Akureyri also arguably contains the best ski slopes in Iceland. Answer 1 of 6: Hi I know the northern lights are ad-hoc weather permitting etc but i was lookign at booking a trip for my wifes birthday (bothfirst time to iceland) in january - i wasnt sure if this was a good time of year to go? In Aurora Guide, Space Tourism by Valerie StimacNovember 5, 2020Leave a Comment. It is possible to drive there or take a flight from Reykjavík’s domestic airport to the capital of the North, Akureyri, weather permitting. Price p.p. This gives you an excellent of the night sky. So make sure to come back! There are over 120 options, so be prepared to scroll for a while! However, in places like Finland they can be seen on up to 200 nights of the year! Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Do not hazard closed roads as you will most likely have to be rescued, putting yourself and those that come to assist you at risk. What are the Best Conditions for the Northern Lights in Iceland? This is especially true in the winter months when snow reflects light up into the sky. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula can be also seen on a day tour from Reykjavík, or over two days to fully immerse yourself in it. Below, however, are general itineraries. Iceland in winter may not be the easiest place to negotiate, and harsh weather is common, but those with a little determination are sure to have an excellent winter holiday. There is an average of 88 millimetres of precipitation, which will come in all forms. Iceland Northern Lights Tours & Trips in January 2022. I love the idea of sitting in a hot tub with the northern lights above us. Siglufjordur is a small fishing village that overlooks a nearby fjord. The best rustic hotel to see Northern Lights in Iceland. NORTHERN LIGHTS CIRCLE TOUR (8 days / 7 nights) GOLDEN CIRCLE CLASSIC - WINTER (4 days / 3 Nights) BEST OF SOUTH ICELAND - WINTER (6 days / 5 nights) THE SCENIC SOUTH & NORTHERN LIGHTS (5 days / 4 nights) View your options by browsing our northern lights tours in Iceland. This activity is excellent no matter when you do it, but in January, in the depths of winter, the glaciers have an otherworldly beauty, as they are clad in fresh, electric blue ice that melts away each spring. The Ice Cave’s change every year due to the continuous movement of glaciers. Although one of the more quieter months, January is a winter wonderland paradise. 31. During the winter months there are limited daylight hours – and on the winter solstice (around 21 December each year) there is as little as 3 hours of daylight! Iceland Northern Lights Holidays 2020-2021. Thanks to the latitude of the North American … Many visiters to Iceland want to explore the countryside and the famous sites such as the Golden Circle, the South Coast and Snaefellsnes. When you come here to see the Northern Lights, you have a chance of photographing two amazing works of nature at once. The … The itinerary was..." Northern Lights Exploration - 8 days "Hodei was an excellent guide for this tour. The final months of 2020 are your first chance to hunt the incredible light show. Low deposits ATOL protected No Credit Card … Hi everyone, Planning my honeymoon trip with my husband around 20-28th January 2018. It was here that, in 930 AD, early settlers formed what would later become the longest-running, ongoing parliament in the world. It also gets surprisingly dark here at night, which makes it a fantastic spot to view the Northern Lights. This adorable breed has many unique traits. In the beginning of January, in the height of the Scandinavian winter, when the sun rose at 11am and set at 3pm, I spent a weekend in Iceland with plans to see the aurora borealis. Snowmobiling is also a year-round activity, which qualified drivers can enjoy, and anyone over a certain age can join as a passenger. You should still check the forecast, but understand that nobody can perfectly predict the northern lights, and that’s part of what makes seeing them so special. 3:38 pm January 31, 2020. Hella. What’s special about the Icelandic fjords? While we can’t make any guarantees, if you use these tips and go to these places and the aurora is out, you’ll hopefully have an unforgettable experience seeing the northern lights in Iceland. Here are a few … Thingvellir is usually first visited from Reykjavík. They are pretty much totally unpredictable. There are many tours to choose from and many different types of tours. Storms can bring with them incredibly strong winds so pay attention to weather warnings as they are there for your safety. This is a beautiful spot for watching the sky at night. When planning your aurora hunt, choosing the right clothes is a very important aspect to take into consideration. By driving