Iceland in March: Weather, Things to Do, What to Wear and How to Drive

March in Iceland bridges winter’s chill with the first signs of spring, bringing a unique mix of icy landscapes and longer daylight hours. It’s an enjoyable time for a visit, with glacier hikes, ice caves, and the Northern Lights still in season. To make the most of the available daylight, learn what to do in Iceland in March and how to prepare for changing conditions.

Going to Iceland in March is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers, as it’s one of the cheapest months to visit Iceland. Tour operators and accommodations lower their prices, making it an ideal off-season trip to Iceland. While the weather remains unpredictable, with occasional snowstorms, March is a transition between winter and spring, and it’s entirely safe to travel, even with kids. Reykjavik in March has plenty of indoor attractions like museums, geothermal pools, and family-friendly entertainment. Despite lingering winter conditions, an Iceland vacation in March allows for sightseeing, winter activities, and increasing daylight hours to explore more each day.

The early weeks of Icelandic weather in March bring snowfall and low temperatures, while the latter half sees a mix of precipitation, making it one of the muddiest and wettest periods of the year. Most rain in Iceland in March falls in the south, with the village of Vik receiving around 113.8 mm (4.4 in) of precipitation and experiencing 66 km/h (41 mph) winds. In contrast, northern Akureyri sees around 46.5 mm (1.8 in) of snowfall, with winds averaging 29 km/h (18 mph). The weather in Reykjavik in March falls in between, with 96.8 mm (3.8 in) of precipitation and 38 km/h (23.6 mph) winds throughout the month.

Monthly temperatures begin to rise above zero. In Reykjavík, highs reach 4 °C (39.2 °F) and drop to -1 °C (30.2 °F). The north, exposed to the Arctic winds, falls to -3 °C (26.6 °F) at night but rises to 4 °C (39.2 °F) during the day. The South Coast stays between 4 °C (39.2 °F) and 1 °C (33.8 °F), while the East ranges from 4 °C to -2 °C (39.2 °F - 28.4 °F). Western Iceland fluctuates from -2 °C (28.4 °F) to 3 °C (39.2 °F). The average temperatures in March hover between -2.2 °C and 3.3 °C (28 °F to 38 °F).

The hours of daylight in Iceland in March increase from 10 to 13 hours. On the 1st, sunrise is at 8:33 AM, and sunset is at 6:47 PM, providing 10 hours and 13 minutes of daylight. By the 31st, sunrise moves to 6:47 AM, and sunset extends to 8:17 PM, giving 13 hours and 30 minutes of daylight.

The Northern Lights in March in Iceland are still visible, especially early in the month when nights remain long and dark. As daylight increases, sightings become less frequent and harder to predict. Cloud cover and changing weather can impact visibility, and by early April, Iceland's Northern Lights season winds down, with most tours coming to an end for the year.

A trip to Iceland in March may be muddy and wet but full of adventure. You won’t have to wonder long about what to do in Iceland this month because both sightseeing and activities are available. March is a fantastic time to see the Northern Lights, while winter temperatures keep ice caving and glacier hiking accessible.

The same cold makes these landscapes even more stunning, creating breathtaking views during hikes around popular attractions. In the south and capital areas, you’ll find the biggest variety of entertainment. Whale-watching tours gain popularity as marine wildlife in Iceland becomes more active in March. Hot springs like the Blue Lagoon offer a cozy retreat from chilly winds.

Reykjavík remains a top destination, packed with restaurants, cultural attractions, and exciting city tours. March is also perfect for exploring Iceland’s waterfalls, as the mix of melting ice and remaining winter frost creates dramatic scenery. Despite the changing weather, this month offers a unique blend of winter adventures and the first signs of spring.

Enjoy some of Iceland's best experiences in March:

• Northern Lights hunting - Witness the dance of cosmic colors in the dark, starry show of the Icelandic sky. Adventure in the countryside with a minibus, Super Jeep,  or peer out of a boat for a once-in-a-lifetime light show experience.
• Glacier hiking - Put on crampons and a helmet to walk through the majestic landscapes of Sólheimajökull and Skaftafell glaciers. Their ice formations and deep crevasses provide a different perspective of  Iceland’s natural beauty.
• Whale watching - Jump on a boat, sail the lapping blue waters, and watch the whales and dolphins dance along the water’s surface.
• Blue Lagoon visiting - Relax after a long day of sightseeing by dipping into the warm, rejuvenating waters of the Blue Lagoon, a famous Icelandic hot spring. Another tip? Take in the beautiful view of the surrounding lava fields while you soak your worries away.
• Reykjavík sightseeing - Discover the charm and magic of Iceland’s capital. Go on cultural and food walks across the city to fill your belly with unique Icelandic dishes and your mind with architectural awe.

