The Best Time to Visit Iceland

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• Where to pass the nights in Reykjavik

When is the Best Time to Visit Iceland?

I think the best conditions in Iceland is from May to August. This is when you can expect pleasant temperatures and long days. But it’s also high season and hotels, tours, and flights should be booked many months in advance. April and September are reasonable alternatives with decent weather, shorter days, smaller crowds, and cheaper prices.

• Ideal Period to Witness the Northern Lights: Many individuals travel to Iceland hoping to see the aurora borealis, or northern lights. It`s an ideal location to do so, as the country`s small population and long distances between towns make it simple to escape light pollution, even if you`re in or near Reykjavik. There are a number of criteria necessary for them to be visible, like guaranteed darkness, which is why the best time to see them is from late September through late March, when there are pitch black nights. (Although the lights can sometimes be seen as early as mid-August or as late as mid-April.) Another significant factor is the weather – cold, clear nights are best for aurora views, because warmer nights often bring precipitation or cloud cover. Solar flares on the sun or solar wind is also required. When all of these conditions are met, you’ll have the highest odds to see the colorful dancing lights. As there is less precipitation in October and November along with complete dark, chilly nights, these months tend to bring the greatest probabilities for viewing.
• Prime Time for Sightseeing: Iceland is renowned for its many spectacular waterfalls, hot springs, and volcanoes. To behold as much as possible requires longer days with fewer crowds interfering, weather that does not impede roadways. Optimal times fall within the bookends of high season around the final week of May through mid-June, or anytime in September.
• Optimal Period for Observing Whales: Usually, the best timeframe to embark on whale watching excursions in Iceland spans from April through October. The peak season falls within the summer months of June, July and August, with tours departing from Reykjavík, Vestmannaeyjar islands along the south coast, Húsavík, Akureyri and Dalvík. You aren`t out of success if you visit during the winter, however. Provided a gale doesn`t blow in, winter whale watching is accessible from Grundarfjörður on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. In the winter time frame, observers are given heat-retaining suits, making it fairly comfortable to see the orca whales that shadow the herring in the local waters.
• Most Advantageous Conditions for Weather: The season containing the optimal weather conditions in Iceland is the high season, specifically July and August when average high temperatures are around 13°C, though temperatures can reach as high as 15°C or even 20°C. If hoping to avoid rainfall, the months containing the least amount of rain are May and June, and temperatures are often the pleasant number of 11°C.
• Recommended Times for Experiencing the Blue Lagoon: The Blue Lagoon is among Iceland`s most popular attractions year-round, though the peak periods are generally between May and September, with July and August seeing the largest crowds. The winter months like December and January tend to be calmer except around holidays. Tuesday and Wednesday typically have smaller numbers of visitors than other days. However, the time of day you go is more important than the specific day. Morning hours from around 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. draw the largest crowds, with lunchtime generally being the busiest period overall. By 3 or 4 p.m., crowds decrease significantly yet there remains ample opportunity to soak until closing time; the lagoon is open until 10 p.m. January 1 through May 25 and August 21 through October 1; until 11 p.m. May 26 through June 29; and until midnight June 30 through August 20, and October 2 through December 31.
• Optimal Time for Cost Savings: Airfare and lodging rates in Iceland tend to be most affordable during the winter months, excluding the Christmas and New Year holidays. Prices peak throughout the busy summer season. If hoping to balance lower overall expenditures with better weather, travel during the shoulder months: mid-May through mid-June or September through mid-October.
• Best Time to Avoid Crowds: Visiting Iceland from mid-April through May or September through October means encountering fewer tourists, despite the extended daylight hours still permitting sightseeing and possibly fair weather. Fewest visitors arrive between November and March, but inclement conditions and abbreviated daylight bring challenges.

Iceland’s Travel Seasons

• Peak Season (mid-June through August): Iceland’s peak season falls during the height of summer, when the days are extremely long (the sun never fully sets on the longest day of the year), allowing visitors to enjoy the country’s myriad of outdoor adventures in the Midnight Sun. This is also the best chance for pleasant weather, but expect to find denser tourist crowds at popular attractions, higher prices, and greater difficulty finding lodgings.
• Shoulder Season (Mid-May through mid-June, September through mid-October): Iceland does not have much of a transition period between its high and low seasons, with most visitors arriving during the peak summer months. Coming in late spring, explorers can anticipate melting snow, smaller crowds of people, expanded lodging options, and occasionally reduced costs. In early autumn, temperatures may be pleasant and crisp, with golden sunlight and changing hues on the trees. There will be fewer travelers and some more affordable prices. The later in the fall one arrives, the better chance there is of viewing the aurora borealis.
• Low Season (Mid-October through mid-May): An increasing quantity of visitors travel to Iceland during the slower season for hot springs, winter activities, and nightlife, but this can still be a good time to avoid traveler crowds and take pleasure in better prices and availability on lodging, car rentals, and airfare. Winter temperatures in Iceland are surprisingly moderate, usually hovering right around freezing, though days are often dim, with just four to six hours of daylight. Most major roadways are cleared, but mountain routes and interior paths will be impassable, and many attractions are shut down, especially outside of Reykjavik.