a short distance from Akureyri, you will be able to see incredible waterfalls, such as Goðafoss, and Dettifoss, if the road conditions permit. The Ásbyrgi Canyon is a fascinating horseshoe-shaped formation that is popular among hikers. The waves are known for being unpredictable and dangerous around Vik, so take good care. If the weather isn’t playing ball there are plenty of things to do in Reykjavik in January, and if the weather is playing ball the landscapes and activities will help you to have the experience of a lifetime. Hunt for the Northern Lights, or simmer in the famous Blue Lagoon. Djúpavík is a tiny village that’s located miles away from any other settlement. It is possible to take a snorkelling or diving tour from Reykjavík. It is not just the Northern Lights that make Iceland the best winter holiday destination. Northern Lights tours can be conducted in buses, for affordability, or by super jeep, to help get you further into the countryside and reach places other vehicles can't. You can customise your trip with day tours from the popular Golden Circle tour to snorkelling a fissure between two tectonic plates or spend time snowmobiling on glaciers, visit the steaming geysers or relax in the geothermal Blue Lagoon. You can, for example, spend five days seeing the sites around Mývatn, or else spend four days exploring the South with a visit to an ice cave. 7-9: Highly unusual, maybe your friends and relatives at home will see the Northern Lights, too! Season: October - April. Here, the best athletes in Iceland compete with some incredible talents from around the world, in all sorts of fields. 3 days of winter wonders on this Jökulsárlón, Golden Circle, South Coast & Ice Caving with Northern Lights tour. From vantage points such as Hallgrímskirkja, the sky is completely filled with colour, and the festive atmosphere is infectious. The sunrise and sunset times can be seen below. Iceland’s long winter is the best time for seeing the northern lights in Iceland. Aurora Borealis season in northern polar latitudes (Alaska, northern Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Siberia) runs from August-thru-April. These are not the only sites you can see on the peninsula in January, however. Since the sun doesn't set in the summer time. With one of our special trips, you can reveal the magic of the Northern Lights tour, which is included in your city break, then relax in the Blue Lagoon, and uncover the culture of cosmopolitan Reykjavík. The official northern lights season is from August to April. Price p.p. What to wear to see the Northern Lights in Iceland? Duration: 4 days/3 nights. It’s located in a spot that’s far removed from civilization, making it a good place to see the night sky. It is possible to see the northern lights from January-April. Check out these good Iceland aurora forecast resources. On that day, bonfires are lit in various locations around Reykjavík and in the countryside and any leftover fireworks are ignited in celebration. The aurora borealis can frequently be seen from the city of Reykjavík. For those who dare to visit in a less conventional season, January delivers beautiful frosted landscapes, more hours of darkness to hunt for the northern lights, and fewer crowds at the places people want to see. From both Reykjavík and Akureyri, you can take a Northern Lights Cruise, which offers the unique opportunity to not only witness the auroras in the sky but to admire them reflected in the water beneath you. The former tumbles off a concave cliff, making a very unusual sight, whereas the latter, meanwhile, is much wider and more powerful. 31. 22. How long does a sunset or a sunrise last? Snow covers the ground and as the days are shorter, expect the northern lights to be dancing in the sky. Am I right?! There, steaming fumaroles and streams break up the snowy earth, and the soil wears unusual and vivid colours. Between October and March , longer nights give you ample opportunity to see the aurora if the weather permits. Like most major cities, it’s hard to see the night sky within Reykjavik. Iceland is named one of the best places to experience the Northern Lights, book well in advance to get the best price! Iceland is one of the most popular and best destinations in the world for seeing the aurora (along with Norway) so you have tons of choices for tours. To do this, you will need to ensure the aurora forecast is above a ‘3’, and check cloud cover to find the places with the clearest skies. Duration: 4 … Go out! Iceland's Northern Lights season from late August to mid-April is not only the best time to hunt for sightings of … Myself, husband and 10 year old daughter booked for Jan 27th...just want to get opions off anyone whose been this time of year and likely