How to hunt the northern lights in Iceland in 2025 with a rental car

The aurora season is upon us in Iceland and once again, we want to give you the latest and best tips to catch the northern lights with your car rental in Iceland. We at Zero Car know that the magical lights are elusive, but rest assured, we have all the tips and tricks to help you be as successful as you can be. 

Step n°1 - You have booked your car rental in Iceland with Zero, congrats! You are already ahead of the pack, with a quality car and full peace of mind.

The following are our best  recommendations to make sure you succeed this 2025 or beyond!

TLDR

if you only have 2 minutes - this is the core basics on seeing northern lights in Iceland with your car:

• Best months: late August to mid-April, when nights are dark. You need clear skies and some auroral activity. Cloudy = no show. Simple as that.
• Best weeknights: any night with a clear or partly clear forecast and a chance of activity. Use the Icelandic Met Office cloud map and aurora activity scale, and track real-time space weather.
• Best places near Reykjavík: Grótta (10–15 min), Mosfellsheiði, Þingvellir (about 50 km / ~45 min), Reykjanes (Kleifarvatn ~30 km / ~40 min). They’re dark, easy to reach, and have places to pull off safely.
• Best car choice: in winter, pick a 4×4 with good tyres. Book early. Make sure insurance covers gravel, sand, and ash.
• Smart rental pick: Zero Car gives all-inclusive pricing with zero excess, unlimited mileage, 24/7 roadside assistance, no deposit, online check-in, and keybox pickup/drop-off 24/7 at KEF—with staff always at the KEF office if you need help. It keeps things stress-free on cold, late nights.
• Before you drive: check weather + clouds at Vedur, roads at Road.is, and safety rules at SafeTravel. If conditions look bad, don’t push it.

Why 2025 is a strong year to chase the lights

We’re in the solar maximum phase of Solar Cycle 25. The Sun is very active. That often means more frequent auroras, and sometimes brighter ones. NASA and NOAA declared solar maximum in October 2024; activity stays elevated into 2025. So your odds are good if the skies are clear.

One note. Solar activity helps, but it doesn’t guarantee a show on the exact night you want. Clouds still win. Patience still wins too.

The simple plan (do this every aurora night)

Follow this steps and while we can never guarantee to see the lights - this has been the plan

• Pick your window. Aim for a 5–7-night trip between September and March if you can. More nights = more chances to get a clear break. Visit Iceland’s guide is short and clear: you need dark, clear nights.
• Check three things at once at 18:00–19:00.
• Cloud cover map at the Icelandic Met Office (look for white = clear, green = cloud). Slide the time bar to tonight. Note the aurora activity scale (0–9) on the same page.
• Real-time space weather (solar wind speed and Bz) at AuroraForecast.is. You’re hoping for a southward Bz (negative) and steady solar wind. Don’t obsess over the day’s Kp alone; near Reykjavík, clouds matter more.
• Road conditions at Road.is. If roads are icy or closed, switch plans or stay in. Safety first.
• Pick a target with dark sky and an easy exit. Choose a spot 30–60 minutes from the city lights with a safe parking area. If clouds cover your first choice, move to your Plan B. Keep it flexible.
• Drive smart and slow. Night driving in Iceland is different: narrow lanes, sudden ice, and gravel stretches. Headlights are required by law at all times. Speed limits are 50 km/h urban, 80 km/h gravel, 90 km/h paved rural, unless signs say otherwise.
• Park safely. Use official car parks or lay-bys fully off the road. Don’t stop in the lane. Don’t block farm tracks. Keep your hazard lights for true hazards only. SafeTravel’s tips are clear and worth reading.
• Wait 20–40 minutes. Auroras pulse. They brighten. They fade. Give the sky time.

Where to go tonight: reliable, easy-reach spots

From Reykjavík (as your base), here are practical options. All times are approximate in good conditions. If the road map shows ice, wind, or closures, adapt or skip.

1) Grótta, Seltjarnarnes (city edge)

Why: It’s close, dark for a city edge, and gives you a fast “go now” option when clouds break.