Iceland Weather by Month

• Weather Conditions in Iceland During January: January is typically the coldest month in Iceland, with average highs of around 2°C and average lows of approximately -3°C. When compared to temperatures in New York City, it`s possibly milder than envisioned. Winds often reach gale force intensities, though, making it truly feel very cold. Rain is commonly experienced, particularly surrounding Reykjavík, and this month combined with February offer the highest likelihood of snowfall. Daylight hours are brief, with around four hours of sunlight early in January; sunrise occurs at roughly 11:19 a.m. and sunset at approximately 3:44 p.m. on the 1st, yet by month`s end that extends to about seven hours, with the sun ascending at roughly 10:10 a.m. and setting at around 5:12 p.m. (Average Max Temperature: 2°C. Average Precipitation: 55mm.)
• Iceland Weather in February: During February in Iceland, the climate is similar to January but with more daily daylight hours to appreciate the scenery. By the end of the month, there are 10 hours of sunlight each day from sunrise at 8:38 a.m. to sunset at 6:43 p.m. Precipitation also decreases slightly, with on average 40mm falling as rain or snow. Streets may show lush gardens instead of just snow, as temperatures often rise slightly above zero on most dates. Most attractions and roadways in southwest Iceland remain available except after substantial storms, and crowds will be minimal. Being appropriately dressed keeps one warm in temperatures comparable to northern U.S. winters. (Average Max Temperature: 2°C. Average Precipitation: 40mm.)
• Iceland Weather in March: By the end of March, daylight hours have expanded significantly, with sunlight exceeding darkness by around three hours over the course of the day. While temperatures have not shifted much, the quantity of precipitation corresponds to what was seen in February, continuing the wintery feel. Rainy and sunny periods are common in the capital city of Reykjavik, although snow primarily blankets the surrounding highlands rather than the ground within city limits. Unsurfaced roads outside major southwest areas largely remain impassable without all-wheel drive capabilities. (Average Maximum Temperature: 2°C. Average Rainfall: 40mm.)
• Weather Conditions in Iceland During April: While not perfect for tanning, April generally marks the start of Iceland`s “summer” season. Average high temperatures increase to around 5°C, with lows hovering just at the freezing point. Rainfall declines notably to about half of February and March amounts at 20mm, which can fall as snow in some areas but most frequently comes down as rain, especially in lower elevations. By April`s end, daylight hours lengthen remarkably to over 16 hours from sunrise at 6:46 a.m. to sunset at 8:19 p.m., a significant gain over the prior month. As with any time of visiting Iceland, pack various layers of clothing and water-resistant shoes to handle unpredictable conditions. (Typical Maximum Temperature: 5°C. Normal Precipitation: 20mm.)
• Iceland`s Climate in May: May is usually an amazing time to be in Iceland, with long 20+ hour days, fewer travelers and lower rates. While it continues to be somewhat chilly by many standards, with a typical high of 9°C, there are typically lots of sunny days. In Reykjavík, the likelihood of a wet day over the period rapidly decreases, starting at 36% on the 1st and ending it at 29%. That being said, Iceland`s climate is always subject to extreme change and can be rather unpredictable, so it`s best to be ready for the unanticipated. In the interior, mountainous parts of the country, there remains a possibility of snow. (Average Max Temperature: 9°C. Average Precipitation: 40mm.)
• Conditions in Iceland throughout June: June brings the maximum daily sunlight. While sunrise and sunset times shift across the month, the sun on average rises at 02:42 and sets at 23:32. In Iceland`s northern reaches, the sun barely disappears before it reappears. Temperatures are climbing too, averaging 11°C but reaching as high as 15 or even 20°C at times. There is also less wind and rain, permitting easier enjoyment of all those outdoor activities. Of course, this coincides with peak travel season, so expect larger crowds and higher costs, and book lodging well in advance. (Average Maximum Temperature: 11°C. Average Precipitation: 20mm.)
• Weather Conditions in Iceland During July: As noted, July is another highly popular time of the year to visit Iceland. Usually, the climate is pleasant, though never too warm, and days remain quite long with sunset averaging approximately 11 p.m., and sunrise occurring early at around 3:23 a.m. July boasts the hottest temperatures experienced in Iceland, with average highs of 13°C and lows at 11°C. Like June, temperatures can increase much more than that on occasion, resulting in numerous warmer days. While some light rain may occur, the typical precipitation level remains minimal. (Average Max Temperature: 13°C. Average Precipitation: 20mm.)