hood of seeing them? One popular choice is to visit the ice tunnels in Langjökull glacier, using your snowmobile to get there and back. The temperature in the capital, Reykjavík, throughout January averages between 1° and -1° Celsius (between 30°F and 33° F), and rarely goes below -10°C (14°F). The great part is that the temperature in December isn’t nearly as cold (on average) as January, February, and March. Before every journey, you should make sure to check road conditions. Dark nights ≥ 4 hrs. To see the Northern Lights in their full glory, you need dark skies which is why our trips all operate during winter and in remote locations away from light pollution. The vast majority of these tours go upon Langjökull glacier, leaving either from Gullfoss Waterfall or Reykjavík. It gets very dark at night and is a great spot to go if you’d like to see the Northern Lights and the ocean at the same time. Continue... See a selection of wonderful photographs that capture the magic of the Northern Lights throughout Iceland. While Iceland is a popular destination and you might encounter some crowds while hunting for the aurora there, it’s also one of the most stunning landscapes on earth. The Northern Lights are a must see in Iceland and if you're visiting in January you're in with a good chance of seeing them. This affects greatly the daylight hours in Iceland. In short, the sun is constantly emitting particles. Because of its small size, you won’t have to worry too much about light pollution interfering with your view of the sky. Nowadays the best-known attraction in the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is Mount Kirkjufell. You can see the Dyrhólaey cliffs and rock arch, Reynisfjara beach, and the Reynisdrangar sea-stacks. If you have less than a week, there are shorter packages that will allow you to visit certain areas without overstretching yourself. Most glaciers are open to hiking throughout the year. Where can you go, and what is there to do? The short summer and shoulder seasons are popular for many tourists who want to explore Iceland without snow and ice. Make sure you are prepared for different weather conditions as the weather can be unpredictable. While the summer months are generally much busier, there are still exciting cultural events going on throughout January that draw many visitors. Iceland in January 2021: Tour & Trip Reviews "Villi was superb. Book your complete trip with the best companies only. … Hvammsfjordur is a large bay that can be found in western Iceland. Multiple tours are still running, some of which are best in the depths of winter, such as a visit to one of Iceland’s Ice Caves and, of course, the Northern Lights. The nearby Hotel Rangá, in particular, is a popular place to stay while watching this incredible phenomenon. Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis appears when electrically charged particles (electrons and protons) from the sun are carried in the solar wind to the earth’s atmosphere. This is a good spot to check out the northern lights and not many people know about it. Snorkelling tours can be combined with other activities, such as caving and the Golden Circle. It is just a few hours along the South Coast, and a glacier tour runs every day from Reykjavík. The sub-zero temperatures ensure their structural integrity, meaning they are accessible unless they have flooded. Eur. You can encircle it and see features such as the seal colony at Ytri Tunga, the coastal fishing villages of Arnarstapi, Hellnar and Stykkishólmur, Mount Kirkjufell, Djúpalónssandur beach, the Búðahraun lava fields, and the Lóndrangar basalt towers. WHEN CAN YOU SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS IN 2020. For this reason, those seeking a really good show should get out of the capital and into nature, such as the relatively nearby area of Thingvellir National Park. With no order or coordination, thousands of Icelanders buy fireworks and let them off all over the city. Northern Lights Stargazing. With one of our special trips, you can reveal the magic of … This is the most usual forecast. Horseback rides can be taken from Reykjavík, and combined with excursions such as the Golden Circle, whale-watching, caving, and quad-biking. If you drive past the tourist information center, for approximately 10 minutes, you will eventually drive up a hill which has a perfect place to pull over and have the perfect view over the entire national park. You should, therefore, pack wind- and waterproof clothes, plenty of thermals and good hiking shoes. Answer 1 of 12: Hi all. We will be flying from Malaysia and since its a 20hr ++ flight, we are torn in between the two locations mentioned above for Northern Lights.I know that there's no secret ingredient to