If you’re planning a trip to Iceland, you’re probably wondering: when is the best time to visit? The truth is, Iceland is stunning year-round — but each season brings its own magic, challenges, and highlights. Whether you’re hoping to see the northern lights, enjoy the midnight sun, or hike glaciers, there’s a perfect time of year to visit depending on your travel goals.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best time to visit Iceland by season, helping you choose the best time of year to go to Iceland based on attractions, weather, crowds, and accessibility.
WINTER (LATE NOVEMBER – MARCH): NORTHERN LIGHTS, ICE CAVES & WINTER WONDERS
For those who love snowy landscapes and dark skies filled with aurora, winter is one of the best seasons to visit Iceland. The colder months — from November through March — are ideal if you want to see the northern lights. Thanks to extended darkness and very low light pollution in Iceland, the high chance of catching the aurora makes winter a top choice for many.
Winter also brings fewer tourists, lower prices, and access to unique experiences like ice caves and frozen waterfalls. The weather, however, can be challenging. Short days, high winds, icy roads, and sudden storms make winter driving difficult, especially if you plan to explore the rest of the country beyond Reykjavík. Some roads might be closed, especially F-roads leading into the Highlands.
Still, the geothermal experiences in places like the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon are unbeatable in cold weather. Hot steam rising in snowy air? Pure magic.
You’ll also find cozy events like winter solstice festivals and Christmas markets in Reykjavík, offering a unique look into Icelandic winter culture.
This is definitely the best season to visit Iceland if you want to:
- Experience the Northern Lights and winter landscapes
- Explore ice caves and geothermal spa
- Avoid crowds, especially cruise ships, and enjoy lower prices
SPRING (APRIL – MAY): MELTING ICE, PUFFINS & SHOULDER SEASON PEACE
Spring is the perfect time for travelers who want a little of everything. The months of the year when snow starts to melt, waterfalls gush with fresh energy, and the weather turns slightly warmer, April and May are ideal for exploring without the summer crowds.
April can still be a bit unpredictable — a chance of snow, sunshine, and rain all in one day. But May tends to bring good weather, longer daylight hours, and easy access to more must-see attractions.
It’s also the start of puffin season, likely to see along cliffs at Dyrhólaey or the Westman Islands. Whale watching tours begin to ramp up, and roads to major areas are typically open.
Spring is a great period to visit Iceland if you want to:
- Avoid the busiest crowds of summer
- Catch the early puffins and the start of whale season
- Enjoy more flexible travel at a lower cost
The itinerary options are growing, the weather is still unpredictable, but the country’s energy is rising fast. It’s truly one of the best times to go to Iceland if you want balance.
SUMMER (JUNE – AUGUST): MIDNIGHT SUN, OPEN ROADS & PEAK ADVENTURE
The summer months are the busiest time of year to visit Iceland — and for good reason. From June to August, you’ll enjoy long days, even 24-hour sunlight around the solstice, and near-complete access to the entire island.
This is the best time to:
- Hike through colorful valleys of the Icelandic Highlands
- Take a full trip around the Ring Road
- Visit remote regions like Askja or the Westfjords
- Experience glacier hiking, whale watching, and puffin spotting
- Celebrate at festivals in Reykjavík and smaller towns
- Soak in the magic of the midnight sun
- Play a midnight round of golf under Arctic Sun
All F-roads are generally open, letting you reach places that are off-limits the rest of the year. Yes, it’s the busiest time with higher prices, but it’s also when Iceland is in full bloom — Iceland in July is especially vibrant.
If you love to visit Iceland for good weather, long days, and a packed itinerary of outdoor adventures, summer is the best time to go.
Pro tip: Want to avoid the summer crowds? Flip your schedule — sleep during the day and explore at night. Thanks to the midnight sun, it never really gets dark, and you’ll enjoy popular sites with no crowds.
Just one thing to plan ahead: meals. Outside of Reykjavik, very few restaurants or gas stations stay open 24/7 — so stock up on snacks, plan your stops, and maybe keep a thermos of coffee handy for those 2 a.m. hikes.
FALL (SEPTEMBER – EARLY NOVEMBER): AURORA RETURNS, FEWER CROWDS & CRISP DAYS
Seasoned travelers often recommend September and March as one of the best times to go to Iceland — and it’s easy to see why. September marks the return of the northern lights, while early fall brings changing foliage, fewer crowds, and more affordable prices.
October is cooler, moodier, and marks the beginning of winter preparation. While some interior roads will be close already, coastal routes and the Golden Circle remain accessible.
Travelers in the fall should also be ready to adapt to changing conditions. This is the start of Iceland’s storm season, and while it doesn’t hit every day, when it does, it’s serious. Strong winds and shifting forecasts can affect travel plans, especially in exposed areas of the country site.
If you want to see the northern lights but prefer fewer tourists and slightly milder weather than deep winter, fall is your season.
Autumn is ideal for:
- Chasing aurora on longer nights
- Visiting hot springs with fewer people
- Experiencing a more tranquil side of Iceland
- Depand on the weather its also the beginning of Ice Caves season
While some weather can turn cold, and there’s always a chance of snow, fall in Iceland is beautiful, dramatic, and peaceful all at once.
FINAL THOUGHTS: CHOOSE THE BEST TIME TO VISIT ICELAND
So, what’s the best time to visit Iceland? That depends on what you’re looking for:
- Want to see the northern lights? Then, from September to March is the best time to see them.
