Northern lights in Golden Circle tonight
South-West Iceland · Kp 2 from Þingvellir · 65° magnetic latitude
Kp 1 is below the threshold for Golden Circle. Activity would need to rise to Kp 2 before aurora could reach this latitude.
7-day outlook for Golden Circle
Tonight shows the live Kp reading. The nights after it show the Kp expected from any coronal mass ejection DONKI predicts will arrive that day, and a quiet baseline of Kp 2 where no arrival is forecast.
Based on CME arrival predictions from NASA DONKI. Arrival times ±6 hours.
auroratonight.space
What Kp is needed here?
Golden Circle's threshold comes from Þingvellir, at a magnetic latitude of approximately 65°N. The Kp index - a global measure of geomagnetic activity on a scale from 0 (quiet) to 9 (extreme storm), updated every 3 hours - needs to reach Kp 2 before the auroral oval expands far enough south to be visible from Þingvellir.
At Kp 2, visibility is possible from Golden Circle but skies need to be clear and dark. Cloud cover and light pollution remain the main obstacles even when Kp is high enough.
Best dark sky sites near Golden Circle
Light pollution is the biggest obstacle after cloud cover. These sites give you the best dark northern horizon within reach.
Geysir geothermal area
Get directions ↗The steam vents and erupting geysers of the Geysir area give a unique aurora foreground. At night the area is dark and the silhouette of steam plumes against a northern lights sky is atmospheric. About 2 km from the main road with a car park.
Gullfoss waterfall viewpoint
Get directions ↗One of Iceland's most powerful waterfalls. The upper viewpoint gives an open north-facing position. At night, the roar of the falls and the dark gorge lit by aurora is dramatic. Car park accessible year-round.
Best time to see the northern lights in Golden Circle
Its threshold set by Þingvellir at about 65°N magnetic latitude, Golden Circle has one of the longest aurora seasons in the world. Meaningful darkness returns in late August and displays are possible on almost any clear night from September through March. Only the endless daylight of May, June, and July rules out viewing completely.
Activity peaks around the September and March equinoxes, when Earth's magnetic field geometry is most favourable for coupling with the solar wind. Events during these two windows tend to produce the strongest displays of the year for observers at Golden Circle's latitude.
May through July is effectively impossible for aurora viewing: the midnight sun keeps the sky bright around the clock at this latitude. No storm level, not even G5, can produce a visible display without astronomical darkness.
Up to 8 locations
How often does the aurora appear in Golden Circle?
Average nights per month the Kp reached Golden Circle's threshold of 2+, from 15 years of geomagnetic data (2010–2024).
Counts the Kp 2+ threshold only - cloud cover and local darkness are not included.
Kp data: GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, CC BY 4.0
Plan your trip to Golden Circle
Best window
The January to March window averages 72 aurora nights - the strongest consecutive stretch of the year.
How long to stay
For your best chance in March, plan at least 1 night.
Related pages
Northern Lights Iceland
Iceland-wide aurora forecast hub.
Read →Northern Lights at Þingvellir Tonight
The closest, darkest Golden Circle stop - UNESCO rift valley and lake.
Read →Northern Lights Reykjavik Tonight
Reykjavik - 45 minutes from Þingvellir.
Read →Northern Lights Jökulsárlón Tonight
Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon - Iceland's south-east coast.
Read →Northern Lights Photography
Camera settings for Þingvellir and Geysir aurora photography.
Read →What Is the Kp Index?
What Kp 2 means for viewing at 65°N magnetic latitude.
Read →Planning your aurora trip
In-depth guides to help you plan a trip to see the northern lights.
Travel GuideIcelandNorway vs Iceland - Which is Better for Northern Lights?
Real probability by trip length, plus latitude, weather patterns, landscapes, cost, and accessibility compared head to head.
Travel GuideIcelandNorthern Lights Iceland - Complete Travel Guide
Best locations, when to go, Kp thresholds, and what to expect across the island.
ComparisonIcelandAurora Tonight vs Vedur.is - Iceland Aurora Forecast
Vedur.is is Iceland's official met office. How it compares to Aurora Tonight for Iceland-specific aurora planning.