this or whatsover, but comparing both Iceland and Norway, which would have a higher possibility for Northern Lights … Another must-do is a meal out in one of Reykjavik’s … If a particular road is marked as closed, it is not possible to traverse this route. Renting a car in Iceland in January does come with risks and should only be undertaken by confident drivers experienced on icy, country roads. January is right in the middle of the ice-cave season - it starts between mid-October and November and ends in March. Front Row Seats. As you have probably figured out, it is important to dress warm when you visit Iceland. Iceland’s weather in January can notoriously be fickle. The sun is only out for a few hours a day, the roads are icy, and the landscapes, more often than not, are covered in a metre of snow. Answer 1 of 12: Hi all. 22. Iceland’s Northern Lights … Answer 1 of 6: Hi I know the northern lights are ad-hoc weather permitting etc but i was lookign at booking a trip for my wifes birthday (bothfirst time to iceland) in january - i wasnt sure if this was a good time of year to go? Because of its high northern latitude, Iceland is a country whose calendar is dominated by winter. Although if you take a longer package, such as a twelve-day package, you will get to see more sites like the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. What about the other seasons in Iceland each year? Northern Lights, South Iceland & Blue Lagoon Retreat. Skaftafell is an incredibly beautiful place, with lava fields and forests, glacier tongues and lagoons, rivers and waterfalls. With few other tourists at the best sites, a January holiday here should be an immersive, authentic Icelandic experience you will remember for years to come. With around 18-19 hours of night skies, chances of catching the lights is much higher. Those coming in January will have more opportunities than most to catch them, as there are only a few hours of sunlight. Northern Lights season in Iceland starts in October and lasts through February. In this month, the average of daylight hours is about 5 hours in early and mid-January … The same activities can be done on a seven-day package, which takes you counter-clockwise around the country to Akureyri where you will catch a domestic flight back to Reykjavík. Another option is to take a tour on Vatnajökull glacier, where you’ll hike up the outlet glacier, Breiðamerkurjökull. Most coming to Iceland in January will feel more comfortable taking guided tours than driving themselves. Iceland & Northern Lights city breaks Embrace the elements on a whimsically wonderful Iceland holiday, where you can embark on the experience of a lifetime. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know to see the aurora in Iceland, weather permitting. The Northern Lights season in Iceland is from late August to mid-April. With around 18-19 hours of night skies, chances of catching the lights is much higher. January is the ‘wettest’ month of the year in Iceland (when it snows the most), so keep that in mind when you’re planning a trip since clouds are more common then too. Continuing along the route, you will see a wealth of glaciers, such as Mýrdalsjökull, which covers Katla volcano, the notorious Eyjafjallajökull, Sólheimajökull glacier and Sólheimasandur before reaching the village of Vík. 1042620 ISK. Iceland is cold, snowy, and dark in January, but there's still a wealth of things to do. In recent years it was seen a few times in the capital Reykjavik, but chances of seeing it are considerably higher away from the city lights. At this time of year, the ravine will be lined with snow and beautiful ice sculptures making the surroundings even more dramatic - great, especially, for photographers. Is it possible to see the northern lights? It is not just inclement weather to worry about; roads can be closed by avalanches and floods. Like all natural phenomena, there’s no guarantee the northern lights will be visible in Iceland just because you’re there. It is not recommended to rent a car when in Iceland in January unless it is a four-wheel-drive and you have a lot of experience driving on icy roads. Photo from South Iceland Super Jeep Tour | Golden Circle & Snowmobiling. The Northern Lights. In case you’re not familiar with the science behind this amazing astronomical phenomenon, here’s a quick explanation. Valerie is the founder and editor of Space Tourism Guide. 