Iceland is a country of contrasts, offering a unique and stunning experience no matter the season. Choosing the best time to visit Iceland depends on personal preference and travel goals.

Each season in Iceland has its own advantages and disadvantages, from the incredible Northern Lights of winter to the long daylight hours of summer.

When is the Best Time to Visit Iceland?

Whether you’re looking to explore glaciers, waterfalls, hot springs, or the vibrant city of Reykjavik, there is something to discover year-round.

In this guide, we’ll explore the pros and cons of visiting Iceland in each season, helping you to decide when to plan your dream trip to this breathtaking country.

Visiting Iceland in Winter

Winter in Iceland lasts from November to March and is characterized by cold temperatures, snow, and darkness. However, it is also a beautiful and magical time to visit Iceland. This is the best time to see the Northern Lights, which can be seen from late August to early April.

Winter is also a great time to participate in winter activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and ice caving. Just be sure to pack warm clothing and be prepared for the short days and long nights.

Pros of Visiting Iceland in Winter

• Witnessing the northern lights: Iceland is one of the best places in the world to see the aurora borealis, and winter provides long nights with optimal conditions for viewing.
• Avoiding the crowds: Iceland is becoming an increasingly popular travel destination, but winter sees fewer tourists, meaning you can enjoy more secluded and peaceful experiences.
• Lower prices: Many accommodations, tours, and flights offer lower prices during the winter season, making it a more budget-friendly time to visit.
• Winter activities: Winter in Iceland opens up a whole range of unique activities, such as ice caving, snowmobiling, and dog sledding, which are not available in other seasons.
• Festive atmosphere: Icelanders love to embrace the holiday season, and Reykjavik in particular becomes festive with Christmas lights, markets, and concerts.

Of course, these pros may vary depending on your personal preferences and interests, but they provide a general idea of why visiting Iceland in winter could be a great idea.

Cons of Visiting Iceland in Winter

• Limited daylight hours: During winter, Iceland experiences very short days, with only a few hours of daylight. This can make it difficult to see and appreciate the natural beauty of the country, and can also limit the time available for activities and sightseeing.
• Challenging weather conditions: Winter weather in Iceland can be extremely harsh, with frequent snow, ice, and wind. This can make travel more difficult and hazardous, and can also lead to cancellations or delays for flights, tours, and activities.
• Limited accessibility to some areas: Some areas of Iceland, particularly in the highlands, may be inaccessible during the winter due to snow and ice. This can limit the range of activities and sights available to visitors.
• Limited accommodation options: Some hotels and guesthouses in more remote areas may close during the winter months, which can limit the options for accommodation.
• Higher prices for some activities: Some activities, such as snowmobiling and glacier hiking, may be more expensive during the winter due to the additional gear and preparation required.

While these cons may seem daunting, it’s important to note that with proper preparation and planning, visiting Iceland in winter can still be a wonderful and rewarding experience.

Visiting Iceland in Spring

Spring in Iceland begins in late March and lasts until June. During this time, the weather is still quite cold, with daytime temperatures hovering around 5-10°C (40-50°F).

However, the days are getting longer and the snow and ice are starting to melt, revealing vibrant green landscapes and beautiful wildflowers. Spring is a great time to visit Iceland if you want to experience the beauty of the country without the large crowds of tourists.

Pros of Visiting Iceland in Spring

• Mild Weather: Spring in Iceland is characterized by longer days, milder temperatures, and more sunshine compared to winter. While it may still be chilly, the weather is generally more pleasant, making it a great time to explore the outdoors without having to bundle up too much. It’s also a good time to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights before they disappear for the season.
• Fewer Crowds: While spring does mark the start of the high tourist season, it’s still not as crowded as the summer months, which means fewer crowds and more availability for accommodations and tours. This can also mean more personalized experiences and the opportunity to have popular attractions all to yourself.
• Wildlife Sightings: Spring is the season of birth for many animals, including puffins, seals, and reindeer. This is a great time to see these animals up close and personal, as well as other migratory birds that return to the island during this time.
• Lush Scenery: Iceland’s landscape is known for its stark beauty, but in the springtime, the countryside transforms into a lush, green paradise with wildflowers in bloom. The countryside is also dotted with waterfalls, rivers, and geysers, all of which are at their most spectacular in the spring.
• Off-season Prices: Spring is the shoulder season, which means you can often find better deals on flights, accommodations, and tours than you would in the summer. Plus, many attractions are free or discounted during this time.

Overall, spring can be a great time to visit Iceland for those who want to avoid the peak tourist season, enjoy mild weather, and witness the country’s natural beauty and wildlife.

Cons of Visiting Iceland in Spring

• Unpredictable weather: while the weather is generally milder than in winter, it can still be unpredictable and change quickly, so it’s important to be prepared for rain, wind, and even snow.
• Crowds: as the weather improves, more tourists start to arrive in Iceland, making popular sights and activities more crowded than in winter.
• Limited access to some attractions: some roads, trails, and attractions may still be closed due to lingering snow and ice or muddy conditions.
• Higher prices: as the peak travel season approaches, prices for accommodations, tours, and other activities may start to rise.
• Limited daylight: while the days are getting longer in spring, visitors may still have limited daylight hours to explore Iceland’s stunning landscapes and attractions. This can be particularly challenging for photographers who want to capture the Golden Hour or Blue Hour.