• In Iceland during August: Midsummer in this Nordic nation is brief, so temperatures gradually wane through the month – however, it remains one of the warmest and driest periods. Readings seldom dip under 6°C or exceed 14°C. The likelihood of precipitation is somewhat elevated compared to June or July, with an average rainfall of 30mm. Earlier in August, summer-like conditions persist, yet as it transitions toward September, nights grow cooler by the day, especially after dark. The phenomenon of perpetual daylight is gone, yet plenty of visibility persists from dawn around 5 a.m. until nearly 9:30 p.m. (Average Maximum Temperature: 13°C. Average Precipitation: 30mm.)
• Weather in Iceland in September: Whereas the days aren`t as extended in September (nearly 15 hours of daylight on the 1st, decreasing to 11 hours and 35 minutes on the 30th), temperatures are often pleasant, crowds have vanished, and prices start to drop. The earlier in the month you arrive, the warmer it`s likely to be, with temps as warm as 13°C. On average, the high hovers around 9°C and can dip as low as 5°C. There`s a greater chance of rain, and even a possibility of snow, so come prepared by carrying plenty of layers and an assortment of clothing. You may even be treated to the northern lights, which can generally be seen, when conditions are right, from about late September through late March. (Average Max Temperature: 9°C. Average Precipitation: 40mm.)
• Iceland Weather in October: By the end of the tenth month, it begins to feel like winter in Iceland. This phase of transition; the autumn hues are in full effect, temperature levels are slowly dropping, and days are progressively reduced. On the thirty-first of October, the sun doesn’t surface until 09:03, and it sets at 17:18. The average climate is a brisk 4°C and drizzle is quite frequent, so intend for moist, chilled conditions. On the positive side, with the exception of some of the remotest parts of the country, the bulk of Iceland remains accessible to travelers, and there are significantly fewer crowds and reduced prices too. (Usual Maximum Temperature: 6°C. Average Precipitation: 30mm.)
• Iceland Weather in November: Summer is now left behind, while it isn`t as gloomy or cold as December and January, temperatures decrease to around 3°C on average with lows dropping close to freezing point, and the sun shines for just six hours approximately, rising a little before 10 a.m. and setting around 4:30 p.m. The earlier within the month you arrive, the more pleasant the weather and daylight you`ll have. Though it`s likely to be quite cold, with many days of light rain, snow and/or fog depending on the specific destinations visited, as long as you dress properly, most of the time you`ll feel comfortable and find lots to do with fewer crowds to deal with. (Average Max Temperature: 5°C. Average Precipitation: 30mm.)
• Iceland Weather in December: The month of December in Iceland brings cold temperatures and longer nights, but it’s also one of the most scenic times to visit the country, with snow blanketing the landscape and festive light displays helping to brighten the dimness. The days are extremely brief now in opposition to summer’s famous prolonged sunlit hours. While you won`t see much daylight, when it does surface it has a surreal, iridescent quality unlike any other location; this is known as the “extended blue,” the blue glow that lingers prior to the sun ultimately climbing. Once it rises, it lightly grazes the sky and then quickly sinks below again. Snowfall, rain, or a mix of both is nearly guaranteed, though the thermometer rarely drops much under freezing, holding steady around -1°C on average. The climate also deters many tourists, so you’re likely to find lower rates and greater lodging availability. Bundle up and enjoy as the Icelanders do. (Average Max Temperature: 4°C. Average precipitation: 40mm.)

Iceland Events and Festivals

Iceland in January

• New Year’s Day – January 1st is a nationwide holiday as it is in most nations around the world, though it’s really a two-day break here as just about everything is closed until January 3rd. As most people stay up very late on New Year’s Eve, the first day of the new year is often spent resting at home and the second-day shopping holiday sales.
• January 6th – January 6 is regarded as the formal finale of Christmas in Iceland. Known as “þrettándinn,” it is celebrated with bonfires, traditional melodies and fireworks.
• Thorrablot – This refers to an ancient Viking mid-winter ritual that originally involved the blood sacrifice of goats and oxen. Today, the celebration inaugurating the 13th week of winter on the Friday falling anywhere from January 19 to 25, incorporates lots of singing, dancing, drinking and eating traditional Nordic dishes like fermented shark, pickled ram testicles and boiled sheep heads. To attend an authentic local event, you’ll require an invitation from a townsperson, but some Reykjavik restaurants offer special Thorrablot meals.

