The Best Time to Travel to Iceland

AvatarByDale Richard Traveling Information

Iceland is a land of contrasts, with its snow-capped mountains, geysers, and glaciers. But when is the best time to visit this unique country?

The answer to that question depends on what you want to see and do. If you’re interested in seeing the Northern Lights, then you’ll want to visit during the winter months. But if you’re looking for milder weather and more daylight hours, then you might want to consider visiting during the summer.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the different seasons in Iceland and what each one has to offer. We’ll also provide some tips on planning your trip, so you can make the most of your time in this amazing country.

Month Average Temperature (C) Best Activities
January -1C Ice skating, snowmobiling, dog sledding
February -2C Ice fishing, Northern Lights viewing, whale watching
March 0C Hiking, glacier hiking, horseback riding
April 3C Hiking, camping, fishing, whale watching
May 7C Hiking, camping, fishing, whale watching
June 10C Hiking, camping, fishing, whale watching
July 13C Hiking, camping, fishing, whale watching
August 14C Hiking, camping, fishing, whale watching
September 11C Hiking, camping, fishing, whale watching
October 7C Hiking, camping, fishing, whale watching
November 3C Ice skating, snowmobiling, dog sledding
December -1C Ice skating, snowmobiling, dog sledding

Iceland is a beautiful country with something to offer visitors all year round. The weather can vary greatly from one month to the next, so it’s important to choose the right time to visit if you want to experience the best of what Iceland has to offer.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the best time to visit Iceland by month, as well as some of the things you need to consider when choosing a time to travel. We’ll also provide some tips on how to make the most of your trip, no matter when you decide to visit.

The Best Time to Visit Iceland by Month

January

January is the coldest month of the year in Iceland, with average temperatures ranging from -2C to 2C. The days are also short, with only around 5 hours of daylight. However, January is also one of the quietest months in Iceland, so if you’re looking for a peaceful and relaxing vacation, this could be the time for you.

Some of the best things to do in Iceland in January include:

  • Visiting the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa located in the Reykjanes Peninsula.
  • Going on a Northern Lights tour.
  • Hiking in the Icelandic Highlands.
  • Visiting the Jkulsrln glacier lagoon.

February

February is a bit warmer than January, with average temperatures ranging from -2C to 4C. The days are also getting longer, with around 6 hours of daylight. February is a good time to visit Iceland if you’re interested in seeing the Northern Lights, as the nights are long and dark.

Some of the best things to do in Iceland in February include:

  • Visiting the Blue Lagoon.
  • Going on a Northern Lights tour.
  • Hiking in the Icelandic Highlands.
  • Visiting the Jkulsrln glacier lagoon.

March

March is a transitional month in Iceland, with weather conditions starting to improve. The average temperatures range from 0C to 6C, and the days are getting longer, with around 8 hours of daylight. March is a good time to visit Iceland if you’re looking for milder weather and more daylight.

Some of the best things to do in Iceland in March include:

  • Visiting the Blue Lagoon.
  • Going on a Northern Lights tour.
  • Hiking in the Icelandic Highlands.
  • Visiting the Jkulsrln glacier lagoon.

April

April is a great time to visit Iceland, as the weather is starting to get warmer and the days are getting longer. The average temperatures range from 2C to 10C, and the days are getting up to 10 hours of daylight. April is a good time to visit Iceland if you’re interested in seeing the Northern Lights, as the nights are still dark enough for good viewing conditions.

Some of the best things to do in Iceland in April include:

  • Visiting the Blue Lagoon.
  • Going on a Northern Lights tour.
  • Hiking in the Icelandic Highlands.
  • Visiting the Jkulsrln glacier lagoon.
  • Attending the Iceland Airwaves music festival.

May

May is one of the most popular times to visit Iceland, as the weather is getting warmer and the days are getting longer. The average temperatures range from 6C to 14C, and the days are getting up to 14 hours of daylight. May is a good time to visit Iceland if you’re interested in seeing the Northern Lights, as the nights are still dark enough for good viewing conditions.

Some of the best things to do in Iceland in May include:

  • Visiting the Blue Lagoon.
  • Going on a Northern Lights tour.
  • Hiking in the Icelandic Highlands.
  • Visiting the Jkulsrln glacier lagoon.
  • Attending the Iceland Airwaves music festival.

