When Is the Best Time to Travel to Iceland?

What is the best time to travel to Iceland? This is one of the most important questions to ask before you plan a trip to the land of fire and ice.

Unlike many other countries, Iceland’s climate changes dramatically. The time of year will vastly impact the kind of activities you can do and which sights you can experience.

Here’s the thing - there is no best time of year to travel to Iceland. Winter and summer each bring their own levels of magic, and the ideal time to visit really just depends on what you want to experience.

The best time to travel to Iceland entirely depends on what you want to experience. For mild weather, long days, and more accessible highlands, you’ll want to visit between June and August. These are generally the best times to travel to Iceland for most visitors and activities.

The summer months are perfect for hiking in Iceland and exploring nature. The country’s roads will also be easiest to navigate during this period for a great Iceland road trip.

However, if you’re after fewer crowds, lower prices, and a chance to see the Northern Lights, consider visiting Iceland from September to October or February to March.

The winter months, from November to February, offer the best chance to see the Northern Lights and enjoy winter activities like ice caving. But, you’ll need to be prepared for short days, cold temperatures, and completely unpredictable weather conditions.

The best month to travel to Iceland to witness the Northern Lights is February.

This is when the nights are long and dark, which creates optimal viewing conditions. The weather starts to improve slightly compared to the deep winter months, which improves visibility and makes travel easier.

February also means there are fewer tourists than the peak winter holiday season, which gives you a better chance to enjoy the stunning auroras in a serene setting.

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland, then you probably have the Blue Lagoon on your agenda. While this awesome geothermal attraction is open year-round, the best times to travel to Iceland for the Blue Lagoon are during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) and fall (September to October).

During these months, the weather is mild, and there are fewer tourists, which means you can have a more relaxing experience in the lagoon. The daylight hours are still long enough to enjoy the stunning surroundings.

Visiting in these periods also means you can take advantage of lower prices compared to the peak summer season. We’d recommend you try to go early in the morning or late in the evening for a more peaceful experience.

The best time to travel to Iceland for whale watching is between April and October, with peak sightings from June to August. During these months, you can see a range of species like humpback, minke, and blue whales. The summer months also offer longer days and calmer seas, which boosts your chances of spotting whales.

If you’re interested in seeing puffins, the best time to visit is from late April to August. Puffins nest on Iceland’s cliffs during these months, with the peak viewing period being from June to July.

We’d highly recommend combining whale watching and puffin spotting in the summer for a fantastic wildlife experience.

In order to plan when to travel to Iceland, you should have a good understanding of the different months and seasons. Here’s a more detailed monthly breakdown of conditions in Iceland.

January in Iceland is the perfect time for exploring ice caves and experiencing the Þorrablót Mid-winter Festival. This month is a good time to enjoy traditional Icelandic food and culture while braving the winter weather for amazing ice formations or glacier tours.

February is the perfect time to see the Northern Lights and enjoy Reykjavik’s Winter Lights Festival. Despite the cold, the cultural events and aurora sightings make it a magical time to visit Iceland.

March offers slightly longer days. It’s the perfect time to visit for winter sports and the Iceland Winter Games. It’s also a good time to catch the Northern Lights in the extended daylight. Plus, the busy tourist season hasn’t quite kicked in yet.

April marks the arrival of puffins and other migratory birds, so if you’re coming to Iceland for the wildlife, this is definitely a good time to visit. With fewer tourists and off-season prices, it’s also a great time to visit popular sites like the Golden Circle.

May is excellent for whale watching and outdoor activities like hiking, experiencing lava cave tours or kayaking in Iceland. The longer days and milder weather make it a perfect time for nature lovers wanting to experience the best of this country.

June brings the midnight sun, which means you get nearly 24 hours of daylight. It’s festival season with events like the National Holiday of Iceland and Hafnarfjörður Viking Festival, making it a lively time to visit.

The weather is also the warmest and the most predictable, which makes it a good time for driving around the country and going camping in Iceland.

July is the busiest tourist month with long days and vibrant landscapes. It’s perfect for nature photography and exploring Iceland’s natural beauty without everything being covered in snow.

August is great for exploring Iceland’s wilderness and attending local festivals like Reykjavik Pride and Culture Night. The weather is warmest, and all areas in the country are accessible.

Tourism also starts slowing down a bit in August, so you can enjoy fewer crowds during this period.

September brings mild weather and fewer tourists, making it a good time to visit. You can enjoy music and film festivals in September while taking advantage of lower prices and smaller crowds.

The weather will be a bit colder and more unpredictable, but it’s still light and warm enough for plenty of outdoor fun.

October is another great time to see the Northern Lights and enjoy the autumn foliage. It’s a quieter month with beautiful landscapes and plenty of berry-picking opportunities.

November brings colder weather, ideal for visiting hot springs and newly formed ice caves. The Northern Lights are also visible, adding to the winter wonderland experience.

It’s darker and colder, which means things like hiking or kayaking are not ideal. However, many visitors prefer the wintery experience in Iceland.

December is festive with Christmas lights and New Year’s celebrations. Despite the cold, it’s a magical time with opportunities to see the Northern Lights and explore frozen waterfalls. You can also enjoy all of Iceland’s most famous winter sports and activities.

Whatever time of year you plan to travel to Iceland, be aware of the fact that weather conditions change all the time. We’d recommend travelling with a reliable weather app and checking the weather and road conditions every day to stay up to date. It’s also a good idea to pack for all seasons no matter what time of year you visit Iceland because you never know what each day will bring.

As Iceland’s climate is so unpredictable, the best way to experience the country is with expert guided tours. This lets you take advantage of the local knowledge of tour guides, which means you’ll get to experience the best adventures on the right days. Check out Skyhook's top-rated guided adventures in Iceland for some inspiration.