Best Time to Visit Iceland: Top Activities, Weather and Seasons Guide

Iceland is a year-round destination, with each season bringing unique adventures. The best time to visit Iceland depends on the weather, budget, and personal interests. Summer is best for hiking, while winter is a Northern Lights-watching paradise. The shoulder seasons—spring and fall—are perfect for budget-friendly, crowd-free travel. Discover your ideal time to visit and plan when to go to Iceland for your next trip.

The weather, activities, prices, and number of tourists in Iceland change with the seasons. In winter, many travelers visit to see the Northern Lights and explore ice caves, embracing strong winds and temperatures that often drop below 0°C (32°F).

In summer, the 21-hour-long days and temperatures of 7°C–14°C (44.6°F–57.2°F) attract numerous hiking and trekking enthusiasts, making it the busiest season. Those looking for a quiet, low-budget trip should consider spring or fall. While the weather is often temperamental, flights, accommodation, and car rentals are much cheaper. Which season sounds like your perfect Icelandic escape?

Iceland in Winter (December–February)—Best for Ice Caving and Northern Lights.

Weather: Winter in Iceland is the coldest season, with average temperatures of 1°C (33.8°F) and 5–10 hours of daylight. Snow covers the country, roads are icy, and partially frozen waterfalls trickle silently.

Pros: Iceland in winter wraps you in a magical atmosphere of snow-blanketed landscapes and Northern Lights-painted nights. The ice caves of Vatnajökull and Langjökull reveal stunning interiors, making them some of the best places to visit in Iceland.

Cons: Despite its tranquil beauty, winter brings challenging driving conditions and frequent road closures due to heavy snowfall. Limited daylight and strong winds—reaching 40 mph (64 km/h) or more—reduce sightseeing opportunities.

Best for: Northern Lights hunting, ice caving, glacier explorations, and experiencing Reykjavik’s Christmas celebrations.

Top activities: Northern Lights tours, Ice caving tours, Glacier hiking tours.

Iceland in Spring (March-May)—Best for budget-friendly travel and nature exploration.

Weather: Spring in Iceland brings longer days and milder temperatures, ranging from -1°C to 4°C (30.2°F–39.2°F). Daylight increases to 10–20 hours, while melting snow and ice gradually reveal grasses and blooming wildflowers.

Pros: The quiet and affordable shoulder season blends winter and summer landscapes. Mighty waterfalls roar and wildlife awakens, while many ice caves remain accessible. As the snow melts, road conditions improve, making self-drive trips easier.

Cons: The weather in spring changes drastically and unexpectedly—a sunny day can turn into a downpour within seconds. Many roads remain icy, making remote destinations difficult to reach.

Best for: Traveling on a budget, wildlife watching, short road trips, experiencing a balance between winter and summer activities.

Top activities: Puffin watching tours (late spring), Whale watching tours.

Iceland in Summer (June–August)—Best for warm weather and hiking.

Weather: Summer is the warmest season with minimal rainfall. Temperatures average 12°C (53.6°F) but can reach 20°C (68°F). Almost constant daylight, known as the Midnight Sun, lasts up to 21 hours a day.

Pros: Many consider summer to be the best time of the year to visit Iceland. The Midnight Sun allows for extended exploration and long road trips, while trails such as Landmannalaugar and Laugavegur are in excellent condition for multi-day treks. Summer also brings cultural events such as the Reykjavik Arts Festival and National Day, which offer a glimpse into Icelandic traditions and art.

Cons: Since summer in Iceland is peak season, the prices are high and popular attractions like the Golden Circle are often crowded. Because of high demand, hotels and spa admissions should be booked in advance.

Best for: First-time visitors, outdoor enthusiasts, and families.   

Top activities: Hiking and Trekking tours, Self-driving tours, Sightseeing tours.

Iceland in Autumn (September–November)—Best for smaller crowds, vibrant nature, and budget travel.

Weather: Autumn brings cool temperatures, shortening days, and early snowfall mixed with a colorful palette of earthy colors in nature. Temperatures range from 0°C to 11°C (32°F–51.8°F), with daylight lasting 5 to 14 hours.

Pros: As a shoulder season, autumn offers fewer tourists and lower prices compared to summer and winter. Most roads, including the Ring Road, remain accessible, making it an excellent time for scenic drives. The landscape is painted with vibrant orange, red, and brown hues, and the soft lighting creates perfect conditions for photography. From late September, the rippling Northern Lights make their return.

