Planning an Iceland trip and don't know where to start?
Six questions, in the order they matter: when, how long, who with, budget, car or tours, where to sleep. We point you to the answer for each one.
Sunrise and Sunset Times in Iceland Today
Today's Light
What to do with the daylight you have, not just when it starts and ends.
Why this matters: Iceland sits just below the Arctic Circle, so daylight swings hard with the season. In deep winter (December, January) you may only get 4 to 5 hours of usable light, sometimes with a long, slow twilight rather than a bright day. In midsummer it barely gets dark at all. Knowing your real window helps you plan sightseeing, driving, and photos around the light you actually have, instead of being caught out by an early dark.
The midnight sun plays tricks on your sense of time. A visitor once woke in a panic, certain they had slept through their flight, because it was bright outside. It was the middle of the night. And in peak summer, plenty of us locals go to bed far too late: your brain keeps insisting it is still daytime because the light never really leaves. If the sky is not telling you the time, this page will.
06:10
20:47
14h 37m
06:10 to 07:10
19:47 to 20:47
For comparison: in March, this same spot gets 10h 8m of daylight.
Today's advice: Shoulder season light. Days are changing fast, so check back tomorrow.
Civil twilight: 05:17 to 21:41. Usable light extends beyond sunrise and sunset times.
You do not have to go anywhere. Sometimes the best view is right where you are standing. Step outside your hotel, look up from your coffee, glance out the car window. The Icelandic sky puts on a show everywhere, not just at the famous spots. These are simply the best seats in the house.
Where to catch sunrise
Harpa Concert Hall
Glass facade catches both sunrise and sunset light beautifully.
Hallgrímskirkja tower
Paid entry but 360° views. Opens at 9 — works for winter sunrise.
Old Harbour
Early morning light on the boats. Good coffee spots nearby.
Öskjuhlíð hill
Wooded hill near Perlan. Quiet morning walk with eastern views.
Most of these spots are walkable from the town centre. If you are driving, here is where to park.
Where to catch sunset
Grótta Lighthouse
Check the tide — the path floods at high tide. Best on calm evenings.
Perlan
Works in any weather. Indoor viewing deck if it's windy.
Sun Voyager (Sólfar)
Iconic sculpture facing the sunset. Get there 30 min early in summer.
Ægisíða shore
Quiet residential shoreline. Tennis courts and benches nearby — locals' favourite.
Harpa Concert Hall
Glass facade catches both sunrise and sunset light beautifully.
Heading to Grótta? Check the tide before you go. The path to the lighthouse floods at high tide.
Make the most of it
You made it to the light. Now slow down and let it in.
Tomorrow's light
Sunrise
06:13
Sunset
20:44
Daylight
14h 30m
Change
7m less
Now that you know today's light
Weather right now
Light is one thing. Wind is another. Here is what to expect today.
Northern Lights
Long nights mean more chances to see them. Here is when and where.
What to bring
The right layers help you stay out longer. Here is what works.
Where to park
Driving to a viewing spot? Here is how parking works in Iceland.