The best time to visit Iceland: few crowds, great deals, and blissed-out weather

Iceland is a fantastic year-round destination. Its landscapes change dramatically with each season, giving travelers countless activities to do. Like many European destinations, the peak travel season in Iceland is during summertime. Winter sees temperatures that rarely dip below 32℉, still fairly comfortable with the right thermal gear. The shoulder seasons of spring and fall enjoy significantly fewer crowds, with lower prices to boot.

Thinking of an Icelandic adventure? Here’s a breakdown of each season to help you decide when to visit Iceland.

Iceland's summer is the time for those looking to see and do as much as possible. The Midnight Sun sees the sun setting just after midnight, and rising again around 3 a.m. to 4 a.m. In fact, in mid-June, the sun doesn’t even seem to set at all! It might be a little odd to have hardly any darkness; one tip is to bring an eye mask to help you sleep.

Visiting Iceland during peak season naturally involves bigger crowds, higher prices, and fewer lodging choices. However, summer is the best time for road trips, with temperatures hovering between 50℉ and 59℉, and roads clear of ice and sludge. There are plenty of tours to choose from: discover the South Coast or combine the Golden Circle with the Blue Lagoon.

Come August, the country is taken over by multiple summer festivals, such as Sumardagurinn Fyrsti, which marks the first day of summer; Saga Fest, a celebration of the environment through music, art, and dialogue; and the Viking Festival, an extravaganza that delves into all things Viking, such as their history, food, and culture.

Summer marks the start of puffin season. Marvel at these adorable birds in Akurey and Lundey; multiple tours depart from Reykjavik every day, each with a 100% sighting guaranteed.

Whale-watching is also popular during summer, with many travelers booking a cruise through the Arctic. Watch orcas, humpback whales, blue whales and fin whales put on a show of a lifetime.

Many fall in love with the Icelandic horses. Despite their smaller frame, Icelandic horses are strong and spirited. Summer is the best time to go on a horse-riding tour through lava fields; if you’re lucky, you might even spot wild horses during your road trip.

East Iceland is home to around 6,000 wild reindeer; places to spot them include Djúpivogur and Egilsstaðir along the Ring Road route.

During the months of April to May, travelers can still expect long days with 14 to 18 hours of daylight. Outdoor dining spots start to open up again after the winter months, with many locals stepping outside to enjoy the sunshine.

However, not all roads might be open; it’s best to check road conditions (especially for the F-roads or Icelandic Highlands) before starting a road trip. The popular Golden Circle stays open throughout the year.

Visiting Iceland in spring also means you get to see thundering waterfalls—due to large volumes of snow melting, waterfalls usually see significant flow during this time. Popular waterfalls include Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss in Southern Iceland, Gullfoss along the Golden Circle, as well as Kirkjufellsfoss, Godafoss, and Hraunfossar.

Spring is the time when you enjoy the best of both worlds: a slew of winter activities still available despite the beckoning sunshine, as well as summer activities without the crowds. Prices are also lower for both activities and lodging during this season.

Fall sees the landscape transform into a vibrant palette of red, orange, and yellow. Especially striking fall spots include the Thingvellir National Park, Hraunfossar, and Thorsmork Valley.

Temperatures tend to vary quite a bit during this season; it’s usually sunny with temperatures ranging from 51 to 58℉ in August, before dipping to 40℉ as the months inch towards winter. Rain is a little more common in the fall months, so it’s best to layer up with a good water-resistant jacket. You can still enjoy 11 to 13 hours of daylight each day.

Don’t miss out on the novel Réttir event, where locals gather to herd sheep back from the mountains to their farms. In August, one major highlight is the dazzling fireworks night at Southern Iceland’s Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Iceland also has its own version of Oktoberfest in September, and the popular Iceland Airwaves music festival taking over Reykjavik in November.

There’s just so much to do in fall, including mushroom and berry picking. The season offers a gastronomic feast, with some of the freshest produce and meat available. Even better, keep a lookout for many special offers that airlines will roll out during this season, as well as package tour promotions.

Winter is Iceland’s low season, but don’t dismiss it just yet: winter is often a dream for many photographers when Iceland’s already magical landscapes are covered in a blanket of glistening snow. Road trips during this time, however, may not be the best idea, with multiple road closures and icy roads—only seasoned drivers should attempt the journey.

Daylight hours are drastically shorter: expect five hours or less. However, there are still plenty of winter activities you can pack in. Ice caving starts in November, with many flocking to the crystal blue ice cave at Vatnajokull Glacier. Glacier hiking is also popular during this season.

December to January is a time of celebration in Iceland, with bonfires and firework extravaganzas popping up all around the country. You’ll get to enjoy all this without having to jostle with other travelers.

You can even go snorkeling at Silfra, Iceland’s most popular snorkeling site, in the dead of winter. The water temperature hovers around 35℉, so a drysuit will keep you warm. Or for the less adventurous, unwind in the hot springs like the Blue Lagoon.

Peak Northern Lights season lasts from September to March. Clearer skies, especially in September, mean you have a higher chance of spotting the Northern Lights.

Join a minibus tour or go on a cruise. Many tour operators allow you to rebook the experience for free if you didn’t catch the Northern Lights on the first attempt.

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