Northern Lights Forecast Iceland: How to Read the Map

Key facts

Aurora activity is rated 0-9 on the forecast
White areas on the cloud map show clear skies, green areas indicate cloud cover
Timing information for darkness and moonrise applies to Reykjavík at 64° north

Understanding the Activity Scale

The forecast of auroral activity at midnight uses a scale of 0 to 9. Check the forecast daily if you plan to hunt auroras independently or book a guided tour.

The spectacle of Aurora Borealis requires dark and partly clear skies. Activity alone does not guarantee visibility without checking cloud conditions.

Northern Lights Tours in Iceland

Reading the Cloud Cover Map

The map of Iceland shows forecast of cloud cover, with green areas being cloudy and white areas clear skies. White zones offer the highest chance of viewing.

Tour operators use this map to decide which direction to drive. Check tour details on GetYourGuide.

Weather changes quickly across Iceland's regions. Coastal areas and inland highlands often have different conditions within the same hour.

Pros

Free official forecast updated regularly by the Met Office
Clear visual map shows which regions have cloud cover
Activity scale helps you judge whether conditions favour viewing
Timing information tells you when darkness begins
Telephone forecast available at +354 902 0600

Cons

Forecast times are only valid for Reykjavík, not other regions
Cloud cover can change quickly in Icelandic weather
The spectacle of Aurora Borealis requires dark and partly clear skies

Darkness and Timing Information

The timing of sunset, darkness, sunrise and moonrise shown on the forecast are valid for Reykjavík. At 64° north, day length varies dramatically through the year.

Day length drops to less than five hours in Reykjavík between 2 December and 10 January. This provides the longest viewing window.

From 20 May to 24 July, daylight is essentially permanent in Reykjavík. The sun never gets more than 5° below the horizon.

Period	Darkness Duration	Aurora Potential
December-January	Under 5 hours daylight	Maximum viewing window
September-October, February-March	Balanced light and dark	Good conditions
May-July	Permanent daylight	None

How Tour Operators Use the Forecast

Operators check cloud cover and activity before departure. Check tour details and policies on GetYourGuide.

Many visitors combine aurora hunting with day activities. Golden Circle sightseeing or geothermal bathing make full use of your time.

Compare prices, reviews and free-cancellation options before you book.

Check availability →

Apps and Alternative Forecasts

Several apps display aurora forecasts for Iceland. Most pull data from the same Met Office source or international models.

Weather information is available via recorded message at Tel: +354 902 0600. This service provides audio updates without needing internet access.

Some visitors also check NOAA space weather forecasts. These show global activity but not Iceland-specific cloud cover.

Multi-Day Forecasts

Three-day and 14-day aurora forecasts extend the activity prediction. Accuracy decreases with longer timeframes.

Cloud forecasts beyond three days are less reliable. Plan flexibility into your itinerary rather than booking tours many days ahead based on long-range predictions.

Visitors on multi-day tours have several chances to see auroras across different nights and locations.

Safety and Weather Considerations

Check safetravel.is before travelling to remote areas for aurora viewing. Safetravel is run by ICE-SAR, The Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue.

ICE-SAR is a non-profit, volunteer-based organisation with over 4500 volunteers. ICE-SAR volunteers are available day and night, year-round.

For health issues, travellers can call 24/7 at 00354 5131700. Check road.is for conditions that affect access to dark-sky locations.

Many visitors choose boat tours from Reykjavík or bus departures to avoid navigation risks.

Compare prices, reviews and free-cancellation options before you book.

Check availability →

When and Where to See Displays

Iceland is warmed by the Gulf Stream and has a temperate climate. This is despite being at a latitude just south of the Arctic Circle.

Reykjavík has a latitude of 64°08′ N, making it the world's northernmost capital of a sovereign state. Auroras appear overhead or towards the north from this position.

Popular viewing areas include dark zones outside the capital and southern coastal stops on south coast tours. Learn more about locations for aurora viewing and seasonal timing.

Our verdict

The Icelandic Met Office forecast gives you a 0-9 activity scale and a cloud map. White zones show clear skies. Checking both elements helps you decide whether to book a tour or wait for better conditions. Weather can shift quickly.

More tours to compare

Frequently asked questions

What does the 0-9 scale mean on the aurora forecast?

The forecast of auroral activity at midnight uses a scale of 0 to 9. The spectacle of Aurora Borealis requires dark and partly clear skies in addition to activity.

How do I read the cloud cover map for Iceland?

The map of Iceland shows forecast of cloud cover, with green areas being cloudy and white areas clear skies. White zones offer the most chance of visibility.

Are the forecast times accurate for the whole country?

The timing of sunset, darkness, sunrise and moonrise shown on the forecast are valid for Reykjavík. Other regions at different latitudes will have slightly different times.

Can I get the aurora forecast by phone in Iceland?

Weather information is available via recorded message at Tel: +354 902 0600. This provides audio updates without needing mobile data.

How to Read Iceland's Aurora Forecast Before You Book