Hey travelers!
Tick your Iceland bucket list!
Although Iceland is breathtaking all year round, there are significant year-round variations in what may be done while there. Summer is unquestionably the finest time of year for most visitors to Iceland because of the long daylight hours—more than 20—that make even the most isolated areas reachable.
Here is the month-by-month list to help you plan your trip to Iceland and determine when is the best time to visit Iceland.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Iceland?
Depending on the month you are traveling, these are the best times to visit Iceland.
January
With much fewer visitors, January is one of the quietest months to visit Iceland, meaning that the main attractions are not as overcrowded. In January, short, gloomy days are the norm in Iceland; the sun rises at approximately 11 a.m. and sets at approximately 4 p.m., making it an ideal time to see the Northern Lights. With a few extra hours of daylight at the end of the month, horseback riding trips on resilient Icelandic horses go underway.
February
One of the greatest months to watch the Northern Lights is during this one. February in Iceland is quite cold, but Reykjavik and the shore are consistently warmer and begin to melt by the end of the month. Orcas also make an appearance; to fully enjoy this spectacle, you can join in boat trips and photograph wildlife excursions.
March
The vernal equinox, which occurs in March, marks the astronomical change from winter to spring. There are twice as many geomagnetic storms this month as usual, which implies there will be more active Northern Lights. March trip to Iceland offers the opportunity to enjoy winter sports like snowshoeing and ice cave exploration, followed by a soak in a hot spring. Oh, and orcas continue with their pursuit of herring.
April
April in Iceland begins to feel very much like spring. The days are gradually lengthening to a full 14 hours of sunlight as the weather gets better. Expect the unexpected, as is always the case in Iceland; snow is still just a changing cloud away. April is when most small group excursions begin, as it’s the best time to explore the Westfjords to East Fjords by roadway. As the nights become lighter, so does your chance of witnessing the Northern Lights.
May
In May, Iceland comes out of winter. The last week of May is prime for birdwatching; rivers progressively fill with geese, and boat trips may more easily view puffins nesting on sea cliffs. When the oceans soften and the coastlines thaw in May, whales migrate north to eat, which coincides with the beginning of circumnavigation voyages to Iceland.
June
The month of June is known as the “midnight sun,” so bring an eye mask for peaceful sleep. Westfjord coastal cliffs are still home to a plethora of birdlife, and whale-watching tours depart daily in search of minke and humpback whales.
June marks the start of the summer sea kayaking season and the period for camping and hiking. Given the long days and lack of ice on most roads, June is one of the finest months to travel independently in Iceland.
July
Iceland is most pleasant in July. With most paths open, including the Laugavegur trail and those in the typically inaccessible Highlands, it’s ideal for camping and hiking. Also, photographers are drawn to the unsettling late-night light.
July in Iceland is a busy month for whale-watching cruises because there is no snow on any of the country’s roadways.
August
August is the busiest month in Iceland for tourists, as the island is celebrated with festivals, cruise ship visitors, and summer vacations. Spend some time camping, hiking, or sea kayaking away from the bustling Reykjavik; these are your ultimate opportunities before the days grow shorter and the cold weather returns.
You don’t have to travel far to find empty, unending roads if you decide to take a self-drive tour of Iceland in August. If you want to take a complete tour of the Arctic, August is an excellent time to combine Iceland with Greenland or Spitsbergen.
September
In September, the Northern Lights are once again more observable in Iceland. With more geomagnetic storms occurring around the autumnal equinox, September is one of the finest months to observe Iceland’s Northern Lights. And before the weather makes the trip too unpredictable, this is your last chance to pair up Greenland and Iceland.
October
In October, those in charge of the remaining whale-watching boats put away their hats for the winter. Many small group trips are coming to an end this month as well. But in October, when there are fewer people around and the weather is unpredictable, wildlife photographers are at their best in Iceland. They can experience snow, sunshine, and thundering clouds all in the same week (or occasionally even in a single day).
Reykjavik’s temperatures are still barely above freezing, and most of the roads are open for exploration.
November
November in Iceland is the month of winter trips when itineraries feature glacier hikes, hot spring soaks, and ice caving. One of Iceland’s calmest months, it serves as a bit of a breather before December’s festivities.
December
Perceived temperatures can seem much lower due to wind chill. But don’t turn away Iceland in December; instead, bring appropriate clothing for the cold. Amid a gloomy, chilly month, New Year’s Eve provides a glimmer of hope as Icelanders gather around
Oh, how I love the chilly Iceland in December! A must-try month to enjoy!
Ready To Visit Iceland?
Still undecided when is the best time to visit Iceland? Honestly, there isn’t a best month or season. All of the months are worth visiting!
Not every destination or activity in Iceland is indeed open year-round, even though there are plenty of adventures to keep you occupied for a long time. If you’re more of a hiker or a skier, then when to visit will depend on what you want to find. Are you interested in taking a tour of the ice caves or the Highlands? Are chasing the aurora borealis or whale watching part of your ideal vacation plans?
Take your time! I’m sure that whatever month you decide to go will be enjoyable!
