It probably sounds crazy that the first time I ever visited Iceland was in December—the coldest time of year, with the shortest days which meant the sun didn’t even start rising until about 10 am and started setting again around 3 pm.
Yes, I experienced the worst jet lag of my life thanks to having no circadian rhythm, but it still ended up being an absolutely epic trip and the photos turned out absolutely gorgeous (a perk of hours-long sunrises and sunsets!).
With that in mind, the answer to ‘when is the best time to go to Iceland?’ is that truly, any time can be a great time as long as you’re prepared—especially for the ever-changing weather.
Even in the height of summer sunshine isn’t guaranteed, and winter can be absolutely frigid (I’m saying this as a Canadian, so yes, Iceland does in fact live up to its name and gets extremely cold).
Here’s what to expect in each season, the best months for different activities, and how to decide when to plan your Iceland trip.
Quick guide: When is the best time to go to Iceland?
Best overall: June to August for road trips, sightseeing, hiking and long days, lupins.
Best for Northern Lights: September to April
Best for hiking and road trips: July and August, especially around the summer solstice
Best for puffins: Late April to August, with the main breeding season during summer.
Top tip: Iceland’s weather can change quickly at any time of year. Even in summer temperatures are relatively cool, and wind and rain can make it feel colder than expected. Pack lots of layers and waterproof clothing regardless of when you plan to visit Iceland.
When to visit Iceland
The best time to visit Iceland truly depends on what you want to experience: summer (June-August) is best for campervan trips, hiking and long days of exploring far-flung spots with nearly 24 hours of daylight.
If it’s Northern Lights viewing, frozen waterfalls, exploring ice caves and steamy soaks in thermal baths that you’re after, then you’ll want to experience winter in Iceland from about November to February.
Shoulder seasons of spring and fall are good alternatives, since you’ll be able to enjoy most warm weather activities without the sun keeping you up all night.
Iceland weather by month
Summer in Iceland (June to August)
Summer is the most popular time to visit Iceland, when days are exceptionally long, temperatures are generally at their mildest, and more roads, hiking trails and seasonal attractions are accessible.
June has almost continuous daylight around the summer solstice, while July is typically Reykjavík’s warmest month. August still offers long days and excellent opportunities for exploring, although darkness gradually returns toward the end of the month.
Summer is the best time for road trips, when you can maximize your day by visiting waterfalls, glaciers and black sand beaches without having to fit everything into a short daylight window. It’s also the main season for whale watching and seeing puffins, and the vibrant purple lupins are in bloom (June and July) which is an amazing time for photography.
Globe Guide tip: Summer brings the largest crowds and typically the highest prices for accommodations, rental cars and camper vans. Book well in advance if you’re visiting in July or August, particularly if you want to stay in popular areas along the South Coast or Ring Road. Also, bring an eye mask!
Fall in Iceland (September to November)
Fall is a great time to visit Iceland if you want to experience the country’s landscapes without the peak summer crowds. The days are getting shorter, autumn colours appear across parts of the country, and the return of darkness makes it possible to see the Northern Lights again (fingers crossed!).
September is amazing because you can enjoy a busy day of adventures, relax in a sauna, then head out again at night for some aurora hunting (without the bitter cold you’d experience in the middle of the night during winter). The annual sheep roundup, known as the réttir, is held around the country in September giving a glimpse into rural Icelandic life, while the three-day Iceland Airwaves music festival is held in Reykjavik every November.
Keep in mind that some seasonal services and activities begin to wind down by the end of October, and it gets much colder by November when strong winds and rains are possible.
Winter in Iceland (December to February)
As mentioned, winter in Iceland is not for the faint of heart, but it can also be such a magical time to visit.
During my Christmas trip I got to see Reykjavik all lit up with holiday lights, watch both the sunrise and sunset during my six-hour soak session at Sky Lagoon, admire frozen waterfalls and even go snorkeling between two continents (yes, in DECEMBER!).
Ironically, seeing the Northern Lights was the only thing I didn’t manage to check off (not for lack of trying), but usually this time of year is the best time for seeing the Aurora Borealis dance across the night sky.
Winter is also the main season for guided visits to spectacular natural ice caves, and you can still visit geothermal lagoons, go snowmobiling, and walk on a glacier.
There are lots of indoor activities to enjoy in Reykjavik including the fantastic FlyOver Iceland experience, drinking cocktails at an ice bar, and touring landmarks like the Hallgrimskirkja church and Harpa concert hall.
December and January have the shortest days, which can make sightseeing more challenging (and very hard to get out of bed). With so little daylight you can’t do too much driving and sightseeing, so I recommend basing yourself in Reykjavik like I did and doing guided day trips versus an ambitious road trip around the entire country.