7 days / 6 nights Oct - Apr Iceland Luxury Escape – Winter. It's not just reliable northern lights and relatively warm temperatures that bring tourists to Iceland in January. What is Guide to Iceland? The weather in Iceland is unpredictable, especially during winter. The most popular destinations, however, such as the Golden Circle, South Coast, and Snæfellsnes Peninsula, are still easy to reach, and particularly beautiful under a blanket of winter snow. There are fewer crowds but with some truly unique festivals and holidays. Hunting for the Northern Lights. Compare 14 tours with 269 real tour reviews. What is a fjord? The best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland is in December. Here you have the daylight hours in Iceland per month: January: This month is actually the coldest one in Iceland, that means we are right in the winter time. Iceland’s long winter is the best time for seeing the northern lights in Iceland. Those in the south-east of the country could take a tour from the Skaftafell Nature Reserve onto Svinafellsjökull. Iceland is named one of the best places to experience the Northern Lights, book well in advance to get the best price! Read on and find out all you need to know about Iceland's wonderful fjords. Loves his country and enjoys showing it off. Northern Lights in Iceland in February. How long is the period in which you can experience the midnight sun in Iceland? Northern Lights Nights. The tour company will always put your safety above any experience, so you’re in safe hands. Iceland is home to fascinating geologic formations, welcoming locals (as long as you are a respectful visitor), and stunning natural experiences. A big solarstorm is coming, don’t miss your chance to catch some amazing Aurora displays! Eldborgahraun is a lava area in southern Iceland with an altitude of 211 meters above sea level. 19. Northern Lights hunting. Silfra is located in Þingvellir National Park, meaning it's right between the tectonic plates and surrounded by incredible natural formations. Some of the most popular places are near towns or interesting geologic features, but if you’re traveling Iceland on your own, you can set up pretty much anywhere on a good night and get a great view. Here’s our guide to the Northern Lights in Iceland with recommendations for tours that either offer you the option to go another night or a refund if you don’t see the Northern Lights. Discover a wide range of Mountain Tours Why not join this Mo... What is Iceland like in June? This arrowhead-shaped mountain is just a 5-minute drive from the village of Grundarfjordur and has recently surged in popularity due to being featured in Game of Thrones. One of the best routes will take you to Svartifoss waterfall, which is renowned for the hexagonal basalt columns that surround it. Between October and March, longer nights give you ample opportunity to see the aurora if the weather permits. If you’ve made it to this post, you probably already know what the northern lights are. This diverse region is renowned for its wide array of sites, such as the lava fortress Dimmuborgir, the Námafjall geothermal area, Víti crater, and the craters of Skútustaðagígar. 1042620 ISK. You should also make sure to request studded tires from the car rental company in advance. The final site on the South Coast is Jökulsárlón, Iceland’s most famous glacier lagoon. If visiting Iceland in Winter, expect short days, cold (but not as cold as you would think) temperatures, a blanket of snow and a high probability of seeing the northern lights. Here are some tour operators with lots of choices… good luck narrowing them down! The northern lights become visible when the sky gets dark. Season: October - April. If heading out on a Northern Lights and Stargazing tour then wrap up warm, while the bus is nice and cosy, you … Eur. During the summer months of May, June and July it is just too bright to see them in the far northland. Route 1 south from Reykjavík to Höfn is lined with incredible features well worth visiting. 19. He is knowledgeable, entertaining, and..." 5 Day - Snaefellsnes, South Coast and Northern Lights "This trip was amazing! It goes without saying that only four-wheel-drive vehicles should be used at this time of year. Answer 1 of 9: I’m trying to arrange a 1 week trip on the 29th January for my 50th birthday. You might also face a fine and high towing fees, which is not covered by insurance. The Geysir Geothermal Area, in Haukadalur Valley, is the second stop on a trip around the Golden Circle. February 2015 By: Þorsteinn (Thor) As an amateur photographer, there's nothing more exciting than capturing the northern lights. They are formed from electrically charged particles from the sun colliding with gaseous particles in the Earth's atmosphere; this causes bright, colourful lights that practically dance in the sky. But when can you see the northern lights in Iceland? This post was originally published in November 2018, and updated in November 2020. Answer 1 of 12: Hi everyone, Planning my honeymoon trip with my husband around 20-28th January 2018. Northern