Cons: Autumn weather in Iceland is unpredictable, quickly shifting from sun to rain or snow. While many hiking trails stay open until September, the changing conditions make longer treks challenging.

Best for: A quiet escape from the hustle and bustle, Northern Lights viewing, a mix of summer and winter activities, and low-budget traveling. 

Top activities: Northern Lights hunts, Golden Circle tours, South Coast tours.

» January—quiet and tranquil
Although January is one of the coldest months, many travelers say it is the best time to visit Iceland in winter. The snow-covered landscapes invite peaceful walks, while long nights and clear skies allow you to see the Northern Lights nearly every night.  

» February—cold and dark
As the coldest month, February is optimal for ice cave exploration. The frozen walls of ice tunnels are sturdy and safe, making these natural wonders highly accessible. The extended darkness creates ideal conditions for Northern Lights viewing, while warm springs provide a cozy escape from the chill.

» March—wintry and unpredictable
The first month of spring in Iceland still carries a winter chill, but the lengthening days invite sightseeing. It's the perfect time for Reykjavík excursions, including museum visits, food tours, and cultural experiences. In the evening, you can sail from the harbor to look for the Aurora Borealis.

» April—wet and quiet 
April features a mix of winter and spring activities. It marks the end of the Northern Lights season and the start of wildlife-spotting opportunities, like whale-watching. With fewer tourists, April is a peaceful month and a prime time for traveling on a budget.

» May—budget-friendly and mild
As one of the best shoulder season months, May offers cheap flights and car rental prices, mild temperatures, and extended daylight hours, perfect for birdwatching. You can spot the iconic puffins in different locations around the country—from the South Coast beaches to the Westfjords cliffs. 

» June—dry and bright
June is one of the driest months, with the longest daylight hours. It is the best time to visit Iceland in summer for outdoor activities like sightseeing and hiking. Popular attractions like Thingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss often get crowded in June, but hiking trails like the remote Hornstrandir remain quiet and tranquil.

» July—warmest and busiest
July's weather is made for extended outdoor adventures like self-drive road trips, camping, hiking, and wildlife watching. It’s widely considered the best month to travel to Iceland for warm temperatures, but prepare for more tourists and higher prices as it’s the peak of the summer season. 

» August—busy and festive 
Despite being the last month of summer, August is best for thrilling warm-season activities like snorkeling at Silfra Fissure, hiking, kayaking and jet skiing. It’s also a popular time for festivals and celebrations like the week-long Reykjavík Pride and Iceland’s biggest outdoor festival, Thjódhhátidh.

» September—vibrant and serene 
September is the beginning of the Northern Lights season. It’s a good time to visit Iceland for a quiet and intimate experience as the summer crowds fade. You can enjoy the beautiful Icelandic black-sand beaches and ride adorable Icelandic horses in the autumnal countryside.

» October—quiet and cheap 
Like all shoulder seasons, October has many benefits, including relatively cheap prices and fewer crowds. Although the weather tends to change rapidly, it’s still quite warm and bright, allowing for multi-day excursions. You can follow the Ring Road and travel around Iceland or focus on unique areas like the South Coast.

» November—frosty and peaceful 
Cold and often snowy, November is perfect for wintry sports like adventurous snowmobiling, glacier hiking, and ice climbing. With Christmas still a month away, it’s usually quiet, so you can enjoy a crowd-free experience and better flight deals.  Northern Lights activity in November is high, increasing your chances of seeing the breathtaking phenomenon.

» December—festive and cheerful
December in Iceland brings the festive spirit of Christmas. Restaurants serve traditional Icelandic dishes, and bars host various shows and concerts. As the darkest month of the year, December provides excellent opportunities for catching the Auroras and snapping incredible pictures under a colorful sky.

Iceland offers various activities that are unique to each season. To experience something specific—seeing the Aurora, exploring the capital, or meeting the famous puffins—you must choose the right time to visit. Pick your dream adventure!

Iceland is one of Europe’s top six places to see the Aurora in 2025, according to The Guardian. However, this breathtaking phenomenon is seasonal, and you must know when to visit the country to catch it.

The best time to go to Iceland for the Northern Lights is from late September to early April, with peak visibility between November and February. The long, dark winter nights make it possible to observe the show of colors. Various Northern Lights tours offer different experiences. You can go Aurora hunting with Super Jeeps, minibusses, or a boat from Reykjavík harbor.

