If you’re planning a trip to Iceland, it’s important to know the best and worst times to go based on the activities you want to do. Iceland’s climate and natural wonders vary greatly throughout the year, so choosing the right time to visit can greatly impact your experience.
In this article, we’ll provide answers based on several of the activities listed in our “Top 20 Things To Do in Iceland” article so you can plan the perfect vacation.
So, what are the best and worst months to go to Iceland?
For those looking to explore Iceland’s stunning natural landscapes and outdoor activities, the best time to visit is during the summer months of June, July, and August.
During this time, the weather is mild, the days are long, and the roads are open, making it the perfect time for hiking, camping, and road tripping. However, keep in mind that this is also peak tourist season, so expect crowds and higher prices.
Conversely, if you’re looking to see the Northern Lights, the best time to visit Iceland is during the winter months of November through February.
These months offer the longest nights and clearest skies, providing optimal viewing conditions. However, be prepared for cold temperatures and shorter daylight hours, which can limit other activities. Additionally, some roads and attractions may be closed due to weather conditions.
Best Months to Visit Iceland Based on Activity
If you are an outdoor enthusiast, Iceland is the perfect destination for you. The country offers a wide range of outdoor activities throughout the year. Here are the best months to visit Iceland if you want to experience the best of outdoor activities:
Hot Springs
The best time to visit the hot springs in Iceland is during the summer months, from June to August. The weather is mild and sunny, and the days are long, so you’ll have plenty of time to relax in the hot springs and enjoy the scenery.
However, if you’re looking for a more affordable trip, you may want to consider visiting during the shoulder seasons, from May to June or September to October. The weather is more unpredictable during these months, but you’ll find fewer crowds and the prices will be lower.
No matter when you decide to visit, be sure to do your research and choose a hot spring that’s right for you. There are many different hot springs to choose from in Iceland, each with its own unique features and benefits.
Here are a few of the most popular hot springs in Iceland:
The Blue Lagoon – This is Iceland’s most famous hot spring, and it’s easy to see why. The Blue Lagoon is located in a lava field, and the water is a milky blue color. The water is rich in minerals, and it’s said to have therapeutic properties.
The Blue Lagoon is a popular tourist destination, and it can be crowded during the summer months. However, it’s still a great place to relax and soak in the warm water. The water is said to have healing properties, and it’s a great way to relax after a long day of sightseeing.
Myvatn Nature Baths – These hot springs are located in the Myvatn region of Iceland, which is known for its beautiful scenery. The baths are set in a natural setting, and they offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lake.
Myvatn Nature Baths are a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Iceland. The baths are located in a beautiful setting, and they offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lake. The water is warm and relaxing, and it’s a great way to unwind after a long day of exploring.
Secret Lagoon – This hot spring is located in a remote area of Iceland, and it’s a great place to escape the crowds. The water is warm and relaxing, and the setting is peaceful and serene. Secret Lagoon is a great place to relax and escape the crowds.
The hot spring is located in a remote area of Iceland, and it’s a great place to find some peace and quiet. The water is warm and relaxing, and the setting is beautiful. No matter which hot spring you choose, you’re sure to have a relaxing and enjoyable experience.
Iceland’s hot springs are a unique and special part of the country, and they’re a great way to experience the natural beauty of Iceland.
Hiking
The best time to go hiking in Iceland is during the summer months, from June to August. The weather is mild and sunny, with long hours of daylight. The trails are also well-maintained and accessible during this time of year.
However, if you’re looking for a more challenging hike, you may want to consider going during the shoulder seasons, from May to June or September to October. The weather is more unpredictable during these months, but you’ll have fewer crowds and the scenery is just as beautiful.
No matter when you decide to go hiking in Iceland, be sure to do your research and plan your hike accordingly. There are many different trails to choose from, each with its own unique challenges and rewards.
Here are a few of the most popular hikes in Iceland:
Laugavegur Trail – This 55-kilometer (34-mile) trail is one of the most popular hikes in Iceland. It takes hikers through some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, including glaciers, volcanoes, and waterfalls.