Lights in Iceland in March. The Northern Lights are one of Iceland's biggest draw cards (Getty) Brits will also not need to self-isolate upon return as Iceland is part of the UK government’s travel corridor list. SEEING THE NORTHERN LIGHTS IN ICELAND. The website Guide to Iceland also has a super comprehensive list of aurora tours you can browse. Both of these tours will allow you to have an opportunity to explore an ice cave and hike a glacier. Along with being one of the best places to go birdwatching, it also gets incredibly dark at night. It's also wise to read up on the driving etiquette of Iceland which is quite particularly due to the huge variation in terrain. You cannot change the weather, so if it affects your plans, there are plenty of things to do if the weather in Iceland in January is bad. Iceland is a year-round destination, but the winter months bring their own sort of magic! In short, everyone will enjoy seeing the northern lights in Iceland, which might be why it’s one of the most popular places on the planet for seeing the aurora! There are a few places in Reykjavik where you have better chances to spot the aurora: Some guides offer aurora tours in Reykjavik too, so they may know additional locals-only spots where you can get a good view of the night sky and the aurora if it’s visible. Loves his country and enjoys showing it off. It’s far removed from civilization and is another amazing opportunity to see two natural wonders at once. Those coming to Iceland any time between September and April have a decent chance of seeing the Northern Lights. For more information on the best time to go, check out our northern lights Iceland guide, or get in touch with a travel consultant to book a winter trip away. Iceland’s Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir said in a statement: "These measures are intended to limit the risk of infections getting into the country across the border. The weather might not cooperate, or the aurora might not be as strong as predicted. To visit Iceland in January is to enjoy wintry weather without it being too cold but with the possibility of blankets of snow. As these collisions occur in different gases, light is produced in a variety of colors, depending on the altitude of these collisions. Those who have a history of respiratory, circulatory, and neurological problems will need a medical waiver, as will those over 45 who smoke a pipe and drink heavily. It has a black beach nearby that’s isolated from any potential light pollution. The best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland is in December. Photo from Top-Rated Snorkelling Silfra & Horseback Riding Tour. If heading out on a Northern Lights and Stargazing tour then wrap up warm, while the bus is nice and cosy, you will be standing out watching the Aurora in some very cold conditions. Let us know in the comments. The second best-known attraction of these is Snæfellsjökull glacier and volcano, made famous by Jules Verne in the novel ‘Journey to the Centre of the Earth’. Northern Lights season is officially underway for winter 2020! Read ahead to learn when to make your trip to the Land of Ice and Fire for the best chance of seeing the aurora borealis. As long as you make the most of the light hours, you won't find yourself short of exciting experiences. Some of these electrically charged particles from the sun collide with gases in the earth’s atmosphere. The rocky cliffs Látrabjarg is well-known for being the home of millions of bird species. There’s very little light pollution to speak of, and it’s very easy to find spots outside the village that are good for viewing the Northern Lights. Some of the most popular places are near towns or interesting geologic features, but if you’re traveling Iceland on your own, you can set up pretty much anywhere on a good night and get a great view. January is the ‘wettest’ month of the year in Iceland (when it snows the most), so keep that in mind when you’re planning a trip since clouds are more common then too. Although it is not possible to hire a car with chains, it is possible to request a car with studded tires. Or, look further afield and explore all our northern lights tours. The days are short but that means a better chance of seeing the Northern Lights… The food scene in Iceland is … Although snorkelling and diving in Silfra in January is a reasonably safe activity, you must meet the following conditions to partake: Please note these tours cannot be taken by pregnant women under any circumstances. Myself, husband and 10 year old daughter booked for Jan 27th...just want to get opions off anyone whose been this time of year and likely hood of seeing them? Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Iceland Published: 24.