When Is the Best Time to Visit Iceland?

The best time to visit Iceland for hiking, midnight sun and outdoor activities is between June, July and August. These months bring average highs of 13°C (55°F). To see the northern lights and ice caves, visit during the winter months between November to April, with lows of -2°C (28.4°F) and snowy, icy conditions.

The warm summer months spanning June to August are perfect for hiking and outdoor pursuits. A cold, snowy winter begins at the end of October until April when exhilarating, off-road, super jeep excursions traverse the frozen landscapes and freezing ice caves are formed. The shoulder season months of September, April and May offer exclusive experiences with winter and summer excursions available, but with fewer visitors and less crowds.

Keen hikers should visit in July and August when the Icelandic Highlands are accessible. For icey experiences in Southern Iceland's caves or seeing the Vatnajokull Glacier, December to February are great months. The period between May and August is wonderful for spotting puffins in the Eastern Fjords.

During the winter months between November and April, visitors head to Northern Iceland to catch a glimpse of the elusive northern lights.

Monthly Climate Guide for Iceland

Iceland has its fair share of freezing weather. However, the seasonal changes are remarkable. An impassable snowy peak in winter becomes a glorious hiking trail in summer.  We’ve put together a month by month climate guide to help you decide on the best time to visit Iceland.

Top Things to Do in Iceland

The top things to do in Iceland are often dictated by the seasons, focusing largely on Iceland’s other-wordly, great outdoors. There’s hikes to luna-like lava fields, horse rides to crashing waterfalls and mysterious ice caves to explore. There’s culture too; art and museum tours, viking history and foodie adventures, all waiting for you. 

Glimpse the northern lights

October - March

The best time to visit Iceland for the northern lights is between October and March. The spellbinding auroras sometimes start to appear at 5pm, so the early winter sunsets and long, dark nights are the essential backdrop for excellent displays. Skies must be clear, so sightings are weather dependent.

Where you go can increase your chances to see the northern lights. Although the auroras can sometimes be spotted from just outside Reykjavik, heading into remote areas is recommended for dramatic light intensity. For a luxurious stay in the wilderness head to Deplar Farm in the middle of the Troll Peninsula. For complete isolation travel by super jeep into the depths of the Icelandic highlands and stay at the solitary Midgard Hut. The Snaefellsnes Peninsula provides a dramatic backdrop of glaciers, rock formations and windswept beaches while the crashing waterfalls in the north can result in spellbinding views and photographs of the lights.

Whale watching in Iceland

February - March

The best time to visit Iceland for whale watching is between February and March, when Orcas come close to the shore in the west. From May to September it’s possible to spot humpback whales on boat trips from Reyjakavik. Minke whales and dolphins can be spotted year round.

Spot puffins

May - August

The best time to visit Iceland to see puffins is between May and August. Puffins live at sea all winter and arrive for the summer, leaving in late August. During the day, they are often at sea, fishing, so sightings are best in the evening when they’re the most active on land.

Puffins can be spotted along Iceland's South Coast and in the very remote Western Fjords, on Látrabjarg cliffs. One of our favourite spots, in the Eastern Fjords, is Borgarfjörður Eystri. A land of elfin queens, turf houses and close encounters with puffins.

Visit the ice caves

December - February

The best time to visit Iceland for ice caves is December to February, the coldest months. During the summer the ice melts, causing the arches to disappear or become unstable. A few months of freezing temperatures in early winter reforms the caves, and by December they can be explored again.

Go hiking

June - August

The best time to visit Iceland for hiking is during the summer months of June, July and August. During that period, conditions are favourable as compared to winter months when many hiking paths, covered in snow and ice, are blocked. Hiking in Iceland during the summer is impossibly beautiful with stunning terrain and mild weather.

There are hikes in Iceland to suit all experience and activity levels. The Mount Esja trail, in particular, offers epic views over Reykjavik . The hike in Snaefellsnes Peninsula glacier is also beautiful, moderate to easy level (depending on conditions). For more of a challenge the Hornstrandir hike in the Westfjords, over 14 kilometres of rough terrain, promises spectacular views to Drangajökull glacier. There are also helicopter rides with glacier hikes in the Golden Circle and exhilarating ice climbing in Southern Iceland.

Visit the Blue Lagoon

Year round

The Blue Lagoon is a year round destination, working well with both summer or winter adventures. The best time to visit the Blue Lagoon for epic sunrises, sunsets and the chance to see the northern lights is during the winter months. For a chance to soak up the unique light of the winter sun, then summer is the best time to visit the Blue Lagoon.