When To Travel To Iceland?

Published On : 05 Sep 2024

This small island boasts of breath-taking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and a plethora of activities to indulge in, which has led many travellers to consider it as their dream vacation destination in recent years. However, this is an island in the North Atlantic Ocean and part of the Nordic countries, which have rather extreme seasonal changes in climate. In as much as you may be planning to visit Iceland, deciding when to do so is very important in ensuring that you make the most out of your trip. Below is a brief look at the four seasons that Iceland has and the advantages and disadvantages of traveling to the country at each of these times.

Summer (June - August)

As mentioned earlier, summer is the busiest season of all in Iceland. You may experience almost 24 hours of daylight in June and July as the sun might seem to rise and set very late, with summer ranging at about 50-60OF. This is the perfect time of the year when you can fully appreciate most of the popular attractions of Iceland. In summer you get to go on amazing road trips around the Ring Road to watch breathtaking waterfalls, volcanic deserts and glaciers. The long days also provide ample time for fun such as trekking, horseriding, canoeing and much more thanks to the midnight sun. Outdoor music festivals, food fests, and cultural carnivals and other such events are also on the calendar during the summer months. However, Iceland is most visited in summer hence caution in the flow of tourism this will be noticed most in the areas that are popular such as the Golden circle. Accommodation and tours may be required to be reserved several months or more before the actual trip. Get ready for rip-off season too – air tickets, accommodations, and tour costs are at their highest because of high demand. However, in general, summer allows to enjoy Iceland’s stunning nature due to its relative warmth and long days.

Fall (September - October)

Compared to the summer, autumn and winter in Iceland attract fewer tourists and have comparatively lower prices, but this does not mean that it is impossible to enjoy the stunning nature of the country in the fall. The changes of colors start to appear in the montainous areas in September and October where golden and red colors start to appear adding to the green meadows, snowy peaks, powerful waterfalls and black sand beaches. It is possible to be compensated with views of the stunning Aurora Borealis painting the night skies during the dark winter days. The average temperature is in the 40s, so if you are out and about to enjoy the landscape of Iceland, better put on your warm clothes. Precipitation is more frequent in the fall, and although there are more sunny days it rains more frequently. Dress appropriately for the cold and have some spare time for changes to the schedule. Although the days are shorter than in the summer, you won’t have to deal with throngs of tourists anymore. The same can be said for the shoulder season sales which can assist in reducing the expenses for accommodations, flights, and guided tours. For those reasons, however, fall is still a great time to go to Iceland if you don’t mind cooler temperatures and possibly wet weather.

Winter (November - March)

Prepare yourself for some snow, frost, and cold if you have planned your visit to Iceland in the winter season. Dark, short days are compensated by the biggest opportunity all year of watching the incredible Aurora Borealis painting the night sky. Frosty winter conditions can also present beautiful scenes to capture – such as ice grottos, frozen waterfalls, snowy lava fields and more. However, winter storms can hinder one’s plans and a lot of secondary roads will not be accessible without 4×4 vehicles. Some of the rural attractions, hotels and restaurants are usually closed or operate for a shorter time in the winter off-season. Cold weather with risk of blizzards sets in and it get very cold where it can freeze meaning you should be very careful if you are planning to travel away from cities or towns. Booking a winter-only tour will guarantee right type of vehicles, equipment, and guides familiar with the conditions of the winter landscape of Iceland. If you can handle colds, winds, darkness, and unpredictable weather – a winter trip to Iceland is one of the most magical experiences that one can come across. But make safety your top priority if you’re traveling on your own during the winter season.

Spring (April - May)

Iceland really starts to enjoy in spring after deep winter freeze as the temperatures begin to rise gradually back into the 40s. The arrival of sunlight encourages green moss and wildflowers to spread on lava fields and mountains that were previously covered by deep snow. Longer days also mark the return of puffins, whales, reindeer and other animals to the beautiful landscapes in Iceland. During the spring, travelers will get to see Iceland mid-transformation, with rivers growing wider due to the melting glaciers and waterfalls returning to their lush, grandeur form. Although spring is known for having fluctuating weather with sudden rainfall, occasional snow showers, you get to travel during off peak season hence small crowds of tourists and costs of accommodation, car rentals, air fares are slightly cheaper before the onset of summer. While exploring the great outdoors, though, you’ll want to make sure you have your waterproof cold weather clothes on! Traveling to Iceland in spring is not as vibrant as during the summer but it provides a wonderful opportunity to see the island after coming out of its deep freeze during the winter. While the winter is relatively calm, the Icelandic people welcome the arrival of spring with traditional lively festivities and music, delicious food, ski competitions and other entertainments for kids and adults as well.

Iceland remains an extremely versatile destination for any traveler and offers a multitude of breathtaking sights, activities, and ways to engage with the culture year-round. Simply do your homework, check travel conditions in the country at the time you are planning to visit, factor in the unpredictable weather for islands and you will have one of the spectacular Nordic destination regardless of the time of the year!