When is the Best Time to Visit Iceland?

Choosing the best time to visit Iceland can be hard, with so many seasons, so many options. To make the task easier, we break down the pros and cons of each option.

Best time to visit Iceland

blog authorBy Johanna Sigurðardóttir shield verificationVerified Expert

    The best time to visit Iceland is… any time! Although there is a clear peak season, what is the best time to go to Iceland for one person might not be suitable for your specific Iceland bucket list.

    In this article, we dive into the various Iceland seasons and the individual months to see which might be the best months for you to visit Iceland.

    The Iceland Tourist Season

    The Iceland tourist season has a lot to do with the actual Iceland seasons. As with most peak travel seasons around the world, Iceland’s travel season is during the summer months. In most countries, the main reason for this is the weather.

    And in Iceland, it is the same, but it’s not the only reason why people tend to visit the island more during the summer season. During the Iceland summers, the harsher Iceland weather elements have calmed down.

    The legendary Iceland winds are not threatening to rip off your car door nearly as much as during the winter season. And the odds of getting caught in a blizzard have also decreased to practically zero.

    The temperatures have also increased to offer a more toasty vacay. Temperatures do not usually drop below 0 thermostats, and visitors enjoy everything between 5 and 25 degrees Celsius.

    These temperatures make outdoor activities here on the island more comfortable. Especially if you’ve got your heart set on things such as kayaking or diving the Silfra Fissure. Needless to say, as Iceland’s tourist season, the summer is incredibly busy.

    So, if you are planning a trip during this time, you’ll need to book everything (from accommodation to car rental and activities) well in advance.

    Best time to visit Iceland

    The Best Time to Visit Iceland Can Depend on Daylight Hours

    Iceland is one of the countries in the world where days and nights are “not made equal”. Daylight hours can change throughout the year, from more than 20 hours every day to barely making 4. This impacts when the best time to visit Iceland might be for you.

    If you’re planning on road-tripping through Iceland the chances are slim that you will be able to do it with only a few hours of daylight a day.

    Road Conditions Can Also Impact the Best Time to Visit Iceland

    Iceland’s road conditions will definitely impact when you’re planning your trip. During the colder, winter months, snow can throw a spanner into any road trip (or even parking, for that matter).

    Getting the car started in the cold in the first place is already an accomplishment. Then you still need to get on the road and navigate the icy road conditions. Our advice would be not to dive in head first and try to make your Iceland holiday your “crash course”.

    It is also because of these treacherous road conditions that certain roads are closed during winter. This is especially true when it comes to the Iceland Highlands. So, if you want to road trip on those rough and tough “roads less traveled”, the winter season might not be the best time for you to visit Iceland. 

    Just keep in mind that these winter season conditions do not suddenly disappear overnight once the spring season starts. Those visiting the island in early spring will still find icy patches, some unmelted snow, and certain roads/routes closed.

    Iceland travel season

    The Best Time to Visit Iceland is When Your Budget Can Take it

    Your budget will also dictate when the best time to visit Iceland will be for you. With peak season comes peak season prices. So, even if you would like to go during the summertime it might not be possible with the budget you have available.

    If you have limited finances available, you can either opt for a more affordable summer holiday by renting a campervan. It’ll be better for you to come and visit during the winter, when peak prices have dropped, and it is technically the cheapest time to visit Iceland.

    The Best Time to Visit Iceland Will Greatly Depend On What You Want to Do

    There are plenty of things to do and see on the island, irrespective of when you visit throughout the year. But certain activities and attractions can be bound to specific times of the year.

    One cannot experience a Midnight Sun during the wintertime, and the odds of spotting the Northern Lights in mid-summer is slim. If you want to explore the ice caves of Iceland, you’ll also need to visit during the winter season since many of the caves close during the warmer months (ice melts, remember?).

    Iceland tourist season

    What is the Best Month to Visit Iceland?

