Darkness Hours and Viewing Window in March
March in Iceland offers between 8 and 11 hours of darkness depending on which part of the month you visit. At the start of March, sunset occurs around 18:30 and sunrise around 07:30, giving you a solid viewing window. By the end of the month, the spring equinox on March 20 shifts the balance toward longer days, with sunset around 19:45 and sunrise around 06:30.
The practical viewing window runs from roughly 20:00 to 05:00 throughout March, though aurora activity can be visible shortly after sunset if conditions align. Most northern lights bus tours from Reykjavik depart between 20:00 and 21:00 to maximize dark hours while keeping to manageable evening schedules.
The diminishing darkness means March sits near the end of the optimal aurora season, but viewing conditions remain very much viable. Tours typically operate until mid-April, and March strikes a balance between adequate night hours and more favorable weather patterns than earlier winter months.
Weather Conditions and Aurora Chances
March weather in Iceland shows noticeable improvement compared to the deep winter months of January and February. Average temperatures in Reykjavik range from -2°C to 4°C, with coastal areas typically staying above freezing. Precipitation decreases slightly, and crucially, the frequency of clear nights increases as high-pressure systems become more common.
Cloud cover remains the primary challenge for aurora viewing throughout Iceland's season. March benefits from transitional weather patterns that can bring extended periods of clear skies, particularly when anticyclonic conditions settle over the island. The Icelandic Met Office aurora forecast remains essential for planning, as it combines cloud predictions with geomagnetic activity data.
Solar activity follows an 11-year cycle, and geomagnetic storms can occur any time during the aurora season. March sits comfortably within the late August to mid-April viewing window, and the KP index scale from 0 to 9 measures aurora strength. Even low KP values of 2-3 can produce visible displays in Iceland due to its high latitude position just south of the Arctic Circle.
Book Northern Lights Tours for March
More tours on GetYourGuideWhat to Wear and Pack
March temperatures require full winter clothing, though conditions feel noticeably milder than midwinter. You should pack thermal base layers, an insulated mid-layer, and a waterproof windproof outer shell. Temperatures can drop to -10°C inland and in elevated areas, while coastal regions around Reykjavik typically stay between -2°C and 4°C.
Waterproof insulated boots with good grip are essential, as ice and snow remain common throughout March. Bring a warm hat, insulated gloves, and a scarf or neck warmer. Wind chill significantly affects perceived temperature, particularly when standing still during aurora viewing sessions that can last one to three hours.
A head torch with a red light setting helps preserve night vision while moving around safely in the dark. Tour operators usually provide this information in their joining instructions, and some premium options include warm overalls or blankets. Layering gives you flexibility to adjust as activity levels change between driving and viewing stops.
Northern Lights Tours Available in March
All major tour types operate throughout March, including budget coach trips, super jeep northern lights tours that access remote locations, and northern lights boat tours from Reykjavik harbor. Most tours depart from central Reykjavik with hotel pickup services included in the price.
Standard coach tours accommodate 20-40 passengers and represent the most budget-friendly option, traveling to dark-sky locations within 30-60 minutes of the capital. Small group northern lights tours from Reykjavik limit numbers to 8-19 passengers and often venture farther afield based on real-time forecast data. Private northern lights tours offer maximum flexibility with dedicated guides and vehicles.
Combination itineraries remain popular in March, particularly Golden Circle and northern lights tours that visit Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir geothermal area during daylight before aurora hunting after dark. Northern lights photography tours in Iceland provide tripods, camera guidance and longer stops at each location for optimal shots.
Daylight Activities in March
March offers 10-13 hours of daylight, allowing full-day excursions before evening aurora tours. The Golden Circle tour route remains Iceland's most popular day trip, with Thingvellir National Park lying about 45 minutes from Reykjavik, Geysir about 90 minutes, and Gullfoss around 105 minutes from the capital.
South coast day tours visit black sand beaches at Reynisfjara, Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, with total driving time around two hours each way. Ice cave tours operate in March within Vatnajokull glacier, accessed from the south coast near Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon. These natural ice caves exist only in winter and typically close in April as melting begins.
