An overview of Iceland’s weather by month
Home to glaciers and geysers, volcanoes and lava fields, the midnight sun and the Northern Lights, nature puts on an unforgettable show in Iceland. Find out the best times to travel to Iceland and experience its striking landscape. The summer months from June – August, are the busiest and best times to visit Iceland. During these months, the cities see days with 20+ hours of sunlight and temperatures in the mid-50s – the warmest it gets in the country. This time of the year is ideal for visiting the Golden Circle, Godafoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, the Blue Lagoon, and Langjökull glacier, some of the top things to see in Iceland.
The shoulder months of May and September also present good conditions for Iceland tours although if you want to view the Northern Lights, the best time to visit Iceland is from October to March. Here’s an overview on the weather by month and things you can do in Iceland with us.
Best Time To Visit
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- Warm yourself with a dip in the Blue Lagoon
- Feast on traditional Icelandic dishes at the Þorrablót winter festival
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- Go on a dog sledding adventure in Lake Mývatn
- It’s one of the best times to view the Northern Lights
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- Walk down the historic Laugavegur neighborhood and stop at its many bars and restaurants
- Head off on a boat tour to Snaefellsnes to spot the mighty orcas
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- Hike the Reykjadalur Valley for a one-of-a-kind experience – a dip in a hot river!
- Walkthrough the world’s largest human-made ice tunnel at Langjökull
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- For a dip in warm blue waters and some duck spotting, head to Lake Mývatn
- Sit back and relax on the black sands of the Djúpalón Beach
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- Experience the Midnight Sun, a phenomenon that happens only in regions that fall in the Auroral Oval
- Be awed by the majestic Gullfoss Waterfalls
- Head to Reykjavík’s Old Harbor and set off on a whale watching expedition
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- For incredible sightings of the country’s iconic orange beaked birds, make a trip to Puffin Island
- Set off on a midnight sun sailing tour at the Troll Peninsula
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- Visit the picturesque fishing town of Stykkishólmur
- Dive into the waters of the Silfra Fissure at Thingvellir National Park
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- To view the most beautiful sights of Iceland, drive down the Golden Circle route
- Go glacier hiking at Skaftafell National Park
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- Head out on a boat tour of the beautiful Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
- Watch the Strokkur geyser blow off steam at Haukadalur
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- Take a snowmobile ride across the Langjökull glacier
- Drop by one of Reykjavik’s most iconic buildings, the Hallgrímskirkja church
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- Trace the history of the region at the National Museum of Iceland
- Welcome the New Year with a spectacular fireworks show at Reykjavik
Best Time to Visit by Season
Contrary to its name which suggests a snow-white land all year round, Iceland experiences all four seasons. The country’s winter runs from November to March, with daytime highs in most parts of the country hovering around freezing temperatures. This is the best time to visit Iceland if you wish to view the Northern Lights and the country’s surreal landscapes draped in snow on guided and safe excursions with us.
Thanks to the Gulf Stream, which flows along the southern and western coast, Iceland experiences a much milder climate despite being located just outside the Arctic Circle. The country experiences a short spring during April and May. Temperatures inch up into the 40s, and the snow starts to melt. The summer months of June, July, and August are the most popular times to visit Iceland. We can plan a host of experiences for you during this season – hiking, wildlife viewing, experiencing the midnight sun are just some of them. By September, you will find the fall season rolling in and temperatures starting to fall with rainfall levels increasing.
What to Pack
Iceland is notorious for its unpredictable weather, with locals joking that one can experience all four seasons in a single day!
The key to packing for your trip to Iceland is to take layers. Long-sleeve T-shirts, water-resistant hiking and rain pants, and a good pair of hiking shoes are a must for this country that is known for its outdoor activities. We recommend you take a waterproof jacket, woolens, gloves, scarves, thermal inners, and warm hats too.
If you are planning on visiting the thermal springs, pack a swimsuit and a quick-dry towel. An eye mask is recommended if you are visiting the country during the summer season. If you are traveling during the cold months, plan on getting a windproof, heavy-duty winter jacket and snow boots.
Summer Packing Tips
In the summertime, comfortable clothing in layers is best. Include a good quality breathable wind and rainproof jacket and trousers, a light and thick sweater or fleece jacket, sunglasses, a hat and neck gaiter or scarf as well as sturdy walking shoes or boots. Hikers should pack thermal underwear.
Some visitors find it difficult to sleep in the light of the midnight sun, so eye shades may be helpful. We also recommended that you bring sunglasses and sunscreen. There are few insects in Iceland, but small midges do thrive in the summertime, especially near lakes and streams.
Those spending time in the Lake Mývatn area during summertime may also wish to bring insect repellent or fly masks or nets, especially for horse riding.
Winter Packing Tips
For winter visits, warm over-trousers and a thick jacket or coat are essential along with some good quality hats and gloves. Don’t forget to bring swimwear and a towel for the many naturally heated bathing pools and outdoor hot tubs in hotels. Sunglasses are recommended all year round; the sun can be strong in summer and in winter, it’s really low on the horizon. Carry insulated jackets and shoes with grip soles.
Here’s a helpful list of items to pack for Iceland:
- Fleece jacket/lightweight wool sweater
- Rainproof/windproof jacket
- Rain pants
- Sturdy walking shoes with a good tread/grip
- Gloves
- Scarves
- Hat (toque/beanie)
- Swimsuit
- Sunglasses
- Thermal underwear (specifically for highland travel/activities)
- Waterproof hiking boots (specifically for highland travel/activities)
- Warm socks (specifically for winter and highland travel/activities)
- Quick-dry towel (for visiting pools and hot springs – towels are available for rent at swimming facilities)
Get in touch with our travel experts who will help you find out the best time to visit Iceland and create a tailor made itinerary so you can experience this incredible country in all it
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