Why 2025 Is the Ultimate Year to Witness the Northern Lights in Iceland

The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, are a natural wonder that transforms the night sky into a mesmerizing dance of color and motion. Curtains of green, purple, and pink flicker overhead, making seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland in 2025 a bucket-list experience for many travelers.

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland, 2025 is the year to go. Thanks to something called the solar maximum, this year promises brighter and more frequent auroral displays – as we’ve already seen at the tail end of 2024 with some magnificent showings of the Northern Lights in Iceland.

In this guide, we’ll dive into why 2025 is the best year to see the Northern Lights in Iceland, the science behind the solar maximum, the best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland 2025, and the top locations for aurora viewing.

Why 2025 is the Best Year to See Northern Lights in Iceland

The Sun has big plans for 2025. Every 11 years, the Sun reaches a solar maximum (i.e., its busiest period), producing more sunspots, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections. These solar storms release charged particles into space, which collide with Earth’s atmosphere to create the auroras we love.

The current cycle, Solar Cycle 25, peaks in July 2025, making this year a dream come true for aurora hunters. While you won’t spot the lights during Iceland’s bright summer months, the surrounding winter season will bring bigger, brighter, and more frequent displays. NASA has even called this cycle one of the most exciting in years, with higher-than-expected activity.

For Northern Lights enthusiasts, 2025 isn’t just another year—it’s a once-in-a-decade opportunity. Iceland’s dark skies, remote beauty, and easy access make it the perfect place to catch the show.

How to Predict Northern Lights in Iceland

Catching the Northern Lights in Iceland in 2025 isn’t about luck. Here are three things every northern light hunter needs.

DarknessIceland’s winter nights offer the perfect backdrop for aurora watching, especially between 10 pm and 2 am. Stay away from city lights and find a remote spot with an open view to the north—this is where the freedom of your campervan shines (literally not, thankfully), with you being able to move around at will and sleep in whatever campsite is convenient. 

Clear SkiesIceland’s weather is unpredictable (think: sun, snow, and wind all in one hour), but clear skies are necessary. Check cloud forecasts regularly and be ready to move—sometimes the best viewing spots are just a short drive away. Having a 4x4 campervan will also let you easily access more remote areas, even in winter (just make sure those roads are open!). 

Pro Tip: When in doubt, follow the locals. Aurora tour guides are experts at finding clear skies, even on tough nights.

Solar ActivityThe strength of the Northern Lights is measured by the KP index, ranging from 0 (no activity) to 9 (mind-blowing). Most displays in Iceland occur with a KP index of 2-4, but higher numbers mean more vivid colors and wider visibility.

You can see this scale on the website of Iceland’s Met Office – it’s also available on apps like My Aurora Hunter.

Best Time to See Northern Lights in Iceland 2025

The Northern Lights season in Iceland runs from late August to early April, when the nights are long enough to see the aurora. However, the best time to see Northern Lights in Iceland in 2025 depends on a combination of solar activity, weather conditions, and dark skies.

Here’s a breakdown of the Northern Lights season:

December 2024 to March 2025:

Why Go: The beginning of 2025 marks an exceptional period for witnessing the Northern Lights in Iceland. As the solar maximum approaches its peak in July 2025, aurora activity will intensify, making this period one of the best for capturing vibrant displays. December through March also features long nights, increasing your opportunities for spotting the aurora.

What to Expect: December kicks off with the festive magic of Icelandic winter, making it an enchanting time to chase the aurora. With up to 21 hours of darkness, especially around the winter solstice, your chances of seeing the lights are at their highest. January follows suit, often offering clearer skies compared to December's occasional storms.

March and Early April 2025

Why Go: As the winter season transitions to spring, you’ll enjoy a balance of long nights and improving weather conditions. Statistically, March is one of the best months for aurora activity.

What to Expect: This is an ideal time for travelers looking for clearer skies, as the weather tends to stabilize compared to mid-winter.

September and October 2025

Why Go: Early autumn is an excellent time to visit, with mild weather, longer nights, and fewer crowds. The golden hues of Iceland’s autumn landscapes add a stunning backdrop to the aurora displays. At this time, the solar maximum will have passed, but it will be a slow descent back down, meaning that aurora activity will still be high.

What to Expect: This is a wonderful time for photography, as the reflections of the lights on autumn-colored terrain create unique opportunities for capturing breathtaking shots.

November to February 2025–2026

Why Go: While These months offer the longest nights of the year, with up to 21 hours of darkness in December and January, it will be a bit further from the solar maximum. Still, chances will remain strong for a while as the solar cycle winds down from the maximum.

What to Expect: While winter weather can be unpredictable, snow-covered landscapes add a magical touch to your aurora experience. If you plan to travel during these months, allow extra days in your itinerary to account for potential cloud cover.

Best Places to See Northern Lights in Iceland

Wondering where to see Northern Lights in Iceland in 2025? We’ve got you covered. While heading north may seem intuitive, the difference between northern and southern Iceland in aurora visibility is minimal.

