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When is the very best time to go to Iceland? We have now gotten this query quite a bit since our current Ring Street journey. It’s a tough query to reply as a result of there isn’t a “BEST” time to go to Iceland. Only a time that fits you and what you need to get out of your journey to Iceland.
I’ve been to Iceland 3 times now, as soon as in June, July, and September and October. Each month was a wonderful time to go to Iceland, and I’m completely happy I noticed the distinction between the seasons.
In the summertime, you’ll little question get to see the Midnight Solar, whereas your possibilities of seeing the Northern Lights are excessive within the winter. We are going to clarify every month for you and what you may anticipate for all 4 seasons in Iceland.
When is the Greatest Time to Go to Iceland?
When is the Greatest Time to Journey to Iceland for Good Climate?
For those who’re nonetheless questioning when the very best time to go to Iceland for good climate is – it’s summer time. You stand your greatest likelihood of excellent climate in Iceland between late June and September.
Temperatures vary from 12°C-20°C. You’ll discover locals having fun with the sunny climate in Reykjavik, and it’s a good time to go climbing and see all of the purple lupines that dot the panorama.
When is the very best time to go to Iceland for the Northern Lights?
On account of its location beneath the Arctic Circle, Iceland is likely one of the greatest locations in the complete world to see the Northern Lights. Your greatest likelihood of seeing them is between late September and late March, when the climate is evident, cool, and crisp.
You have got much less daylight however the next likelihood of recognizing this phenomenon. The longer you keep in Iceland, the upper your likelihood of seeing the Northern Lights. Bear in mind, the additional away from mild air pollution you go, the higher likelihood you’ve gotten at a very good present! All that being mentioned, we had been in a position to see the lights actually dance mid-October after we had been in Iceland!
When is the very best time to go to Reykjavik?
Reykjavik is a wonderful metropolis to go to any time of 12 months. There may be at all times one thing to do, be it winter or summer time. If you wish to sit exterior and luxuriate in a beer with out freezing, visiting Reykjavik throughout the summer time months of June-August is greatest.
September and October are nonetheless comfy, however you will have a strolling jacket. The picture above was in late June and denims and an extended sleeve prime had been needed.
When is the very best time to go to Iceland for whale watching?
Whale watching season in Iceland is from April to October. The perfect time to see the whales is in the summertime (June, July, and August). You’ll find excursions that run out of Reykjavik daily in Iceland.
Different in style locations to go whale watching are Akureyri, Dalvik, Husavik, and the Vestmannaeyjar Islands. Be certain to deliver a digital camera and a windbreaker jacket. It will get chilly on the boats – even in the summertime!
When is the Greatest Time to Go to Iceland to See Puffins?
Puffin viewing season in Iceland is from late April to
Nearly a million puffins reside right here throughout puffin season. Nonetheless, if you happen to arrive after September, you doubtless gained’t see any puffins throughout your Iceland journey.
When is the most cost effective time to go to Iceland?
In case you are making an attempt to journey Iceland on a funds, the very best time to go to Iceland is the offseason. Mid-November to April will offer you decrease automobile rental costs, decrease costs on guesthouses, and cheaper excursions.
Nonetheless, remember many companies will shut throughout these months. And if you happen to’re campervanning round Iceland you’ll have a tough time discovering campsites which are open within the winter. You possibly can nonetheless discover good climate and affordable costs throughout the shoulder season.
When is the Greatest Time to go to Iceland to See the Midnight Solar?
The Midnight Solar is a interval of steady daylight in Iceland. The perfect time to go to Iceland for the midnight solar is from Might to August. It is going to be full daylight at midnight, with the solar setting simply earlier than – throughout this time it actually by no means will get darkish out.
The summer time solstice is round June twenty first and is the height Midnight Solar viewing time. The picture above was taken round 11pm in June.
When is the Greatest Time to Drive Iceland’s Ring Street?
You possibly can drive the Ring Street at any time of 12 months. Climate-wise the very best to drive the ring street is throughout the summer time months. The perfect time to drive the ring street in Iceland crowd-wise is throughout the shoulder season, when the roads are quieter.
Might, June, September, and October will nonetheless offer you good climate and fewer vehicles on the street.
When is the very best time to go to Iceland’s Golden Circle?
You possibly can expertise the Golden Circle any time of the 12 months. Climate-wise you’ll discover it most stunning and sunny throughout the summer time.