June

June is the warmest month of the year in Iceland, with average temperatures ranging from 10C to 18C. The days are also getting longer, with up to 18 hours of daylight. June is a great time to visit Iceland if you’re looking for mild weather and plenty of daylight.

Some of the best things to do in Iceland in June include:

  • Visiting the Blue Lagoon.
  • Going on a whale watching tour.
  • Hiking in the Icelandic Highlands.
  • Visiting the Jkulsrln glacier lagoon.
  • Attending the Secret Solstice music festival.

July

July is another popular time to visit Iceland, as the weather is warm and sunny. The average temperatures range from 12

What Is The Best Time To Travel To Iceland?

Iceland is a beautiful country with something to offer visitors all year round. However, the best time to visit Iceland depends on what you want to see and do.

Summer (June-August)

Summer is the most popular time to visit Iceland, and for good reason. The weather is mild and sunny, with long days and short nights. This is the best time to see the Northern Lights, as well as to go hiking, camping, and fishing. However, it is also the most crowded time of year, so prices are higher and accommodation can be harder to come by.

Spring (April-May)

Spring is a great time to visit Iceland if you’re looking for milder weather and fewer crowds. The days are getting longer, and the snow is starting to melt, revealing the stunning scenery that Iceland is known for. This is a great time to go hiking, biking, and exploring the country’s many waterfalls and glaciers.

Fall (September-October)

Fall is another beautiful time to visit Iceland. The weather is still mild, but the days are getting shorter and the nights are getting darker. This is a great time to see the changing colors of the leaves, as well as to go whale watching and bird watching.

Winter (November-March)

Winter is the coldest time of year in Iceland, but it is also the most magical. The snow-covered landscape is absolutely breathtaking, and the Northern Lights are at their most active. This is a great time to go skiing, snowboarding, and dog sledding. However, it is important to note that winter weather in Iceland can be very harsh, so it is important to be prepared.

No matter when you decide to visit Iceland, you are sure to have a memorable experience.

Planning Your Trip to Iceland

Getting to Iceland

The most common way to get to Iceland is by plane. There are direct flights from many major cities in Europe, North America, and Asia. The main airport in Iceland is Keflavik International Airport (KEF), which is located about 40 kilometers from Reykjavik. There are also a number of smaller airports in Iceland, which serve domestic and regional flights.

Where to stay in Iceland

There are a wide variety of accommodation options available in Iceland, ranging from hostels to luxury hotels. Reykjavik is the most popular tourist destination in Iceland, and there are a number of hotels, guesthouses, and hostels to choose from. If you are looking for something more off-the-beaten-path, there are also a number of guesthouses and farms located in the countryside.

Things to do in Iceland

There are endless things to do in Iceland, from exploring the stunning scenery to enjoying the unique culture. Here are a few of the most popular things to do in Iceland:

  • Visit the Golden Circle: The Golden Circle is a popular tourist route that takes you to some of Iceland’s most iconic landmarks, including the Geysir Geothermal Area, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Thingvellir National Park.
  • Go hiking: Iceland is home to some of the most stunning hiking trails in the world. There are hiking trails for all levels of experience, from easy walks to challenging treks.
  • Go camping: There are a number of campgrounds located throughout Iceland, where you can pitch a tent and enjoy the great outdoors.
  • Go whale watching: Iceland is home to a variety of whales, including humpback whales, minke whales, and orcas. There are a number of companies that offer whale watching tours from Reykjavik and other coastal towns.

Hiring a car in Iceland

The best way to explore Iceland is by car. The roads are well-maintained, and there are a number of scenic routes to choose from. If you are planning on renting a car, it is important to book your car in advance, as they can be in high demand during the summer months.

Eating in Iceland

Icelandic cuisine is known for its fresh seafood, lamb, and dairy products. There are a wide variety of restaurants to choose from in Iceland, ranging from casual cafes to fine dining restaurants. If you are looking for something truly unique, you can try one of the many restaurants that serve whale meat or fermented shark.

