Planning a trip to Iceland and wondering about the Best Time To Travel To Iceland? You’re in the right place. Deciding when to visit this captivating Nordic nation involves navigating a range of factors, from daylight hours and the mesmerizing Northern Lights to bustling crowds and travel costs.
Having explored Iceland myself, I understand the importance of careful planning. My research led me to visit in March, a choice I found perfectly balanced for a first-time adventure. However, Iceland’s appeal is year-round, with each season offering a unique perspective.
This guide dives deep into the best time to visit Iceland, month by month, considering what you want to experience. Whether you dream of witnessing the aurora borealis, hiking through vibrant landscapes, or encountering unique wildlife, we’ll help you pinpoint your ideal travel window.
Alt text: Hiker overlooking vast glacier landscape in Iceland, highlighting outdoor adventure and scenic views.
Unpacking the Best Time to Visit Iceland
For travelers seeking a balanced Icelandic experience encompassing diverse highlights, March and October emerge as prime contenders for the best time to travel to Iceland. These shoulder months offer a sweet spot: the chance to witness the elusive Northern Lights, explore stunning ice caves, and navigate most of the island’s main routes.
During these periods, the weather remains manageable, and you’ll encounter fewer tourist crowds compared to peak summer months. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that Iceland’s weather is unpredictable. Even in spring and fall, certain roads may be temporarily closed due to snow and ice.
My personal experience in March allowed me to seamlessly explore iconic sights like the Golden Circle, the southern expanse of the Ring Road, and the dramatic Snaefellsnes Peninsula without any road closures.
Choosing the best time to travel to Iceland is a personal decision, shaped by your priorities. Each month in Iceland presents a distinct blend of advantages and disadvantages, aligning with different travel aspirations.
Let’s delve into the key considerations to help you determine your perfect time to embark on your Icelandic journey.
Alt text: Vibrant green Northern Lights dancing across the Icelandic night sky, showcasing aurora borealis viewing opportunities.
Chasing the Aurora: Best Months for Northern Lights in Iceland
The ethereal Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are a major draw for visitors. The aurora season in Iceland stretches from late August to mid-April. However, for optimal viewing conditions, aim for the core winter months, September to March. During this period, longer hours of darkness and colder temperatures increase your chances of witnessing this celestial display. Clear, dark skies are essential for aurora visibility.
For potentially more intense aurora displays, consider planning your trip around the equinoxes – approximately March 20th and September 22nd, or the winter solstice around December 21st. Solar activity tends to be heightened around these dates, potentially leading to more vibrant and active Northern Lights.
Northern Lights Tours
While the winter months offer favorable odds, predicting the Northern Lights with certainty is impossible. To maximize your chances, consider joining a guided Northern Lights tour. These tours are led by experienced aurora hunters who understand optimal viewing locations and weather patterns. Many tours also offer a re-booking guarantee if the lights aren’t visible on your first attempt.
➡️ Explore Northern Lights Tour Options
Hiking Heaven: Best Months for Hiking in Iceland
If hiking boots are essential travel companions, then June, July, and August represent the best time of year to visit Iceland. Summer in Iceland brings the most agreeable weather, with milder temperatures and longer daylight hours. Crucially, this is when the vast majority of hiking trails and mountain roads are open and accessible.
While my March visit allowed for some hiking, certain trails I hoped to explore were still closed for the winter. The colder temperatures also meant shorter hikes and a quicker retreat indoors. Visiting in summer unlocks Iceland’s hiking potential fully.
Alt text: Woman smiling inside a blue ice cave during a glacier hike in Iceland, emphasizing glacier hiking experience.
Glacier Adventures: Best Time for Glacier Hiking in Iceland
While summer is ideal for traditional hiking, March stands out as a prime time for glacier hiking in Iceland. Glacier hiking is an unforgettable Icelandic activity, accessible year-round, but March presents particularly advantageous conditions.
During my glacier hike in March, my guide highlighted March as an excellent month. Winter’s deep freeze creates stunning blue ice, but it can be too solid for crampon grip. Summer glacier ice, while still hikeable, can become slushy, increasing the risk of slips and ankle rolls. Furthermore, ice caves, a magical component of glacier hikes, are often inaccessible and unsafe during warmer months due to melting and instability.
Guided Glacier Hikes
Glacier hikes in Iceland require booking with a certified guide for safety and to access the glaciers. The Skaftafell glacier hike I experienced was a highlight of my trip.
➡️ Discover Guided Glacier Hike Information
Whale Watching Wonders: Best Months for Whale Watching in Iceland
Iceland is a global whale watching hotspot, with approximately 23 whale species inhabiting its waters. While whale watching tours operate year-round in certain locations, the peak season for whale sightings in Iceland is April to late September.
During these months, you have the highest probability of spotting various whale species, including minke whales, humpback whales, and even blue whales.
Whale Watching Tours
Boat tours are the best way to experience whale watching in Iceland. Tours depart from various harbors around the island, including Reykjavik.