Drive time: about 10–15 minutes from downtown by car when traffic is light. There’s a small car park.

Tip: If city light domes are strong, use Grótta as a quick check. If you see a faint arc, consider driving out to darker spots like Mosfellsheiði or Þingvellir for better contrast.

Learn more: Visit Reykjavík’s page has a good overview of the site.

2) Þingvellir National Park (Route 36)

Why: Consistently darker than Reykjavík. Several official car parks. Dramatic landscapes if the lights break.

Drive time: ~50 km / ~44–50 minutes from Reykjavík (Route 1 + 36).

Where to park: Use the marked car parks only. Never stop on blind curves or narrow shoulders.

Bonus: Combine with a daytime Golden Circle trip, then return after dinner if the cloud map turns favorable.

3) Mosfellsheiði / Þingvallavegur highlands edge

Why: Quick escape from city glow. Often clearer than the coast.

Drive time: 30–40 minutes to the plateau depending on the pull-out you choose.

Good for: A last-minute dash when Vedur shows a narrow gap overhead.

4) Reykjanes Peninsula (Kleifarvatn + coast)

Why: Wide, open horizons; easy to reach from Reykjavík and KEF.

Kleifarvatn: ~30 km / ~40 minutes from Reykjavík via Routes 41 and 42. Dark lakeshore, several gravel pull-offs.

Other coastal stops: Look near Krýsuvík, Gunnuhver, and Valahnúkamöl for big skies. Expect strong wind; keep doors controlled.

If you land late at KEF: You can be under dark skies within 20–30 minutes if conditions allow.

5) Hvalfjörður (Whale Fjord)

Why: Fjord walls block city glow. Easy to reach, with lay-bys and viewpoints.

Drive time: ~30 minutes from Reykjavík to the fjord area via Route 1 and the Hvalfjörður Tunnel. You can also drive the old coastal road around the fjord if conditions are good.

Tip: If Vedur shows clearer skies to the west, Hvalfjörður is a solid plan B.

6) Borgarnes area (West)

Why: Often drier and clearer when Reykjavík is socked in.

Drive time: about 75–80 km / ~59–70 minutes from Reykjavík (Route 1).

How to use it: If the cloud map shows a clear window north-west of the capital, this short hop can save your night. Grab fuel and hot drinks in town, then head a few minutes out to darker lay-bys

Clear skies beat Kp: how to read the forecasts without overthinking

What matters most tonight?

• Clouds. If you only check one thing, check cloud cover. The Icelandic Met Office page shows a time slider for the whole island plus a midnight aurora activity scale (0–9). White patches = clearer. Green = cloud. Move the slider hour by hour to see if a gap opens when you can be on site.
• Space weather (right now). AuroraForecast.is tracks solar wind and IMF Bz. A southward Bz (negative) lets energy couple with Earth’s field, which helps lights flare. You don’t need to be a physicist. Just glance at the live Bz and wind. If Bz dips negative and the cloud map looks good, get moving.
• Local darkness. Visit Iceland keeps it simple: you need dark skies and clear or partly clear conditions. That’s the rule. Everything else is a bonus.

How to do the 5-minute check at dinner:

• Open Vedur → look for white holes in the green. Pick two target areas in different directions from your base.
• Open AuroraForecast.is → peek at Bz and solar wind speed. If Bz is trending negative and wind is moderate, that’s your green light.
• Open Road.is → confirm roads are open and conditions are fine for your car. If not, change target or skip.

Drive safe at night: rules that actually matter

• Headlights on. Always. Icelandic law requires driving lights at all times, day and night. Don’t rely on auto settings. Switch them on before you roll.
• Know the limits. Standard limits are 50 km/h in towns, 80 km/h on gravel, 90 km/h on paved rural roads, unless signs say otherwise. Slow down for ice, wind, and blind crests.
• No off-road driving. Ever. It is illegal and damages fragile ground. Fines are heavy. Stick to marked roads and car parks.
• Check roads before you go. Road.is updates conditions and closures frequently, especially in winter. If a road is closed, it’s closed. Don’t attempt it.
• Use common sense when parked. Pull well off the carriageway. Kill main beams. Keep tail lights on if needed for visibility, but don’t blind others. SafeTravel’s basic guidance is a good refresher.

