Aurora Forecast for Iceland
Current Kp
2.3
/ 9.0
Unlikely tonight
Kp 2.3 — some activity but visible aurora over Iceland is unlikely. A faint arc may appear under clear dark skies in northernmost areas.
NOAA SWPC data · updated every 30 min
48-Hour Aurora Forecast
Fri 19 Jun
00:00
UTC
◌ Forecast
Fri 19 Jun
03:00
UTC
◌ Forecast
Fri 19 Jun
06:00
UTC
◌ Forecast
Fri 19 Jun
09:00
UTC
◌ Forecast
Fri 19 Jun
12:00
UTC
◌ Forecast
Fri 19 Jun
15:00
UTC
◌ Forecast
Fri 19 Jun
18:00
UTC
◌ Forecast
Fri 19 Jun
21:00
UTC
◌ Forecast
Sat 20 Jun
00:00
UTC
◌ Forecast
Sat 20 Jun
03:00
UTC
◌ Forecast
Sat 20 Jun
06:00
UTC
◌ Forecast
Sat 20 Jun
09:00
UTC
◌ Forecast
Sat 20 Jun
12:00
UTC
◌ Forecast
Sat 20 Jun
15:00
UTC
◌ Forecast
Sat 20 Jun
18:00
UTC
◌ Forecast
Sat 20 Jun
21:00
UTC
◌ Forecast
NOAA 3-hourly Kp forecast. Times in UTC (Iceland is UTC+0 in winter, UTC+0 in summer).
What the Kp Number Means
Kp 0–1
No Aurora
🌑
Kp 2
Unlikely
🌒
Kp 3
Possible
🌌
Kp 4
Good Chances
✨
Kp 5–6
Excellent
🌟
Kp 7–9
Geomagnetic Storm
⚡
For Iceland (64–66°N), aurora becomes visible from Kp 3 in North Iceland and from Kp 4–5 across the whole country. Kp 7+ means a full geomagnetic storm.
Best Viewing Spots in Iceland
Þórsmörk
Remote highland valley, zero light pollution, stunning mountain backdrop.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Away from Reykjavík — ideal dark sky conditions along the north shore.
Akureyri area
North Iceland base — aurora visible at lower Kp levels.
Kirkjufell, Grundarfjörður
Iceland's most iconic aurora photo spot.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Aurora reflecting in icebergs — spectacular if skies are clear.
Reykjanes Peninsula
Close to Reykjavík but darker. Good for a quick chase.
Aurora Hunting Tips
- Check the forecast 1–2 hours before heading out — Kp can change rapidly.
- Clear, dark skies are essential. Check cloud cover at vedur.is.
- Face north and give your eyes 15–20 minutes to adjust to darkness.
- Best months: September through March (long dark nights in Iceland).
- New moon periods give the darkest skies — plan around the lunar calendar.
Planning to see the lights?
Drive safely to find the Northern Lights
Knowing the Kp index is just the start. Our complete guide covers best driving routes, when to go, what to pack, and how to stay safe on dark Icelandic roads.
Northern Lights Driving Guide