An Icelandic trip in March can be chilly and rapidly changing, with frequent snow and rain. When planning what things to pack for Iceland in March, focus on practical, rain-appropriate items. Durable gloves, a warm hat, and a cozy scarf will shield you from the cold. Carry a compact, water-resistant backpack to hold travel essentials while on the go.

Quality hiking boots with a good grip are ideal for icy terrains, while broken-in sneakers are helpful for shorter walks around Reykjavík. A rule of thumb when considering what clothes to wear in Iceland: layers every day. A long-sleeved base layer keeps your body dry, a wool middle layer provides insulation, and a weather-resistant outer shell protects against rain and wind. Waterproof and windproof outerwear is a must, as the weather changes throughout the day.

Clothing: Several pairs of thermal underwear and socks, fleece or wool sweaters, waterproof/windproof jackets and pants, wind-resistant hats, warm gloves, scarves, swimsuits.

Footwear: Waterproof, sturdy hiking boots, comfortable sneakers, flip-flops, or water shoes.

Accessories: Flashlight or headlamp, waterproof backpack, hand warmers.

Gadgets and extras: Waterproof phone or camera case, portable phone charger, sturdy tripod, dry bags.

Other essentials: A first aid kit, toiletries, reusable water bottle or thermos, lightweight microspikes for shoes.

Of course, some items, like passports and driver’s licenses, are crucial every month. Make sure to browse our full packing list for Iceland to ensure you’re 100% prepared for your trip.

If you plan a trip to Iceland in March that involves renting a car, be prepared for tricky conditions. The melting snow, rain, and cold combination can make paved roads too slippery for untrained drivers to navigate. Renting a 4x4 is a must, as the vehicle gives extra traction that ensures safety. The Ring Road, going around the whole island, is open year-round, but F-roads leading to the Highlands are closed until summer. Below are some tips to help navigate Iceland with a car in March:

• Check weather conditions daily. The Icelandic Meteorological Office provides the latest information about natural events that can impact driving.
• Look out for road closures. Local websites track road quality, such as whether they’re slippery, hard to navigate, or closed entirely.
• Keep track of time. The 10 to 13 hours of daylight in March can go by quickly, so plan your itinerary to avoid driving at night.
• Have a plan. Don’t drive without a specific route - getting lost in Iceland during March can be dangerous to even the most proficient travelers. 
• Don’t rush! Slippery roads tend to cause accidents. If you face an emergency while driving, call 112 for assistance.

Where the Northern Lights bring light to the skies, festivals and events bring life to the streets of Reykjavík and towns all over the island. Celebrations in Iceland are enjoyed by foreigners and locals alike, with several holidays sprinkled throughout the month. They offer a glimpse into just how peculiar the Icelandic spirit is.

• The Annual Icelandic Beer Festival - Held on March 1st, this festival marks the end of Iceland’s beer prohibition. On Beer Day, bars and pubs offer special deals, making it the perfect time to enjoy Iceland’s thriving craft beer scene.
• Músiktilraunir - Iceland’s top music contest for young artists, held in early March. Open to musicians aged 13 to 25, Músiktilraunir is a platform for emerging talent. The competition is nationally broadcast, with past winners like Of Monsters and Men gaining international fame.
• Food and Fun Festival - A culinary event in early March where top international chefs collaborate with local restaurants. Using Icelandic ingredients, they create unique dishes and compete for the top title.
• Reykjavík Open - One of Europe’s most respected chess tournaments, held in mid-March. Over six days, FIDE-rated players from around the world compete in Reykjavík, a city with deep chess traditions.
• Design March - Iceland’s premier design festival, typically held in late March or early April. It showcases fashion, architecture, and food design, with global and local creatives sharing insights at DesignTalks.
• Stockfish Film Festival - An eleven-day festival in late February, March, or early April, Stockfish Film Festival is held at Bíó Paradís Art House cinema. It brings filmmakers together to showcase, discuss, and critique international films.
• Easter - A public holiday celebrated from Maundy Thursday to Easter Monday in March or April. Most bars and restaurants extend their hours—except on Good Friday when they close at midnight. Theater shows and concerts remain open.

Yes, March is a great time to visit Iceland, especially if you enjoy winter activities and fewer crowds. You'll experience an Icelandic winter but with milder weather and longer days.

Yes, the government in Iceland closes the F-roads leading to the Highlands during winter due to the dangers of snow and ice. Most main roads, including the Ring Road, are open, but conditions may vary, especially in rural or mountainous areas.

When traveling to Iceland in March, random weather is the norm. Expect temperatures around 0°C (32°F), heavy rain, melting snow, and brisk northern winds—making warm layers a must. Also, with just 10 to 13 hours of daylight, plan your itinerary carefully to maximize sightseeing opportunities. On the bright side, the long nights offer a prime chance to catch the Northern Lights.

