Best Time of Year to Visit Iceland
Dreaming about visiting Iceland, but don’t know when? The best time of year to visit Iceland will depend on your desired Iceland itinerary.
Are you looking to watch the magical Northern Lights? Admire giant Glaciers? Do an Ice Cave Tour, leaving you feeling in a winter wonderland? Opt to visit Iceland during winter, between September and March.
Do you want to get up close to Waterfalls? Go Puffin Spotting? Do a Whale Watching Tour? Snorkel the Silfra Fissure or experience the Midnight Sun? Visit Iceland in the summer instead, between June and August.
So, What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Iceland?
The answer is: there is no right time to visit Iceland.
Iceland offers countless things to do, from hiking to ice cave tours or even waterfall-chasing. The best time to visit Iceland will entirely depend on what you’re looking to experience.
You see, visiting Iceland in the summer is a completely different experience than in the winter. To help you choose your personal best time to visit Iceland, I’ve put together what Iceland offers from season to season.
So, let me break it down for you.
Visiting Iceland in Winter
- Snow-capped landscapes
- Northern Lights
- Ice Cave Tours
- Cheaper flights and less crowds
- Only 4-5 Hours of Daylight
- Many roads may be closed, limiting your Iceland Itinerary
Visiting Iceland in Winter | Best Time of Year to Visit Iceland
Cold temperatures and less daylight may deter some travelers from visiting Iceland in winter. But don’t get mistaken – visiting Iceland in Winter is a real winter wonderland that will leave you in awe.
Snow-capped landscapes, giant glaciers floating, ice cave tours – and don’t get me started on the Northern Lights! In the Winter, the landscapes become covered with deep blankets of snow, while the glaciers and caves gain a special glow.
Temperatures, weather and daylight
- Average temperatures in winter range from 0ºC (32F) in the South and -15ºC (14F) in the North
- January and February are the coldest months
- The wind is usually stronger compared to summer
It’s true when people say Iceland is cold in winter. But I must say… I was expecting it to be much more severe than it actually is. With a few layers of warm clothes, you will be just fine.
But what activities do you look for in Winter?
Watch the magical Northern Lights
If watching the northern lights is on your bucket list, the best time of year to visit Iceland is during winter. Anytime between September and March is a good time for northern lights hunting, as the skies are darker.
Do an Ice Cave Tour
Iceland’s caves are among my favorite sights in winter. The blue hues of Crystal Ice Cave make it one of the most attractive places in Iceland, making it an unmissable stop in winter. Most tours start from Skaftafell or Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and last about 4-5 hours.
Hike your way across giant glaciers
Visiting Iceland in winter also calls for an exciting hike. The landscapes are covered by snowy layers, offering an otherworldly landscape only available in winter. Popular hikes in Iceland include the legendary Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls trails.
Ice Cave Tour in Crystal Ice Cave | Best Time of Year to Visit Iceland
Visiting Iceland in Spring
- Great time for Wildlife Watching
- Waterfalls are in all force
- Golden sunsets and blooming fields
- Decent weather
- No midnight sun
- Northen lights are less common
Visiting Iceland in Spring | Best Time of Year to Visit Iceland
Spring is Iceland’s off-season in Iceland, from March to June. This is the perfect time to just explore away from the crowds. Not to mention that you will be greeted by a true wildlife paradise – with plenty of beautiful puffins and whales.
So, if you are a wildlife lover, this is the best time of year to visit Iceland.
Temperatures, weather and daylight
- From March to June, temperatures range from 0ºC to 10ºC (32F to 50F)
- As for daylight, you can expect to have 10-13 hours of daylight
That should be more than enough to make an exciting Iceland Itinerary.
Go Puffin Watching
If you are a wildlife lover, most likely you are going to fervently search for Puffins in Iceland. These colorful birds tend to be easily spotted along the coastline in early April, giving travelers a chance to take memorable photos.
Go Whale Watching
Another must-do activity in Iceland is whale watching. You can spot countless whale species along the coastline, including minke, sperm whales and orcas. The best way to spot whales is by doing a Whale Tour, either in the North of Iceland (Húsavík and Akureyri) or starting the tour from Reykjavík.
Witness Iceland’s bewitching waterfalls
In spring, waterfalls gain another glow, as they achieve full force. Unlike winter, frozen waterfalls now turn into powerful streams of water, making it ideal to get up close to them. Some of my favorites are Seljalandsfoss, which sits on the Icelandic South Coast, about 2 hours from Reykjavík, or the famous Gullfoss Waterfall nested on the Golden Circle.
Puffin Watching | Best Time of Year to Visit Iceland
Visiting Iceland in Summer
- Over 20 hours of daylight
- Best time for hiking
- Roads are all open
- Ideal for hot springs
- No Northern Lights
- Ice caves are not as impressive
Visiting Iceland in Summer | Best Time of Year to Visit Iceland
Summer is definitely the peak season in Iceland. With no restrictions to your Iceland Itinerary, the opportunities are really endless. Between June and August – the warmest months – it’s the best time for hiking in Iceland!
