Best Time to Visit Iceland

The Best Time to Visit Iceland – By Season

Summer – Iceland’s summer runs from June to August. With daytime temperatures in the double digits, long hours of sunshine and icy roads opening up, it is the best time to visit Iceland. Summer is a wonderful time to go hiking or on a road trip and experience Iceland’s roaring waterfalls and stunning national parks. In Reykjavík, locals and visitors spend time outdoors enjoying the excellent weather and numerous summer festivals. 

Autumn – Iceland experiences a short fall season in September and October. For an offbeat experience, head to Iceland in early September. By October, temperatures are in the single digits, and the weather becomes unpredictable. You will still experience 10-12 hours of daylight during this period. 

Winter – The winter season is long, from November to March. Expect short daylight hours (4-6 hours), sub-zero temperatures, and road closures due to bad weather. However, this is the best time to visit Iceland to experience the Northern Lights and explore an ice cave.

Spring – Between April and May, temperatures rise to the single digits, and daylight hours increase. It’s a quiet and lovely time to visit Iceland, especially during the second half of May. It’s still off-season, so you’ll have the main tourist attractions to yourself. 

The best time to visit Iceland – By Activity

Hiking – Iceland’s stunning landscape offers plenty of hiking opportunities, and the best time to explore the scenery is between June and August. 

Whale watching – The best time to visit Iceland for whale watching coincides with the busy tourist season—the summer months of June to August. Some of the best places to get whale-watching tours are Húsavík, Akureyri, and Reykjavík. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is a hotspot for seeing various species of whales almost all year-round (except November), and in February and March, it’s the best place to spot orcas. 

Hot springs – A highlight of any visit to Iceland is a soak in its hot springs. While the hot springs are open year-round, they can get quite busy during the peak summer months. Visit the Blue Lagoon in May, September, or even October, and you may be just one of a few visitors soaking in a piece of heaven. 

Northern Lights – The Northern Lights put up a brilliant sky show in Iceland. The best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland is from November to March. There are numerous places, from just outside Reykjavík to the east coast at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and further afield, where you can watch green, yellow, and pink lights dance across the sky.  

What to pack for Iceland?

Iceland’s weather can be quite unpredictable, and it is not uncommon to see all four seasons in a single day. 

Warm clothing: Packing layers is critical for your Iceland trip, including thermal layers, long-sleeved T-shirts, woollen sweaters or jumpers, warm jackets, full pants, gloves, woollen socks, and caps. 

Rainwear: A good quality rain jacket is a must when travelling to Iceland.  

Hiking boots/walking shoes: Iceland’s volcanic and mountainous terrain presents never-ending opportunities for hikes and walks, so pack a sturdy pair of hiking boots or comfortable walking shoes. 

Sun protection: The sun shines bright during the summer so take a good pair of sunglasses and sunscreen. 

Swimwear: If you plan to spend time at Iceland’s geothermal springs or the Blue Lagoon, pack at least one swimsuit. 

Let our travel experts create a customised itinerary taking you through the picturesque Icelandic countryside. Call or write to us today.