Crowd smart, the very best time to go to is throughout the shoulder season. The Golden Circle will nonetheless be busy in Might, June, September, and October however not as crowded because the summer time months.
When is the Greatest Time to Go to Iceland’s Blue Lagoon?
The Blue Lagoon is undoubtedly one in all Iceland’s hottest issues to do. Crowding could be a enormous subject right here throughout the summer time months between Might and September. The perfect time to go to Iceland and go to the Blue Lagoon is within the winter (in addition to holidays).
Don’t fear about it getting chilly, because the Blue Lagoon is geothermal and heat. The sooner you go, the higher. If you’d like a Blue Lagoon expertise with out many different folks, I’d suggest arriving once they open at 7 am, that is how we grabbed loads of photographs with out different folks, and had a a lot quieter expertise earlier than the crowds rolled in round 9am.
What’s the Greatest Time to Go to Iceland?
Climate in Iceland in January
January is likely one of the quietest months in Iceland. It’s nice for these seeking to get away from crowds of vacationers. Days are brief, and the chilly might be brutal, making many suppose it’s the worst time to go to Iceland. Nonetheless, most landscapes can be coated in stunning snow.
After an countless winter, Iceland in January is your calling. With nearly 19 midnights, winter is usually the very best time to go to Iceland to see the Northern Lights if the cloud cowl breaks. Costs for lodging and excursions can be decrease as it’s the offseason. I don’t suppose it is a dangerous time to go to Iceland. Simply be sure you are ready and pack effectively for the chilly!
Among the greatest issues to embrace an Icelandic winter are to go snowmobiling, enterprise into ice caves, relish within the pure sizzling springs, and in spite of everything that’s performed, you may go heat up in a Reykjavik bar with the locals! Simply be sure you have a heat down jacket for the chilly climate.
Climate in Iceland in February
Iceland in February is much like January, besides your days can be full of a bit extra daylight. Anticipate unpredictable climate, loads of snow, and a excessive chance of catching the Aurora Borealis, however that doesn’t imply it’s not probably the greatest occasions to go to Iceland – relying on what you might be after!
The temperatures can vary anyplace between -10°C and eight °C, so a superb packable down jacket is a brilliant thought. Reykjavik might be busy presently of 12 months because the capital metropolis performs host to a number of festivals, together with the Stockfish Movie Competition, Rainbow Reykjavik, the Winter Lights Competition, and the Reykjavik Bar Summit.
Climate in Iceland in March
The winter enjoyable is now winding down, and snow begins to soften in Reykjavik. It’s not a Christmas wonderland, and it’s not fairly a summer time bonanza. That is one in all Iceland‘s least visited months. Because the crowds are low and it’s nonetheless chilly March is an effective time to drive the Ring Street if you happen to’re averse to crowds and on a funds.
Days are getting longer in March, however it nonetheless will get darkish at night time, so your likelihood of seeing the Northern Lights is excessive! The possibilities of rain and snow are additionally nonetheless excessive, and also you shouldn’t anticipate heat climate by any means. The common every day temperature of Iceland in March is between -3°C and three°C. Pack heat garments!
Climate in Iceland in April
Days develop longer, and the Icelanders can nearly scent the candy summer time air. Though the solar and heat climate are nearly there, it nonetheless has a month to go. Because of this some summer time actions aren’t accessible, and some winter actions might have stopped.
It’s nonetheless doable to go on a brisk hike in April and soak up some cool air. One other good thing to do is head to Southern Iceland round Skogafoss, Vik, and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.
Understand that with daylight creeping in, your likelihood of seeing the Nothern Lights begin to drop, however it’s nonetheless doable! April is the very best time to go to Iceland for whale watching as it’s the starting of whale season.
There are many whale-watching excursions departing from Reykjavik. You stand an amazing likelihood to see the minke whale up shut! I ought to point out April brings puffin season too. Yup, April marks your likelihood to see these cute/funny-looking birds in Iceland!
Climate in Iceland in Might
It’s Might in Iceland, which means it’s nearly to hit summer time and peak season. Now could be the time to come back if you’d like a semi-reasonable deal on journey (sorry guys, nothing in Iceland is affordable).
The climate is temperamental, and there’s extra daylight than night time, and you may get superbly lengthy sunsets. The Icelanders can be popping out of an extended winter, so the environment of Iceland is joyous. The climate can nonetheless be unpredictable, although, and I’d nonetheless suggest packing like you will Iceland within the winter simply in case.