Trust me, there are tons of fun adventures just a short drive away, then you can spend your late afternoons and evenings relaxing in a spa or sauna, enjoying dinner, then exploring around town or head out to try your luck at Northern Lights viewing.
Globe Guide tip: If you insist on a self-guided trip and plan to rent your own vehicle, remember that winter driving is no joke here and requires lots of additional planning. Snow, ice, strong winds and temporary road closures can affect conditions and there are very few services, so check the forecast and road conditions daily and drive carefully.
Spring in Iceland (March to May)
Spring is a transitional season in Iceland, when snow begins to melt, daylight increases dramatically, and the landscape gradually emerges from stark winter to reveal vibrant green foliage.
This is a great time to visit Iceland if you want longer sightseeing days in popular areas like the South Coast and Golden Circle, while avoiding the busier, more expensive summer months.
April can still feel wintry, especially in northern Iceland and at higher elevations. May generally brings milder conditions and longer days making it a good month for sightseeing and road trips, and by the end of the month experiences up to 20 hours of daylight.
Wildlife lovers will also enjoy this time of year, when the puffin and whale watching seasons kick off.
Best time for Northern Lights viewing
I’ve been lucky enough to see the Northern Lights many times in places like Greenland, the Yukon, and even from an airplane window or while standing on my back deck in Alberta. My biggest advice to people is: don’t plan on seeing them.
For this natural phenomenon you need darkness, clear skies and aurora activity, so if seeing them is the main reason for your trip then plan to spend at least three or four nights in Iceland. This gives you more opportunities to find clear skies and adjust your plans to the forecast.
You don’t necessarily need to visit a remote part of the country to see them, but getting away from artificial light definitely helps.
Learn from my mistake and DON’T book one of the Northern Lights cruises or boat tours. The nearby city lights brighten up the sky which affects viewing, and even if the Northern Lights were out a moving boat is not the ideal place to capture them. Try these tours instead:
When is the best time for an Iceland road trip?
June through August is generally the best time to hit the road, when longer days give you more flexibility to stop at waterfalls, viewpoints and beaches without being rushed by sunset. This is especially true if you plan on driving the iconic Ring Road which circles much of the country, or the Highlands.
May and September can also be good options if you want to avoid the busiest part of the tourist season. Just remember that daylight is shorter, and conditions may be more challenging in certain regions.
So…when is the best time to visit Iceland?
For most travellers, June, July and August are the best months to visit Iceland for the first time. You’ll have long days, generally milder weather, be able to drive further and see more outdoor attractions.
If the Northern Lights are at the top of your list, plan a trip between September and April instead. For a compromise between long sightseeing days and the return of dark nights, consider September.
FAQs for traveling to Iceland
What to pack
No matter when you travel to Iceland, pack for changing, inclement weather. Even summer days can be cool, windy and wet, while winter conditions may require additional layers.
Here are a few essentials:
- Waterproof and windproof jacket
- Warm mid-layer, such as a fleece or lightweight insulated jacket
- Comfortable waterproof hiking shoes or boots
- Warm cotton or thermal socks, gloves and a hat
- Swimsuit for geothermal lagoons, saunas and pools
- Sunglasses and sunscreen for bright summer days
- An eye mask to block the sun during long summer nights
- Hand and boot warmers during winter
Renting a vehicle
Hitting the road in a campervan is a popular, fun way to explore Iceland (and save on accommodation costs) and you can rent through companies like Cozy Campers, Indie Campers and Happy Campers.
If you just need a regular vehicle, I recommend booking through Discover Cars which I always use since it often has the best prices.
Helpful resources
The Icelandic Met Office has everything from weather and aurora forecasts to earthquake reports, this is where you can check road conditions, and I recommend getting an eSim from Airolo to stay connected during your trip to Iceland. Use code TAMARA4142 for a discount.
Where to stay
If you’re basing yourself in Reykjvakik, Midgardur by Center Hotels has great city views, a bus stop right out front and fantastic spa for guests with a large sauna, plunge pool and outdoor hot tub.
Hotel Reykjavik Marina is in the Grandi neighbourhood overlooking the harbour, a short walk from FlyOver Iceland, Harpa and Rainbow street.
The cozy decor gives it a fun, boutique feel with nice touches like a fireplace and cozy seating in the lobby, and rooms have lots of storage and huge bathrooms.
YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY:
- FlyOver Iceland: A visual masterpiece of the Land of Fire and Ice
- A dream day at the Sky Lagoon in Iceland
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