Spring is considered the optimal time to visit Iceland if green landscapes and balmy days are your thing. In the summer season, July and August are the warmest months and the busiest time for tourists.

The warmer spring and summer months are ideal for active adventures around the countryside and great for days spent searching for waterfalls and wildlife.

The winter months are best for the Northern Lights because of the longer nights. But as you might expect, winters in Iceland can be challenging. During late December, there are about four-and-a-half hours of daylight, and it's often cloudy, but darker nights mean a higher chance of spotting the auroras.

Learn more about the best time to visit Iceland

What is the weather like in Iceland?

Iceland’s temperatures are cool and do vary throughout the year. In winter months, minimum temperatures plummet to below freezing.

In Reykjavik, summer temperatures average at around 11°C, while winter maximums are approximately 0°C. Rainfall is quite consistent throughout the year, between 25–50 mm per month, with most days experiencing some rainfall.

Learn more about Iceland's weather

Iceland is an island nation that was originally settled by Vikings in the ninth century. Today, Iceland is known for being a highly modern and progressive society; however, Icelanders remain proud of their Viking heritage.

Icelandic culture and customs are full of myths and legends, many connected to Christian and pagan values. Folk tales of elves, gnomes, fairies and trolls still circulate, and whether the locals continue telling these to unlock the secrets of the past or simply in jest, they’re definitely worth listening to.

Despite the long and dark winters, Icelanders are among the happiest people in the world. Why? One reason is that they understand the importance of getting together and having a good time, even if it’s pitch black outside. There are many celebrations to join in on throughout the year, but a few to look out for include the Winter Lights Festival, Thorrablot and the Viking Festival.

Iceland possesses some of the world’s most incredible natural wonders and unique landscapes. From active volcanoes to vast ice fields, bubbling hot springs and enormous glaciers, these dramatic contrasts have earned Iceland the nickname of the ‘Land of Fire and Ice’.

Many of these geological features are products of geographical location – on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates intersect and their movements away from each other create volcanic activity. The country is covered by moss-carpeted lava fields, soaring fjords, incredible waterfalls and dramatic geysers, all of which add to Iceland’s otherworldly look.

The country is also the perfect spot to see the Northern Lights. From September to March, you’ll have the best chance to view this spectacular natural light show when the skies are clear and auroral activity is high. But don’t let that stop you from visiting in other seasons – Iceland’s natural wonders are truly year-round attractions.

Top 4 natural phenomena of Iceland

1. Northern Lights

Any winter tour of Iceland absolutely must include a chance to see the Northern Lights. This natural light display that runs along magnetic fields often brings hypnotic green, yellow and red shades to the night sky in Iceland from September to March. As one of nature's most magnificent triumphs, this is one unforgettable spectacle.

2. Gullfoss

Otherwise known as Golden Falls, this spectacular three-tiered waterfall drops suddenly into a deep cavern. The falls are surrounded by lush, green countryside, and the rainbows created by the mist and spray provide brilliant photo opportunities.

3. Lake Myvatn

This part of northern Iceland was born from volcanic eruptions millions of years ago and continues to be shaped by volcanic activity to this day. The combination of strange lava formations, thermal caves and a sprawling lake dotted with craters and rising rocks makes for an eerie yet beautiful landscape.

4. Jokulsarlon

Literally translating to ‘glacial river lagoon’, this monumental glacier lake is the largest in Iceland. Featuring a parade of large and small blue icebergs floating on and under the pure, icy water, this lagoon is so beautiful that it has been used as a backdrop for Hollywood films, a set for reality television shows and in a starring role on a postage stamp!

Flanked by the ocean and inhabited by almost twice the amount of sheep as humans, Iceland understandably boasts a cuisine dominated by seafood and local lamb.

What to try in Iceland

Seafood

The country’s diet relies on plenty of potatoes and lamb, but seafood trumps all – sourced fresh year-round from the waters of the North Atlantic and Arctic and prepared in a variety of ways. Be sure to try Hardfiskur – a salty fish jerky, best enjoyed buttered.

Meat

Sheep and cows are free-range and fed chemical-free diets, making lamb and dairy products exceptionally good here. One of the best ways to enjoy the produce on offer is to warm yourself up from the inside out with a hearty meat soup: a mixture of lamb, root vegetables, herbs and rice.

