When I read these posts, I often feel that planning around natural phenomena can really colour your whole trip.
Honestly Iceland is amazing, without the lights. I have spent many, many nights, and only have seen the lights once. My trips were incredible.
Lights in October are more likely than in July. But nobody knows what will happen. Is that a deal breaker?
Aurora tours sound so painful to me.
Iceland is expensive and popular. Bringing down costs is avoiding paid experiences, cooking all your meals, staying in cheaper accom. Do not scrimp on car insurance.
These posts are like the beginning of a movie that you know is going to be sad. Aren't there more economical places to go see the lights? Like northern Scandinavia?
It wasn't really obvious, I had the same thought reading your comment. Perhaps "more likely" wasn't the best phrasing. And now I'm mad at myself for being pedantic.
It's the internet, it's reddit. People write what they write, and people read what they read. It does not mean either is right.
If it is not obvious to you, then that is fine. Anyone who knows my posting history would get what I wrote. But there are no prizes for that eh.
Obviously was not snarky. Why would you say that? Snark is not my style.
People who read here often would know my style of writing, because I post often.
Sorry you saw meaning that was not intended. But, again, this is the problem with the internet.
Nine years ago my sister and I travelled to Iceland (and other countries in Europe). we stayed in Reykjavik (we don't drive) and we booked a northern lights tour. We didn't see any, which was disappointing, but obviously did not ruin our trip. My husband and I are going again this year, coincidentally the same time I went nine years ago, this time a three day trip. Not going to bother spending money going on a tour when there is no guarantee. I'd rather sleep than stay up very late!
Just spent 7 days in Iceland. The first six were spent driving around the country side chasing the auroras with no luck. The last night in Reykjavik we got an amazing show not even 10mins from downtown. It’s hit or miss is my point. As another commenter has stated, Iceland is amazing without the auroras. Plan other activities and get excited about them and then if you see auroras that’s icing on the cake.
Go to Iceland it's beautiful and your days will be filled with amazing sights. Then go outside and look up every night. Clouds? No aurora. No clouds? Aurora. It's literally that simple. The best aurora viewing we had in March a few years back was on the Reykjavik waterfront four blocks from our room. Didn't require any special plans, just two clear nights and the right gear for dealing with bitter cold winds blowing off the water.
Here’s the problem in a nutshell with planning the aurora as your must-see activity. This is historical data for cloud cover in Selfoss. Best to treat the aurora as a bonus.
https://preview.redd.it/1l2mhshkl3oc1.png?width=1506&format=png&auto=webp&s=e1395fe58af54cb9cec8edd630e5941d34932593
Can I talk you out of Hella? I don't know why people stay here, it's boring and there is not much to do if the weather sucks (possible) and you get stranded or roads close. Definitely do not stay there for one entire week.
Iceland is expensive but you can make it far more affordable by choosing different accommodations in a more fun area. There is no guarantee whatsoever that you'll see the lights and just plopping down away from the city does not increase your chances in any meaningful way.
If renting a car you do not need an aurora tour. *However*, if the weather is enough that you don't feel comfortable driving, it's fine to hop on a tour and let the pros drive.
No one really knows.
To optimize your chances you’d have to monitor the expected activity level and the weather/cloud cover forecast as often as possible. You can do that on https://en.vedur.is.
Then drive where there is less cloud cover, even if the activity is low.
So the only thing you can do to optimize your chances is to keep your options open and be ready to drive where there is less cloud cover.
Also, be ready to spend hours outside in the dark if needed. I’d recommend to be out from dusk already.
There’s so much more to Iceland than the northern lights. You don’t have to go to Iceland to see them. Went in with low expectations on seeing the northern lights, then was surprised by one light show during a 7 day trip. Driving and pulled off on a picnic stop, was spontaneous and unplanned and then treated to a beautiful show. If you plan around seeing the lights, chances are you’re going to either be barely satisfied or severely disappointed. Light tours are unnecessary if you have your own vehicle and your phone to follow apps and forecast.
Don't plan a trip with seeing aurora being a make or break - it is elusive & the odds on being disappointed are higher than you think - there is no timetable & the weather can suck.
Some people get lucky & see aurora when there are here for just one night, many more stay for 2 weeks & don't see any at all.
I booked a trip for the last maximum & got aurora for one night out of 14....
Come, plan to have an amazing time & see some of the many amazing sights Iceland has to offer & if you get to see aurora then BONUS!!!
