Most visitors who were hoping to catch the Aurora in Iceland in the past several weeks have been treated to a frustratingly dissapointing Aurora forecasts. Since late spring, when we were treated to several amazing Northern Lights shows, the Aurora activity over Iceland has been at an unusually low level: Night after night the activity has been a low 0, 1 or 2. Only a handful of nights has the activity risen to 3.
Although it is possible to catch the Northern Lights when activity is only a 2, we usually need a 3 or more to get a really vibrant and colorful Aurora. 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. It's those spectacular displays which have failed to materialize since early November.
The forecast for tonight, Wednesday and tomorrow, Thursday looks equally disappointing. The activity tonight is just 1, quiet and tomorrow we are promised a 2, low.
Look to the sky on Friday and Saturday!
Fortunately our luck seems to be turning: The Icelandic Meteorological Office is reporting an Aurora activity of 3, moderate on Friday and a level 5, high on Saturday.
If you want a preview of what the Aurora might look on Friday and Saturday, check out these photos from one of the great displays we got in November.
Read more: Photos: Yesterday's Northern Lights were amazing – the night sky over Reykjavík was on fire
Clear skies over most of West, South West and South Iceland on Friday and Saturday should then allow us to actually see and enjoy nature's most amazing show.
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!
Most visitors who were hoping to catch the Aurora in Iceland in the past several weeks have been treated to a frustratingly dissapointing Aurora forecasts. Since late spring, when we were treated to several amazing Northern Lights shows, the Aurora activity over Iceland has been at an unusually low level: Night after night the activity has been a low 0, 1 or 2. Only a handful of nights has the activity risen to 3.
Although it is possible to catch the Northern Lights when activity is only a 2, we usually need a 3 or more to get a really vibrant and colorful Aurora. 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. It's those spectacular displays which have failed to materialize since early November.
The forecast for tonight, Wednesday and tomorrow, Thursday looks equally disappointing. The activity tonight is just 1, quiet and tomorrow we are promised a 2, low.
Look to the sky on Friday and Saturday!
Fortunately our luck seems to be turning: The Icelandic Meteorological Office is reporting an Aurora activity of 3, moderate on Friday and a level 5, high on Saturday.
If you want a preview of what the Aurora might look on Friday and Saturday, check out these photos from one of the great displays we got in November.
Read more: Photos: Yesterday's Northern Lights were amazing – the night sky over Reykjavík was on fire
Clear skies over most of West, South West and South Iceland on Friday and Saturday should then allow us to actually see and enjoy nature's most amazing show.
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!