Instead, prioritize finding areas with clear skies, minimal light pollution, and open northern horizons. Yes, the Northern Lights mostly occur in a northerly direction, so you’ll want to avoid obstacles like mountains that might block your view.

1. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

One of Iceland’s most iconic locations on the ring road, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon offers a stunning setting for Northern Lights viewing. Imagine shimmering auroras reflecting off the lagoon’s floating icebergs, the entire lagoon illuminated in dancing shades of green – sounds too dreamy to be real. This spot is a favorite for photographers, but remember that it’s a bit remote, so plan to stay overnight nearby for the best experience. There are campsites open at Skaftafell and in Höfn year-round.

2. Snæfellsnes Peninsula

A bit closer to Reykjavik and easier to reach in the wintertime is the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Just a couple of hours’ drive from Reykjavik, this area earned the nickname “Iceland in Miniature” thanks to its diverse landscapes that include glaciers, volcanic peaks, black sand beaches, and dramatic coastlines. The low light pollution makes this region one of the best places in Iceland to see the Northern Lights, with the bonus of jaw-dropping scenery. The iconic shot here would be to try and catch the Northern Lights over Kirkjufell, said to be Iceland’s most photographed mountain.

3. Thingvellir National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Thingvellir National Park is not only steeped in history and geological significance but also offers dark skies ideal for aurora viewing. Located just an hour from Reykjavik on the Golden Circle, it’s a convenient and beautiful spot to witness the Northern Lights. The campsite here is open year-round.

4. Mývatn

In northern Iceland, Mývatn boasts a unique microclimate that often results in clearer skies than other parts of the country. It’s a fantastic base for aurora hunting, and nearby geothermal pools like the Mývatn Nature Baths provide a relaxing way to warm up after a night of sky-watching. It’s far from Reykjavik but worth the drive to get here, especially to see the geothermal attractions surrounding the lake.

5. The Westfjords

For a truly remote and secluded experience, head to the Westfjords. This region is one of the darkest areas in Iceland, with minimal light pollution and pristine natural surroundings. The rugged, untouched landscapes here make for unforgettable aurora-viewing conditions. However, getting here in winter can often be complicated, as the weather is often much worse than the rest of the country. With high mountain passes and limited road services, the roads can often be closed for a few days at a time before someone comes along to clear them. Your best bet is a 4x4 campervan, and don’t forget to carefully study the weather forecast as well.

For even more ideas of where to go to try and see the aurora borealis, check out the 10 best places to see the Northern Lights in Iceland.

How to Plan Your Northern Lights Trip

Planning your Northern Lights trip to Iceland in 2025 requires some preparation. Here are key tips to help you make the most of your adventure:

1. Pack for the Arctic

Icelandic winters can be harsh, so packing properly is essential:

• Clothing: Layer up with thermal base layers, warm mid-layers (like fleece or wool), and waterproof outerwear. Don’t forget gloves, a scarf, a hat, and thick socks.
• Footwear: Sturdy, insulated boots with good grip are necessary for walking on icy or snowy terrain.
• Other Essentials: Bring a thermos for hot drinks, a flashlight or headlamp, and hand warmers.

2. Maximize Your Chances

• Use aurora forecasting apps like Aurora Forecast or Space Weather Live to track solar activity.
• Stay in rural areas or use accommodations near prime aurora-viewing spots to avoid light pollution.
• Allow several nights in your itinerary for better odds of catching a display.
• Traveling by campervan gives you plenty of freedom to chase the auroras – book one now for an Iceland campervan Northern Lights 2025 journey.

Beyond the Northern Lights: What to Do in Iceland

While chasing the Northern Lights in Iceland is undoubtedly the highlight of your trip, don’t miss the country’s other incredible winter experiences:

• Explore Ice Caves: Visit the blue ice caves beneath Vatnajökull glacier, a natural wonder accessible only in winter.
• Relax in Geothermal Pools: Soak in hot springs like the Blue Lagoon or the Mývatn Nature Baths, where you can warm up after a night of aurora hunting.
• Take a Glacier Walk: Strap on crampons and hike across one of Iceland’s glaciers, like Sólheimajökull or Vatnajökull.
• Visit Iconic Landmarks: See Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir, and Reynisfjara black-sand beach without the summer crowds.
• Experience Icelandic Culture: Attend Þorrablót, a midwinter Viking festival featuring traditional foods, music, and storytelling.

2025 is shaping up to be one of the best years in decades to see the Northern Lights, thanks to the solar maximum of Solar Cycle 25. Iceland, with its dark skies, stunning landscapes, and wealth of winter activities, is the ultimate destination to experience this celestial phenomenon.

Conclusion

Whether you’re standing by Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, climbing a mountain in the Westfjords, or soaking in a hot spring under the auroras, your Northern Lights adventure in Iceland will be one for the books. Start planning now to make the most of this rare opportunity in 2025—the best year to see Northern Lights in Iceland.