- Prefer the midnight sun and full access to the highlands? Visit during the summer months.
- Looking for fewer tourists and lower prices? Choose spring or fall.
- Want glaciers, puffins, whales, and open roads? July and Iceland in July-August are unbeatable.
Iceland isn’t about perfect weather—it’s about unforgettable experiences. From winter nights lit by auroras to long days filled with waterfalls and volcanic hikes, every season here is special in its own way.
Whenever you decide to visit Iceland, bring layers, stay flexible, and lean into the adventure.
There’s no wrong time to visit Iceland — only the best time for you.
FAQ
WHEN CAN I SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS IN ICELAND?
From late September to March, when nights are long and skies are dark. But it’s not just about the time of year — solar activity, cloud cover, and location matter too.
For pro tips on how to maximize your chances, check out my arcticle 👉 THE NORTHERN LIGHTS IN ICELAND: AURORA BOREALIS TIPS, FORECASTS, AND THE RIGHT TOUR SELECTION
WHAT MONTH HAS THE BEST WEATHER IN ICELAND?
Most people say July, but really, May through August can all offer milder temps, fewer storms, and longer days. Just remember: Icelandic weather is always a little unpredictable.
IS ICELAND WORTH VISITING IN WINTER?
Absolutely. Aurora, ice caves, frozen waterfalls, geothermal spa, and way fewer crowds. Just be ready for short days, cold temps, and winter driving conditions.
WHEN IS ICELAND THE BUSIEST?
Hands down: July and August. Book early — and if you’re more of a peaceful-traveler type, consider shoulder season instead.
WHAT’S THE BEST TIME TO AVOID CROWDS IN ICELAND?
That’s a very difficult task as the tourist season in Iceland lasts all year. Go in April-May or October-November. You’ll beat the busiest summer rush but still have access to most attractions and solid weather.
CAN I VISIT THE HIGHLANDS ANYTIME?
Nope. F-roads that lead into the Highlands are usually only open from late June to early October, depending on snow and melt. That part of Iceland has been closed to traffic since October 1st. Some companies offer a taste of the highlands in the winter by modified off-road vehicles, but there is no budget version of such a trip. Always check the Icelandic Roads Administration 👉 website
WHEN CAN I SEE PUFFINS IN ICELAND?
They’re here from late April through mid/late August. Best months to catch them nesting? June and July.
WHAT TIME OF YEAR IS BEST FOR WHALE WATCHING IN ICELAND?
May to August is the peak. Northern towns like Húsavík are the best places for such activities. However, for those who do not hit in this direction, Reykjavik’s old marina also has an interesting offer.
IS SUMMER THE BEST TIME TO HIKE IN ICELAND?
From June to early September, most trails are definitely snow-free and open, especially in the Highlands. But it sometimes happens snows there even during the summer.
WHAT’S THE DAYLIGHT LIKE IN ICELAND?
In summer, nearly 24 hours of light. Around the June solstice, it never really gets dark. In winter, as little as 4–5 hours of light per day. In the darkest moment of winter, we have sunrise at 11:20 a.m. and sunset around 3:30 p.m. With an hour of twilight on each side.
CAN I DRIVE THE RING ROAD IN WINTER?
Technically, yes — but it can be slippery, windy, and even closed in certain areas. Always check the Icelandic Roads Administration 👉 website to get information on up-to-date road conditions. You can also contact them by phone at +3541777 between 6:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. With around 5 hours of daylight, it will take a very long time, or most of the landscape will disappear in the darkness.
IS ICELAND EXPENSIVE IN SUMMER?
Yes — it’s peak season. Flights, hotels, and car rentals cost more. But the payoff? Maximum daylight and access to the whole island.
WHAT IS ICELAND’S SHOULDER SEASON?
Late April to late May, and again from September to mid-October. It’s the sweet spot: fewer tourists, decent weather, and more flexibility.
CAN I VISIT THE GOLDEN CIRCLE ALL YEAR ROUND?
You sure can. Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss are all accessible year-round — just pack crampons if visiting in winter.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME FOR PHOTOGRAPHY IN ICELAND?
Fall and winter offer dramatic light and contrast. But if you love soft light and vibrant greens, June and July are phenomenal.
Pro Tip: If you need any last-minute photography gear while in Iceland, I highly recommend stopping by Reykjavik Foto. It’s my go-to photography shop, offering a great selection of high-quality equipment and accessories.
ARE ICELAND’S HOT SPRINGS OPEN YEAR-ROUND?
Yes! Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon, Mývatn, and many natural ones are open even when it’s snowy and icy — and that makes them even better.
WILL I SEE SNOW IN SUMMER?
Not unless you’re in the Highlands or visiting a glacier. Most of the country is snow-free by late May.
CAN I GO TO ICELAND JUST FOR A LONG WEEKEND?
Technically, yes, many of my guests are visiting Iceland over the weekend. It’s just a 4-hour overnight flight from the East Coast of the US. However, I will always recommend a longer stay.
WHAT SHOULD I PACK FOR ICELAND?
Layers, waterproofs, boots, hat, gloves, swimwear for hot springs, and backup socks. Trust me, even in summer.
For the full breakdown, read my article 👉 WHAT TO PACK FOR ICELAND: ULTIMATE ICELAND PACKING LIST
