Best Time to Visit Iceland

The best time to visit Iceland is Summer, starting from June to August. Planning your trip during these months will provide you with pleasant temperatures and comfortable weather to explore the natural landscape.

From active volcanoes and magnificent hiking trails to healing blue lagoons and mesmerising northern lights, Iceland offers visitors a range of experiences.

This also means that the right time to travel to Iceland will ultimately depend on your travel goals and the activities you plan to engage in.

With that in mind, we have created this guide to help you figure out the best time to visit Iceland, depending on your unique interests and Iceland itinerary.

When is the Best Time to Visit Iceland?

The best time to visit Iceland depends on the type of activities and experience you want to indulge in. For instance, if you want to see the northern lights, then the ideal time to visit will be from late September to late March.

Similarly, if you want to hike through the stunning Icelandic valleys and mountains, then visiting during summer (June to August) will offer you the best experiences.

The table below offers a quick glance at the seasons, expected temperatures and weather conditions in Iceland during different months.

Tourist Seasons in Iceland​

• Peak Season in Iceland: Although Iceland is known for its spine-chilling winters, the harsh temperatures are not for everyone. In fact, the peak tourist season in Iceland starts in Summer, starting from June. The weather is very pleasant during this time, with easily accessible roads and beautiful natural landscapes.

• Off-season in Iceland: Due to harsh temperatures, Icelandic winters attract fewer tourists than other seasons. The low or off-season in Iceland ranges from November to April.

• Shoulder Season in Iceland: Spring and Autumn mark the shoulder seasons in Iceland. By planning your trip during these transitional seasons (April to May and September to October), you can expect fewer crowds but still plenty of activities to do.

Month by Month Travel Guide to Iceland.

1. Iceland in January.

January marks the mid-winter season in Iceland, with cold weather and short days. While Icelandic winters are harsh, they are known for some of the most unique experiences, such as seeing the Northern Lights and exploring ice caves.

Besides participating in winter adventures, you can also enjoy the famous Thorrabolt festival in January, which honours Icelandic ancestors. Also, don’t forget to participate in Icelandic food tours to taste some of the traditional delicacies, such as brennivin (a local liquor) and hangikjot (smoked lamb).​.​​

• ​Temperature: -3°C to 2°C
• Best Activities to Do: Glacier hiking, Northern Lights, Ice cave exploration.
• Best Places to Visit: Reykjavik, Blue Lagoon, Jokulsarlon, Vatnajokull Glacier

2. Iceland in February.

February is surely the best time to visit Iceland for those who want to see the winter glory of Iceland. With temperatures ranging from -3°C to 3°C, you can enjoy some of the best Icelandic night skies.

While sunlight is still low during February, you can expect slightly longer days than in January. The best recommendations for your Iceland Itinerary in February are glacier tours, waterfall and iceberg exploration, etc.

• T​emperature: -3°C to 3°C
• Best Activities to Do: Whale watching, Northern Lights, Winter photography
• Best Places to Visit: Thingvellir National Park, West Iceland, Goðafoss, Reykjavik.​

3. Iceland in March

By planning your Iceland day trips in March, you can witness an amazing blend of the blooming Spring season with a perfect hint of winter. During this month, you can witness snow-capped mountains with longer daylight hours, allowing you to maximise your to-do list.

.It is also great for winter adventures, such as glacier tours and snowmobiling. Not to mention, March is also great for whale watching, a perfect opportunity to spot these beautiful creatures in their natural ecosystem.

• Temperature: -2°C to 3°C
• Best Activities to Do: Snowmobiling, Hiking, Ice Caving
• Best Places to Visit: Húsavik, South Coast, Golden Circle

4. Iceland in April

April is the month when the spring season is at its peak in Iceland. This month marks the homecoming of a variety of stunning bird species, such as the famous golden plovers and puffins.

You can expect warmer days with daylight hours as long as 14 hours. This is the best time to visit Iceland for outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. Moreover, April is also an off-season, meaning fewer crowds and budget-friendly trips.

• Temperature: 3°C to 6°C
• Best Activities to Do: Bird Watching, Sightseeing.
• Best Places to Visit: Westfjords, East Iceland, Reykjavik

5. Iceland in May

May reflects the end of the chilly winter season in Iceland. However, the temperatures are still cold during this time, offering a perfect opportunity to explore the winter wonderland without compromising on your comfort.

The daylight hours in May can go as high as 20 hours, giving plenty of time to organise fun-filled Iceland day trips to sparkling lava caves, snorkelling, horseback riding on the beaches and more.