Yes, March is an excellent time for budget travelers to visit Iceland. Since it’s off-season, you’ll find more affordable accommodations and tours due to the lower demand. Plus, with fewer tourists, you’ll have a better chance to experience Iceland’s highlights without the crowds.

Iceland can get as cold as 0 °C (32 °F) in March; however, the temperatures differ in other parts of the island. The northern region experiences colds of -3 °C (26.6 °F), while the south deals with lows of 1 °C (33.8 °F). The temperature in Reykjavík can go down to -1 °C (30.2 °F).

Icelandic March gets around 11.5 hours of daylight on average. The 1st sees around 10 hours of daylight. As the month progresses, the hours increase, evening out with the darker period. On the 31st, the amount increases to 13 hours.

It’s crucial to dress in insulating and waterproof clothes in March, as one minute might be rainy, the other windy. The base, middle, and outer layers should be breathable and weather-resistant. It’s the muddiest season, so don’t wear denim or cotton on sightseeing trips.

You can wear jeans in Iceland’s towns, but we don’t suggest them for activities and sightseeing. Denim provides limited protection from the elements and can get easily wet and dirty. Instead, wear windproof and water-resistant pants, as they protect from harsh weather conditions.

Yes, most main roads in Iceland are open, including Route 1, which circles the island. However, F-roads to the Highlands remain closed until summer due to unsafe conditions. Some roads may also be temporarily restricted if weather conditions make driving dangerous.

Yes, you can drive in Iceland in March with a valid driver’s license, and rental cars are available throughout the year. Route 1, also known as the Ring Road, stays open year-round, allowing you to drive around Iceland. However, certain sections may temporarily close due to hazardous conditions, and access to the Highlands remains restricted as F-roads stay closed until summer.

Yes, driving in Iceland in March is generally safe, but it requires caution due to changing road conditions. Snow, ice, and rain can create slippery surfaces, especially on mountain passes and remote roads. Even experienced drivers should stay alert, follow speed limits, and avoid sudden maneuvers. Checking road conditions and weather forecasts before setting out is essential for a smooth and safe journey.

Yes, you can see the Northern Lights in Iceland in March because the nights are still long enough for aurora activity. With 11 to 14 hours of darkness, the conditions remain favorable; visibility depends on clear skies and solar activity. March weather can change throughout the day, so checking the aurora forecast and heading away from city lights improves your chances.

Yes, you can ski in Iceland in March, as the season runs from November to May. While not as famous as European ski destinations, Iceland’s slopes offer stunning views of the ocean and the Highlands. The best skiing is in the north, with Hliðarfjall in Akureyri being the top resort.

Yes, you can swim in some bodies of water in Iceland during March. Hot springs and geothermal pools like the Blue and Secret Lagoons provide a lovely warm retreat from the cold Icelandic weather. Alternatively, Silfra Fissure gives snorkelers and divers an underwater glimpse of the tectonic divide.

No, you’re unlikely to see puffins in Iceland in March, as they return to breed in early May. Some may arrive as early as late April, but March is still too chilly for them. These seabirds spend winter at sea, only coming ashore when conditions improve.

March is better for visiting Iceland if you want longer daylight hours and the chance to experience early spring activities like wildlife tours and boat trips. The weather starts to shift, making some areas more accessible. Conversely, Icelandic February is colder, with more snow, better conditions for glacier activities, and longer nights for Northern Lights viewing. It’s also the best time to visit natural ice caves before they start melting.

Yes, Iceland is still snowy in March. Despite the arrival of spring, snow continues to fall throughout the month, often mixed with wind and rain. Snow is more frequent in the north and Highlands, while the south experiences a mix of snow and rain, making roads slippery.

Yes, March is one of Iceland’s wettest months, so it rains a lot, with around 82 mm (3.2 in) of precipitation. The type of precipitation depends on temperature—below freezing, snowfall is more common, while above it, rainstorms occur. The south tends to get more rain than the north.

Popular attractions to visit in Iceland in March include the stunning waterfalls of the South Coast, such as Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, as well as the breathtaking landscapes of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. The Golden Circle remains a top choice, with Geysir, Gullfoss waterfall, and Þingvellir National Park easily accessible year-round. Natural ice caves are also open for exploration before many become inaccessible in the spring.

March is ideal for glacier hiking and exploring ice caves, as the ice starts to glisten in shades of blue. The month also marks the whales' return, making it an excellent month for whale-watching, where you can spot humpback and minke whales. Snowmobiling remains a favorite activity among the guides, as the evening views of icy landscapes make for a surreal experience.