Choosing the right car (and why Zero Car makes this easy)

Pick for the season:

• September–October / March–April: a 2WD can be fine if you stick to main roads and forecasts are calm.
• November–February: choose a 4×4. You want better clearance, winter tyres, and traction when the wind whips or a drift forms on the shoulder.
• Insurance that actually covers Iceland:
• Gravel and ash can happen even on paved roads. Sand storms can happen on the South Coast. Pick cover that includes gravel, sand, and ash, not just the basics.

Why Zero Car is a good fit for aurora trips:

• All-inclusive, zero excess cover that includes gravel, sand, ash, plus roadside assistance with no deductible. When you’re parked at midnight on a fjord shoulder and something small goes wrong, this matters.
• Transparent booking with no deposit and 48-hour minimum. Easy to plan and easy to adjust.
• Self-service check-in and keybox pickup/drop-off 24/7 at KEF and Reykjavík. And yes—there’s always staff at KEF if you need help with the keyboxes.
• Unlimited mileage and a wide fleet (4×4s, EVs, hybrids) so you can chase the clear patch rather than stare at clouds.

Want to plan ahead the smart way? These guides help:

• Why planning ahead is the secret to a stress-free Iceland car rental (Zero Car) — https://www.zerocar.is/blog/driving-in-iceland/why-planning-ahead-is-the-secret-to-a-stress-free-iceland-car-rental
• Iceland car rental guide: best cars for every traveler and trip with Zero Car — https://www.zerocar.is/blog/practical-info/iceland-car-rental-guide-best-cars-for-every-traveler-and-trip-with-zero-car
• Why renting a car in Iceland with Zero is the best decision — https://www.zerocar.is/blog/practical-info/why-renting-a-car-in-iceland-with-zero-is-the-best-decision

Three flexible night plans (built for real weather)

Plan A: Reykjavík base, three night window

Night 1 — Close and simple (Grótta → Mosfellsheiði):

Start with Grótta at dusk to test the sky. If you see stars and a faint arc, continue 30–40 minutes to a darker pull-out on Mosfellsheiði (Route 36/435). Use marked lay-bys.

Night 2 — Þingvellir focus:

Drive ~44–50 minutes to Þingvellir. Park in official lots. Walk a little to frame the skyline. If clouds roll in from the west, drift east towards Laugarvatn and re-check Vedur on the hour.

Night 3 — Reykjanes gap:

If the cloud map shows a coastal gap, head to Kleifarvatn (about 40 minutes). Keep the shoreline and road edges in view. If wind picks up, relocate to a more sheltered pull-off.

Plan B: KEF arrival, “carry-on aurora” night

Land at KEF in the evening. If Vedur shows a clear pocket near the peninsula and AuroraForecast.is is lively, you can be at Kleifarvatn or the Reykjanes cliffs within 30 minutes. If it’s socked in, don’t force it. Sleep, try again tomorrow.

Plan C: West weather hedge (Borgarnes)

If Reykjavík is cloudy but Vedur shows white over the Borgarnes area, go west. The ~59–70 minute run is easy on Route 1 in normal conditions. From town, drive 5–10 minutes out to darker pull-offs, always fully off the road.

“How far should I drive?” (honest ranges that work)

Keep your one-way drives to 30–75 minutes at night. That gives you time to wait under a clear gap instead of spending all night moving.

• Reykjavík → Grótta: about 10–15 min in light traffic.
• Reykjavík → Þingvellir: about 50 km / ~44–50 min.
• Reykjavík → Kleifarvatn: about 30 km / ~40 min via 41/42.
• Reykjavík → Hvalfjörður (tunnel area): ~30–35 min in normal conditions.
• Reykjavík → Borgarnes: about 75–80 km / ~59–70 min.

