When is the best time to visit Iceland?

The best time to visit Iceland is between September and March to see the Northern Lights, or between June and August for summer activities. While travel to Iceland may depend on your desired itinerary, generally, the best time to visit is during the summer. During this time, you’ll experience warmer temperatures and long days of sunlight, known as the spectacular midnight sun. While the summer boasts green countryside and animal spotting, the winter is the best time for the Northern lights and the country’s famous geothermal spas when they may not be as busy!

However, if you’re planning a trip to see something specific, such as the puffin or whale migrations, you’ll need to visit during a specific time of year. We've broken down some main factors to consider before choosing when to travel to Iceland.

When to visit Iceland to see the Northern Lights

Northern Lights, Aurora Borealis

The phenomenal cosmic light show, known as Aurora Borealis or the Northern Lights, is a natural event that occurs from late September to late March. The long and dark winter nights make it an ideal time to visit, however, because it is a sporadic event, a definite sighting can't always be guaranteed. You may be more likely to see the lights during the equinoxes that occur around the 21st/22nd of March and September.

Learn more about the Northern Lights

Best time to visit Iceland for the Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon, Iceland

Iceland’s famous blue lagoon is a year-round natural geothermal pool that is said to have healing properties and is situated among a scenic Icelandic landscape. This mineral-rich seawater contains a mix of silica, alga,e and other bioactive elements that can be particularly beneficial for certain skin conditions.

While the lagoon is open all year, if you’re hoping to visit with slightly warmer weather, you may want to visit in the summer months (May to August). That said, many travelers love to visit the springs in the winter months to be surrounded by the beautiful snowy hills of the region while they relax in the outdoor lagoon.

Best time to visit Iceland for whale watching

Humpback whales breaching

The Icelandic coastline is famous for its whale activity due to the cold waters and favored feeding grounds of the local marine life. Between April to September is the best time to visit Iceland for whale watching when the whales migrate north for the summer months. Keep a look out for Cetacea, humpback, minke, fin, sperm, or even blue whales! You might even see other marine species such as orcas, dolphins, seals, or harbor porpoises.

When to visit Iceland - a monthly guide

January 

Best for: Reykjavik International Games, Dark Music Days Contemporary Music Festival, Þorrablót Mid-winter Festival, ice caves

While mid-winter weather and short days may deter some travelers, the colder months are also perfect for ice cave exploration and catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights. However, if you’d like to stay out of the weather catch the world-renowned music festival Dark Music Days or partake in the honoring of the Icelandic ancestors during the Thorrablot festival. Partake with locals on a historical Icelandic food tour including foods such as hangikjot (flavored smoked lamb) or brennivin (a local distilled beverage).

February

Hikers on Solheimajokull Glacier, Iceland

Best for: Winter Lights Festival, Food & Fun Festival, Northern Lights

February is one of the best times to visit Iceland for some exciting food and cultural events. The two festivals, Winter Lights and Food & Fun are hosted annually by the capital Reykjavik and can add spark some joy in the coldest and wettest months of the year! But keep a watchful eye out for the Northern Lights.

March

Best for: Northern Lights, winter sports, Iceland Winter Games, Annual Beer Festival, DesignMarch

The longer and brighter winter days of March make it an advantageous time for winter sports. If you’re looking to downhill or cross-country ski, snowboard, snowshoe or hike the terrain, the nearest mountain is only a 20-minute drive away from Reykjavik.

April

Best for: puffins and golden plover migration, The Golden Circle, Reykjavik International Literary Festival

April marks the start of the spring season in Iceland and the breathtaking return of several local bird species, including the world-renowned puffins and golden plovers. While the locals celebrate the first day of summer shortly after April 18th, this month is a perfect time to visit for lower off-season prices and fewer tourists. Keep in mind that there may still be an assortment of rain, snow, hail, or shine so pack accordingly.

May

Thorsmörk National Park, Iceland

Best for: whale watching, nature adventures, Vaka Folk Arts Festival, Stockfish Film Festival

May in Iceland sees the end of the cold winter months, however, temperatures still sit between 1-11 degrees Celsius although there is less chance of snow. Towards the end of May, there can be up to 20 daylight hours which makes it a great time to do some fun, outdoor adventures such as lava caving, glacier hiking, snorkeling, scuba diving, and horseback riding.

June

Best for: midnight sun, Hafnarfjörður Viking Festival, Reykjavik Arts Festival, National Holiday of Iceland, Fisherman’s Day, RUSL Sustainable Design Festival, The Arctic Open, the opening of some highland roads

Summer has arrived! With summer comes longer days and the peak travel season so prices are higher and attractions are busier. June is one of the best times to explore the natural wonders of the Icelandic countryside and with a great array of cultural, music, and environmental festivals, there’s something for every interest. The end of May to the start of June is also the best time to see the famed midnight sun phenomenon in Iceland.

July

Best for: Fringe Festival, Lunga Arts Festival, Folk Music Festival, Laugavegur Ultra Marathon, Braðslan, nature photography

July is the busiest tourist month of the year for Iceland. With sunshine, greener,y and longer days, it’s a perfect time to engage in the bustling city life or explore the vibrant natural scenery. If you’re looking for a slightly less crowded time, try to book in for the start of the month before the local schools are on break.

August

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Iceland

Best for: Reykjavik Pride, Reykjavik Culture Night, National Festival, Verslunarmannahelgi, Þjóðhátíð

Visiting Iceland in August usually ensures full access to the country’s wilderness as inaccessible areas in winter are now fully open. As one of the hottest months, the weather in August - while still unpredictable at times – is best for exploring the rugged and idyllic terrain of the glaciers, volcanoes, hot springs, and waterfalls of the Icelandic wild. If nature isn’t your thing, the local scene has plenty of events and attractions to fill your itinerary.

September

Best for: Reykjavik International Film Festival, The Night of Lights, Reykjavik Jazz Festival, Icelandic Blues Festival

September marks the end of the busy summer months but temperatures can still fall between 5-10 degrees Celsius. With the bulk of tourists on their way home, you’ll find lower prices and lines for attractions, this is great if you’re looking to attend great music or film. Note that some highland roads will be closed by the end of the month for winter.

October

Best for: Northern Lights, berry picking, Cycle Music and Art Festival, Hvammstangi International Puppet Festival

See the vibrant autumnal colors that blanket Iceland during October as the temperatures lower and leaves drop. As the colder months set in, make sure to plan for the Northern Lights as they are often visible at this time of year, especially when away from city areas when there is no cloud cover.

November

Best for: hot springs, Iceland Airwaves, ice caves, Northern Lights

November brings winter into full steam with a drop in temperatures and daylight hours. Winter is often the most scenic time to visit one of Iceland’s many hot springs and relax in the white-blanketed scenery. With the drop in temperatures comes the reformation of the ice caves so November is a perfect time to transverse the chilly blue caves and stunning glaciers.

December

Reykjavik, Iceland

Best for: New Year’s Eve, frozen waterfalls, glacier exploration, Christmas village,s and lights

Looking to party into the new year? Iceland’s eclectic music scene and picture-perfect Christmas villages can provide you with day-to-night entertainment. While December is often one of the coldest and windiest months, the Northern Lights are often viewable during this time. Just note that some hotels, services, and attractions are closed during the winter.

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