Tips for Traveling to Iceland

Pack for all weather conditions: The weather in Iceland can change quickly, so it is important to pack for all weather conditions. In the summer, you can expect mild weather with temperatures ranging from 50F to 60F. However, it is still possible to experience rain and snow, so it is important to pack a waterproof jacket and rain

What is the best time to travel to Iceland?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best time to visit Iceland depends on your interests and budget. However, there are a few factors to consider when making a decision about when to travel to Iceland.

  • The weather: Iceland has a maritime climate, which means that the weather is relatively mild compared to other countries at similar latitudes. However, the weather can change quickly, so it is important to be prepared for all conditions. The best time to visit Iceland for mild weather is from June to August.
  • The tourist season: The peak tourist season in Iceland is from June to August. This means that prices for flights, accommodation, and tours are higher during this time. If you are looking to avoid crowds, consider visiting Iceland during the shoulder seasons of April to May and September to October.
  • The Northern Lights: The Northern Lights are visible in Iceland from September to April. However, the best time to see them is from late September to early March. The Northern Lights are most active at night, so you will need to plan your trip accordingly.

What are the different types of activities that can be done in Iceland?

There are a wide variety of activities that can be enjoyed in Iceland, including:

  • Hiking and trekking: Iceland has some of the most stunning hiking trails in the world. There are trails for all levels of hikers, from easy day hikes to challenging multi-day treks.
  • Camping: Iceland is a great place to go camping, with plenty of stunning campsites to choose from. You can camp in the mountains, by the sea, or in the middle of nowhere.
  • Fishing: Iceland is home to some of the best fishing in the world. You can fish for salmon, trout, char, and many other species.
  • Snorkeling and diving: Iceland has some of the clearest water in the world, making it a great place to go snorkeling and diving. You can see a variety of marine life, including fish, seals, and whales.
  • Snowmobiling: Iceland is a great place to go snowmobiling, with plenty of snow-covered mountains and glaciers to explore.
  • Visiting the Golden Circle: The Golden Circle is a popular tourist route that takes you to some of Iceland’s most famous landmarks, including Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir geothermal area, and ingvellir National Park.

What are the best places to stay in Iceland?

There are a wide variety of accommodation options available in Iceland, including hotels, guesthouses, hostels, and camping. The best place to stay depends on your budget and interests.

  • For budget travelers, hostels are a great option. There are hostels in all major cities and towns in Iceland.
  • For travelers who want to be close to the action, hotels in Reykjavik are a good option. Reykjavik is Iceland’s capital and largest city, and it offers a wide variety of hotels to choose from.
  • For travelers who want to experience the natural beauty of Iceland, guesthouses and cabins in the countryside are a great option. There are guesthouses and cabins all over Iceland, and they offer a unique opportunity to experience the country’s stunning scenery.
  • For travelers who want to go camping, there are plenty of campsites to choose from in Iceland. Campsites are located in all major cities and towns, as well as in the countryside.

What is the best way to get around Iceland?

There are a few different ways to get around Iceland, including:

  • By car: Driving is the most popular way to get around Iceland. The roads are well-maintained, and there are plenty of gas stations and rest stops along the way.
  • By bus: There are a number of bus companies that operate in Iceland. Buses are a good option for travelers who don’t want to rent a car.
  • By plane: There are a number of domestic flights that operate in Iceland. Flights are a good option for travelers who want to cover long distances quickly.
  • By boat: There are a number of ferry services that operate in Iceland. Ferries are a good option for travelers who want to explore the country’s many fjords.

What are the best things to do in Reykjavik?

Reykjavik is Iceland’s capital and largest city, and it offers a wide variety of things to see and do. Some of the best things to do in Reykjavik include:

  • Visiting the Hallgrmskirkja church: Hallgrmskirkja is one of the most iconic landmarks in Reykjavik.

there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of when is the best time to travel to Iceland. The best time to visit Iceland depends on your interests and budget. If you want to see the Northern Lights, the best time to go is from September to April. If you want to experience the midnight sun, the best time to go is from May to August. And if you want to avoid the crowds, the best time to go is in the shoulder seasons of spring and fall.

No matter when you decide to visit Iceland, you’re sure to have a memorable experience. This beautiful country has something to offer everyone, from stunning natural scenery to fascinating cultural attractions. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Iceland today!

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.