How to maximise your chances of seeing the northern lightsĪurora watchers, experts who specialise in tracking the northern lights, suggest that to maximise your chances of spotting the elusive northern lights you should follow these top tips: The aurora is strongest from mid-March to mid-April at the end of the cycle. During the autumn and winter months, the night skies are at their darkest, increasing your chances of catching a light show. The northern lights are sometimes visible during the spring months, but the best times are autumn (September) and winter (October - April). But remember you’ll have less than four hours of darkness at night, so opportunities to catch the northern lights are slim!ĭuring the autumn (around September) you can expect rain, wind, light snow and some ice on the roads. Summer (June to August) is by far the most hospitable weather-wise with temperatures averaging around 12 ☌ (53 ☏) and low humidity. Spring (May) means frequent rain, showers, wind, some ice and temperatures averaging around 5 ☌ (40 ☏). The winter months (October to April) bring snow, rain, sleet, windy and icy conditions, dark skies, sub-zero temperatures-with an average around 0☌ (32☏) - and less than four hours of daylight. The weather is most pleasant during the summer months, but the stupendously long days mean your chances of seeing the northern lights are almost non-existent.Īll in all, getting your timing right is essential - especially if you’re hoping to catch a good light show. Seltjarnarnes lighthouse, on the outskirts of the city, is one such example.Timing a trip to Iceland means weighing several factors: there are the usual seasons to contend with, but also some major fluctuations in daylight hours along with, of course, the seasonal aurora cycle. Not only will your tour guides know the most scenic and likely spots for gazing upon the aurora, but they will also be able to teach you firsthand about the science and mythology of the lights, as well as offer fascinating insights on visible star constellations.įor those with only a few days in Iceland, particularly visitors keeping local to the capital, Reykjavik, there are a few specific spots known for providing an excellent vantage of the cosmos. A more sensible option would be to partake in a professionally guided Northern Lights tour. This provides the best chance of seeing the lights at their most colourful and vibrant.įor those seeking the lights themselves, this would mean venturing into the countryside and hoping for the best based on that day’s Northern Lights forecast. For one, visitors will want to ensure they are Northern Lights hunting in an area devoid of light pollution. The Northern Lights are, in fact, happening overhead all the time it is a matter of viewing them in optical conditions, which naturally, is aided by certain locations. So without further ado, allow us to shed some light-pun shamelessly intended-on this exciting winter activity Northern Lights Hunting in Iceland. Thankfully, we have the most up to date information, as of 2020, that most visitors ask about this staggering Icelandic natural attraction. The best means of preparing your Northern Lights trip in Iceland is to be well-educated on the facts. Today, we have our rationale understanding of just why the Northern Lights appear, but still, we find them no less magical. According to Icelandic folklore, pagan shamans predicted that pregnant women who looked directly at the Northern Lights during labour could expect their child to be born cross-eyed. Cree Indians of North America them to be ancestor spirits, while the Greeks and Romans thought it more likely the lights were the sister of Helios (The Sun) and Seline (The Moon). Almost all of the world’s notable civilisations had their own theories as to why this phenomenon occurred. Without the explanations of modern science, it is no wonder that for centuries, the Northern Lights were considered by the earth’s people as a sign from the heavens. The Aurora-otherwise known as polar lights-are usually only seen in the world’s highest latitudes as a result of solar winds disturbing the planet’s magnetosphere. All of these words could be used to describe that stunning and rarely seen occurrence that is the Northern Lights appearing in the night sky.
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