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When is the best time to visit Iceland?
Iceland is a popular travel destination thanks to its unique scenery, history and culture, plus a host of cold-weather activities. Known as 'the Land of Fire and Ice', Iceland is famous for its geothermal activity near the Arctic Circle. As such, it is one of the few places where you can experience lava and hot springs, close to glaciers and snow-capped mountains.
If you are planning a holiday to Iceland any time soon, you may be asking yourself, ‘When is the best time to visit Iceland?’ If you want to find out when is the cheapest time to go to Iceland for hotels and activities, as well as the best season for the weather, then explore our guide to the best times to visit Iceland.
Why should I visit Iceland?
Before we consider the best time of year to go to Iceland, let's look at some of the best reasons to fly there.
Iceland is known around the world for its stunning landscapes, from towering mountains and volcanoes to dramatic waterfalls and glaciers. You can also experience natural wonders like the Midnight Sun and the Northern Lights, making the perfect holiday any time of year.
The land has its own fascinating history and culture, which has been passed down through songs, literature and folklore for generations. Explore the National Museum of Iceland in Reykjavik to learn more about Iceland’s rich history.
Iceland is famous for its extreme geothermal activity, which has created some fascinating places to visit. One of the most popular is the Blue Lagoon, a naturally heated pool that many come to bathe in.
There are so many activities to enjoy throughout the Icelandic landscape. Some popular ones include ice climbing and exploring glaciers and lava caves. You can even enjoy kayaking, snorkelling and diving in some areas, provided you have access to warm diving suits.
Iceland is home to diverse wildlife, including the Arctic fox, the Icelandic horse and the Atlantic puffin. It is also one of the best places for whale watching, and tourists come from around the world to see these majestic creatures up close.
When is the best season to visit Iceland?
Iceland is a wonderful place to visit at any time of year. Determining the best time to go to Iceland depends on how much you are willing to spend and what you would like to be involved in. Here are some ideas on what you can experience each month to help you decide.
Summer (June through August)
Summer is generally the most popular season to visit Iceland due to its warm weather and long days. As such, it is also the most expensive season to visit Iceland and sees a higher number of tourists. This is the perfect time to experience the Midnight Sun when Iceland experiences 24 hours of daylight. Temperatures at this time of year range from 10°C to 15°C.
Summers in Iceland also see a large number of festivals, including the Reykjavik Arts Festival, Reykjavik Fringe and Secret Solstice. All roads are open, and many activities, such as hiking and exploration, are available at this time of year. This is also a good time of year for seeing Iceland's wildlife. However, should you visit at this time, you probably won't see the Northern Lights.
Autumn (September through November)
Throughout the autumn months, the temperatures in Iceland drop considerably, and the days grow shorter. The crowds start to dwindle, and the cost of flights and accommodation drop. Early autumn will still allow you to travel on many roads before they have to close. It is also the last chance to go whale watching before tours stop operating for the winter months.
With shorter days comes a greater opportunity to witness the spectacular Northern Lights, with September being a particularly good month to witness this phenomenon. Some winter activities, such as ice caving and glacier hiking, also become available around this season.
Winter (December through February)
Winter is generally the cheapest time to visit Iceland. This is because temperatures can plummet as low as -10°C, while the days only have a few hours of daylight. The advantage is that this is one of the best seasons to catch the Northern Lights on a clear night.
The winter months come with their own festivities, particularly around Christmas and New Year's Eve. There is also a host of winter activities to enjoy, such as horseback riding on Icelandic horses. The end of the season also offers the first chance to see orcas migrating off the coast.
Spring (March through May)
As the weather warms up and the days get longer, the crowds get larger while the prices get higher. Nonetheless, the spring months are still considerably less crowded than summer, and prices are still affordable. It also offers one of the last chances to see the Northern Lights, with March being a particularly good month to view them. March is also one of the last months to see the migrating orcas.
As the weather continues to warm, more of the roads open up, allowing you to explore the region. Summer activities such as whale watching resume, and the warmer months offer a good chance of birdwatching and seeing the native wildlife.
No matter what time of year you plan on visiting Iceland, you will find something amazing anywhere you visit. Book now for great deals on flights to Iceland.
FAQs about when to visit Iceland
Q: What is the cheapest month to go to Iceland?
A: November through February are the cheapest months to go to Iceland due to freezing temperatures and longer nights. However, you can still find good prices on accommodation and activities in the shoulder months, from September through May.
Q: What month is best to see the Northern Lights in Iceland?
A: September through early April offers the best opportunity to catch the Northern Lights. This is because the nights are longer and dark enough to see them in the sky. That said, it is best to get away from the city and into the wilderness to see them at their brightest.
Q: How many days in Iceland is enough?
A: Four days should be the minimum stay when visiting Iceland. This will give you time to explore the capital of Reykjavik, plus nearby attractions like the Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon. For a more in-depth exploration of Iceland, consider staying for ten days or longer.
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