• Temperature: 9°C to 12°C
• Best Activities to Do: Road Trips, Hiking
• Best Places to Visit: Fagradalsfjall, Sigulfjörður, Westfjords, Heiðmörk

6. Iceland in June.

June is officially the beginning of summer in Iceland. It is the best time to visit Iceland, especially if you want to explore the Icelandic countryside. It is also the best time to experience the infamous midnight sun phenomenon.

In addition, plenty of festivals are organised during June, including the Viking festival, Fisherman’s Day, National Holiday, etc. In short, there is something for every kind of tourist.

Since it is the peak travel season, you can expect huge crowds, busy attractions and higher prices.

• Temperature: 9°C to 15°C
• Best Activities to Do: Hiking, Camping, Whale Watching, Midnight Sun.
• Best Places to Visit: The Highlands, Golden Circle, Jökulsárlón Lagoon, North Iceland

7. Iceland in July

July is another busy tourist month for Iceland. By organising your trip in July, you can expect longer and brighter days, plenty of sunlight, and lush greenery. Activities like whale watching, trekking, camping, etc., are in full swing.

Moreover, the sightseeing points are easily accessible due to snow-free and well-connected roads. Since July is the peak tourist season, make sure to book your Iceland vacation packages in advance, as they get sold out quickly.

• Temperature: 10°C to 15°C
• Best Activities to Do: Enjoy Local Festivals, Horseback Riding
• Best Places to Visit: Diamond Beach, Jökulsárlón Glacier, Sólheimajökull

8. Iceland in August

By planning your Iceland itinerary in August, you can ensure easy access to the wilderness and remote areas of Iceland due to clear days. It is the best time to explore the tranquil setting that includes hot springs, volcanoes, glaciers, and waterfalls. Those who don’t have much interest in outdoor activities can participate in numerous festive events. These include Reykjavik cultural night, Verslunatmannahelgi, national festival, etc.

• Temperature: 11°C to 15°C
• Best Activities to Do: Cultural Events, Wildlife Exploration Tours, Hiking
• Best Places to Visit: Golden Circle, Westfjords, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Reykjanes Peninsula

9. Iceland in September

.September is the end of shiny summers in Iceland. It marks the shoulder season with fewer crowds and low prices. The temperatures are comfortable, and the natural landscape is full of vibrant and picturesque sites. As daylight starts to reduce in September, you might get a chance to witness the jaw-dropping Northern Lights.

• Temperature: 5°C to 9°C
• Best Activities to Do: Berry Picking, Northern Lights
• Best Places to Visit: Langjökull Glacier, Hraunfossar Waterfall

10. Iceland in October.

October in Iceland marks a smooth transition from autumn to winter. Note that the weather is quite unpredictable during this time. By visiting Iceland during October, you might be able to witness the first snowfall of the season.

.Not only that, but the Northern Lights phenomenon becomes more frequent during this month due to shorter days. Besides, the natural scenery becomes more vibrant with pops of yellow, red, and orange hues. If you want to explore the highlands, October is the last month, as the roads are closed after that for winter.​​

• Temperature: 2°C to 7°C
• Best Activities to Do: Hiking, Dipping in Hot Springs, Northern Lights
• Best Places to Visit: Reykjadalur Valley, Thingvellir National Park, Glanni Forest, Asbyrgi Canyon

11. Iceland in November

.November marks the peak of Icelandic winters, with a significant drop in temperatures and daylight hours. It is the best time to visit Iceland to witness snow-clad landscapes, plunging glaciers, and relaxing hot springs. Due to extended dark hours, November is an ideal time to see prominent Northern Lights and other similar phenomena.

• Temperature: -2°C to 3°C
• Best Activities to Do: Cultural Events, Ice Caving, Glacier Tours
• Best Places to Visit: Blue Lagoon, Jokulsarlon, Thjorsardalur Valley

12. Iceland in December

December is a surreal time to visit Iceland as it is the coldest and last month of the year. Although the weather is a bit harsh during this month, there are plenty of festivities going on. This includes a colourful New Year’s Eve and a vibrant Christmas.​

You can expect a full day of entertainment with multiple music festivals, dance parties, bonfires, fireworks and whatnot. In essence, you can plan the most memorable holiday season by creating your Iceland itinerary for December.

