Four layers for a northern lights night outside Reykjavík
An aurora tour from Reykjavík means hours outside in the dark, much of it standing still. The cold is rarely extreme; wind and wet snow are what make it feel worse. This guide covers layers and boots, plus the small items that keep you outside long enough to see the sky change.
Why a night outside feels colder than it is
An aurora tour is mostly waiting. You stand beside a minibus for long stretches at each stop, and standing still lets the cold creep in much faster than walking does.
The coast around Reykjavík often sits near 0 °C (32 °F) in winter, which sounds mild. Inland the air is colder and the wind cuts through thin fabric. Rain or wet snow can arrive with little warning.
The cold builds over the evening. Most people feel fine at the first stop and start shivering by the third, so dress for the end of the night rather than the start.
Four layers from skin to shell
Dress in layers you can open or close, since the minibus is warm and the field is not. Four layers cover most nights, from a mild wet evening on the coast to a still, frosty one inland.
- A base layer in merino wool or a synthetic fabric, never cotton
- A fleece or a thick wool sweater over it
- An insulated jacket, down or synthetic, long enough to cover your hips
- A windproof, waterproof shell on top, or one jacket that does both jobs
Cotton holds sweat and stays damp, which chills you later. Wool keeps some warmth even when it gets wet, and that matters in a climate where drizzle and snow can alternate in one evening.
Your legs need the same care. Thermal leggings under ski trousers or waterproof over-trousers keep the wind off, and nobody minds how you look in the dark.
Boots and grip on icy ground
Feet go first on a cold night. Wear insulated, waterproof boots with a thick sole, and pull on wool socks that leave a little room for your toes to move.
Parking areas and paths outside the city are often icy. Microspikes, small chains that slip over your boots, give grip on glazed ground and fold into a jacket pocket.
Arctic Adventures' tour also walks through a lava tube, where the floor is uneven. Its listing asks for comfortable shoes and warm clothing, and it provides crampons in winter for the cave.
Warm hands and head, plus a spare battery
Bring two pairs of gloves. Thin liners let you press camera buttons. Thick mittens or ski gloves go over them during the wait, and photographers swap between the two all night.
A hat that covers your ears matters more than any other single item. Add a scarf or a neck gaiter you can pull over your nose when the wind picks up.
Cold kills batteries, including the one in your phone. Keep a spare or a power bank in an inner pocket close to your body, and our photo tips explain how to swap it quickly at a stop.
What the tours hand out
None of the three listings mentions thermal suits, so plan to bring your own warm clothes. What the operators do supply is aimed at comfort during the wait.
Nordur Travel, from ~$167, gives every guest 2 hand warmers to go with the hot chocolate and Icelandic pastries. The warmers are small packets that heat up once opened, and they fit inside a glove or a boot.
Aurora Viking, from ~$165, serves hot chocolate with gingerbread or biscuits. Its Viking outfits are for photos, not for warmth, so wear your own layers underneath.
Arctic Adventures, from ~$200, brings blankets plus hot cocoa and chocolate for the aurora half. For the cave it lends a helmet and a head torch, with crampons added in winter.
Hand warmers in the bag and a 4x4 for dark roads
Nordur Travel's modified 4x4 minibus takes up to 19 guests away from city light, and each guest gets two hand warmers with the cocoa. Viator rates it 4.8 from 580+ reviews, though some GetYourGuide reviewers mention unclear pickup timing.
What to pack in a small bag
- A spare battery or a power bank
- A red or dim headlamp
- A bottle of water
- Snacks, since Nordur's listing excludes meals and the night runs late
- A dry pair of wool socks
- Your booking confirmation on your phone
Keep the bag small. You will carry it in and out of the minibus several times in the dark, and a backpack with one big pocket is easier than a tote.
If you arrive without winter gear
Plenty of visitors land in Reykjavík with a city coat and trainers. The city has outdoor shops that sell everything on this page, so sort it out on your first day rather than an hour before pickup.
Wool is a local specialty, and a thick Icelandic sweater makes a warm mid layer. It also doubles as a souvenir that you will wear again at home.
Plan the night around the cold
The tours run about four hours and end late, so you feel the chill most toward the end. Eat a proper dinner before pickup because the drive and the waiting burn more energy than you expect.
A cloudy night can mean more time in the minibus and less outside, while a clear night keeps you out for long stretches. Our retry guide explains what happens if nothing shows, and the season guide compares autumn with deep winter.
Children lose heat faster than adults, and they get bored while waiting. Our family guide covers age limits and ways to keep them warm and patient on a late night.