    You will find a detailed outline of each month in order to decide which will be the best time for you to visit Iceland:

    January

    Temperature: -3 to 3 degrees Celsius

    Daylight Hours: +/- 4 hours

    Road Conditions: Extremely challenging with certain roads/routes closed

    Activities/Attractions: Prime time to explore the ice caves and spot the Northern Lights

    February

    Temperature: -2 to 3 degrees Celsius

    Daylight Hours: 7-10 hours (depending on the week)

    Road Conditions: Challenging with certain roads/routes closed

    Activities/Attractions: You can still explore the ice caves and spot the Northern Lights

    March

    Temperature: -2 to 3 degrees Celsius

    Daylight Hours: 10-13 hours (depending on the week)

    Road Conditions: Challenging with certain Iceland roads/routes closed

    Activities/Attractions: You can still explore the ice caves and spot the Northern Lights

    Winter in Iceland

    April

    Temperature: -1 to 4 degrees Celsius

    Daylight Hours: 13-16 hours (depending on the week)

    Road Conditions: Road conditions have improved dramatically and certain roads/routes reopen

    Activities/Attractions: You might still be able to spot the Northern Lights and it’s a good time to book those outdoor activities. The migratory whales are also making the island their home for the upcoming months.

    May

    Temperature: 2 to 11 degrees Celsius

    Daylight Hours: +/- 20 hours

    Road Conditions: Road conditions are generally good and certain roads/routes reopen

    Activities/Attractions: The odds of seeing the Northern Lights are slim, but it’s the perfect time to take part in outdoor activities. Also, to see whales or puffins

    June

    Temperature: 9 to 15 degrees Celsius

    Daylight Hours: 20-22 hours (depending on the week)

    Road Conditions: Excellent with most roads/routes open

    Activities/Attractions: You can experience a Midnight Sun if visiting at the end of June, and it’s the perfect time to take part in outdoor activities. You can also spot Iceland’s Puffins and whales.

    summer in Iceland

    July

    Temperature: 10 to 20 degrees Celsius

    Daylight Hours: +/- 19 hours

    Road Conditions: Excellent with most roads/routes open

    Activities/Attractions: It’s the perfect time to take part in outdoor activities, and spot Puffins and whales.

    August

    Temperature: 8 to 13 degrees Celsius

    Daylight Hours: +/- 15 hours

    Road Conditions: Excellent with most roads/routes open

    Activities/Attractions: It’s the perfect time to take part in outdoor activities, and spot Puffins and whales.

    September

    Temperature: 6 to 11 degrees Celsius

    Daylight Hours: +/- 13 hours

    Road Conditions: Generally good with most roads/routes open

    Activities/Attractions: September in Iceland is still a good time to take part in outdoor activities. Also, you might still be able to spot the last of the migratory whales. The odds of seeing the Northern Lights are also starting to increase.

    Fall in Iceland

    October

    Temperature: 3 to 7 degrees Celsius

    Daylight Hours: +/- 12 hours

    Road Conditions: Generally good, with most roads/routes open ‘till late October

    Activities/Attractions: October in Iceland is still a good time to take part in outdoor activities. Also, the odds of seeing the Northern Lights are also starting to increase. If you arrive at the end of October, you might also be able to start exploring the ice caves.

    November

    Temperature: 0 to 5 degrees Celsius

    Daylight Hours: 7-5 hours (depending on the week)

    Road Conditions: Challenging with certain roads/routes closed

    Activities/Attractions: During November in Iceland, you can explore the ice caves and spot the Northern Lights

    December

    Temperature: -2 to 4 degrees Celsius

    Daylight Hours: +/- 5 hours

    Road Conditions: Extremely challenging with certain roads/routes closed

    Activities/Attractions: Prime time to explore the ice caves and spot the Northern Lights

    Christmas in Iceland

    The Best Time to Visit Iceland… is Up to You!

    As you can see, the best time to visit Iceland is up to you and your specific needs and requirements. By answering questions such as “what is the best month to see the Northern Lights in Iceland?” in this article, you’ll now be able to match what’s important to you to a specific month (or months) of the year.

    Now, all that’s left to do is plan that trip, book your flight, rent a car in Reykjavík and start your Iceland adventure!

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