Best Time To Visit Iceland

Iceland is a place with breathtakingly beautiful snowy landscapes, active geysers, stunning glaciers, majestic waterfalls, hot, bubbling springs, and volcanic craters. The suggested natural beauty, a unique culture, and friendly locals make this place a must-visit destination.

In this guide, we will discuss the best time to visit Iceland, what to see and do during those seasons, and provide some insider tips to help you plan a great itinerary.

Best Time to Visit Iceland

• Peak Season: June to September
• Shoulder Season: April to May and September to October
• Low Season: November to April

Spring: Explore Your Heart Out (April to May)

• Temperature: Around -1 to 6 degrees Celsius
• Weather: The days are pleasantly cold, as the rain and snow have significantly reduced after winter, allowing the days to be bright. However, one must be prepared for some random weather changes, as winters may be felt at night.

Things to Do in Spring:

• Relax in hot springs: This country has some of the best hot springs. It is a great time to relax in them. Some of the popular hot springs are Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon, and Hvammsvik Hot Springs.
• Northern Lights: Although Northern Lights are a winter affair, you may still find them during spring. The key is to find a dark place with less pollution. You can also check the Aurora forecast for that.
• Outdoor Activities: Spring in Iceland is an ideal time for tourists to enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including horseback riding, sightseeing, and hiking.
• Famous Sights: Take a glimpse of the blooming beauty of spring by visiting the Golden Circle and the Blue Lagoon.
• Other notable spring activities: Whale-watching, spotting puffins, glacier hiking, enjoying the beauty of the landscape, relaxing in the hot springs, and, of course, visiting waterfalls such as Skógafoss, Gullfoss, and others.

Insider Tip: Book your accommodations and any other travel arrangements in advance. Also, pack your thermals, gumboots, and every other winter essential you need. Additionally, spring is considered the quietest time to visit Iceland.

Summer: Bright Sun Glittering on the Snow Even at Midnight (June to September)

• Temperature: Around 4 to 15 degrees Celsius.
• Weather: The weather is perfect fr outdoor activities as there is ample light and barely any rain. And yes, expect the sun to shine for almost 24 hours in Iceland in June to September for the least.

Things to Do in Summer:

The Golden Circle: Visit this place to witness Iceland's most incredible sights. Golden Circle for its key attractions:

1. Pingvellir National Park
2. Geysir Geothermal Area
3. Gullfoss Waterfall

• Landmannalaugar Highland: Visit this spot to witness impressive rhyolite mountains, natural hot springs, and scenic hiking trails, such as the Laugavegur Trail.
• Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: Soak in the beauty of Iceland with boat tours here, and be sure to visit the Diamond Beach with its black sand.
• The Westfjords: Visit here for Latrabjarg bird cliffs, Dynjandi waterfall, and some of the finest fjord landscapes.
• Reykjanes Peninsula: Visit this place to experience the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa and some of the finest hot springs.

These places are a great spot to begin your summer season exploration here in Iceland.

Since this season is a peak season of tourism, here are some activities that you can try:

• Whale watching
• Hike a volcano
• Soak in hot rings
• Explore the midnight sun
• Horseback riding and more.

Insider Tip: Since it's peak season, we suggest avoiding major tourist attractions in the morning to avoid the rush. You can plan it for post-lunch. Make sure to pack your woolens and gumboots. Since the weather is pleasant and bright, and for anyone who would like to explore Iceland in optimal conditions, summer is the best time to visit.

Autumn: Blue Sky, Rainbow, and Red Leaves (September to October)

• Temperature: Around 3 to 10 degrees Celsius
• Weather: The air is crisp and cool, and as the seasons progress, the precipitation increases.

Things to Do in Autumn:

• Attend Festivals: Iceland hosts numerous cultural events throughout the year, and one such festival that takes place during the autumn season is Rettir, an annual horse and sheep rounding-up event. Another one makes it the best time to visit Reykjavik, as the Reykjavik Jazz Festival and the Reykjavik International Film Festival take place in October. Autumn is one of the best time to go to Iceland if you want to experience the fun festivals.
• Soak in Nature: Soak in the fantastic natural beauty of Iceland's autumn season by visiting natural waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss or Skogafoss. Trust us when ringered by golden trees of autumn, this sight looks even more scenic.
• Watch the Wildlife: Before winter's snow sets in and covers the landscape, take a moment to observe the wildlife that nature has to offer. However, whales are at the top of the lists, as these mammals come to Iceland for breeding months and in search of food. If you are lucky enough, you will be able to spot at least 12 different species of whales.
• Autumn Activities: Go berry and mushroom picking, a self-driving tour around the Ring Road or the Golden Circle, and more. Yes, this season is one of the best times for self-driving holidays in Iceland.

Insider Tip: As winter approaches, seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland becomes a fun experience; you need to find the right spot. You can see the Northern Lights at Thingvellir National Park, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, or Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. This is a great time to plan a budget-friendly trip to Iceland.

Winter: The Cosmic Dance of Nature (November to April)

• Temperature: Around -3 to 3 degrees Celsius
• Weather: Winter in Iceland is characterized by strong winds and cool temperatures, with fog, rain, and snow prevalent across the country. However, as the season passes, Iceland in April becomes more pleasant as the sun starts to shine brightly.

Things to Do in Winter:

• Northern Lights: One of the most significant activities to do in Iceland during winter is chasing the Northern Lights, also known as the aurora borealis. The dark winter skies of Iceland light up with the cosmic dance of the Northern Lights, and trust us, watching this phenomenon is one of the most out-of-this-world experiences you will ever have. November to April are the best months for seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland. However, as it is a natural phenomenon occurring in the universe, witnessing it on a specific day is never guaranteed, but it is said to appear from October to April. So if you want to witness the Northern Lights, winter is the best time of year for Iceland.
• Celebrate Christmas and New Year's: This small country is quite big on its Christmas and New Year's celebrations. There are Christmas markets, festivals, and events happening all around the country. Christmas tours and walks are happening for tourists and locals to watch the beauty of the country all around.
• Winter activities: Ice cave exploration, hot springs, glacier hiking, snowmobiling, driving Route 1 on a road trip, riding an Icelandic horse, and, lastly, chasing the beauty of the Northern Lights, as winter is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland.

Insider Tip: Additionally, the cold can be challenging, which makes this season have the quietest months in Iceland. However, it can also help you plan a budget-friendly trip. If you want to film the Northern Lights, make sure to carry a tripod. And yes, winter has the best months to see the Northern Lights.

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