Iceland in February

• Winter Lights Festival – This festival hosted around the first weekend in February was initiated to help lift spirits and brighten the winter darkness. The capital city will be dramatically illuminated, not only with gorgeous light-art installations, but with a wide variety of cultural events from choral performances and figuring skating to fashion shows and belly dancing. Other highlights include Pool Night and Museum Night, in which the museums and pools around Reykjavik stay open later and offer free admission.

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• Gastronomic Gathering – For four days in late February, and sometimes early March, the Feast and Frolic Festival is a period when many of the world’s most distinguished chefs collaborate with the finest eateries in Reykjavik. Special menus are prepared that consist only of Icelandic ingredients and are available at participating cafes during the festival. A televised competition is also held in which the top international cooks are challenged to generate dishes on the spot, using purely Icelandic components.

Iceland in March

• Beer Day – On the first of March each year, this unofficial commemoration honors the anniversary of the 1989 legalization of beers containing over 2.2% alcohol. To make up for the time it was banned (from 1915 all the way through 1989), Icelanders indulge in a beer binge, with festivities held in pubs, clubs and restaurants across Reykjavik.
• DesignMarch – This multi-day March event highlights Icelandic product design, interior design and graphics, furniture making and architecture over three days in mid-march. It features workshops, lectures, exhibits and other activities, and has previously attracted prominent names like Calvin Klein.

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Iceland in April

• Easter – The dark, cold winter season comes to an end with Easter. In Iceland, most workers receive five days off around this time, from Holy Thursday to Easter Monday, which falls in either March or April depending on the year. Schools and offices typically close down during this period, and some stores may be closed as well. Locals often travel to visit friends and relatives elsewhere or go to the renowned ski festival in Isafjordur, where skiing competitions and rock music shows take place.
• The First Day of Summer – According to the former Icelandic calendar which distinguishes only two seasons of summer and winter, the official start of summer falls on the Thursday between April 19 and April 25. Nearly every town in Iceland will hold its own celebration typically involving parades, sporting competitions, street entertainment and gift giving.

Iceland in May

• The Reykjavik Art Festival – Held every other year starting in mid-May for a 16 day period, this long-running arts festival features various national and international theater, visual art, design, and dance productions displayed throughout the capital city. The next festival is scheduled for 2018.
• Rite of Spring Festival – Hosted early May, focused on cutting-edge world, jazz and folk music.

Iceland in June

• Seafarer’s Day & Festival of the Sea – This holiday formally known as Sjómannadagur, is held on the first weekend of June to honor fishermen`s contribution to Icelandic culture and economy, as well as to remember those lost at sea. In fishing villages across the country, you’ll find it celebrated with vibrant parties, fantastic local seafood, cultural events and paradise. The fishermen themselves take part in all sorts of competitive events like strongman challenges as well as rowing and swimming races.
• Iceland National Day – This formal public vacation commemorates Iceland’s full freedom from Denmark on June 17, 1944. Among the most well-liked activities of the summer time, the streets of Reykjavik are stuffed with colourful parades, avenue performances, traditional dancing, theatrical displays and free outdoor music concerts that final effectively into the night time. Every single town honors the day in its personal exclusive way, so no make a difference where you strategy to be, you’re very likely to locate a celebration.
• Summer Solstice and the Secret Solstice Festival – This relatively new festivity is held on the longest day of the year, June 21st. It highlights stone groups, singer-songwriters, DJs and other acts from Iceland and past, playing host on a few scenes over four days under the Midnight Sun. There are also numerous nearby summer solstice festivities held on this day in which Icelanders assemble to watch the sun dip underneath the horizon only to rapidly ascend again.
• The Viking Festival – Considered the oldest and largest festival of its genre in Iceland, this takes place over half a week in mid-June at the Viking Village in Hafnarfjörður. A medieval marketplace is established where costumed “Vikings” handcraft goods for purchase while historically demonstrating warfare reenactments, dancing, storytelling, and instructing visitors in archery, woodcarving, spear throwing, and axe tossing.