Iceland whale watching season starts in early April, when local wildlife begins to awaken. The best time of year to go to Iceland for whale watching is from May to August. During these months, migratory whales like Humpback and Minke whales return to Iceland to feed, making it possible to see them breaching from the water. In addition to whales, you can also spot orcas, dolphins, and porpoises. Prime locations for experiencing Iceland's unique marine life include Reykjavík, Akureyri, Dalvík, and Ólafsvík.

One of Iceland's most popular mineral-rich hot springs, the Blue Lagoon, is open all year round. Summer is a great time to visit, but for a unique experience, winter is the best time to soak in Iceland's natural pools. With snow-covered landscapes and crisp air, the rejuvenating waters warm your body and soul. October to March is an excellent time to visit the country’s best-known geothermal spa. The pool water is geothermally heated to 38°C (100°F), so you can swim even in frosty weather. Another winter bonus? The chance to see the Northern Lights from the spa grounds.

Puffins are the most popular Icelandic birds. These charismatic seabirds are migratory, leaving Iceland around September and returning again in May. The best time of year to see puffins in Iceland is between June and August—breeding and nesting season. An archipelago on Iceland's South Coast, the Westman Islands, is known to be home to the largest puffin colony in Iceland, with approximately 830,000 pairs of birds. The second most popular place is Breiðafjörður Nature Reserve, with around 400,000 pairs. A less populated but stunningly beautiful bird cliff is Látrabjarg, the westernmost point of Iceland.

Iceland feels like it’s meant for road trips. The best-known highway around Iceland connects stunning regions, such as the South Coast, East Fjords, North Iceland, and West Fjords. The best time to visit Iceland Ring Road is May to September, because the lack of snow and ice makes driving easy and enjoyable. Long daylight hours allow for extended exploration, and mild weather makes scenic stops even more enjoyable. You can drive this iconic route yourself or join one of the guided Ring Road tours starting in Reykjavík. Additionally, don't miss the hidden Silver Circle and favored Golden Circle routes for more incredible sights.

The beautiful capital city, Reykjavik, is spectacular in any season. The best time of year to visit Reykjavik in Iceland is December for the Christmas spirit and June to August for long days of sightseeing. 

In winter, Reykjavik is a white wonderland with snow-covered roofs and twinkling streetlights. The areas around the capital are known for having some of the best Christmas markets in the country. You can also go on adventures to see the Northern Lights and visit the Aurora Museum.

In summertime, the capital offers excellent opportunities for whale watching, various festivals and celebrations, such as Iceland's National Day, and endless sightseeing. You can stroll around the city, try traditional foods at every corner, and explore must-see attractions.

If you're wondering what is the cheapest time to go to Iceland, consider the shoulder season. When traveling on a budget, the best and most affordable time to visit Iceland is from March to May and September to November. There are often discounts on tours, car rentals, and even flights to Iceland during the off-season. But does that mean there's nothing to do in Iceland during these months? Quite the opposite—spring and autumn offer unique wildlife watching, hiking, and sightseeing opportunities. Late September marks the return of the Northern Lights, while May brings puffin season—all at lower prices.

The best time to visit Iceland for hiking is in summer, from June to August. The weather is balmy—warm, but not too hot, so you won't sweat too much. Even the most remote trails, such as Horstrandir in the Westfjords, are open and easily accessible by car, bus, or boat.

Hiking in this Nordic country is an incredible adventure, taking you through colorful mountains, volcanic areas, riveting glaciers, and green valleys. You can choose from one-day hikes or multi-day treks with accommodation in traditional huts. The most popular summer trails in Iceland are in Laugavegur, Landmannalaugar, Kerlingarfjöll, Hornstrandir, Fimmvörðuháls, and Þórsmörk.

Knowing what to expect and being prepared for your trip can significantly enhance your experience. Discover key tips for visiting Iceland regarding weather, packing, road conditions, and cultural etiquette.

Weather patterns: Iceland's climate is characterized by relatively mild winters and cool summers, with transitional seasons in spring and autumn. The weather tends to change rapidly during the day, often alternating between sunny, rainy, snowy, and windy conditions.

Packing tips: To be comfortable in any season, pack the right clothes and accessories. Bring a waterproof jacket and trousers for spring and autumn, as it often rains. If you're traveling in winter, don't forget to pack a woolen sweater and socks to keep you warm. For summer, pack light, quick-drying clothes, and remember to bring a swimsuit.