Þórsmörk Trail – This 25-kilometer (15-mile) trail is located in the Thórsmörk valley, which is known for its stunning scenery and abundance of hiking trails. * Skógafoss Trail: This 5-kilometer (3-mile) trail leads to the Skógafoss waterfall, which is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland.
No matter what hike you choose, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience in Iceland. The country’s natural beauty is simply breathtaking, and there’s no better way to experience it than by hiking.
Camping
Iceland is a beautiful country with stunning scenery, making it a popular destination for campers. However, with its unpredictable weather, it’s important to know the best time to go camping in Iceland.
The best time to go camping in Iceland is during the summer months, from June to August. The weather is mild and sunny during this time of year, with long hours of daylight. This means you’ll have plenty of time to explore the country’s natural wonders and enjoy the outdoors.
If you’re looking for a more affordable trip, you may want to consider visiting during the shoulder seasons, from May to June or September to October. The weather is more unpredictable during these months, but you’ll find fewer crowds and the prices will be lower.
No matter when you decide to go camping in Iceland, be sure to do your research and plan your trip accordingly. There are many different campsites to choose from, each with its own unique features and benefits.
Here are a few of the most popular camping spots in Iceland:
Þingvellir National Park – This is one of Iceland’s most popular tourist destinations, and it’s easy to see why. Þingvellir is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s home to some of the most stunning scenery in the country. The park is also home to the Alþingi, Iceland’s oldest parliament, which was founded in 930 AD.
Skaftafell National Park – This park is located in the south of Iceland, and it’s known for its glaciers, waterfalls, and hiking trails. Skaftafell is a great place to go camping if you’re looking for an outdoor adventure.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon – This lagoon is located in the south of Iceland, and it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. The lagoon is home to icebergs, which are constantly breaking off from the nearby glacier. It’s a great place to go camping if you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable experience.
No matter which camping spot you choose, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience in Iceland. The country’s natural beauty is simply breathtaking, and there’s no better way to experience it than by camping.
Glacier Tours
Iceland is a country of glaciers, and there are many different glacier tours available for visitors. The best time of year to go on a glacier tour depends on the type of tour you want to do.
If you want to go on a glacier hike, the best time to go is during the summer months, from June to August. The weather is mild and sunny during this time of year, and the glaciers are relatively stable.
If you want to go on a glacier boat tour, the best time to go is during the winter months, from September to May. The weather is colder and snowier during this time of year, but the glaciers are more active and there are more icebergs in the water.
Here are three of the most popular glacier tours in Iceland:
Skógafoss Glacier Hike – This is a moderate hike that takes you to the Sólheimajökull glacier. The hike is about 4 kilometers round trip and takes about 2 hours to complete.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Boat Tour – This is a popular tour that takes you out onto the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. The tour lasts about 2 hours and you’ll get to see icebergs up close.
Vatnajökull Glacier Hike – This is a challenging hike that takes you to the top of the Vatnajökull glacier. The hike is about 8 kilometers round trip and takes about 4 hours to complete.
No matter what type of glacier tour you choose, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience. Iceland’s glaciers are some of the most beautiful in the world, and there’s no better way to experience them than by going on a glacier tour.
Whale Watching
Iceland is a great place to go whale watching, and there are many different tours available for visitors. The best time of year to go whale watching in Iceland is during the summer months, from June to August. This is when the weather is mild and sunny, and the whales are more active.
Here are three of the best locations for whale watching in Iceland:
Húsavík – This is a small town in the north of Iceland that is known as the “Whale Watching Capital of Iceland.” There are many different whale watching tours available in Húsavík, and you have a good chance of seeing whales, dolphins, and other marine life.
Reykjavík – The capital of Iceland is also a great place to go whale watching. There are several different whale watching tours available in Reykjavík, and you can often see whales from the shore.
Akureyri – This is a city in the north of Iceland that is also a great place to go whale watching. There are several different whale watching tours available in Akureyri, and you have a good chance of seeing whales, dolphins, and other marine life.