These are estimates in good weather. Ice, wind, and darkness can add time. If Road.is looks rough, shorten your plan or stay put.

Respect the basics: safety and rules you’ll actually use

• Lights on, belts on, phone down. Iceland enforces this. Focus on the road.
• Mind your speed. Again: 50 / 80 / 90 km/h as a default, then adjust to conditions. Don’t let a clear highway fool you if it’s icy.
• No off-road driving. Even if you spot a tempting dark track. It’s illegal and harms fragile ground. Highland F-roads open seasonally and need 4×4; most are not a night aurora plan.
• Don’t block traffic to take photos. Use car parks, lay-bys, and farm turnouts only if clearly public. SafeTravel’s “top tips” are worth a two-minute read before you go.

Photography: Here are some settings that just work

You don’t need pro gear. A mid-range phone or a basic mirrorless is fine.

• Tripod: yes, even a small one helps.
• Phone: use “night” or “long exposure” mode. Try 3–10 seconds. Hold steady or use a tiny tripod.
• Camera:
• Lens: as fast as you have (f/2.8 or wider is great).
• ISO: start at 1600–3200.
• Shutter: start at 4–10 seconds if the aurora is bright and moving, 10–20 seconds if faint.
• Focus: manual focus to infinity (or use stars with magnified live view).
• White balance: auto is fine; you can tweak later.
• Composition: get a foreground—rocks, a snow fence, a coastline curve.
• Etiquette: don’t blast others with headlamps or car beams. Park smart, lights off when safe.

If you want more driving-and-photo ideas, see Photographer’s guide: best scenic drives for capturing Iceland’s beauty 

Sample 5-day aurora-first itinerary (self-drive)

Day 1 — Arrive KEF → Reykjavík

Zero Car pickup: online check-in, keybox pickup, or at the desk. If you use the keybox and have questions, staff are at KEF to help.

Night call: If Vedur shows a clear slot on Reykjanes, try Kleifarvatn for a short shake-out run. If cloudy, sleep.

Day 2 — Golden Circle by day → Þingvellir by night

Do your Golden Circle tour in daylight (Geysir, Gullfoss, Kerið).

Prep: Watch Vedur’s time slider for a midnight gap over Þingvellir. If it holds, go after dinner. Park only in official lots.

Day 3 — South Coast taster → early night call

Day trip to Seljalandsfoss/Skógafoss if roads are fine.

If wind ramps up at night, keep it local: Mosfellsheiði or Hvalfjörður. Don’t force a long drive on ice.

Day 4 — West hedge: Borgarnes window

If cloud breaks north-west, go to Borgarnes after dinner. ~59–70 minutes each way. Watch fuel and wind.

Day 5 — Spare day

Use it to chase the best weather—or rest. Remember: even with solar maximum, some nights are blank. This is normal.

External tools you should bookmark

Visit Iceland: Northern Lights overview — what they are, when to look, and simple tips. 

AuroraForecast.is: real-time space weather, practical blog tips, and Iceland-focused forecasts. 

Icelandic Met Office (Vedur): cloud cover + aurora activity scale with a time slider. 

And keep these two on your home screen:

Road.is for road conditions and closures.

SafeTravel for quick, practical driving tips.

Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)

• Chasing Kp instead of clear sky. Kp is global. Your weather is local. Always start with clouds. (THIS IS KEY)
• Leaving too late. If it’s clear at 21:00, go then. Auroras can pop before midnight.
• Parking badly. Pull fully off the lane. Keep the car visible but not blinding. Use official lots where possible.
• Under-estimating wind. Reykjanes and the South Coast can slam doors and knock tripods. Park so the wind isn’t hitting broadside.
• Skipping the car check. Tyres, fuel, scraper, headlamp, thermos. Five minutes that saves your night.
• Ignoring the law on lights and speed. Iceland enforces both, and for good reason.

