-24mm)
f/2.8 or wider aperture essential
Sturdy tripod
Must hold still through an 8 to 15 second exposure
Extra batteries
Battery life drops during long outdoor sessions; bring spares
Remote shutter release
Or use a 2-second self-timer
Lens cloth
Wipes condensation that forms when moving between indoors and outdoors
Headlamp (red light mode)
Red preserves night vision
Thermos with a hot drink
Optional comfort for a long wait outdoors
Portable chair or blanket
For sitting through a long wait
Charged phone and power bank
For light, navigation, and staying in touch
Snacks
Optional, for a long wait outdoors
Reykjavik's Bortle Class 5 sky and 70% average cloud cover during aurora season are the two conditions that matter most for photography here. Scout your shooting location during daylight hours so you know the terrain and can move safely once it's dark.
Aperture
f/2.8
Or wider (f/1.4, f/2.0). Lets in maximum light.
ISO
1600-3200
Start at 1600, increase if aurora is faint.
Shutter
8-15s
Longer for faint aurora, shorter for fast movement.
Lens
14-24mm
Wide-angle to capture full aurora curtains.
Focus
Manual ∞
Set to infinity. Disable autofocus completely.
White Balance
3500-4500K
Fluorescent or custom. Shoot RAW for flexibility.
Shooting conditions in Reykjavik: With 70% average cloud cover here, plan for possible cloud interruptions and build in extra nights. With up to 20 hours of darkness during peak season, you have extended shooting windows without racing the dawn.
Sturdy tripod
Must lock securely and hold still through a multi-second exposure.
Remote shutter release
Or use a 2-second timer to avoid camera shake.
Extra batteries
Battery life drops during long outdoor sessions; keep spares in an inside pocket.
Lens cloth
Wipes condensation that forms when moving between indoors and outdoors.
Headlamp (red light)
Red mode preserves your night vision.
Memory cards
RAW aurora files run large; bring more than one card.
Yes, Reykjavik is an excellent location for viewing the northern lights. You need a minimum KP index of 2 here, one of the lowest thresholds in this guide. The best months for viewing are Sep to Mar.
Reykjavik requires a minimum KP index of 2 to see the northern lights. NOAA classifies KP 2 activity as "Low", occurring common (15% of nights). Higher KP values produce brighter aurora that covers more of the sky.
The best months to see the northern lights in Reykjavik are Sep to Mar. During peak season the sun stays below the horizon for up to 20 hours a day, so aurora can appear at almost any hour, not only late at night.
Start with ISO 1600 to 3200, an aperture of f/2.8 or wider, and a shutter speed of 8 to 15 seconds. Use a wide-angle lens (14 to 24mm) on a sturdy tripod, and focus manually on a bright star or distant light before the aurora appears.
The nearest airport to Reykjavik for northern lights viewing is Keflavik International Airport (KEF).