Iceland in July

• Innipúkinn Festival – This small annual musical event held over the long weekend in late July in downtown Reykjavik features some of the nation`s favorite bands and brings in the top performers of the Icelandic music scene. It also includes comedians, a music marketplace and an assortment of food trucks.
• LungA – Hosted in the small town of Seyðisfjörður in East Iceland, LungA offers a mix of art and music in a spectacular location that’s held over seven days in mid-July. It includes live music, a variety of workshops, and a wide range of art on display.

Iceland in August

• Verslunarmannahelgi – The primary weekend of August is a financial get-away weekend all through which numerous Icelanders go away city to go camping. The Westman Islands are the most popular destination, with guests assembling at campgrounds to enjoy stay musical acts and a bonfire that goes on properly into the early morning. There also are quite a few occasions held all through the nation.
• Shuttle Bus: The islandwide operator, Perama, provides services to Ubud, Kuta, Candidasa, Amed, and Lovina. The Perama office is now unfortunately situated approximately 500m up the main road from the ferry terminal. A few local companies also offer similar services.
• Reykjavik Marathon – This annual event held on the third weekend of August attracts over 10,000, from Iceland and abroad. It features a full marathon as well as a 42.2K team relay, a half marathon, 10K, and shorter “fun runs” for kids and adults. It commences early in the morning, with races starting and finishing at Lækjargata. Runners also get free admission to all of the city’s pools and thermal baths afterwards.
• Menningarnótt – Menningarnótt, or “Culture Night,” occurs after the marathon concludes. It`s one of Iceland`s largest yearly events, and when runners clear the roads, various cultural happenings fill in that can be found across town, in parks, squares, streets, and individual homes, concluding with an impressive fireworks show.

Iceland in September

• The internationally renowned Reykjavik International Literary Festival – This annually scheduled event occurring in early September is viewed as one of the most prestigious literary gatherings in Northern Europe and features both Icelandic and foreign authors. In past years, it has hosted numerous distinguished writers, like Kurt Vonnegut, Seamus Heaney and David Sedaris. In 2017, it will take place from September 6 to September 9 at various venues throughout Reykjavik.
• The Reykjavik International Film Festival – Occurring over 10 days starting in late September, this festival shows a varied selection of non-fiction and dramatic films from more than 40 countries worldwide. There are multiple screening venues in downtown Reykjavik that include world premieres and award-winning films from other festivals. It also encourages interaction with other art forms by hosting photo exhibitions, concerts and more.

Iceland in October

• The Iceland Airwaves festival occurs over three days in mid-October. It showcases some of the best local independent and alternative music talents including renowned names similar to Of Monsters and Men and Björk along with international artists and local DJs. Rolling Stone magazine has called it “the most anticipated long weekend on the annual music festival calendar.”
• Brightening of the Imagine Peace Tower – On the ninth of October, John Lennon’s birthday, Yoko Ono invites guests on a free ferry ride to Viðey Island to participate in a lovely illumination ceremony.
• Halloween – Celebrating Halloween is relatively new in Iceland, but it has quickly become one of the biggest annual party occasions for adults there. There is no trick-or-treating, but eateries and bars host costume parties with prizes for the best outfit, and frequently have live music too.

Iceland in November

• Frostbiter – This Iceland Horror Film Festival takes place in the town of Akranes, around 40 minutes north of Reykjavik, and features horror movies and filmmakers from all over the globe. Both horror feature films and shorts are screened over the last weekend of November. It also involves after-parties and other events.

Iceland in December

• Yuletide festivities in Iceland – The holiday season is celebrated expansively in Iceland. With just 4 to 5 hours of daylight, the nights are very dim, so you’ll notice lots of holiday lighting used to brighten things up. Yearly Icelandic Christmas concerts, one of the oldest Yuletide traditions in Iceland are held, and a group of 13 mischievous trolls known as Yule Lads start arriving in town, one each night from December 12 through Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve is the most significant night of celebration in Iceland, officially starting at 6 p.m., when church bells across Iceland ring in the Jól. Icelanders typically go to mass which is followed by a Christmas dinner shared with family.
• New Year`s Eve in Reykjavik is one of the most spectacular celebrations worldwide. On this evening only, individuals are legally permitted to set off personal fireworks displays, illuminating the skies in unique styles. Neighborhood bonfires alongside the coastlines symbolize burning away troubles from the past year. Around 500 tons of fireworks can be viewed exploding in radiance from every corner of the city beginning around 11:35 pm. Much drinking and singing of folk melodies occurs, with some costumed as elves or trolls. Following midnight, pubs and nightclubs maintain their festivities far into the morning hours. At 5 am, locals queue for hot dogs then head to hot springs to soothe inevitable hangovers.