Best Time to Visit Iceland
The best time to visit Iceland really depends on the experiences you seek. One of the few places that remains spectacular year-round, each month is a great time to visit. Winter brings snow in abundance with cosy hotels, landscapes covered in a blanket of snow and of course the real star of the show: the northern lights, making November to March a popular time to visit. If you’re looking to travel to Iceland in the winter, it’s best to start planning at least six months in advance to secure the best availability.
As the months get warmer and the days get longer, Iceland becomes a real wildlife haven. Over 20 species of whale and dolphin can be seen in the coastal waters and on land, vast colonies of puffin, known as a ‘circus’, can be spotted along the coast. But one of the most enchanting experiences during an Icelandic summer is to watch the sun go down at midnight in June.
Climate guide for Iceland
| Destination | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reykjavik | 33°F 99mm | 34°F 111mm | 34°F 94mm | 44°F 81mm | 46°F 38mm | 51°F 34mm | 56°F 57mm | 52°F 42mm | 49°F 131mm | 42°F 80mm | 36°F 77mm | 33°F 80mm |
| Southern Iceland | 31°F 88mm | 40°F 104mm | 41°F 54mm | 57°F 104mm | 66°F 165mm | 68°F 139mm | 74°F 128mm | 71°F 120mm | 70°F 12mm | 59°F 135mm | 40°F 33mm | 40°F 121mm |