Aurora Borealis Forecast for Reykjavik, Iceland
Published: Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 10:30 AM
Good Viewing Conditions
Geomagnetic activity is elevated and clear skies are forecast. Chances are good!
Geomagnetic Activity
4.7 Kp
Unsettled (G1)
Best Viewing Window
17:00 – 23:00
The skies are expected to be clearest between 17:00 and 23:00, with cloud cover dropping to as low as 0%.
Astronomical Conditions
- Sunset: 16:49
- Sunrise: 10:31
- Moon Phase: waxing crescent
- Moonrise: 10:52
Visual Aurora Forecast
The image below from the NOAA Ovation model shows the predicted intensity and location of the auroral oval. The brighter the green, the higher your chances of seeing the aurora overhead in that location.
Detailed Hourly Local Weather
Cloud cover is the most critical factor for viewing the aurora. The table below shows the hourly forecast for Reykjavik, Iceland. Prime viewing hours after sunset are highlighted.
| Time | ☁️ Cloud Cover | 🌡️ Temp (°C) | 💨 Wind (km/h) | 👁️ Visibility (m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 00:00 | 0% (Low: 0%) | 3.4°C | 16.2 km/h | 32180 m |
| 01:00 | 0% (Low: 0%) | 3.4°C | 20.2 km/h | 31780 m |
| 02:00 | 0% (Low: 0%) | 3.3°C | 24.1 km/h | 31780 m |
| 03:00 | 0% (Low: 0%) | 3.2°C | 28.8 km/h | 31460 m |
| 04:00 | 0% (Low: 0%) | 3.1°C | 29.2 km/h | 31400 m |
| 05:00 | 0% (Low: 0%) | 2.7°C | 25.6 km/h | 50000 m |
| 06:00 | 0% (Low: 0%) | 2.7°C | 28.4 km/h | 50000 m |
| 07:00 | 0% (Low: 0%) | 2.8°C | 34.2 km/h | 50000 m |
| 08:00 | 0% (Low: 0%) | 2.8°C | 36.7 km/h | 50000 m |
| 09:00 | 0% (Low: 0%) | 3.3°C | 44.3 km/h | 43220 m |
| 10:00 | 0% (Low: 0%) | 3.2°C | 43.2 km/h | 44280 m |
| 11:00 | 0% (Low: 0%) | 3.2°C | 40.3 km/h | 50000 m |
| 12:00 | 2% (Low: 1%) | 3.1°C | 38.2 km/h | 44860 m |
| 13:00 | 0% (Low: 0%) | 3.1°C | 33.8 km/h | 43700 m |
| 14:00 | 0% (Low: 0%) | 3.5°C | 35.6 km/h | 42900 m |
| 15:00 | 0% (Low: 0%) | 4°C | 34.9 km/h | 44640 m |
| 16:00 | 100% (Low: 8%) | 4°C | 32 km/h | 47940 m |
| 17:00 | 24% (Low: 8%) | 4.2°C | 28.1 km/h | 46780 m |
| 18:00 | 1% (Low: 1%) | 4.5°C | 33.1 km/h | 45600 m |
| 19:00 | 7% (Low: 6%) | 4.5°C | 34.9 km/h | 42000 m |
| 20:00 | 0% (Low: 0%) | 4.5°C | 36.4 km/h | 42700 m |
| 21:00 | 11% (Low: 0%) | 4.5°C | 32 km/h | 39280 m |
| 22:00 | 81% (Low: 0%) | 4.6°C | 38.2 km/h | 41000 m |
| 23:00 | 49% (Low: 0%) | 4.9°C | 41.8 km/h | 39320 m |
Detailed Space Weather Data
The Bz is not currently negative, which may result in less intense displays.
The Kp-index indicates the level of geomagnetic activity. A value of 4 or higher is a good sign for visible auroras in Iceland. Below is the 3-hour forecast for the next 24 hours.
| Time (UTC) | Kp-Index | Geomagnetic Storm Scale |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00 | 3.67 | G0 |
| 12:00 | 4.67 | G1 |
| 15:00 | 3.67 | G0 |
| 18:00 | 2.67 | G0 |
| 21:00 | 2.67 | G0 |
| 00:00 | 2.33 | G0 |
| 03:00 | 2.67 | G0 |
| 06:00 | 2.33 | G0 |
Essential Aurora Viewing Guide
What is the Kp-Index?
The Kp-index is a global scale from 0 to 9 that quantifies disturbances in Earth’s magnetic field. While not a direct measure of the aurora, it’s the most common indicator for its potential visibility. For Iceland, a Kp of 3 might be visible on the northern horizon, a Kp of 4 or 5 can be bright overhead, and a Kp of 6 or higher can lead to a spectacular, fast-moving “corona” aurora that fills the entire sky.
What is Solar Wind and Bz?
The sun constantly emits a stream of charged particles called the solar wind. The aurora is caused when this wind interacts with our planet’s magnetic field. The most important component is the Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF) and its north-south orientation, known as “Bz”. When the Bz is strongly negative (pointing south), it effectively opens a door in Earth’s magnetic shield, allowing more solar wind particles to pour in and create intense, vibrant auroras. A positive or neutral Bz makes it much harder for the particles to enter, resulting in weaker displays.
Tips for a Successful Hunt
- Get Away From City Lights: Light pollution is the enemy. Drive at least 20-30 minutes away from Reykjavik for the best experience.
- Dress Warmly: Wear multiple layers, insulated boots, gloves, and a hat. You will be standing outside in the cold for long periods.
- Be Patient: The aurora can appear and disappear quickly. Plan to be out for at least a few hours during the “Best Viewing Window” mentioned above.
- Check This Page Often: Conditions can change rapidly. This forecast is updated automatically with the latest data.