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Best Time and Season to Visit Iceland: Complete Guide
Team AckoFeb 27, 2024
The name is a misnomer, but Iceland isn't an ice land! In this article, you can find the best time and months to travel to Iceland. Watch the Northern Lights, explore the fjords, and hike through Iceland's beautiful landscapes. Best known for the breathtaking natural Northern Lights phenomenon, Iceland has so much to offer travellers. If you're travelling from India, you'll be pleased to know that Iceland is known for being a country that has no mosquitoes!
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Best Time to Visit Iceland
The best time to visit Iceland from India is during the Icelandic summer, which runs from June to August. These months are an ideal time to visit this magnificent country. One of the rarest countries in the world where the sun never sets for several days in a row, Iceland is home to unique natural miracles!
Best Season to Visit Iceland
July to August comprises Iceland’s peak season, which can be the best season to visit Iceland. Before you decide to set off on your Icelandic adventure, read ahead to learn more about each travel season.
Peak Season
Iceland's summer falls between July and August, making it the best time to visit the country, and also its peak season. Summer is the best time to visit Iceland from India for its pristine waters, spellbinding night sky, and thermal lagoons. If you want to witness endless daylight, visit in June!
Shoulder Season
Spring and autumn are Iceland's shoulder season. The shoulder seasons are from May to June, and again from September to October. Unlike peak and off-seasons, shoulder season travel gives you a chance to explore Iceland at a leisurely pace, without having to give up exciting activities like during the low season.
Low or Off Season
Winter in Iceland is also the off-season, between November and March. These are the coldest months of the year. Travelling to Iceland in the off-season gives you a chance to explore natural wonders and marvels without the hustle and bustle of crowded summers.
Best Month to Visit Iceland
Read ahead to know details about the best time to visit Iceland.
Iceland in January
When you're travelling from India, you may find Iceland's winters much colder than Indian ones. Expect more than a breeze; January gets the strongest winds, which makes winter colder than it is. You'll also get snow in January, making it the perfect time to enjoy snowy activities like skiing and snowmobiling.
Average Temperature
-1°C (31°F)
Events
Prettandin, post-Christmas bonfire festival
Dark Music Days (Myrkir Músíkdagar) in Reykjavik
Explore
Natural ice caves
Snowmobile across Iceland
Northern Lights
Reasons to visit in January
You can marvel at days that only get up to 6 hours of sunshine
Ideal time to enjoy skiing and other activities and to soak up cultural events
Iceland in February
It's still winter in February, when you can see the Northern Lights and explore beautiful Reykjavík. Although this is a relatively chilly time, you can relish Iceland's pristine winter and natural landscapes including the hot springs, and snorkelling among tectonic plates in Silfra.
Average Temperature
2°C (30°F)
Events
Thorrablot, Icelandic Viking age midwinter festival
Explore
Go snorkelling among the tectonic plates, Silfra
Hot springs
Reasons to visit in February
Witness days that get around only 4-6 hours of daylight!
The weather is perfect for winter sports and events
Perfect month to witness the Northern lights
Iceland in March
Winters in Iceland are long, stretching all the way to March. Expect cold weather, and possibly snow or ice. March still has very windy weather, so make sure you take your warm clothes, boots, and gloves wherever you go. As the sun starts peeking out with the weather warming up, you will get more daylight, averaging around 8 hours.
Temperature
3°C (38°F)
Explore
Visit Golden Circle
Northern Lights
Events
Food and Fun Festival, Reykjavík
South Coast Tour across Iceland
Why should you visit this month
As winter slowly turns into spring, the days get more sunshine
Plenty of events as the weather warms up
Low season offers affordable accommodation, flights and tour bookings
Iceland in April
Expect warmer temperatures, but be sure to bring your winter and rain gear during the wettest month of the year. You may be able to spot puffins with their famous rainbow-coloured beaks!
Temperature
3°C/39°F
Events
Eve Funfest Festival, Reykjavík
AK Extreme Snowboarding Festival
Children's Culture Festival
First Day of Summer
Explore
Blue Lagoon
See puffin sites in the Dyrholaey peninsula on the south coast
Why should you visit this month
Spring is here, and the days get more sunlight hours, averaging around 10 to 12 per day
Witness the first signs of greenery as trees, foliage and plants come back to life after the icy winters
Iceland in May
Technically, Iceland claims to have only 2 seasons, summer and winter. May is when Iceland's summer begins peaking. The weather becomes pleasant in May, when you can explore the great outdoors comfortably.
Temperature
9°C (48°F)
Events
Reykjavík Art Festival
Why should you visit this month
Warmer weather that is pleasant for enjoying warm weather activities
Endless daylight without sunsets for days on end!
Iceland in June
During Icelandic summers, the nights are crystal clear, and perfect for stargazing. In June, the sun never sets, and you can catch the "Midnight Sun" in Akureyri and Grimsey Island. June is the best month to visit Iceland, where the sun never sets in summer.