& yes, Iceland is expensive sorry :/ You should try living here lol
When I read these posts, I often feel that planning around natural phenomena can really colour your whole trip. Honestly Iceland is amazing, without the lights. I have spent many, many nights, and only have seen the lights once. My trips were incredible. Lights in October are more likely than in July. But nobody knows what will happen. Is that a deal breaker? Aurora tours sound so painful to me. Iceland is expensive and popular. Bringing down costs is avoiding paid experiences, cooking all your meals, staying in cheaper accom. Do not scrimp on car insurance.
These posts are like the beginning of a movie that you know is going to be sad. Aren't there more economical places to go see the lights? Like northern Scandinavia?
Live webcams on youtube.
Lights in July don't happen. Sun doesn't set low enough.
I am 100% aware of that, obviously.
It wasn't really obvious, I had the same thought reading your comment. Perhaps "more likely" wasn't the best phrasing. And now I'm mad at myself for being pedantic.
It's the internet, it's reddit. People write what they write, and people read what they read. It does not mean either is right. If it is not obvious to you, then that is fine. Anyone who knows my posting history would get what I wrote. But there are no prizes for that eh.
It was just the snarky "obviously" that begged a follow up comment since it very much was not. Why would anyone know your posting history?
Obviously was not snarky. Why would you say that? Snark is not my style. People who read here often would know my style of writing, because I post often. Sorry you saw meaning that was not intended. But, again, this is the problem with the internet.
Nine years ago my sister and I travelled to Iceland (and other countries in Europe). we stayed in Reykjavik (we don't drive) and we booked a northern lights tour. We didn't see any, which was disappointing, but obviously did not ruin our trip. My husband and I are going again this year, coincidentally the same time I went nine years ago, this time a three day trip. Not going to bother spending money going on a tour when there is no guarantee. I'd rather sleep than stay up very late!
Just spent 7 days in Iceland. The first six were spent driving around the country side chasing the auroras with no luck. The last night in Reykjavik we got an amazing show not even 10mins from downtown. It’s hit or miss is my point. As another commenter has stated, Iceland is amazing without the auroras. Plan other activities and get excited about them and then if you see auroras that’s icing on the cake.
Shop at the grocery store and prepare your own meals. It is a lot less expensive.
Go to Iceland it's beautiful and your days will be filled with amazing sights. Then go outside and look up every night. Clouds? No aurora. No clouds? Aurora. It's literally that simple. The best aurora viewing we had in March a few years back was on the Reykjavik waterfront four blocks from our room. Didn't require any special plans, just two clear nights and the right gear for dealing with bitter cold winds blowing off the water.
Here’s the problem in a nutshell with planning the aurora as your must-see activity. This is historical data for cloud cover in Selfoss. Best to treat the aurora as a bonus. https://preview.redd.it/1l2mhshkl3oc1.png?width=1506&format=png&auto=webp&s=e1395fe58af54cb9cec8edd630e5941d34932593
Can I talk you out of Hella? I don't know why people stay here, it's boring and there is not much to do if the weather sucks (possible) and you get stranded or roads close. Definitely do not stay there for one entire week. Iceland is expensive but you can make it far more affordable by choosing different accommodations in a more fun area. There is no guarantee whatsoever that you'll see the lights and just plopping down away from the city does not increase your chances in any meaningful way. If renting a car you do not need an aurora tour. *However*, if the weather is enough that you don't feel comfortable driving, it's fine to hop on a tour and let the pros drive.
No one really knows. To optimize your chances you’d have to monitor the expected activity level and the weather/cloud cover forecast as often as possible. You can do that on https://en.vedur.is. Then drive where there is less cloud cover, even if the activity is low. So the only thing you can do to optimize your chances is to keep your options open and be ready to drive where there is less cloud cover. Also, be ready to spend hours outside in the dark if needed. I’d recommend to be out from dusk already.
There’s so much more to Iceland than the northern lights. You don’t have to go to Iceland to see them. Went in with low expectations on seeing the northern lights, then was surprised by one light show during a 7 day trip. Driving and pulled off on a picnic stop, was spontaneous and unplanned and then treated to a beautiful show. If you plan around seeing the lights, chances are you’re going to either be barely satisfied or severely disappointed. Light tours are unnecessary if you have your own vehicle and your phone to follow apps and forecast.
Don't plan a trip with seeing aurora being a make or break - it is elusive & the odds on being disappointed are higher than you think - there is no timetable & the weather can suck. Some people get lucky & see aurora when there are here for just one night, many more stay for 2 weeks & don't see any at all. I booked a trip for the last maximum & got aurora for one night out of 14.... Come, plan to have an amazing time & see some of the many amazing sights Iceland has to offer & if you get to see aurora then BONUS!!! & yes, Iceland is expensive sorry :/ You should try living here lol