Best Time to Visit Iceland
Are you looking for a top-notch, jaw-dropping vacation destination? Are you in the process of planning a fabulously romantic honeymoon but haven’t picked a place yet? Or maybe you’re searching for the best spot for a family trip and aren’t sure where to go. No matter what you’re planning, you might want to consider Iceland as your next getaway.
Written by Echo Wang | Edited by Bianca Versoza
Are you looking for a top-notch, jaw-dropping vacation destination? Are you in the process of planning a romantic getaway but haven’t picked a place yet? Or maybe you’re searching for the best spot for a family trip and aren’t sure where to go. No matter what you’re planning, you should consider Iceland as your next dream destination.
Top Reasons Why You Should Visit Iceland
You might not have considered Iceland as a prime location for a relaxing and fun-filled trip. However, you should think again! This small country has a lot to offer, from stunning landscapes and scenery to a rich history and unique culture.
Here are just a few of the many reasons why you should pay Iceland a visit:
The Northern Lights
The Northern Lights are by far one of the most amazing phenomenons that occur in Iceland. The aurora borealis attracts thousands of tourists each year, wowing them with a magical light display. This fantastic show can be viewed over the months of September to April.
This fantastic show is caused by electrically charged particles traveling through Earth’s atmosphere at supersonic speeds. Once these particles collide with the atoms and molecules in the upper layer of the atmosphere, they create rings of light.
Geothermal Baths
Although you can’t take a dip in the freezing ocean, you can soak in one of Iceland’s many nature hot tubs, also known as geothermal baths. Take your pick from among the many different natural hot pools scattered around the country!
One of the most popular bathing spots is the Blue Lagoon, where you can relax your body and mind as you’re submerged in pure geothermal seawater.
Beautiful, Untouched Nature
It’s been said that adventure is out there, and that certainly rings true when it comes to Iceland. From mountains and waterfalls to glaciers and volcanoes, Iceland is a nature lover’s dream.
There are countless nature trails to explore and so many pristine landscapes to view. You can quickly fill up your schedule with hikes and explorations. Check out the Svartifoss waterfall or hike into the heart of the Thrihnukagigur volcano. You’ll be amazed at the magnificent Landmannalaugar mountains and the vastness of the giant icebergs floating in the Arctic Ocean.
Intriguing Black Beaches
Have you ever seen a black beach? If you head to Iceland, you’ll get that chance. Iceland has some of the most interesting-looking beaches, filled with beautiful black pebbles and lined with black basalt cliffs. One of the most popular beaches is Reynisfjara near the village of Vik.
Icelandic Horses
It really doesn’t get any better than seeing cute, fluffy horses. Iceland is the place to be if you’re a horse (or animal) lover. They are known for their vast array of wildlife, including the Icelandic horse, which is one of the oldest horse breeds in the entire world.
The Midnight Sun
Chances are, you’ve only heard stories about how certain areas of the world get 24-hour sunlight. But have you ever wanted to experience the Midnight Sun for yourself? Iceland is located right beneath the Arctic Circle, which allows for bright summer evenings that never grow dark.
This unique event is a result of the Earth’s axis being tilted toward the sun during the summer months. This incredible summer solstice peak happens between June 20th and 22nd. Residents experience 24-hour daylight between May to August.
When Should You Take a Trip to the Land of Fire and Ice
Timing is everything when it comes to planning a trip. It impacts the weather conditions and the specific activities you want to participate in once you’re there. Certain seasons may not be best suited for what you want to do. So, it’s essential to know the best time to visit Iceland.
Many other things can impact your visit, such as how many tourists are visiting, when you can see the Northern Lights, and when particular activities or events are happening.
If you’re considering Iceland as a possible vacation location, you’ll want to consider the country’s seasons and climate. However, you really can’t go wrong visiting Iceland, as each season is beautiful and offers a unique experience.
