When Is The Best Time To Travel To Iceland?

But generally, it is important to note that the best time to visit Iceland largely depends on the kind of adventure tourists wish to undertake in the country. Here's an overview of the different seasons in Iceland and what each has to offer travelers.

Summer (June-August)

Iceland is most visited by tourists during the third quarter of the year, which is summer. The climate is fairly mild by comparison, with average temperatures ranging from 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit; however, the temperature is accompanied by rather strong wind. This is one of the best times for spending more time outdoors – in the middle of the summer, Iceland has close to 24 hours of daylight.

Spring is also a good time because there are many flowers that bloom during these months and birds start breeding. This is a good time for trekking, camping and any form of self drive because the road to the interior highlands is only accessible from about mid June to September. The interior has its own rugged appeal and is not as packed as the south coast sites.

The highest rates are observed in August as are the highest prices especially for accommodations in Reykjavik and the Golden Circle. However, they provide enough time to visit all the major attractions and also some off-the-beaten-path places. It is also the best time for whale watching, puffin watching, and taking boat trips. The only thing I can warn you about is that if you are planning to stay with the typical tourist route in Iceland in August, be prepared for crowds.

Fall (September-October)

Autumn is characterised by low tourist traffic especially in the southern parts where the warmth lingers until late October or early November. September is also great – the days are less hot and less windy and the days are still long; there is about 12 hours of light in the end of September vs. 16-18 in the middle of summer.

This is because the fall autumn foliage enhances the scenic nature of the landscape. The cost of car rentals and accommodation is also relatively low and affordably compared to prices during the summer holidays. It is perfect for enjoying the Reykjavik’s great restaurants or music festivals such as the Iceland Airwaves.

October and November are characterized by shorter days and colder temperatures, and the likelihood of disturbances such as snow is higher, particularly in the northern and eastern regions of Iceland. These conditions can result in some spectacular and emotional atmospheres, particularly within and around Iceland’s waterfalls and glaciers. This is the best time to see Northern Lights displays increasing too.

Winter (November-March)

Iceland has all fours seasons and for a fact they experience winter although temperate along the coastal areas are influenced by the Atlantic ocean and are not as low as one would expect for a place of such latitude. Iceland’s capital and largest city of Reykjavik for instance, has average temperatures of close to freezing during winter. In December, there are approximately four to five hours of daylight, which is an issue – but at least it means that there are more chances to witness the breathtaking beauty of the Northern Lights during the night.

During November to March, it is possible to access ice caves and glacier hiking is at its peak. Sights also include whale watching because humpback and orca whales are also found in the waters of Iceland during the winter season.

The winter landscape is very beautiful with ice build up in different designs over waterfalls such as Gullfoss and large fields of lava where tourists get to take great photos. Roads get closed due to snow sometimes during the winter and this is frequent in the central areas and the western part of Westfjords so one has to be ready to be stuck in the car with good tires or a four wheel drive car. However, for those who are not a fan of cold weather, winter is the best time to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Iceland without many other people around.

Spring (April-May)

April and May are considered to be transition months in which Iceland gets to transition from winter to summer but does not encounter most of the larger tourist crowds that come during summer. Daylight duration rises to approximately 16.75 hours by early May, while temperatures hover between 30- 48 F making it ideal for outdoor activities.

In spring season, there is green moss and pastures, flowers blooming on the fields with possibilities of coming across baby lambs, calves, foals all over different farms in the country. Winter is the best time with clear skies and good weather but with less sunlight while early spring is not very reliable as storms occur and averages higher precipitation. But when conditions are favorable, it is a good time for some of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls and attractions to be visited at a relatively cheaper cost before the onset of the high season.

Bird watchers also prefer this season because most of the migratory seabirds such as the puffin, breed in large numbers during spring and summer. Bird cliffs are especially beautiful in Iceland in the end of April/ beginning of May.

Whether you plan on visiting the volcanic island of Iceland in the summer or the winter, there is always something special to see for the adventurous traveller. The only thing that you should bring with you is the proper set of clothing for the chilly Icelandic weather and keep an open schedule to adapt to the unpredictable Icelandic weather!

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