Temperature
12°C (54°F)
Events
June 17th, Independence Day
June 21st
Why should you visit this month
Pleasant and warm weather in June
Experience the Midnight Sun phenomenon, when the sun doesn't set for days
Iceland in July
Summer starts peaking this month, and you will be able to enjoy the pleasant Icelandic weather with plenty of outdoor activities. This is the best time to travel to Iceland for adventure-seeking travellers.
Temperature
14°C (57°F)
Events
Folk Festival
Why should you visit this month
Peak season with many activities
The weather has warmed up and is suitable for outdoor activities
Iceland in August
Considered the peak of summer, August is still pleasant. If you enjoy hiking, you can trek through the pristine and magnificent Icelandic hills and mountains. Expect rain on most days, so be sure to bring your rain gear along with you.
Temperature
13°C (55°F)
Events
Þjóðhátíð í Eyjum festival in Westman Islands, first weekend of August
Menningarnótt is Culture Night, occurs in mid-August
Why should you visit this month
Perfect summer days, with average sunlight hours
The ideal time for hiking and trekking across Iceland
Iceland in September
Autumn comes with September, offering you breathtaking views of the landscape as summer gives way to autumn. The days are warm, and nights are romantic with the Northern Lights as the backdrop.
Temperature
10°C (50°F)
Events
Reykjavík Literary Festival
Start of the Northern Lights
Literary Festival
Why you should travel this month
Pleasant, warm weather both during the day and at night
Shoulder season is less crowded, and you can find the best deals on flights and accommodation
Iceland in October
Autumn is officially here when October rolls around. Expect beautiful autumn hues of reds, oranges and yellows as you explore Icelandic landscapes. With summer gone, and sunsets back, the daylight hours start getting shorter.
Temperature
7°C (44°F)
Events
Reykjavík International Film Festival
Why should you visit this month
Cooler weather makes a stunning backdrop for picture-perfect moments
Expect sunlight hours to wane, plan outdoor activities earlier in the day
Iceland in November
The best time of the year to visit Iceland is in November. However, if you're travelling from India, you'll be surprised by how cold the region can be, so pack extra warm. You can beat the peak season crowds and experience the magic of the rainbow Northern Lights!
Temperature
4°C (39°F)
Events
Iceland Airwaves Music Festival
Secret Solstice Event
Imagine Peace Tower
Explore
Ice caving
Whale watching
Why should you visit this month
Off-season makes it ideal for leisurely outdoor exploration
See the Northern Lights sans crowds
Iceland in December
It's the most magical time of the year in Iceland! Iceland is a winter wonderland postcard, with snow capped mountains, clear skies for stargazing, and holiday cheer in the air.
Temperature
2°C (36°F)
Events
Yol/Yule, Icelandic Christmas
New Year's Eve Celebrations
Why should you visit this month
Snowy days - marvel at, and in, a white wonderland
Holiday time, Christmas festive season
Cheapest Time to Visit Iceland
Iceland's low season, from November to March is also winter in Iceland. Winter may be the cheapest time to visit Iceland, if you prefer travelling off the beaten track.
Expensive Time to Visit Iceland
The most expensive time to visit Iceland is also its best time. The Icelandic summers are a tourist favourite, and run from June to September. Pleasant weather in summer makes it the preferred time for tourists to travel to this Nordic country. Flights to Iceland, along with accommodation, dining, and sightseeing are expensive during this peak season. Book ahead to ensure you get your preferred tour and sightseeing spots, and to avoid higher prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here’s a list of common questions and answers about the best time to travel to Iceland.
What is the best time to visit Iceland for northern lights?
You can see the spellbinding Northern Lights at night in Northern Iceland's clear skies, between August and April.
Which time is the best for whale watching in Iceland?
The summer months of June, July, and August are perfect for spotting up to 20 species of whales including humpback whales, orca, and even blue whales!
How many days in Iceland is enough to cover major tourist spots?
We recommend planning a trip of around 3-5 days for you to be able to explore Iceland's natural beauty and magic such as the Northern Lights and glaciers.
When should I visit the Blue Lagoon?
Visit the breathtaking warm turquoise waters of the Blue Lagoon on a summer evening to enjoy the midnight sun in summer, or a Northern Lights night in winter.
Where can I go glacier hiking?
The best time to go glacier hiking in Iceland is in summer, although this is an activity that can be enjoyed year round.
Is it expensive to travel to Iceland?
On average, flying from most cities in India to Reykjavík will cost anywhere from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 1,00,000 per person.
When is the best time for a honeymoon in Iceland?
You can plan a romantic honeymoon to Iceland in December. Bask in the glow of the Northern Lights at night, and get some one on one time with your spouse, cosy in an Icelandic hot spring!
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Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet, and is subject to changes.
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