No matter what location or tour you choose, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience. Iceland is home to a variety of whales, including humpback whales, minke whales, and orcas. Whale watching is a great way to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
Northern Lights
If you’re planning a trip to Iceland to see the Northern Lights, the best time to go is from September to mid-April. During these months, the nights are longer and darker, giving you a better chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis.
Aurora Borealis Viewing Spots – Some of the best spots to view the Northern Lights in Iceland include Thingvellir National Park, Reykjavik, and the Westfjords. These areas have minimal light pollution and offer unobstructed views of the night sky.
Additionally, you can book a Northern Lights tour with a local guide who can take you to the best viewing spots and provide information about the phenomenon.
Photography Tips – If you’re planning to capture the Northern Lights with your camera, make sure to bring a tripod and a wide-angle lens. Set your ISO to a high value (around 1600-3200) and your aperture to a low value (around f/2.8-f/4). Use a shutter speed of 15-30 seconds to capture the movement of the lights.
Experiment with different settings to get the best results.
It’s important to note that the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and can be unpredictable. Even if you go during the best months and to the best viewing spots, there’s no guarantee that you’ll see them.
However, with a little bit of luck and some preparation, you can increase your chances of experiencing this breathtaking display of nature.
Worst Time to Visit Iceland?
If you are planning a trip to Iceland, it is important to know which months to avoid. While Iceland is a beautiful country year-round, certain months may not be ideal for certain activities due to weather conditions, road closures, and limited activities. Here are the worst months to visit Iceland:
Weather Conditions
The winter months in Iceland, from November to February, can be extremely cold and dark. The temperatures can drop to -10°C (14°F), and the days are very short, with only a few hours of daylight. The weather can be unpredictable, with snowstorms and blizzards that can cause flight cancellations and road closures.
If you are planning to drive, make sure to rent a 4×4 car with studded tires, as the roads can be icy and slippery.
Road Closures
The winter months can also bring road closures due to snow and ice. The highland roads, such as the Kjölur route and the F-roads, are closed from October to June, making it impossible to visit certain parts of the country.
The Ring Road, which circles the country, can also be closed due to snow and ice, making it difficult to travel between towns and cities. If you are planning a road trip, make sure to check the road conditions before you go.
Limited Activities
The winter months can also limit the activities that you can do in Iceland. Many of the popular tourist attractions, such as the glaciers and the highlands, are inaccessible due to road closures. The Northern Lights, which are a major attraction in Iceland, can also be difficult to see due to the cloudy and snowy weather.
Many of the outdoor activities, such as hiking and camping, are not possible due to the cold and snowy conditions. If you are planning to visit Iceland in the winter, make sure to plan indoor activities, such as visiting museums and hot springs.
My Closing Thoughts
Overall, the best time to visit Iceland depends on what activities you are interested in. If you want to experience the midnight sun, go hiking, and explore the highlands, then the summer months of June, July, and August are the best time to go.
However, if you want to see the Northern Lights, avoid the crowds, and enjoy the beautiful fall foliage, then September and October are the best months to visit.
If you are interested in winter activities like skiing, snowmobiling, and ice caving, then December to February is the best time to go. However, be prepared for cold temperatures and short daylight hours.
If you are on a budget and want to avoid the crowds, then the shoulder season of May and early June or late August and September are the best times to visit. You can still enjoy most activities, but with fewer tourists and lower prices.
Regardless of when you visit, be sure to pack appropriate clothing for the weather and bring a good camera to capture the stunning landscapes. We hope this guide helps you plan your trip to Iceland and enjoy all that this beautiful country has to offer.
David is an accomplished mountain endurance athlete who has completed over 25 ultra marathon races (follow on Strava). He is most proud of his finish at The Drift 100 – a high elevation, 100 mile winter foot race that zigzags along the Continental Divide in Wyoming. In the future he hopes to compete in the ITI 350 and ultimately the full 1,000 mile Iditarod Trail Invitational that follows the same path as the historic dog sled race.