Iceland in March: Northern Lights, Weather, What to Do

In March 53% of nights reached Kp 3 (1996–2026), the most of any month, and Reykjavík averages 1.4°C with 11h45 of daylight on the 15th. The catch is late nights: full darkness doesn't start until after 22:00.

Key takeaways

Over 3 nights in the Reykjavík area, measured odds of a proper display are 58% (Keflavík: 47%), slightly optimistic because reports miss thin high cloud.
For an 80% chance of a proper display, plan 6 nights in Reykjavík, or 9 using the more conservative Keflavík figure.
From 15 March, Elding and Special Tours move their northern lights cruises from 21:00 to 22:00, and Elding's season ends on 15 April.
The natural ice caves under Vatnajökull run until April, but a warm, rainy spell can flood them, so keep a spare day.

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What's special about March

Around the spring equinox the Earth's magnetic field is best lined up to take in energy from the solar wind. NOAA calls the equinoxes the best seasons for aurora, and Iceland's record agrees: March beats December by 15 points.

It's also the first month where a winter trip feels roomy.

Daylight: with the sun up from about 07:43 to 19:29 mid-month, you can drive the south coast, stop at every waterfall and still be back before dark.
Ice caves: still open.
Whales: whale watching restarts in the north.

March in numbers

In short In mid-March Reykjavík gets 11h45 of daylight and 6h40 of full darkness, averages 1.4°C, and 53% of nights reach Kp 3.

6h40Full darkness15 Mar, Reykjavík

53%Nights reaching Kp 3

1.4°CAverage temperature

11h45Daylight

Reykjavík. Weather: 1996–2025 averages. Moon times in UTC (Iceland's local time).
What	Figure
Daylight (15 Mar)	07:43 – 19:29 · 11h45
Full darkness (15 Mar)	22:14 – 04:54 · 6h40
Nights reaching Kp 3	53%
Average temperature	1.4°C
Rain and snow	81.7 mm
Sky covered (average)	73%
Sunshine	114.9 hours
New moon	8 Mar 2027, 09:30
Full moon	22 Mar 2027, 10:45

Aurora odds in March

In short Measured over 2012–2026, 3 nights in the Reykjavík area give a 58% chance of a proper display and 35% of a strong show, with Keflavík lower.

Measured from Reykjavík and Keflavík airport weather reports, 2012–2026, matched to the Kp record: the chance of at least one good night if you stay in the Reykjavík area. A proper display is Kp 2 or more plus a clear hour; a strong show is Kp 3 or more plus a clear hour. Keflavík is the conservative figure. Both are slightly optimistic, because the reports miss thin high cloud (how we work it out):

58%Proper display in 3 nights, ReykjavíkKeflavík: 47%

35%Strong show in 3 nights, ReykjavíkKeflavík: 26%

6Nights in Reykjavík for an 80% chance of a proper displayKeflavík: 9

The first two weeks of March 2027 stand out

High activity, a new moon on 8 March (our calculation), and still enough darkness. If your dates are flexible, that's the window. The full moon on 22 March will brighten the second half of the month.

What to do in March

In short Take a later aurora cruise, visit the Vatnajökull ice caves while they still run, go whale watching from Húsavík, and drive the south coast in daylight.

Green aurora reflected in still water beneath a dark mountain ridge in Iceland

A late aurora cruise

Elding ISK 14,500 · 22:00 from 15 Mar

From 15 March, Elding and Special Tours move their northern lights boats from 21:00 to 22:00 to follow the later darkness. Elding's season ends on 15 April.

Check dates on GetYourGuide

The scalloped blue ice ceiling of a glacier ice cave in Iceland

Ice caves, last full month

ISK 19,990–34,900 · Until April

The natural caves under Vatnajökull run until April. A warm, rainy spell can flood them at any point in the season, so keep a spare day.

Whales in Húsavík again

From ISK 12,990 · From 1 Mar

North Sailing's Húsavík Original tour restarts on 1 March. In the west, Láki Tours say late winter and spring are orca season off Snæfellsnes.

Skógafoss waterfall pouring between snow-streaked cliffs, with visitors on the frozen ground below

The south coast in daylight

Skógafoss 60 m · Free

With nearly 12 hours of light, Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss and Vík fit in one relaxed day.

What's open, what's closed

Nearly everything that runs in winter is still running, and some summer things restart.

Blue Lagoon: open 08:00–20:00.
Seljalandsfoss's walk-behind path: usually still closed for falling ice; check on the day.
Reynisfjara: still in its big-swell season.

March weather is winter weather

SafeTravel says winter conditions can occur in spring as well as autumn, and storms still close mountain passes. Check umferdin.is and the forecast each morning.

What to pack

Full winter kit, the same as February, plus:

Sunglasses: low spring sun on snow is bright
Something warm to wear at midnight, because that's when you'll be outside

Iceland in March: common questions

Is March the best month to see the northern lights in Iceland?

By geomagnetic activity, yes: 53% of March nights reached Kp 3 over 1996–2026, the highest of any month, by our calculation from GFZ data. The nights are shorter, so expect to stay up late. Once cloud is counted it is among the best months but not clearly ahead: measured over 2012–2026, three nights in Reykjavík gave a 58% chance of a proper display, level with January, and a 35% chance of a strong show, against 39% in September.

What time does it get dark in Iceland in March?

On 15 March, full darkness in Reykjavík runs from about 22:14 to 04:54.

How cold is Iceland in March?

Reykjavík averages 1.4°C in March, with about 82 mm of rain and snow.

When is the new moon in March 2027?

By our calculation, 8 March 2027 at 09:30 UTC. The full moon is on 22 March.

Other months, and planning the trip

Sources (15)