➡️ Find Whale Watching Tour Information
Puffin Paradise: Best Time to See Puffins in Iceland
For bird enthusiasts, particularly those eager to see the iconic puffins, May to August is the definitive best time to visit Iceland. As warmer weather arrives, puffins migrate to Iceland around late April or May to breed and raise their young. They typically depart again in September before the onset of colder temperatures.
Puffin Tours
Dedicated puffin tours offer excellent opportunities to observe these charming seabirds in their natural habitat. Boat tours from Reykjavik and other coastal towns provide close-up views of puffin colonies.
➡️ Explore Puffin Tour Options
Navigating Crowds and Costs: Iceland’s Busiest Months
While June, July, and August boast the most favorable weather in Iceland, they also coincide with the peak tourist season. The pleasant weather, extended daylight hours, and full accessibility of roads and attractions draw the largest crowds.
This popularity translates to higher prices for accommodations, rental cars, and flights. If you prefer a quieter experience and potentially lower costs, consider traveling outside of these peak summer months.
Alt text: Panoramic view of Iceland’s coastline with black sand beach meeting the ocean, mountains, and glacier in the distance, showcasing scenic landscapes.
Avoiding the Crowds: Iceland’s Quieter Months
Defining the “worst” time to visit Iceland is subjective and depends on your priorities. However, if you dislike cold weather intensely, December, January, and February might be less appealing. These months are the coldest, with shorter daylight hours.
Conversely, if witnessing the Northern Lights is a top priority, avoiding the summer months (when the midnight sun prevails) is essential.
Shoulder seasons like spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer a compelling balance. You’ll encounter fewer crowds than in summer, potentially benefit from lower prices, and still have opportunities for activities like Northern Lights viewing and glacier hiking.
Iceland Weather Month by Month: A Detailed Breakdown
Understanding Iceland’s weather patterns is crucial when planning your trip, regardless of when you choose to visit. Icelandic weather is notoriously unpredictable, and experiencing “all four seasons in a day” is a common saying. However, a general overview of monthly weather trends can be helpful.
The following weather data is based on averages for Reykjavík, Iceland’s capital, sourced from Weather Spark.
Alt text: Graphic displaying January weather data for Iceland: High 36°F (2°C), Low 28°F (-2°C), 5.5 daylight hours, precipitation and snow details.
January
January is among Iceland’s coldest months, with Reykjavík averaging highs of 36°F (2°C) and lows of 28°F (-2°C). Expect strong winds and significant snowfall. Daylight is limited to approximately 5.5 hours per day, creating long, dark nights ideal for Northern Lights viewing when skies are clear.
February
February weather is similar to January – cold, snowy, and windy. Daylight hours begin to increase slightly, but nights remain long, offering continued opportunities to see the Northern Lights.
Alt text: Graphic displaying March weather data for Iceland: High 38°F (3°C), Low 29°F (-2°C), 11.9 daylight hours, precipitation and snow details.
March
March sees a subtle shift towards spring. Temperatures remain cold, with Reykjavík averaging highs of 38°F (3°C) and lows of 29°F (-2°C). Wind speeds and snowfall typically decrease slightly compared to earlier winter months. Daylight hours increase significantly to almost 12 hours per day. Northern Lights are still frequently visible, and clearer skies are more common than earlier in winter. The spring equinox in March can also enhance aurora activity. My late March trip exemplified this transitional weather – cold and windy, but with occasional sunny breaks.
April
April brings noticeable improvements in weather. Days become milder, with Reykjavík averaging highs of 42°F (6°C) and lows of 33°F (1°C). Wind and snowfall decrease further, and daylight hours continue to extend. Early April still offers a chance to see the Northern Lights.
Alt text: Graphic displaying May weather data for Iceland: High 49°F (9°C), Low 39°F (4°C), 18.5 daylight hours, precipitation and snow details.
May
May marks the arrival of more pleasant weather in Iceland. Temperatures become notably more comfortable, averaging highs of 49°F (9°C) and lows of 39°F (4°C). Snow is rare in Reykjavík, and precipitation decreases. Wind speeds also lessen. Daylight extends dramatically to around 18.5 hours per day, effectively ending Northern Lights viewing opportunities. Roads to regions like the Westfjords, often closed in winter, may begin to open in May.
June
June heralds Iceland’s famous midnight sun, with approximately 20.9 hours of daylight per day. While the midnight sun provides extensive daylight for exploration, it eliminates any chance of seeing the Northern Lights. Weather is pleasant, with Reykjavík averaging highs of 54°F (12°C) and lows of 45°F (7°C). Wind speeds are lower, and precipitation is at its yearly low point. Mountain F-roads and hiking trails closed for winter typically start opening in June.
Alt text: Graphic displaying July weather data for Iceland: High 56°F (13°C), Low 48°F (9°C), 19.5 daylight hours, precipitation and snow details.