Whale watching operates year-round from Reykjavik harbor, with minke whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbor porpoises present in Faxafloi Bay. The longer daylight hours in March compared to December or January make it easier to combine multiple activities in a single day before your evening aurora hunt.
March Events and Practical Considerations
March hosts several cultural events in Reykjavik, with Beer Day on March 1 celebrating the 1989 lifting of a 74-year prohibition on strong beer in Iceland. Many bars and breweries offer special releases and tastings. The month also sees Iceland's winter giving way to early spring, though snow remains common and roads can still require winter tires and caution.
Accommodation prices in March fall into the shoulder season category, lower than the peak winter months of December and January but higher than early September or late April. Booking tours a few days in advance generally suffices, though northern lights tours from Reykjavik on weekends may fill up during school holiday periods in Europe and North America.
Most tour operators offer free rebooking if clouds prevent viewing on your scheduled night, valid for the duration of your stay. This flexibility makes it sensible to book for your first or second night in Iceland, allowing alternative dates if needed. The northern lights forecast for Iceland updates multiple times daily and becomes increasingly reliable within the 24-48 hour window.
Frequently asked questions
Is March a good time to see the northern lights in Iceland?
March is a good time to see northern lights in Iceland, offering 8-11 hours of darkness throughout the month and typically clearer weather than earlier winter months. The viewing window remains strong until around March 20, after which decreasing darkness hours begin to reduce aurora opportunities. Tour operators run full schedules throughout March with all tour types available.
How cold is Iceland in March for northern lights viewing?
Iceland in March sees average temperatures from -2°C to 4°C in Reykjavik and coastal areas, with inland and elevated locations reaching -10°C. You need full winter clothing including thermal layers, waterproof outer shells, insulated boots, and warm accessories, though conditions feel milder than December or January. Wind chill significantly affects comfort during stationary viewing periods of one to three hours.
How many hours of darkness does Iceland have in March for aurora viewing?
Iceland has between 8 and 11 hours of darkness in March depending on the date, with early March offering more darkness than late March. Sunset occurs around 18:30 to 19:45 and sunrise around 06:30 to 07:30 across the month. The practical viewing window for northern lights tours runs from approximately 20:00 to 05:00, with most tours departing between 20:00 and 21:00.
What should I wear on a northern lights tour in Iceland in March?
You should wear thermal base layers, insulated mid-layers, and waterproof windproof outer shells on March northern lights tours in Iceland. Waterproof insulated boots with grip, warm hat, insulated gloves, and neck protection are essential, as you may stand outside for one to three hours in temperatures from -10°C to 4°C. Some premium tours provide additional thermal overalls or blankets.
Can you see northern lights in Reykjavik in March or do you need to take a tour?
You can occasionally see northern lights from Reykjavik in March during strong auroral displays, but tours significantly improve your chances by traveling to dark-sky locations away from city light pollution. Tours also benefit from expert guides who monitor forecasts and adjust routes based on real-time cloud cover and aurora activity. Most viewing locations lie 30-90 minutes from central Reykjavik.
What is the weather usually like in Iceland in March for seeing the aurora?
Weather in Iceland in March shows improvement compared to midwinter, with increasing frequency of clear nights and high-pressure systems. Average temperatures range from -2°C to 4°C in coastal areas, precipitation decreases slightly, and cloud cover remains the main challenge. Checking the Icelandic Met Office aurora and cloud forecast within 24-48 hours of your tour gives the most reliable prediction.
How late do northern lights tours run in Iceland and is March too late in the season?
Northern lights tours in Iceland typically run from late August until mid-April, making March well within the viable season. March offers adequate darkness hours until around the spring equinox on March 20, after which tours continue but with shorter viewing windows. The best time to see northern lights in Iceland spans September through March, with all months offering good opportunities when conditions align.
What daytime activities can I do in Iceland in March before an evening northern lights tour?
March daylight hours of 10-13 hours allow full-day activities including Golden Circle tours to Thingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss, south coast tours to waterfalls and black sand beaches, and ice cave tours within Vatnajokull glacier. Whale watching operates from Reykjavik harbor year-round, and many visitors combine day tours with evening aurora hunts. Ice caves typically close in April, making March one of the last months to access these natural formations.