Though you doubtless gained’t see the Northern Lights, Might in Iceland is when wildlife comes alive! The attractive puffin chook returns to the shores of Iceland in April, so it’s nearly assured it is possible for you to to see them in Might.
Whale-watching excursions may also be extra nice beneath the Might solar, and so they run typically. Final however not least, you may go horseback driving with out freezing in Might!
Climate in Iceland in June
Lengthy sunny days, much less rain, heavy winds that flip into mild breezes – It’s summer time in Iceland! June is what many locals take into account to be the very best time of 12 months to go to Iceland.
June in Iceland has the longest sunlight hours; on June twenty first you’ll witness the 12 months’s longest day, and Iceland is the very best place to witness the phenomenon. The Midnight Solar, or when the solar remains to be seen at midnight, can be a standard incidence now and may make for some stellar photographs.
This can be a pure phenomenon that occurs across the Arctic Circle, so visiting Iceland in June is further particular and sufficient motive to go.
June in Iceland will yield 24 hours of daylight for just a few weeks. If staying up all night time and partying with the Icelanders is your cup of tea, then summertime is when it would be best to be in Iceland.
Or, if partying isn’t your factor, the 24 hours of daylight provides you with an enormous benefit if you happen to drive round Iceland and need to catch locations in the course of the night time. Extra daylight means extra time to do issues like snorkeling in Silfra fissure! June is certainly probably the greatest occasions to go to Iceland.
Climate in Iceland in July
Each July and August are nice occasions to do heat(er) climate actions. Issues like scuba diving in Þingvellir or climbing across the nation are nice this time of 12 months. In fact, you may nonetheless do these actions within the colder months, however I feel we will all agree it’s extra satisfying with some sunshine.
It might be hotter, and also you’re assured some stunning inexperienced landscapes, summer time in Iceland comes with just a few points. Due to all this, July is likely one of the greatest months to go to Iceland for pictures.
It’s peak season in Iceland so anticipate costs to be by means of the roof. Additionally, like most locations all over the world summertime is when most individuals take their holidays, particularly People. And People LOVE Iceland, so you may look forward to finding many extra folks within the nation.
That being mentioned, I visited Iceland in July and had a wonderful time. I hiked throughout the day, biked round Reykjavik, partied till the solar “set” at 2 am, and joined my Icelandic mates on the public swimming swimming pools. Individuals are completely happy within the summertime, and also you simply can’t beat that vibe in Iceland.
Climate in Iceland in August
August is likely one of the greatest occasions to go to Iceland. It’s the warmest time of the 12 months to journey the Arctic circle. In Iceland, summer time temperatures common round 15°C. The summer time days are the sort you’re doubtless used to in August, with the solar rising between 5 am-6 am and setting between 9 and 10. So you continue to get lengthy days with the power to sleep in darkness!
August is a superb time to take advantage of out of Iceland. The land can be inexperienced and plush, the solar will shine, and a number of the hottest excursions will run. It’s additionally a good time if you wish to go on a climbing and tenting journey because the local weather is right. August is the final month you’ll for certain see puffins (though stragglers are hanging about in September).
Climate in Iceland in September
September is nice in all places on the planet, and it’s no totally different for Iceland. It’s when the autumn colours begin to showcase, and the temperatures are comfy, making it the very best time to go to Iceland. Chances are you’ll begin to get slightly rain, however nothing that ought to maintain you again from visiting Iceland.
Most excursions run not less than till the top of September, and we discovered that each single large campsite was nonetheless open for campers and camper vans till the thirtieth. Days start to develop shorter in September, so that you stand an opportunity to see the Northern Lights.
Snow is across the nook, however most roads ought to stay open. This opens the chance for a lot of guests to nonetheless see wonderful locations just like the West Fjords, Landmannalaugar, the Golden Circle, or Mount Hekla. For those who’re a movie geek it would be best to head to Reykjavik for the annual Reykjavik Worldwide Movie Competition as effectively.
Climate in Iceland in October
In my view, that is the very best time to go to Iceland. I imply, it’s October, and who doesn’t love that point of 12 months when the leaves flip shiny yellow, orange, and purple! (Don’t fear – there’s even a Dunkin Donuts in Reykjavik for a pumpkin spice latte).