It’s important to note that these cons are not necessarily dealbreakers, and many visitors still find that spring is a great time to visit Iceland. With the right preparations and expectations, visitors can have a wonderful experience exploring this beautiful country in the spring.

Visiting Iceland in the Summer

Summer in Iceland lasts from June to August and is the most popular time to visit the country. During this time, the weather is mild, with temperatures ranging from 10-15°C (50-60°F) in the lowlands and up to 20°C (68°F) in the highlands.

The days are very long, with nearly 24 hours of daylight in some parts of the country. This is a great time to explore Iceland’s beautiful natural scenery and participate in outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and whale watching.

Pros of Visiting Iceland in the Summer

• Mild weather and longer daylight hours, which means more time to explore the outdoors and see the sights
• The countryside is lush and green, with wildflowers in bloom and wildlife sightings more common
• Great opportunities for hiking, camping, and outdoor activities such as glacier hiking, horseback riding, and kayaking
• Many of Iceland’s popular attractions such as the Golden Circle, the South Coast waterfalls, and the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon are more accessible during summer
• Vibrant festivals and cultural events take place throughout the country, including the Reykjavik Arts Festival, the Viking Festival, and the Icelandic National Day celebrations
• The chance to experience the unique phenomenon of the midnight sun, where the sun never fully sets and creates a beautiful orange and pink glow in the sky
• Excellent conditions for whale watching tours and visiting puffin colonies along the coast
• Access to highland areas and interior parts of the country, which are typically only accessible during summer due to road closures during the winter

Overall, summer is a great time to visit Iceland for those who enjoy outdoor activities, natural beauty, and cultural events.

Cons of Visiting Iceland in the Summer

• Crowds: Summer is peak tourist season in Iceland, which means you may encounter larger crowds at popular destinations and tourist attractions.
• Higher prices: With more demand, prices for accommodations, tours, and activities can be higher during the summer months.
• More difficult to find accommodation: With so many people visiting Iceland in the summer, it can be more difficult to find available and affordable accommodations, especially if you wait until the last minute to book.
• Weather can still be unpredictable: While summer tends to be the warmest and sunniest season in Iceland, weather can still be unpredictable and change quickly, so it’s important to pack and dress appropriately.
• Fewer opportunities for seeing Northern Lights: While it’s still possible to see the Northern Lights in Iceland during the summer, it’s much rarer than during the winter months when nights are longer and darker.

It’s worth noting that some of these cons can be mitigated with good planning and preparation. For example, booking accommodations well in advance and avoiding the most popular tourist attractions during peak hours can help you avoid crowds and higher prices.

Additionally, bringing appropriate clothing and gear can help you stay comfortable and safe in unpredictable weather.

Visiting Iceland in the Fall

Fall in Iceland begins in September and lasts until November. The weather starts to get colder and the days become shorter, but the autumn colors and landscapes are breathtaking.

This is a great time to visit if you want to experience the Northern Lights, which are often visible during the fall months. It is also a good time to visit if you want to avoid the summer crowds and experience a quieter, more peaceful side of Iceland.

Pros of Visiting Iceland in the Fall

• Fall foliage: The autumn colors in Iceland are breathtaking, with golden yellow, burnt orange, and deep red leaves painting the landscape.
• Fewer crowds: Fall is considered the shoulder season, which means there are fewer tourists around compared to the summer months.
• Northern Lights: While the Northern Lights can be seen in Iceland from September through April, fall is a great time to catch them because the nights are longer but the temperatures are not as cold as in winter.
• Whale watching: Fall is a great time for whale watching in Iceland, as the waters are still relatively calm, and there are fewer boats on the water.
• Mild temperatures: While the weather can be unpredictable, the temperatures in the fall are generally mild, making it a comfortable time to explore the outdoors.

Cons of Visiting Iceland in the Fall

• Shorter days: As the season progresses, the days become shorter and the nights become longer. This can limit the amount of daylight available for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
• Decreased availability: Some tourist facilities, such as campgrounds and outdoor attractions, may close or operate on limited schedules as the tourist season winds down.
• Cooler temperatures: The weather in Iceland during fall can be unpredictable, with temperature fluctuations ranging from chilly to mild. Visitors should pack accordingly and be prepared for the possibility of rain, wind, or snow.
• Crowds: While the crowds of peak season have dispersed, Iceland’s fall colors can still attract a significant number of visitors. Popular attractions and accommodations can still be quite busy, and reservations are often necessary.
• Northern lights visibility: While fall is a good time to see the northern lights in Iceland, the unpredictable weather can make it difficult to catch a glimpse of them. Additionally, the decreased daylight hours may limit the time available for viewing.

Our Final Thoughts the Best Time to Visit Iceland

Ultimately, the best time to visit Iceland depends on your personal preferences and what you want to experience during your trip. Each season has its own unique charm and activities to offer, so consider what is most important to you when planning your visit. Using Vedur is the perfect way to keep abreast of Iceland’s rapidly-changing weather.

If you are interested in seeing the Northern Lights, then the winter months may be the best time for you to visit. If you want to explore the highlands and go hiking, then the summer months may be more suitable.

No matter when you decide to visit Iceland, you are sure to have a memorable and awe-inspiring trip. The country’s natural beauty and diverse landscapes are a wonder to behold year-round. There is always something new to discover. So, choose the season that aligns with your interests and embark on an adventure of a lifetime in Iceland.