When to see the Northern Lights, Greenland and Iceland

Northern Lights in Greenland and Iceland: When to see them

The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are a stunning natural phenomenon best viewed in high-latitude regions near the Arctic Circle, like Greenland and Iceland. They occur when charged solar particles collide with Earth's magnetic field, producing colorful lights that dance across the night sky.

The best time to see the Northern Lights in Greenland is from September to April, when nights are long and skies are clear. The darkness of the polar night (from November to January) is ideal for catching bright auroras.

Both Greenland and Iceland offer unique vantage points to experience the Northern Lights, with Iceland being more accessible due to its developed tourism infrastructure. Greenland offers a more remote and raw experience, often with fewer tourists and more untouched wilderness.

We were able to view the Northern Lights on a clear night while traveling on a cruise ship from Iceland to Greenland in the Arctic Ocean near the Arctic Circle. The best place to view the Northern Lights on the ship is on the top deck at the rear of the ship.  When we observed the Northern Lights on 8/26/2024, the sun was setting and a full moon was rising in the darkened sky.  Solar activity was also low so the Northern Lights were difficult to see.

Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) in the Arctic Ocean between Greenland and Iceland

Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) in the Arctic Ocean between Greenland and Iceland

Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) in the Arctic Ocean between Greenland and Iceland

Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) in the Arctic Ocean between Greenland and Iceland