Northern lights — what are the realistic chances of actually seeing them?
Advice
Considering the Winter in Iceland trip mainly for the northern lights. But I've heard enough stories of people going specifically for them and coming back disappointed that I want a realistic picture before booking.
What's the actual probability on a 7 day trip in January or February? Is there a night specifically dedicated to lights hunting or is it more opportunistic? And if cloud cover kills it the whole week, is the trip still worth doing without them?
Comment by millie_roams
Went in February. Saw the northern lights on night 3 and it was one of those moments that makes you go quiet.
Honest account: nights 1, 2 and 4 were cloudy and we saw nothing. The CEO drove us out of town both times but the clouds did not cooperate. If you need a guarantee you will not get one anywhere in Iceland, it is weather dependent full stop.
The trip is excellent even without the lights. The ice cave was my second highlight, you go deep into a glacier and the blue is otherworldly. Budget for that as an add-on if it is available.