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 | Marginal | Short nights at the season edge |
| May | No — midnight sun | Midnight sun — no real darkness |
| June | No — midnight sun | Midnight sun — no real darkness |
| July | No — midnight sun | Midnight sun — no real darkness |
| August | Marginal | Short nights at the season edge |
| 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 Ísafjörður: 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. Ísafjörður's season runs september to mid-april.
Ísafjörður is the capital of the Westfjords, Iceland's remotest region and its highest geomagnetic latitude — closest of any Icelandic town to the oval, and almost entirely free of light pollution.
Where to stand in Ísafjörður
The fjord walls are steep and will cut off a low display, so get out of the narrow fjord: the road toward Bolungarvík or the open water at the fjord mouth gives you back the horizon.
Tours & stays to book
Northern lights tours from Ísafjörður
Viator · guided tours · from $75
Aurora chases & photo tours in Ísafjörður
GetYourGuide · guided tours · from $75
Cabins, lodges & glass igloos near Ísafjörður
Booking.com · lodging
Know when Ísafjörður is about to light up
Aurora odds swing night to night. Leave your email and we'll tell you when Ísafjörður hits its best window — time to book a tour for your dates.