Month-by-month viewing quality
| Month | Viewing | Why |
|---|---|---|
| January | Peak | Long dark nights + peak activity |
| February | Peak | Long dark nights + peak activity |
| March | Peak | Long dark nights + peak activity |
| April | Good | Plenty of darkness; solid odds |
| May | Marginal | Short nights at the season edge |
| June | No — midnight sun | Midnight sun — no real darkness |
| July | No — midnight sun | Midnight sun — no real darkness |
| August | Good | Plenty of darkness; solid odds |
| September | Peak | Long dark nights + peak activity |
| October | Peak | Long dark nights + peak activity |
| November | Peak | Long dark nights + peak activity |
| December | Peak | Long dark nights + peak activity |
Why these months?
Two things decide your odds in Höfn: darkness and activity. You need real darkness — so the bright midnight-sun months are out no matter how strong the aurora is. On top of that, geomagnetic storms run statistically stronger around the spring and autumn equinoxes (the Russell–McPherron effect), which is why September and October and February and March tend to edge out the dead of winter. Höfn's season runs september to mid-april.
Höfn is the harbour town in Iceland's south-east, the base for Vatnajökull and the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon — aurora reflected in a lagoon full of icebergs is the shot people come for.
Where to stand in Höfn
Jökulsárlón and the Stokksnes headland below Vestrahorn, both a short drive from town, give dark water and an open horizon.
Tours & stays to book
Northern lights tours from Höfn
Viator · guided tours · from $70
Aurora chases & photo tours in Höfn
GetYourGuide · guided tours · from $70
Cabins, lodges & glass igloos near Höfn
Booking.com · lodging
Know when Höfn is about to light up
Aurora odds swing night to night. Leave your email and we'll tell you when Höfn hits its best window — time to book a tour for your dates.