Possibly the number one question we're asked when it comes to planning a trip to Iceland. Why not? They look incredible and the fact that you're not guaranteed to see them makes it all the more exciting to go out on the hunt, at least I think so!
There are a few criteria required for viewing:
1. Right time of year.
They seem to be less common during the summer months in the Northern Hemisphere, this might have to do with angle of the planet against the sun and those forces interacting with our atmosphere. Iceland is pretty far north and might be subject to some further extreme of this effect.
2. Right time of year for darkness.
It needs to be dark to view them, for Iceland that's during the months preceding and following winter solstice (21st of December) - the shortest day of the year for most of us on this top half of the planet.
You'll have the best chance of dark skies starting about the end of August and right through to maybe early April. Bearing in mind that the night gets longer from September through December and then shorter again from the end of December through to April during this period. You might expect a longer night to offer more opportunities!
3. Clear skies.
The phenomena occurs in the earth's atmosphere, if there are clouds or overcast skies you will not be able to view anything. This can make it exceedingly difficult to plan your adventure far in advance as weather forecasting can't be relied upon further than a few days in advance. Most excursions are confirmed in the last 48-72 hours.
4. Low levels of light pollution.
The further from city life you can get, the better. Street lights, billboards, traffic, etc., all add to the din of surface light which will reduce or obscure the light show which could very much be occurring above your head.
In summary, autumn might be the most comfortable time in balancing the weather, surface temperatures, and conditions of darkness to view the aurora borealis.
Oh good point about the packets and flying. I have come across other re-usable ones that you can boil to "reset" or alternatively, pull a Holly and carry a hot water bottle.
We didn't bring any cameras other than our phones, and no were not able to capture on those. The tour guide gave great instructions on how to capture on a standard DSLR camera, as well as capturing her own photos that she provided free to others on the tour Facebook page later. I was able to get our memories this way.
Thank you for the great suggestion! We booked a tour like you recommended and I am SO grateful we did. We were in Iceland in late January, and planned a combo tour where we went for an ATV ride (which was so fun!) and then hopped on a big comfy coach bus to head out to one of the national parks for a view of the lights. The bus stopped in a large field with zero light pollution to disrupt the view. I would highly recommend layering, layering, layering. And when you think you have enough layers, add some more. If I were to do this again, I would even pack some pocket warmers for my boots and hands - The lights don't just turn on once you arrive. You have to wait. We waited in the field, from about 8pm to about 1130pm before the first glimmers started to show up. This wouldn't be too bad except, January weather (even a gloriously clear night with no wind) was COLD when you stand still for so long.
After all is said and done though, we had a fantastic view of some beautiful green fox tails blazing across the sky! This really isn't something you see every day, and definitely worth the time and cold.
What would you recommend for optimal Northern Light viewings: renting a car and getting out of the city on our own adventure OR taking a tour?
I might go one step further to recommend staying at a spot outside the city, even if only for a night or two. There are actually two spa hotel properties on the site of the Blue Lagoon and part of the same complex, somewhat recent additions to the overall spa's success.
The Retreat and the Silica Hotel
Anytime I've asked the concierge team or their bookings department about client needs for viewing the Northern Lights they've been very helpful in arranging a private expedition. They also always note that during the autumn and winter months it is possible to see them right from the hotel grounds and even some rooms, owing to the distance away from any larger towns and cities.
It's incredibly near to Reykjavik, I typically recommend clients start or end their trip here anyhow.