July
July offers similarly agreeable weather, slightly warmer than June, with Reykjavík averaging highs of 56°F (13°C) and lows of 48°F (9°C). The midnight sun continues, with around 19.5 hours of daylight.
August
August temperatures remain similar to July, with Reykjavík averaging highs of 56°F (13°C) and lows of 47°F (8°C). Precipitation increases slightly, but typically as rain in Reykjavík. Daylight hours start to decrease, and Northern Lights viewing becomes possible again towards the end of August.
Alt text: Graphic displaying September weather data for Iceland: High 51°F (11°C), Low 42°F (6°C), 12.9 daylight hours, precipitation and snow details.
September
September marks a transition towards autumn. Temperatures begin to cool, with Reykjavík averaging highs of 51°F (11°C) and lows of 42°F (6°C). Precipitation and wind speeds increase. Snow is still unlikely in the city. Daylight hours decrease, and the Northern Lights become increasingly visible. The autumnal equinox in September can also enhance aurora activity. September is often the last month to access the Westfjords before winter road closures.
October
October sees a significant temperature drop in Reykjavík, with average highs of 44°F (7°C) and lows of 36°F (2°C). Precipitation levels remain consistent, with rain being prevalent. Longer nights in October offer excellent Northern Lights viewing opportunities.
Alt text: Graphic displaying November weather data for Iceland: High 39°F (4°C), Low 32°F (0°C), 6.4 daylight hours, precipitation and snow details.
November
November weather in Iceland continues to become colder, darker, and snowier. Reykjavík averages highs of 39°F (4°C) and lows of 32°F (0°C). Northern Lights viewing is highly probable with lengthening nights.
December
December is Iceland’s darkest month, with only about 4.4 hours of daylight per day. The winter solstice in December offers the shortest day. These long, dark nights provide excellent conditions for seeing the Northern Lights, potentially intensified by solstice solar activity. December is cold, with Reykjavík averaging highs of 37°F (3°C) and lows of 29°F (-2°C), and expect wind and snow.
Alt text: Aerial view of Reykjavik, Iceland, showcasing colorful buildings and urban landscape from Hallgrimskirkja church.
Accommodation in Reykjavík: Where to Stay
Reykjavík will likely be part of your Iceland itinerary. Here are accommodation suggestions for various budgets:
📍Budget Option: Loft Hi Eco Hostel – Highly-rated, central hostel with diverse room options.
📍Mid-Range Option: Alfred’s Studios – Well-regarded guesthouse in the city center with affordable rooms.
📍Luxury Option: The Reykjavík Edition – Upscale hotel with waterfront views, spa, and amenities.
Alt text: Scenic drive through Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Iceland, showcasing coastal roads and mountain views.
Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting Iceland
Here are answers to common questions to further assist your Iceland trip planning:
What’s the Cheapest Time to Go to Iceland?
September to November and January to May are generally the most budget-friendly months for Iceland travel. Fewer tourists during these shoulder and off-season periods often lead to better deals on flights and accommodations.
How Many Days in Iceland is Enough?
A week is ideal for a comprehensive Iceland experience. My week-long trip allowed me to see many highlights. However, even shorter trips can cover Reykjavik and surrounding attractions. For driving Iceland’s entire Ring Road, allow at least 10 days.
Alt text: Road winding through Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Iceland, between the ocean and dramatic mountains, emphasizing road trip adventures.
How Long is the Flight from the US to Iceland?
Flights from the US East Coast to Iceland are surprisingly shorter than to mainland Europe. Direct flights typically range from 6 to 8 hours, depending on your departure city. New York City to Reykjavík is approximately 6 hours, while Denver is around 8 hours.
When is Iceland the Most Beautiful Time of Year?
Iceland’s beauty is timeless and captivating year-round. Whether blanketed in winter snow and illuminated by the Northern Lights, or vibrant with summer wildflowers and wildlife, Iceland’s landscapes inspire awe in every season. My March visit showcased the stark beauty of black sand beaches, blue glaciers, and powerful waterfalls, proving Iceland’s allure is constant.
Alt text: The iconic black church of Búðakirkja in Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Iceland, set against a dramatic sky.
Do Icelanders Speak English?
English is widely spoken in Iceland. While learning a few basic Icelandic phrases is a respectful gesture, you can easily navigate Iceland using only English.
Is Iceland Expensive to Visit?
Yes, Iceland is generally considered an expensive destination. Accommodation, food, and transportation costs can be high. Budget-conscious travel strategies, like staying in guesthouses, preparing some of your own meals, and utilizing hostels, can help mitigate expenses.
Conclusion: Your Perfect Iceland Trip Awaits
Choosing the best time to travel to Iceland is key to crafting your ideal adventure. Whether you prioritize chasing the Northern Lights, hiking under the midnight sun, or experiencing fewer crowds, Iceland offers unique rewards throughout the year. This remarkable country is a personal favorite and deserves a spot on every traveler’s list, whenever you choose to explore its wonders.
