The stars have really lined up for Reykjavík based Aurora hunters this weekend! The first snow of winter fell yesterday evening and this morning, turning Reykjavík into a winter wonderland. On top of that the weather forecast for today and tomorrow promises beautiful and calm weather, if a little cold, and clear skies, topped off with high Aurora activity.
Look to the sky tonight and tomorrow!
We already got one amazing Aurora show earlier this week: On Wednesday the sky over Reykjavík was on fire.
Read more: Photos: Yesterday's Northern Lights were amazing – the night sky over Reykjavík was on fire
Of course we can never be certain when it comes to the Northern Lights, and that it's impossible to predict them with any certainty! That said: Tonight and tomorrow are looking very good!
The Icelandic Meteorological Office is reporting an Aurora activity of 5, high tonight, Friday, and an activity of 4, active tomorrow.
The IMO explains that an activity of 2, low can be beautiful and an activity of 3 moderate can be dazzling. Level 4 and above can generate spectacular display.
Clear skies over most of West, South West and South Iceland tonight and tomorrow will allow us to actually see and enjoy nature's most amazing show. Unfortunately the forecast includes some skies over Reykjavík and the capital region, but by midnight these should have blown away. Alternatively, you can drive out of the city (see our map of great Aurora spots around Reykjavík, below).
Read more: Learn all about the Aurora on this new interactive website
According to IMO the sun sets at 16:42 (4:42 pm) today afternoon, and it will be dark from 17:39-08:46 (5:39 pm-8:46 am). Meanwhile the cloud cover is expected to start clearing up over the capital around 22:00. By 23:00 we should have a pretty good chance of seeing the Aurora, once it comes on.
But remember: We can never count on the weather forecast in Iceland, and you should always check back with the IMO to see the updated forecast.
Where to go?
If the skies are clear and the Aurora is active you can see the Northern Lights pretty much anywhere in Iceland, even in downtown Reykjavík. The best Aurora spots inside the city tend to be along the coast, where you have a broad horizon without streetlights or other sources of bright light. Taking a stroll along the north shore scenic and sculpture walk is a great way to enjoy the Aurora in downtown Reykjavík.
However, the light pollution means that the Northern Lights will be more vibrant outside the city. But you don't need to go up into the mountains to escape the light pollution. There are plenty of spots in the city or on its outskirts which offer great spots for Northern Lights viewing.
One of these is the picturesque Grótta island on the western tip of the Reykjavík peninsula. However, be advised that this is also probably the most popular spot in Reykjavík, both among locals and foreign visitors. If you don't have a car or a booked Northern Lights tour the north shore scenic and sculutpure walk is a great alternative.
Or you might want to check out one of these other great spots a local Aurora photographer and friend of Iceland Insider Snorri Þór Tryggvason has identified – note that Snorri leaves Grótta out of the map!
The stars have really lined up for Reykjavík based Aurora hunters this weekend! The first snow of winter fell yesterday evening and this morning, turning Reykjavík into a winter wonderland. On top of that the weather forecast for today and tomorrow promises beautiful and calm weather, if a little cold, and clear skies, topped off with high Aurora activity.
Look to the sky tonight and tomorrow!
We already got one amazing Aurora show earlier this week: On Wednesday the sky over Reykjavík was on fire.
Read more: Photos: Yesterday's Northern Lights were amazing – the night sky over Reykjavík was on fire
Of course we can never be certain when it comes to the Northern Lights, and that it's impossible to predict them with any certainty! That said: Tonight and tomorrow are looking very good!
The Icelandic Meteorological Office is reporting an Aurora activity of 5, high tonight, Friday, and an activity of 4, active tomorrow.
The IMO explains that an activity of 2, low can be beautiful and an activity of 3 moderate can be dazzling. Level 4 and above can generate spectacular display.
Clear skies over most of West, South West and South Iceland tonight and tomorrow will allow us to actually see and enjoy nature's most amazing show. Unfortunately the forecast includes some skies over Reykjavík and the capital region, but by midnight these should have blown away. Alternatively, you can drive out of the city (see our map of great Aurora spots around Reykjavík, below).
Read more: Learn all about the Aurora on this new interactive website
According to IMO the sun sets at 16:42 (4:42 pm) today afternoon, and it will be dark from 17:39-08:46 (5:39 pm-8:46 am). Meanwhile the cloud cover is expected to start clearing up over the capital around 22:00. By 23:00 we should have a pretty good chance of seeing the Aurora, once it comes on.
But remember: We can never count on the weather forecast in Iceland, and you should always check back with the IMO to see the updated forecast.
Where to go?
If the skies are clear and the Aurora is active you can see the Northern Lights pretty much anywhere in Iceland, even in downtown Reykjavík. The best Aurora spots inside the city tend to be along the coast, where you have a broad horizon without streetlights or other sources of bright light. Taking a stroll along the north shore scenic and sculpture walk is a great way to enjoy the Aurora in downtown Reykjavík.
However, the light pollution means that the Northern Lights will be more vibrant outside the city. But you don't need to go up into the mountains to escape the light pollution. There are plenty of spots in the city or on its outskirts which offer great spots for Northern Lights viewing.
One of these is the picturesque Grótta island on the western tip of the Reykjavík peninsula. However, be advised that this is also probably the most popular spot in Reykjavík, both among locals and foreign visitors. If you don't have a car or a booked Northern Lights tour the north shore scenic and sculutpure walk is a great alternative.
Or you might want to check out one of these other great spots a local Aurora photographer and friend of Iceland Insider Snorri Þór Tryggvason has identified – note that Snorri leaves Grótta out of the map!
