From magnificent glaciers and bubbling hot springs to jaw-dropping landscapes and Viking folklore, Iceland is nothing short of incredible. Keep reading to discover the best time to visit this spectacular destination.
Best Time To Visit Iceland
While the country is chilly year-round, the best time to visit Iceland is during the summer, especially during July and August. These two months offer the warmest weather in Iceland, making this the most popular time to visit.
However, June is another great month to visit Iceland. With warm temperatures and 24 hours of daylight, there couldn’t be a better time to enjoy Iceland’s outdoor activities!
If you want more affordable accommodations and fewer tourists, visit during May or September. During these months, the weather is still mild, but this is a less popular time for travelling.
Iceland in January
January is the best time to visit Iceland for travellers who love winter weather. This country is home to some of the world’s most beautiful natural hot springs, so taking a dip is a great way to relax and warm up during the cold winter months, especially in January. Several natural hot springs are located throughout Iceland, including the famous Blue Lagoon.
● Average Temperature: 0.6°C
● Average Rainfall: 85 mm
Iceland in February
February in Iceland continues to be frigid, with very low temperatures and a lot of snow. Don’t forget to bring a hat and gloves!
Dog sledging is an ideal February activity for animal lovers. This popular winter activity offers an unforgettable way to experience Iceland’s gorgeous winter landscape.
● Average Temperature: 0.5 °C
● Average Rainfall: 90 mm
Iceland in March
March in Iceland begins to warm up slightly, but not by much! However, this is an excellent month to enjoy the breathtaking winter scenery.
The Golden Circle is a popular route in Iceland, which takes visitors to some of the most stunning places in the country. In March, the path is particularly beautiful, with spectacular countryside views and snow-capped mountains.
● Average Temperature: 1.2°C
● Average Rainfall: 85 mm
Iceland in April
Visiting Iceland in April can give you the best of both worlds – allowing you to experience a mix of winter weather and summer activities, without hoards of tourists.
While you’ll still need to bring some warmer clothing, April is excellent for experiencing the stunning landscapes in East Iceland, which is a lesser-visited part of the country.
● Average Temperature: 3.9°C
● Average Rainfall: 55 mm
Iceland in May
May is a perfect time to explore Iceland’s beautiful coastline, with plenty of opportunities for boating and photography.
For a truly unique experience, visitors can take a boat tour of the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. This amazing lagoon is filled with icebergs and glaciers, providing a stunning view of the Arctic landscape.
● Average Temperature: 6.9°C
● Average Rainfall: 50 mm
Iceland in June
Iceland is home to some of the world’s most impressive glaciers, which are a must-see. In the summer, you can take a guided tour of the glaciers – many of these are only accessible during the warmer months!
● Average Temperature: 10.1°C
● Average Rainfall: 40 mm
Iceland in July
July is the perfect time to take a whale-watching tour in Iceland. Whale-watching is a popular activity in this area, and a variety of tour operators offer whale-watching excursions in the waters around Iceland. The warmer waters in July mean that you’ll have a better chance of spotting a variety of species.
● Average Temperature: 12°C
● Average Rainfall: 50 mm
Iceland in August
The Westfjords are an incredible area of Iceland. With its rugged mountains and breathtaking fjords, the Westfjords are a great destination to explore during the summer months.
August is also a great time to stroll through the colourful Hafnarfjörður, a vibrant fishing village with bright houses, interesting shops, and friendly locals.
● Average Temperature: 11.4°C
● Average Rainfall: 65 mm
Iceland in September
While September gets a little colder than the summer months, it is still an excellent time for outdoor activities. Mild temperatures make this month ideal for exploring Iceland’s Vatnajökull National Park.
● Average Temperature: 8.8°C
● Average Rainfall: 85 mm
Iceland in October
If you’re interested in exploring Iceland’s diverse culture, October is a great month to check out the country’s many museums and galleries.
Highlights include the National Gallery of Iceland, the National Museum of Iceland, and the Reykjavik Art Museum. Because of the colder temperatures, you won’t regret sticking to indoor activities!
● Average Temperature: 5°C
● Average Rainfall: 80 mm
Iceland in November
November may be freezing in Iceland, but don’t let that stop you from visiting! As the skies get darker, this is the best time to see the Northern Lights. The best way to spot the Aurora Borealis is to head out into the countryside, away from light pollution.
● Average Temperature: 2.2°C
● Average Rainfall: 85 mm
Iceland in December
With cold weather, December is great for staying inside and sampling some of Iceland’s delicious cuisine. Try some traditional dishes such as fish stew, dried fish, or skyr, a yoghurt-like dairy product.
If you want to enjoy Iceland’s holiday activities, Reykjavik is full of festive markets, Christmas concerts, and traditional Icelandic cuisine.
● Average Temperature: 0.8°C
● Average Rainfall: 100 mm
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