Budget tips that don’t ruin your night

• Base in Reykjavík and do short night runs. You save on one-night stays and avoid long icy drives.
• Bring your own tripod (even a small one) and battery pack.
• Cook a simple early dinner and head out by 20:30–21:00 when skies are promising.
• Book the right car once. Don’t chase a cheap rate that lacks real coverage. It can cost more later. See Why renting a car in Iceland with Zero is the best decision: https://www.zerocar.is/blog/practical-info/why-renting-a-car-in-iceland-with-zero-is-the-best-decision

Where to sleep (base towns that make aurora nights easier)

Reykjavík: best for short strikes to Grótta, Mosfellsheiði, Þingvellir, Reykjanes, and Hvalfjörður.

Selfoss / Hveragerði: good if you plan more Golden Circle nights. Easy to jump east or west based on cloud gaps.

Borgarnes: great west hedge if Reykjavík is cloudy. Still an easy run back next morning. (About ~59–70 minutes from Reykjavík in normal conditions.)

Hella / Hvolsvöllur: useful if you’re mixing South Coast days with aurora nights. Keep drives short; don’t aim for long returns on ice.

Book early in peak aurora months. If you want help picking a car for these bases, read Iceland car rental guide: best cars for every traveler and trip with Zero Car:

A note on F-roads (so you don’t end up stuck)

F-roads lead into the Highlands. They are seasonal, rough, and not a night-time aurora plan. You need a 4×4, daylight, and experience—and you still check Road.is. Mountain roads open and close based on conditions; Vegagerðin publishes updates each season. For aurora hunting, stay on main roads and safe, known car parks.

If you only remember five things

1. Clouds first (Vedur). Activity second (AuroraForecast). Roads always (Road.is).
2. Headlights on, seatbelts on, slow down.
3. No off-road driving. It’s illegal. It damages the land.
4. Keep nights short. 30–75 minutes out is enough. Spend time under clear gaps, not driving.
5. Pick a rental that removes stress. Zero Car’s all-inclusive cover, 24/7 roadside assistance, no deposit, and always-staffed KEF office mean fewer worries when plans change at midnight in winter

If you want a ready-made route built for self-drivers, start here: Best northern lights self-drive tour in Iceland 

FAQs

1) What time of night is best?
There’s no magic time. Many displays happen between 21:00 and 01:00, but you can see them earlier or later. Your best bet is any clear hour after full darkness. Use the Vedur slider to spot tonight’s clear patch.

2) Do I need a 4×4 to see the aurora?
Not always. On good roads in September–October or March–April, a 2WD is fine. But in winter, a 4×4 gives you grip and clearance when it’s icy or windy. Always adjust to conditions and obey closures.

3) Is Kp 2 enough near Reykjavík?
Yes, if the sky is clear and you have local darkness. Kp is global; clouds are local. Check Vedur and AuroraForecast together.

4) Can I stop anywhere to take photos?
No. Never stop on the road. Use proper car parks and lay-bys, pull fully off the lane, and keep lights controlled. Read the SafeTravel basics before your first night.

5) What speed can I drive at night outside towns?
The default rural limit on paved roads is 90 km/h, 80 km/h on gravel, 50 km/h in urban areas—but that’s a ceiling, not a target. Slow down for ice, wind, and visibility. Keep headlights on.

One last nudge

The northern lights reward preparation and patience. Pick a few nights. Watch the cloud map. Keep your drives short. Bring a warm drink. And choose a rental setup that doesn’t make you worry at midnight.

If you want to lock in the car side now, these guides help:

• Why planning ahead is the secret to a stress-free Iceland car rental
• Iceland car rental guide: best cars for every traveler and trip with Zero Car
• Why renting a car in Iceland with Zero is the best decision
• Photographer’s guide: best scenic drives for capturing Iceland’s beauty
• Best northern lights self-drive tour in Iceland

That’s it. Keep it simple. Watch the sky. Drive smart. And when the green curtain lifts, enjoy it. You earned it.