• Temperature: -1°C to -5°C
• Best Activities to Do: Exploring Christmas Markets, Visiting Blue Lagoons, Watching Northern Lights
• Best Places to Visit: Reykjavik, Thingvellir National Park, Akureyri

Useful Tips When Travelling to Iceland​

• Book in Advance

  Make your bookings in advance to avoid the last-minute rush, whether for flights, accommodation, or local transportation. This is especially true if you are planning your trip during peak seasons when on-spot booking can be very expensive.​

• Create a Travel Itinerary

  If you don’t want to waste your time figuring out where to go and what to do, consider planning your Iceland itinerary several days in advance. This simple approach will save you a lot of time and help you make the most of your trip.​

• Explore Off-beat Destinations

  There are hundreds of tourist destinations in Iceland. However, most people stick to a few popular ones. If you want to avoid crowds and explore Iceland’s true beauty, explore off-beat destinations by doing some research.​

• .Cook Your Own Meals

  No doubt you can get amazing food in Iceland. But eating out every day can be very expensive. To save some money, consider cooking your own meals.​

• Plan During Off-Peak Season

  Visiting Iceland during the peak season can be an extravagant affair due to higher prices. From air tickets and accommodation to outdoor activities and travel packages, everything is costly during the on-season.If you are on a budget and want to avoid crowds, then plan your trip during the shoulder or off-season.​

• .Pack Accordingly

  Always pack according to the season you are travelling to. This is also enough to deal with unpredictable weather conditions such as rain and storms. In addition, keep the essentials such as hiking gear, medicines, a first aid kit, a camera and tripod, etc.​

• Attend the Local Festivals

  Iceland organises some of the most unique and vibrant festivals like Christmas, Reykjavik Arts Festival, Thorrablot, Merchant’s Weekend and so on. These festivals offer a great opportunity to mix with the local culture and learn the traditions.​

• Check the Road Conditions

  As mentioned in the blog, the road conditions in Iceland are highly influenced by the weather. For instance, most roads are blocked and closed during peak winters. So, it is always better to learn about the road conditions before heading out

• Rent a Car

  The best way to explore Iceland is to rent a car and customise your trip. This will help you enjoy your trip in a flexible and cost-effective manner. However, if you are an inexperienced driver, consider booking the best Iceland tours and travel guides.​

• Don’t Underestimate Weather

  Iceland's weather is quite unpredictable. Windstorms and rain are very common. Hence, stay prepared and rely on weather forecasts to avoid harsh weather.​

• Hire a Local Guide to Iceland

  Iceland features rugged and edgy terrain. If you are visiting for the first time, consider hiring a tourist guide for smooth navigation. It will help you ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to Iceland.​

• Be Safe

  Iceland is full of adventures and adrenaline rush. However, don’t neglect your safety. Be very cautious and avoid putting your life in danger for the sake of an adventurous experience. In short, always prioritise your safety.​

• Be Friendly

  Last and most importantly, be friendly and respectful to the locals and fellow tourists. Avoid disrespecting the culture or religion of anyone as it can harm their sentiments. By familiarising yourself with locals, you will be able to elevate your tourist experiences.

​Do I Need Travel Insurance for Iceland?

Yes. You need travel insurance for Iceland. The reason is that a travel insurance policy is a mandatory document for obtaining a visa for Iceland. In other words, your visa application can not be processed until you submit a travel insurance certificate along with your visa application.Reliance General Insurance is the top choice among travellers seeking Schengen Travel Insurance. With extensive coverage of up to €50,000 and benefits like worldwide cashless hospitalisation, quick claims processing, and 24*7 emergency assistance, we provide you with a financially secure and stress-free travel experience.What’s more? You can purchase your policy instantly without having to go through any medical screening.So, expedite your processing time for Schengen visa by purchasing your travel insurance today. Get your price now!

Conclusion.​​

The best time to visit Iceland depends on multiple factors, such as the places/activities you plan to explore, your budget, and your personal preferences.​For budget travellers and adventure enthusiasts, winters (December to February) are great. Similarly, if you want to indulge in outdoor activities, planning a trip from March to May is ideal. If you want to have a peaceful vacation without too many people around, consider visiting during the shoulder months (April to May and September to October).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):​​​

When is the cheapest time to go to Iceland?

November to April is the cheapest time to visit Iceland, as it is the off-season. Besides, April to May and September to October are also cost-effective as compared to peak months.

When is the best time for sightseeing in Iceland?

The spring and summer months are the best for sightseeing in Iceland, as the weather is mostly clear and the locations are easily accessible.

Is Iceland expensive to visit?​

Iceland can be expensive during the peak tourist season due to higher charges. However, by effective planning, you can plan a trip within your budget. Some of the tips for cost-effective trips to Iceland include booking in advance, visiting during off season, enjoying free activities like trekking, hiking, etc.

Is the visa process for Iceland easy?

As compared to other European countries, getting a visa to Iceland is fairly simple. Since it is a Schengen country, you need to obtain a short-stay Schengen visa in your country. You can apply for a visa at the Iceland Embassy/consulate or a registered visa application centre.

​​How to commute within Iceland?

Buses are the most common public transport option in Iceland. They offer wider connectivity and are cost-effective. Besides, you can also commute by renting a car​.

Buses are the most common public transport option in Iceland. They offer wider connectivity and are cost-effective. Besides, you can also commute by renting a car​.