Fall is strictly what we discovered after we made a tenting journey across the Ring Street in October. The climate was nice, with only some days of rain and a little bit of sunshine every day. We might even go climbing with only a flannel and a climbing backpack!
It’s not solely the climate that made this excellent, however as a result of it was thought of low season in Iceland, there have been far fewer vacationers than in the summertime (though nonetheless quite a bit).
We had been getting off-season costs for issues like our Blissful Campers van, lodge stays, and even might keep at campsites at no cost as they had been closed for the season. Most significantly, we noticed the Northern Lights – twice! This time of 12 months is solely wonderful in Iceland.
Climate in Iceland in November
November is formally when you may say…”Winter is coming.” Anticipate chilly climate, shorter days, and rain. Many roads can be shut down, with the ring street nonetheless accessible. Simply just remember to are vigilant concerning the climate! The autumn colours have largely subsided, however snow is beginning to fall, making the waterfalls, mountains, and volcanoes much more stunning.
Among the hottest issues to do in Iceland in November are a glacier hike, ice caving, and the Nothern Lights. Like many locations in Europe, tourism is dwindling, so you should have the black sand seashores, geothermal areas, and sizzling springs to your self!
Climate in Iceland in December
Do you like that snowy, Christmas-filled, cheerful time of the 12 months? Properly, then, the very best time to go to Iceland for you is in December. This actually falls beneath “Iceland in winter,” however I didn’t need to begin this complete submit with December and confuse everybody! Christmas is big in Iceland, so you’ll positively not miss out on the vacation cheer if you happen to select to trip in Iceland in December.
The entire metropolis of Reykjavik can be lit with Christmas lights, Santa Clauses are scattered all through the town, and the snow can be in full drive. Oh yeah, and don’t neglect about December thirty first when the town comes alive for the New Yr celebrations. The European Christmas season is fabulous. This can be a nice time to go to Iceland!
December can also be the darkest time of the 12 months. Days solely final a few hours so you’ll actually must profit from your daylight. Nonetheless, with lengthy nights that is the very best time to go to Iceland for Northern Lights. Common temperatures vary from -1°C to -5°C so deliver a jacket, gloves, scarf, boots, and a hat. I wouldn’t suggest ready until you get to Iceland to purchase them, as it is going to be double what you might be used to paying.
When is the Greatest Time to Go to Iceland?
Finally, you determine the very best time to go to Iceland and what you prefer to as a traveler. Is it your honeymoon in Iceland, or are you seeking to take a break from the desk job? Would you prefer to see the leaves altering within the fall, or does hanging out in a t-shirt in a Downtown Reykjavik park fit your style?
In my view, the very best months to vacation in Iceland are June, July, September, October, or December.
If you wish to journey with a Blissful Campers van as we did (and you need to!) ensure to learn our full evaluation. You possibly can simply e-book utilizing this hyperlink, however ensure to e-book effectively upfront throughout excessive season.
When is the Greatest Season to Journey to Iceland?
Excessive season (July-September): Like most locations throughout the summer time in Europe, Iceland’s excessive season runs from July to mid-September. That is when you’ll discover the very best climate, however it’s additionally loopy crowded. Days are longer, typically, the solar doesn’t set till 2 am and you actually by no means get “nighttime.” The climate can also be hotter, however you’ll nonetheless want a jacket. Resort and automobile rental costs are at their highest throughout the excessive season.
Shoulder Season (Might-June and September-November): We traveled to Iceland in October and liked it. The climate is cool, the leaves are altering, the crowds are few, and it’s very simple to get off the crushed path. Typically, the entire vibe within the air is great. We’ve additionally discovered higher offers on automobile leases, campsites, and guesthouses. We noticed sunny days, but in addition had a number of these overcast and gloomy days.
Low Season (Late November-April): Winter in Iceland isn’t any joke. The climate is unpredictable and might be lethal. You doubtless gained’t be climbing a lot, however you’ll most likely see the Northern Lights. It’s quiet throughout winter and nonetheless simply as stunning because the summer time! For those who plan to journey to Iceland throughout this time, you want a packable rain jacket, journey umbrella, and waterproof boots.