Here are a few of the best times to visit Iceland and some expectations to help you plan your trip:
Spring (March through May)
Although the country is beautiful year-round, the best time to visit Iceland is probably during the spring season. The days start getting longer, and the grass begins to grow, creating marvelous scenery wherever you look. It’s also the low season, which will help you avoid the big crowds.
The weather may be rainy and windy, but temperatures should be comfortable. You might not need them, but bring layers! Spring is the perfect time to check out the thawing waterfalls and take a drive around Ring Road for some incredible views.
If you’re interested in viewing some incredible artwork, you can visit Reykjavik in mid to late March for their annual DesignMarch festival. If music’s more your style, check out Aldrei For Eg Sudur and Tectronic music festivals.
You can also go watch adorable Puffin penguins, take a hike, go whale watching, horseback riding, kayaking, golfing, or take a trip out to explore some lava fields. You can even visit an Icelandic farm to see some cute baby lambs!
Summer (June through August)
Everybody and their brother want to visit Iceland during the summer months due to the mild weather. During the peak season, you’ll definitely be joining the other thousands of intrigued tourists.
Since the weather is excellent during this time, there’s a variety of fun outdoor activities to choose from, such as visiting the black sand beaches, snorkeling, visiting Blue Lagoon for a quick dip, volcano hiking, and so much more. If you visit Iceland during the summer solstice, you may even be able to catch the Midnight Sun during your trip.
A few festivals to check out during the month of August include Culture Night in Reykjavik and The Great Fish Day in Dalvik; make sure you come hungry for some delicious seafood! If you want to sing and dance your heart out, you can go to Secret Solstice, one of the biggest festivals in Reykjavik, in mid-June.
One tip you’ll appreciate is to pack an eye mask. The Midnight Sun has a way of keeping you up at night.
Fall (September through November)
The best thing about autumn is the dazzling colors. From deep reds and bursting oranges to subtle yellows and a remnant of lush green, fall is one of the best times to travel to Iceland. With adequate daylight and moderately cool temps, you’re sure to enjoy a refreshing visit.
Most of what you can do in the summer months, you can also do in the fall. You’ll just benefit by paying slightly lower prices since it’s an off-season for tourists. On top of that, there’s a slight possibility of seeing the Northern Lights if you plan your visit in November.
In addition, you can hike through the Golden Circle and see the Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir or hike through a variety of volcanoes scattered around throughout the country. If you’re looking for a thrill and are dive-certified, you can go diving between the North American and European tectonic plates.
Plan a day trip to go sightseeing and stop by one of the most photo-worthy churches in the country – Hallgrimskirkja. Or, if you’re feeling like a warm swim, head over to the Lake Myvatn geothermal area and enjoy a relaxing soak.
Fall is also a great time to enjoy an alcoholic beverage or two. Stop by the Olgerdin Brewery and grab yourself some authentic Icelandic beer or schnapps.
Winter (December through February)
Although many people usually try to escape the cold, you can enjoy a variety of great activities in Iceland during the winter. Just make sure you pack plenty of warm clothes!
December 21st marks the winter solstice, resulting in only three hours of daylight, so you can expect some cold and dark days. However, this is prime time to witness the gorgeous northern lights! You can also check out the Winter Lights Festival the first week of February if you’re visiting then.
Due to the cold weather and poor driving conditions, you’ll enjoy more privacy and solitude without the hassle of tourists. There are still plenty of things to do in the winter season in Iceland; you can go snowmobiling, take a tour of the beautiful landscapes, explore ice caves, and hike the glaciers.
What Are You Waiting For? Start Planning Your Trip to Iceland!
Now that you’ve learned about all these fantastic things and the best time to visit Iceland, what are you waiting for? Book your flight, snag a nice hotel room, and make your traveling plans. There are countless things to do, places to see, and people to meet when visiting this beautiful country.
No matter what season you choose, you can rest assured you’ll make countless memories that will surely last a lifetime.