Best Time to Visit Iceland

Jan

Prepare for a true winter wonderland with average highs of 26°F and lows of 17°F, ample snow, and the best chance to witness the Northern Lights, though 117mm of rain means you'll still need proper waterproof gear.

• Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) viewing
• Ice cave tours

Feb

February continues the deep winter experience with similar temperatures to January (25°F high, 17°F low) and a bit more precipitation (135mm), offering excellent opportunities for aurora hunting and the chance to enjoy Reykjavík's Winter Lights Festival.

• Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) viewing
• Winter Lights Festival (Reykjavík)
• Ice cave tours

Mar

As winter begins to transition, March sees a slight rise in temperature with average highs of 27°F and lows of 19°F, but it's also the wettest winter month with 155mm of rain, making it still prime for ice cave explorations and aurora sightings before they fade.

• Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) viewing
• Secret Solstice Midnight Sun Music Festival (dates vary, typically June)
• Ice cave tours

Apr

Spring arrives, bringing milder weather with highs of 32°F and lows of 24°F, significantly less rain (80mm), and the exciting return of puffins and the start of whale watching season, though many highland roads remain closed.

• Puffin arrival
• Whale watching season begins

May

May offers increasingly longer daylight hours and more comfortable temperatures of 38°F high and 30°F low, with 85mm of rain, perfect for exploring the thawing lowlands and enjoying the burgeoning greenery before the summer crowds.

• Longer daylight hours
• Hiking season begins (lowlands)

Jun

Experience the famous Midnight Sun in June, with pleasant highs of 44°F and lows of 36°F, 89mm of rain, and access opening to more of the highlands, making it ideal for hiking and extended exploration under continuous daylight.

• Midnight Sun
• Summer Solstice (longest day)
• Hiking season (highlands begin to open)

Jul

July is the warmest month with average highs of 52°F and lows of 42°F, 83mm of rain, offering the best conditions for outdoor activities, peak whale watching, and a vibrant atmosphere, though it's also the busiest and most expensive time to visit.

• Peak whale watching
• Laugarvegur Ultra Marathon (hiking/running)
• Music festivals

Aug

August remains warm and inviting with highs of 49°F and lows of 41°F, but with slightly more rain at 99mm, it’s a fantastic time for outdoor adventures and experiencing local culture, though crowds may start to thin slightly by the end of the month.

• Berry picking season
• Reykjavík Culture Night

Sep

As autumn sets in, September brings cooler temperatures (42°F high, 34°F low) and increased rainfall (155mm), but the fading daylight means the Northern Lights start making their return, and you can witness traditional sheep and horse round-ups.

• Northern Lights begin to reappear
• Sheep and horse round-ups (Réttir)

Oct

October offers a crisp autumn experience with average highs of 33°F and lows of 25°F, and 108mm of rain; it's an excellent time for aurora hunting with less competition than peak winter and the added beauty of fall foliage.

• Northern Lights viewing
• Autumn colors

Nov

November transitions back into deep winter with highs of 30°F and lows of 22°F, 96mm of rain, and fewer daylight hours, making it prime for Northern Lights viewing and the beginning of festive Christmas markets in Reykjavík.

• Northern Lights viewing
• Christmas markets begin

Dec

December is a truly magical, yet cold, month with average highs of 25°F and lows of 17°F, 91mm of rain, offering a high chance of seeing the Northern Lights, festive Christmas celebrations, and spectacular New Year's Eve fireworks displays.

• Northern Lights viewing
• Christmas celebrations
• New Year's Eve fireworks