Best Time to Visit Iceland – Weather in Iceland by Month

When you consider all the important factors, the best time to visit Iceland is in September. This month’s average temperature, while unpredictable, isn’t as cold as the winter weather in Iceland. Plus, you can see the first northern lights of the season if you visit in September!

Moreover, Iceland boasts beautiful autumn landscapes full of mesmerizing colors, which is why we run Iceland photo tours during this month.

That said, the weather in Iceland in June, July, and August is best for enjoying the hiking trails. This is also the best time to see whales in Iceland and the friendly puffins that nest on the island.

The winter weather in Iceland is also a special sight to see, thanks to the spectacular white landscapes, which are tinted green at nightfall. This season is also the best time to see the northern lights in Iceland. If you visit in spring, don’t worry because you’ll see dreamy landscapes dotted with wildflowers.

As you can see, deciding on the best time to go to Iceland isn’t easy, but I promise that by the time you finish reading this guide, you’ll know when to travel to Iceland as well as when to return since this country is worth more than one trip.

It’s no wonder why there are Iceland vacation packages available year-round!

When is the best time to visit Iceland?

To help you decide on the best time to travel to Iceland, this guide will cover:

At the end of the article, you’ll also find a section where we recommend when to go to Iceland based on your interests (northern lights, midnight sun, whale-watching, puffins, hiking, etc.)

 

What is Iceland’s climate like? – Weather in Iceland

Unlike other countries at the same latitude, Iceland’s climate isn’t extreme. This is due to the currents from the Gulf of Mexico, which sweep the southern and western coasts, resulting in mild winter and summer temperatures. There are also climate differences within the island; temperatures in Reykjavik are generally higher than in the Highlands.

In general, the winter and summer seasons are mild compared to other semi-arctic regions, giving the island a more oceanic climate. However, the weather in Iceland is quite variable throughout the day. This reflects the Icelandic proverb, “If you don’t like the weather, wait 5 minutes!”

Regardless of when you travel to Iceland, I recommend always packing waterproof winter clothes as well as lightweight clothing in case the temperatures rise. You can even bring your swimsuit if you plan on visiting the beautiful hot springs in Iceland.

Average temperature in Iceland

Temperatures in Iceland can vary depending on the region. In Reykjavik, the average winter temperature is 34 or 35 °F, while the median summer temp is 54 °F.

That said, the unpredictable weather in Iceland means that temperatures could drop to 14 °F or reach 77 °F, depending on the time of year. This applies to the entire southern area since, as the distance to the northern shortens, the winters get colder, with more snowfall. There can even be a difference of 5-20 degrees between one region of the island and another.

Average precipitation in Iceland

Precipitation is quite common in Iceland, although most of the rain and snowfall occurs in spring and autumn. The winter weather in Iceland includes rain, snow, and wind gusts, so be prepared.

Rain is especially frequent in Reykjavik, which can see up to 150 days of precipitation per year. In the north, specifically in Akureyri, the average number of rainy days per year is just over 100.

However, as I mentioned, Iceland’s climate is extremely variable, so on any given day, you could run into rain, snow, wind, and sunwhere and when to see the Northern Lights in Iceland. Winter is the best season, especially in March when there are fewer clouds and high KP rates that coincide with the spring equinox. However, mid-September to mid-April is also a good time to see auroras.

I recommend taking a Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik for those who aren’t sure how to spot the aurora borealis or those who have never seen them. During the tour, expert guides will take you to the best places where the sky conditions favor the Northern Lights. I recommend this tour in particular because you can repeat it free of charge if you don’t see any auroras your first time.

Also, if you can, be sure to stay at one of the best Northern Lights hotels in IcelandHighlands of Iceland without any issues. Also, it’s when the best campsites in Iceland are open.

Best time to go hiking in Iceland

It is precisely in the Highlands that you’ll find the best hiking routes. So, if your goal is to take some beautiful treks, then June, July, August, and September are the best months to visit Iceland. July, in particular, is the most ideal month since the temperatures are very nice and the days are longerthis excursion, but you can also check our guide to the best whale-watching tours in Icelandthis excursion that departs from Reykjavikthis tour to see the full splendor of this beautiful cave.

The best thing about these caves is that they’re different every year. That is, the shapes and sizes vary depending on how the ice masses formed, so no matter how many times you visit, it’ll be a one-of-a-kind experiencewhere to stay in Iceland because plenty of hotels are open year-round.

Cheapest time to travel to Iceland

From June to December, prices go up for Iceland’s peak tourism season. If you’re going to visit during these months, I suggest booking your accommodation in advance since lots of tourists will be traveling here, especially in August.

Iceland may seem an expensive country so check our guide on how to travel on a budget for some tips and tricks!

Best month to visit Iceland

As you may have already discovered, there is no best month to visit Iceland because each season has something special to offer. If you decide to travel during the winter months, you can enjoy lovely snow-covered landscapes as well as ice caves, frozen waterfalls, and the Northern Lights.

If you visit during the spring, you’ll have the chance to see the winter thaw and drive along the Ring Road or the Golden Circle, two popular road trips that take you to some of the best spots in Iceland.

Summer is the best time to see puffins in Iceland, as well as whales and the midnight sun, while autumn in Iceland is a magical season full of gorgeous colors and foliage.

To summarize, here is what you can do based on the weather in Iceland by month:

BEST MONTHS TO VISIT ICELAND	WHAT TO DO IN ICELAND MONTH BY MONTH
January	Winter landscape photography, cheapest time to travel to Iceland
February	Visit frozen Icelandic waterfalls
March	See the Northern Lights
April	Observe the winter thaw and the first flowers
May	Drive the Ring Road and Golden Circle
June	See the midnight sun
July	Hike in the Highlands
August	Puffin and whale-watching
September	Autumn landscape photography, Northern Lights
October	Explore the most popular places with fewer crowds
November	Visit the ice caves
December	Visit Blue Lagoon, hot springs, and celebrate Christmas
BEST MONTHS TO VISIT ICELAND

 

I hope that now you feel more confident about deciding when to travel to Iceland so you can enjoy the activities that interest you most. I can assure you that you’ll fall in love with this country regardless of when you visit. Finally, remember to check what the weather will be like tomorrow by going to the official Icelandic weather website, Vedur.is.

If you have any questions about the best time to go to Iceland, leave me a comment below and I’ll try to help you as much as I can. I hope you enjoy this lovely country as much as we do! Safe travels!