Enjoyable Festivals in Iceland to Attend
Darkish Music Days Competition (Late January into early February)
When the daytime turns into as darkish because it does in Iceland, many people would want one thing to elevate our spirits a bit. The identify of this Iceland pageant says all of it; The Darkish Music Days Competition is a five-or-so-day pageant spanning from the previous few days of January into early February, happening over the darkest days of the 12 months in Iceland
Winter Lights Competition (February 6 – 9)
The Darkish Music Days Competition isn’t the one gathering that revolves across the daylight state of affairs (or lack thereof) of Iceland’s winters. The Winter Lights Competition, happening within the first week of February yearly, was conceived to rejoice the steadily rising daylight (and subsequently, longer-feeling days) that begins after many months of darkness. Among the many options at this necessary pageant are mild installations, cultural performances, and out of doors actions (so costume heat, as a result of it’s nonetheless chilly!).
Viking Competition (mid-June)
There are a ton of festivals in Iceland in June (together with a Coloration Run, Sailor’s Day & Sea Competition, and an enormous arts pageant in Reykjavík), so it was arduous to choose only one. However we couldn’t go up an opportunity to speak concerning the Viking Competition. This pageant is just about what it appears like: a celebration of Viking tradition that can take you again in time a thousand years.
Reykjavík Worldwide Movie Competition (Late September)
You’ve heard of the US Academy Awards, little question – effectively, the Reykjavík Worldwide Movie Competition is the Icelandic equal. One of many largest and most culturally numerous occasions within the nation, that is a completely volunteer-run occasion spanning 11 days. You possibly can, after all, come to observe new releases in indie movie, however there are additionally panel discussions, exhibitions, and even oddly-located movie showings – like inside administrators’ houses (how cool would that be?).
See the total checklist of Iceland festivals right here
Plan Your Journey to Iceland
Issues to do in Iceland
There are such a lot of issues to do in Iceland that I might write a e-book about it. Sadly, I don’t have that point, so I’m exhibiting you the last word Iceland bucket checklist right here. Some issues which are a must-do are go to an Iceland swimming pool, soaking in a pure sizzling spring, stand beneath a waterfall, and see the Northern Lights.
Pictures Gear for Iceland
A high-quality digital camera is an necessary packing merchandise for Iceland if you’d like some nice photographs whereas on trip. We journey with our 200mm telephoto lens. Drones have type of taken Iceland by storm and may also seize implausible footage.
We had our DJI Mavic in Iceland, however ensure to make use of your drone responsibly as many locals are more and more aggravated at their sight.
Don’t forget a tripod for Iceland – particularly if you happen to plan on photographing the Northern Lights, you’ll want one for the lengthy exposures.
Is Iceland Costly?
Iceland is mega costly. One of the costly international locations in the complete world. Just be sure you plan accordingly and according to your funds.
It’s actually doable to do Iceland on a funds of lower than $100 in case you are tenting, cooking all of your fundamental meals, touring by public transport, or scoring a superb deal on a rental. The excellent news is that nature is free, and also you’ll have the ability to see Iceland’s magnificence with out paying for it. So sure – it’s utterly doable to have an inexpensive Iceland trip.
For those who plan on consuming, you’ll want to decide up duty-free alcohol earlier than you permit the airport. A pint of beer can simply run you $15-$20!
Useful Iceland Journey Ideas
- Icelanders communicate Icelandic, however each single particular person I got here throughout spoke English.
- The native foreign money is the Icelandic króna (ISK). ATMs are discovered all through the nation
- Have I discussed Iceland is dear as hell? Properly, it’s! Lower your expenses by consuming in and cooking for your self. Take a look at our Iceland grocery retailer information for all the guidelines!
- Iceland is likely one of the most secure international locations on the planet; nonetheless, it’s at all times necessary to make use of widespread sense when strolling alone at night time.
- Tipping shouldn’t be customary in Iceland.
- Iceland has robust web infrastructure and you need to have the ability to simply keep related.
- Generally it’s good simply to have an actual e-book in your palms when touring. We suggest Lonely Planet to get you thru these wi-fi nights.
50 Iceland Journey Tricks to Know BEFORE You Go
What to Pack for Iceland
Questioning what to put on in Iceland? The nation’s climate is fairly infamous so it’s solely pure that the query of what to pack for Iceland comes up quite a bit. Given Iceland’s recognition, we get the query of what to pack for Iceland quite a bit lately. It’s solely pure that when you e-book your ticket and make journey plans you spend your time questioning what to throw in your baggage.
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