Temperatures, weather and daylight
- Temperatures during summer range from 5ºC to 18ºC (41F to 64F)
- You will have 20-22 hours of daylight
Witness the midnight sun
Summer in Iceland is known for the days featuring over 20 hours of light. Because of that, Iceland has become an attractive destination for those looking to experience the midnight sun. Imagine yourself relaxing on the otherworldly Blue Lagoon during midnight. How amazing it would be!
Unwind in natural hot springs
As one of the most volcanically active places on Earth, Iceland naturally forms hot springs that deserve your visit. Iceland hot springs can be found scattered across the country. While some are naturally created (for example, the Sky Lagoon), others are man made but still one-of-a-kind (the case of Blue Lagoon).
Trek the surreal Icelandic wilderness
Say YES to an adventurous getaway to explore Iceland highlights! Summer is the best time of year to visit Iceland, if you’re keen to discover this remote and stunning region. You’ll be greeted with views over mesmerizing glaciers, mountains, and towering volcanoes.
Relax in Sky Lagoon | Best Time of Year to Visit Iceland
Visiting Iceland in Fall
- Colorful landscapes
- Best time to see the northern lights
- No crowds
- Normal daylight hours
- Less opportunities for wildlife watching
- Weather is unpredictable
Visiting Iceland in Fall | Best Time of Year to Visit Iceland
Fall in Iceland is a magical time with nature draped with colors. Fewer tourists flock to Iceland, making it perfect to explore popular attractions like the Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon, or Reykjavík without too many people.
The fall season generally starts in August and ends in November.
Temperatures, weather and daylight
- Temperatures during fall are milder, ranging from 3ºC (37F) to 10ºC (50F)
- Daylight starts to decrease, with an average of 11-13 hours
Chase the northern lights
Are you excited to witness the magical northern lights? Fall offers great opportunities to witness this stunning spectacle of dancing colors.
To improve your chances, make sure you find the best places to see the northern lights.
Enjoy the beautiful colors of the season
As fall starts to approach, the autumn colors in Iceland make it perfect to explore the countryside. Visit popular attractions, such as Golden Circle, Thingvellir National Park, or Snæfellsnes Peninsula. You’ll be greeted with stunning colorful landscapes unique to the season.
Attend festivals
Fall is also the time to attend many Icelandic Festivals. You’ll have plenty of choices, from cultural to food or even music festivals. Have fun!
Watch the magical Northern Lights | Best Time of Year to Visit Iceland
When to Visit Iceland
When to visit to see Northern Lights
The northern lights are a natural phenomenon in Nordic countries, including Iceland. Experiencing it is like watching the sky turning into colorful hues!
Northern lights are most visible between September and March when skies are darker. Seeing them requires clear skies and just a bit of luck! This means, you need to be at the right place at the right time.
Luckily, nowadays aurora forecasts make it easier for travelers to spot the phenomenon.
Watch the northern lights between September and March
When to visit to see Blue Lagoon
Blue Lagoon features one of Iceland’s top attractions, boasting otherworldly landscapes. Thousands of tourists flock here each year, not only because of its natural beauty, but also because of the countless benefits the lagoon provides to our skin.
The best time to visit the Blue Lagoon is year-round. You just have to ask yourself, ‘What do I look forward to seeing?’
In the summer, the Blue Lagoon is open until 9 pm, offering you a chance to experience the milky-blue water as well as the midnight sun.
In the winter, the Blue Lagoon offers a different experience. You may watch the northern lights while lying on the warm, comfortable lagoon.
Visit the Blue Lagoon year-round
When to visit to see Waterfalls
Iceland’s waterfalls are one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders. Exploring them is best in the summer when days are longer and you can get up close to them.
While I advise you to watch the Iceland Waterfalls in the summer, you can also visit them in the winter. The only difference is that waterfalls are partly iced, and you have less time to explore due to shorter daylights (4-5 hours).
But, hey! Don’t think of it as a worse experience. I visited them in late December, and it was still spectacular!
Explore the waterfalls year-round, preferably during summer
Iceland Waterfalls | Best Time of Year to Visit Iceland
Best time for Whale Watching
Whale watching is a popular activity in Iceland. The chances of spotting whales in Iceland are high, making it a great and unmissable attraction on your Iceland Itinerary.
The best time for whale watching is from April to September. The peak season is from June to August, when most travelers fervently await to spot whales through whale watching tours. So, make sure you book your tour in advance!
Go Whale Watching from April to September
Best time for Puffin Watching
Puffins are known for their colorful peaks, being an iconic animal in Iceland. Just like whales, these animals are mostly spotted during the summer, from may to july.
Luckily, there is not just one place you can spot puffins in Iceland, as they hang out in the sea all over the country. In fact, there are countless places to see puffins.
To increase your chances of seeing them, opt to make a guided tour.
Go Puffin Watching in summer or spring
There is no such thing as the best time of year to visit Iceland. When to visit Iceland will depend largely on your desired Iceland Itinerary!
Make sure you consider all the pros and cons of each season. I hope I have helped you make the best decision possible. Have a great trip to Iceland!
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