Skyr

Skyr, a popular yogurt that is technically a cheese, is also a must-try in all its variety of flavours. Eat it like the locals do at any time of the day – for breakfast, as a snack, as a dipping sauce, in drink form (called drykkur) or as a dessert topping.

Hot dogs

Surprisingly, hot dogs are Iceland’s most iconic fast food. Widely available, a hot dog is probably the cheapest meal you’ll have in Iceland. Order one with all the toppings – sweet mustard, ketchup, raw onions, deep-fried onions and aioli.

Bread

Rye bread (also known as rugbraud) and butter is a common side to most meals in Iceland, but the preferred way of cooking the loaves are quite unique. Traditionally, the bread is buried near a natural hot spring, sprinkled with sugar and left to gently steam for up to 24 hours. The end result is dense, cake-like bread that has a slightly sweet taste. Enjoy it with a traditional Icelandic soup, smoked lamb or, of course, fish.

Licorice

Name a food and chances are Icelanders have tried to add licorice to it. Black licorice is beloved by locals and found in a wide range of desserts and candy bars. During your time here, head to Valdis in Reykjavik to test out a cone filled with salted black licorice ice cream. Even if the weather’s cold, the ice cream joints will be open!

The weird and wacky

Icelanders have a reputation for serving up some of the most unusual food in the world – boiled sheep’s head, fermented shark known as harkarl and ram testicles to name a few. Although the country’s isolation and harsh winters once meant these foods were eaten out of necessity, today most of these ‘delicacies’ are only prepared to shock tourists. Try if you dare, but we suggest sticking to the common foods that locals eat.

Alcohol

Alcohol can be expensive in Iceland and is best bought at the duty-free shop. Although forms of prohibition existed until 1989, alcohol is now widely available all over the country in state-run liquor stores. If you’re feeling brave, try the local brew, Brennivin – a potent, traditional caraway-flavoured schnapps nicknamed ‘black death’.

Read more about what to eat in Iceland

Read more about what to drink in Iceland

1. Explore Reykjavik

Iceland's capital city is totally beguiling, surrounded by volcanic peaks and boasting a vibrant art and nightlife scene. Browse the city’s galleries, explore the colourful street art, dine on fresh lox (traditionally cured salmon), or cycle to the striking cathedral of Hallgrimskirkja – trying to say that after a tipple or two of Brennivin (Iceland's signature spirit) might be tricky!

2. Discover the Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is the holy trinity of southern Iceland. This 186-mile (300 km) route is brimming with natural wonders that showcase why so many travellers fall under Iceland's spell. Marvel at the layered cascades of Gullfoss Waterfall, explore the dramatic rift valley in Thingvellir National Park and witness the unpredictable eruptions in Geysir Geothermal Area.

3. Cruise along Jokulsarlon

It's impossible not to be amazed by the sheer size and beauty of Jokulsarlon, Iceland’s famous glacial lagoon. Enjoy a boat tour along the icy waters where you'll cruise past towering glaciers and witness icebergs of all shapes, sizes and shades of blue drifting into the Atlantic Ocean.

4. Experience life in Akureyri

Soak up the charm of this northern port city – the second-largest city in Iceland. Better described as a big town with lots of character, you'll be won over by its quaint turf homes, rich history and folklore, and the imposing Mount Súlur that looms over the town. Akureyri is also an ideal Northern Lights viewing location between September and April.

5. Bathe in the Blue Lagoon

There's no need to worry about being cold all the time in Iceland when you can slip into the famous Blue Lagoon just out of Reykjavik. Surrounded by black volcanic rock, a soak in the mineral-rich, milk-blue waters of this geothermal spa is the perfect way to relax and unwind after a big day of walking. 

The official currency of Iceland is the Icelandic króna (ISK)

Credit cards are widely accepted in Iceland and are used frequently by locals to pay for just about anything. Paying with a credit card at shops, guesthouses, supermarkets, restaurants, cafes, and taxi rides shouldn't be a problem.

Iceland is almost a cashless society, so cards are the best option; however, a lot of payments will require your four-digit PIN, so be sure to know this before you leave home.

ATMs are usually easy to find in Iceland's cities and villages and generally accept most foreign cards.