Iceland: Best Time to Visit
Iceland is one of the few places that is great to visit any time of the year! Winter and summer seasons can appear vastly different, but each has their own unique beauty and unique opportunities!
December - March
April - May
June - August
September - November
December - March
- Positives: Few tourists, low-season prices on airfare and hotels, clear skies mid-February through mid-March, ice caves remain accessible until the end of March, Northern lights are visible
- Negatives: cold, more weather instability, icy roads, less tours running, only 4 to 5 hours of sunlight during the darkest months, increased airfare during Christmas and New Years.
April - May
- Positives: Few tourists, low airfare, weather improving, roads become clearer, volcano tours open, puffins begin arriving in May, whale watching tours.
- Negatives: Highlands are absolutely inaccessible and weather can still be unpredictable.
June - August
- Positives: Warmer weather, highlands open up gradually until July and usually remain open until late September, volcano tour is open, best time for hiking, camp sites open June-September, puffins can be seen, whale watching tours
- Negatives: Peak season, many tourists, increased airfare, can be very hot when hiking, Myvatn midges (biting gnats)
September - November
- Positives: Fewer tourists, lower airfare, vibrant fall colors, snow in the mountains, Northern lights are visible, great quality of light for photographers, camp sites remain open until September, volcano tour still operates in early September, puffins may be visible in early September
- Negatives: Highlands start closing up, roads may get icy, weather can be windy, wet and cold.