Aurora Forecast delivers accurate, easy-to-read Northern Lights predictions for Iceland. Powered by the expertise of our founder Kommi – with decades of experience in Iceland’s nature, weather, and tourism – we combine scientific precision, real-time data, and local insight to guide you to the best spots for nature’s most magical show.
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How to predict Northern Lights?
To predict the Northern Lights, you can track solar activity, specifically charged particles from the sun that reach Earth and interact with its magnetic field. The strength of this interaction is measured using the Kp index: the higher the number, the better the chance of seeing auroras, especially in northern latitudes like Iceland. But even strong auroras are invisible if the sky is cloudy, so local weather conditions, especially cloud cover, are just as important.
Just as crucial is being in the right place: dark, open areas far from city lights offer the best views, but only if you can safely reach them. That’s why road conditions also play a key role in aurora hunting, especially in winter.
Northern Lights Activity Meter
Iceland
Tonight's forecast
Active
Predicted max at 21:00
Kp-index: 4.00
The globe shows where and how strong the Northern Lights are likely to appear. Even with a low Kp index of 1 or 0, it’s still possible to see auroras, especially in places like Iceland. The key is to avoid heavy cloud cover, as even the strongest displays can be hidden by clouds. Keep an eye on the magnetic field as well; when it drops below zero, your chances improve. Aurora activity can change quickly, so it’s a good idea to check the conditions regularly.
Check out our Northern Lights Self Drive Guide
Weather Forecast
Real Time Space Weather Data
This data shows what's happening in space right now — like solar wind speed, magnetic field direction, and solar activity. By watching these values, you can spot when conditions are just right for northern lights to appear soon.
Auroral Activity
This shows how active the northern lights are right now. Higher activity means brighter, more visible auroras — often further south than usual.
Aurora Northern Hemisphere
This tool shows where auroras are likely to appear soon. The oval shifts and grows during strong solar activity. A high Kp-index means the aurora may be visible further south. The map updates based on real-time solar wind data.
Leirvogur Magnetic Observatory
This graph shows real-time magnetic activity from Leirvogur Observatory. Sudden movement means the Earth’s magnetic field is being disturbed — a strong sign that auroras may appear soon.
Solar Activity
This shows how active the Sun is — including sunspots, flares, and coronal holes. More solar activity often means better chances for strong auroras on Earth.
Coronal Holes
These are dark areas on the Sun that release fast solar wind. When one faces Earth, it can lead to increased aurora activity.
Sunspots
Sunspots are active areas on the Sun that can trigger solar flares and storms — often leading to strong auroras.
What are the best places to see the Northern Lights?
Catching the Northern Lights is all about being in the right place at the right time, but comfort matters too. The best spots combine dark skies, clear weather, and high aurora activity with amenities that make the experience enjoyable: warm accommodations, nearby food options, and access to toilets. In this section, we highlight places across Iceland that not only offer excellent chances of seeing the aurora but also let you stay warm, safe, and comfortable while you wait for the sky to light up.
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Aurora Basecamp
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