Best Time to Visit Iceland: My Complete Seasonal Guide
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For as long as I can remember, visiting Iceland to see the iconic Blue Lagoon and Northern Lights was always at the top of my bucket list. Seeing all of the Instagram pictures only motivated me to visit more. Depending on what you want to see and do in Iceland, picking the time of year to visit Iceland, is critical. In this guide, I will be sharing all of my personal recommendations and tips to the best time to visit Iceland to ensure you see what you want to see.
Introduction: Best Time to Visit Iceland
Iceland is one of those countries that each season you visit, you will have a completely different experience. All of the seasons offer incredible things to do, amazing scenery, and incredible landscapes. In this blog, I will walk you through the best time to visit Iceland and what I experienced and insider tips from my trips. Now, let’s dive into the best time to visit Iceland so that you can pick the absolute best season to go based on what you want to see and do.
Spring in Iceland: The Awakening (April – May)
Spring in Iceland can be hit or miss. Depending on if you visit in early spring or late spring, you may still have the cold and snow, versus slightly warmer temperature, and landscape starting to blossom. Spring is actually a great time to take a drive along Ring Road and see the amazing waterfalls that Iceland has to offer (my two favorites are Sossholl and Skogafoss). The snow is usually melting around this time, making the waterfalls even more powerful. The air is still cool, but not cold, and it nice and crisp as the days start to get longer.
Reykjavik was my main hub on this trip and was still a little chilly during the spring, but not nearly as cold as it was in November. The sidewalks are busy; people are enjoying their coffee on the patio and the city is coming alive as the temps warm up a bit. The views are great during the spring, as you still get the snow, on the ground and in the landscapes, but it’s really not actively snowing. Don’t be surprised though if you come in early spring that you may get snow and may even get a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
Some activities that we did in the spring was whale watching, which they are super active during this time, Blue Lagoon (of course), and visited several waterfalls.
Summer in Iceland: The Midnight Sun (June – August)
The summer, in my opinion is the second-best time of year. The landscape is fully alive, it’s a great time of year to enjoy the outdoors and hike, and the days are as long as they’ll ever get. I have to admit, visiting in June and experiencing all of the day light was a very unique experience, but I do have to say thank goodness for black out curtains.
Summer is as great time of year to rent a car and explore the country, see the countryside and go on a waterfall hunt. Soaking in the hot springs after a hike was one of the most enjoyable experiences, and honestly, the springs are amazing year-round.
Pro Tip: If you are planning a summer trip, come on June 17th and experience National Day, which really allow you to experience the true Icelandic culture firsthand.
Autumn in Iceland: Fall Golden Glow (September – October)
FI you are looking for colors and crispness, then autumn or fall may be the best time of year for you to Visit Iceland. As the landscape starts to turn its golden colors and the air starts to turn cold, visiting in the autumn season for sure will not disappoint.
This time of year, still allows you to enjoy the outdoors, see the amazing waterfalls, and of course, soak in one of the many hot springs and thermal baths that the country has to offer. You also have an opportunity to see the Northern Lights during this time, if you are far from the city and Mother Nature cooperates.
This time of year, tends to also be the country’s shoulder season, so its frequently less busy with tourists and it’s also a more budget-friendly time of year to visit.
Winter in Iceland: Enjoy an Icy Embrace (November – March)
In my opinion, winter is honestly the best time of year to visit Iceland. You get to experience the darkness, the Northern Lights, and the incredible winter landscape that Iceland brings. Visiting Iceland in the winter literally makes you feel like you are in a Christmas snow globe. The cold crisp air, with snow covered landscape. It’s absolutely breathtaking and feels like you are in a winter wonderland.
Now, I visited in November for a week, and ironically enough, I did NOT get to see the Norther Lights. Every night the clouds covered the sky and Mother Nature was completely uncooperative. I did, however, get to see lots of amazing waterfalls, spend lots of time in the hot springs, and enjoyed lots of amazing hot drinks. Exploring the Vatnajökull Glacier is also a great must see during the wintertime as well.
Conclusion: Best Time to Visit Iceland
One of the best aspects of Iceland is that you can literally visit in every season and have a completely different experience. Iceland can be a year-round destination and depending on what you want to see and do, there is a season for you. Between visiting during the season of the Midnight Sun, to see the Northern Lights in complete darkness, to enjoying the fall colors, Iceland has something to offer you regardless of the time of year you visit. I am hoping that this best time to visit Iceland guide has given you some perspective on things to see and do and that you have found the perfect time to visit.
Whenever you choose to visit, you will have an incredible experience, and the adventure and memories that will last a lifetime. I know mine have!