When to go to Iceland
Iceland is a destination that can be visited all year round. Summer is peak season with the midnight sun allowing you to make the most of your family holiday. In winter the sun barely makes it over the horizon – but the Northern Lights put in an appearance (hopefully!) and there is a magical eerie glow to everything.
Spring and Autumn are ideal times to visit as hotels and roads are quieter and you are more likely to enjoy fewer crowds at the key locations making for better photos. These are also the most economical times to visit – although economical and Iceland are two words that rarely go together. Whale-watching is possible at any time of year although the seas are generally calmer in the summer months. Packing the right gear is essential, especially in the winter months – and waterproofs are a must all year round!
January
A magical time to visit – if you wrap up well! Temperatures hover around freezing and days are short. Northern Lights are a strong possibility. Prices are slightly lower than in the summer. Best time for glacier climbing tours. Some waterfall sites will be off-limits.
February
A magical time to visit – if you wrap up well! Temperatures hover around freezing and days are short. Northern Lights are a strong possibility. Prices are slightly lower than in the summer. Best time for glacier climbing tours. Some waterfall sites will be off-limits.
March
Temperatures are starting to rise, days are beginning to get slightly longer and the Northern Lights are still a strong possibility. Prices are lower than in the summer.
April
Temperatures are rising, days are longer and the Northern Lights are still a strong possibility. Prices are lower than in the summer. A great time for soaking in hot springs.
May
Just ahead of Iceland’s busy period. The period of the midnight sun approaches, temperatures are milder and rainy days fewer. There is access to a wider range of activities and locations meaning a greater choice to fill your itinerary with. Puffins nesting season. Possibility of the Northern Lights. Prices are slightly lower than in the summer.
June
The midnight sun and milder temperatures make this the beginning of the busy season for Iceland. There is access to a wider range of activities and locations meaning a greater choice to fill your itinerary with. Puffins nesting season.
July
Peak season! A combination of the midnight sun and warmer, drier days make this Iceland’s busiest season. Accommodation gets booked up far in advance, car hire is at a premium and tours definitely need pre-booking (certain tours are only available in the summer months). A great time to maximise the longer days with all those wonderful activities. Key locations will be busy. Hiking routes are widely accessible. Puffins nesting season.
August
Peak season! A combination of the midnight sun and warmer, drier days make this Iceland’s busiest season. Accommodation gets booked up far in advance, car hire is at a premium and tours definitely need pre-booking (certain tours are only available in the summer months). A great time to maximise the longer days with all those wonderful activities. Key locations will be busy. Hiking routes are widely accessible. Puffins nesting season.
September
Coming to the end of the peak season with fewer visitors, reasonably long days and mild temperatures.
October
A lovely time to escape as there is still reasonable daylight, temperatures have yet to dip below freezing and there is the possibility of the Northern Lights. Prices are slightly lower than in the summer.
November
Heading into winter with temperatures hovering around freezing. Northern Lights are a strong possibility. Prices are slightly lower than in the summer. Best time for glacier climbing tours. Some waterfall sites will be off-limits.
December
A magical time to visit – if you wrap up well! Temperatures hover around freezing. Northern Lights are a strong possibility. Best time for glacier climbing tours. Some waterfall sites will be off-limits.
Call us and we will be happy to provide you with a free-of-charge no obligation itinerary and quotation designed for you.
01728 752751
Iceland in pictures