Tipping in Iceland: In Icelandic culture, tipping is not required or expected, but it's a nice gesture. Customer service workers don't depend on tips and are paid a fair wage, but a tip is always appreciated. If you have a lot of change, you can show your gratitude by leaving some in a tip jar, which can be found in most places. 

Road Conditions and Accessibility: Iceland's roads vary between the main highways, such as the Ring Road, and secondary gravel roads found outside of populated areas. The first ones are well-maintained throughout the year and accessible most of the time. The others depend on the seasons—they are in good condition in the summer but tough to navigate in the winter.

Daylight Hours: Daylight in Iceland changes drastically throughout the year. The shortest days are in winter when daylight lasts only 4–5 hours. The longest days are in the summer when the Midnight Sun causes almost 24 hours of brightness.

Pro tip: Consider shoulder seasons for the best balance of price, crowds, and climate conditions.

The best time to go to Iceland is June to mid-September for hiking and wildlife watching or September and April to see the Northern Lights. Plan your trip to Iceland based on the activities you want to include. Each season provides unique and exciting experiences, ensuring you’ll find something new to explore each month.

The cheapest month to visit Iceland is May in spring and October in autumn. These months fall outside the peak tourist seasons, meaning you can find budget-friendly prices on flights, car rentals, accommodations, and tours. While the weather in shoulder seasons can be unsteady, it’s an excellent time for budget-conscious travelers.

April is a great time to visit Iceland, especially if you want to experience the best of summer and winter without the peak-season crowds. This transitional month offers the last chance to see the Northern Lights and the first chance to see migratory animals such as Humpback whales. As April is considered the off-season, you can find discounts on tours, flights, and accommodation.

November is perfect for a trip to Iceland if you want to enjoy a crowd-free experience and try winter sports like glacier hiking, snowmobiling, or ice climbing. It’s one of the best times to explore ice caves and hunt for the Northern Lights. The prices are lower since the Christmas festivities are still a month away.

December is an excellent time to visit Iceland, especially if you want to see the Northern Lights. As one of the darkest months, December presents plenty of opportunities to see this celestial display of color. It’s also the month when all the Christmas festivities take place. You can visit Christmas markets in and around the capital, sample traditional food, and enjoy the joyful atmosphere.

No, you can’t see the Northern Lights in summer, mainly because of the Midnight Sun—a phenomenon that causes almost constant daylight in Iceland in summer. To see the Northern Lights, visit Iceland in winter, when the dark, clear skies and long nights make the Aurora Borealis visible.

July is Iceland’s warmest month, with daytime temperatures averaging 14°C (57°F) and nights cooling to around 9°C (48°F). On rare occasions, temperatures can rise to 20–25°C (68–77°F). These mild conditions are ideal for hikers, providing comfortable walking temperatures without excessive heat. Weaker winds and lower precipitation make the month feel even warmer.

The best month to visit Iceland for road trips is May to September. With extended daylight and excellent road conditions, driving in summer is easy and pleasurable. You can follow the famous Ring Road and drive around the country in 6 or more days.

To fully experience Iceland, you need at least 5–7 days. Ideally, you should take a trip of 10 days or more. This allows you to venture into remote areas such as the West Fjords, East Fjords, or the Highlands, experience a variety of landscapes, and fully enjoy Iceland's top attractions without rushing.

The rainiest seasons in Iceland are autumn and spring, with precipitation levels peaking in September and March. Warmer temperatures cause snow to turn into rain. The wet months are crucial for Icelandic nature, allowing the grasses to bloom and the waterfalls to regain their true power.

Winter is an excellent time to visit Iceland—snowy and serene. There are many exciting activities to do in Iceland in winter, such as Northern Lights hunting, ice caving, glacier hiking, snowmobiling, and more. Although winter in Iceland is quite cold, the snowy landscapes, including majestic glaciers, are breathtaking. You can always warm up in the geothermal pools and spas, which are open year-round.

The flight from the United States to Iceland takes approximately 6–7 hours. The time may vary depending on the city where you depart. Most flights land at Keflavík International Airport (KEF) near Reykjavik.

Although Icelandic is the official language, most Icelanders are fluent in English, especially in the major cities and tourist areas. You'll have no trouble communicating with service workers or tour guides.

Yes, Iceland is considered an expensive country to visit due to the high prices of imported food, transportation, and accommodation. However, you can reduce costs by visiting in the shoulder season, staying in guesthouses or hostels, like Adventure Hotel Geirland and shopping at grocery stores rather than eating out. You can also enjoy Iceland’s free natural attractions, like waterfalls, hot springs, and hiking trails.