best time to visit Iceland from thetravelmakers's blog

During the dark Icelandic winter months, from September to April isthe best time to visit Iceland to see northern lights,locals and visitors alike are treated to a breathtaking natural spectacle: the aurora borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights. On crisp winter evenings, guided sightseeing tours revolve around this mesmerizing yet unpredictable phenomenon. Expert excursion leaders skillfully seek out optimal viewing spots, adjusting to nightly conditions. While there are no guarantees of witnessing the Northern Lights, your chances improve significantly outside urban areas, away from the capital’s light pollution. Some countryside hotels even offer a special wake-up service for this celestial marvel. To know more aboutthe best time to visit Iceland you can call+971-4256-2434 or visit our main page.

When is the best time to see the northern lights in Iceland?

Best time to view northern lights in Icelandis between October and March, preferably around midnight.

1 Northern Lights Season in Iceland

·         Between October and March, your chances of witnessing the aurora borealis in Iceland significantly improve. While it’s still possible to see them at other times of the year, these months offer the best odds.

·         Winter, with its longer nights, is the prime season for Northern Lights viewing. In some regions, you’ll experience up to 19 hours of darkness on the shortest day of the year, providing ample opportunities to spot this celestial phenomenon.

·         Conversely, Iceland’s summer months bring extended daylight, including the mesmerizing midnight sun, making it more challenging to observe auroras during that time.

2 Best Time of Day for Northern Lights

·         The darkest hours of the night—typically between 11 PM and 2 AM—are when the Northern Lights often make their appearance.

·         Consider spending the night stargazing, keeping an eye out for this otherworldly display. Some hotels even offer a special “wake-up service” to alert guests if the Northern Lights grace the sky in the middle of the night.

HOW TO SPOT THE NORTHERN LIGHTS

To witness the captivating Northern Lights in Iceland, there are a couple of essential factors to consider. First, you’ll need darkness and clear skies, ideally facing north. Checking the Icelandic Met Office website for weather conditions, cloud coverage, and Aurora activity is a smart move. If the clouds cooperate, the second criterion is heightened solar wind activity. While the Northern Lights can appear at any time throughout the year, their activity tends to peak around midnight and a few hours before and after. Look for a green arc in the northern sky as a sign of their presence. To orient yourself on a starry night, locate the Polar star, which shines directly north from Earth. You can find it by identifying the Ursa Major or Big Bear constellation, which points toward the Polar star. Patience is key when hunting for this celestial spectacle, but the rewards are often worth the wait.

HOW TO TAKE A PHOTO OF THE NORTHERN LIGHTS

When it comes to equipment for capturing the Northern Lights, a tripod and a cable release are essential to prevent shaky photos. If you lack a cable release, set your camera’s self-timer to a two- or ten-second shutter delay, if available.

Finding the perfect camera settings isn’t straightforward, but manual options provide flexibility. Experiment with different combinations of ISO, aperture, and exposure settings. As a general guideline, consider ISO settings between 800 and 3200, aperture ranging from f/2.8 to f/5.6, and shutter speeds lasting 15 to 30 seconds. Keep in mind that varying these parameters can yield diverse results. Higher ISO allows faster exposures but may introduce graininess. Shutter speeds exceeding 15 seconds may result in slight star movement. Wide-angle lenses work well in low-light conditions, while longer lenses offer composition versatility. Remember to remove any lens filters that might distort images. Optimal results often come from manual settings at infinite focal length.

To know more aboutthe best time to go see the northern lights in Iceland you can call+971-4256-2434 or visit our main page.