Ultimate Guide To The Best Time To Visit Iceland

When examining a unique country such as Iceland, it’s often difficult to discern the best time to visit. The best time of year to visit Iceland will come down to what it is you want to do with your time there. However, some times of the year are best for certain activities, and we can help to clear up any uncertainty.

Unpredictable weather and often elusive wildlife can make it difficult to answer this question simply, as visitors to Iceland are often searching for different things. It might be you’re desperate for a glimpse of the incredible northern lights, or perhaps to venture on Iceland’s amazing hiking trails, or even just to see Iceland’s adorable puffin population. Whatever you’re after, our guide can point you to the best time for you to visit Iceland!

Best Time to Travel to Iceland on a Budget

If you’re hoping to avoid the crowds and get a good deal, visiting Iceland in its shoulder seasons is your best bet. The months of April-May and September-October offer the chance to enjoy good weather while avoiding families on their summer holidays. May offers more benefits of Iceland’s summer, while you might even glimpse the Northern Lights as the days draw in during September.

Best Time to Visit Iceland for Northern Lights

The Northern Lights are one of Iceland’s most popular attractions, with hundreds, if not thousands, of people traveling every year with the hopes of catching the perfect photo. While the Northern Lights can be visible from late August until mid-April, you’ll find that December, January, and February will grant you the best chance of glimpsing the Aurora Borealis. 

No matter when you visit, there is no guarantee of spotting this natural phenomenon, as there is a huge range of factors influencing its visibility. Light pollution in the area, cloud cover, and weather conditions can all impact your chances. However, many Northern Lights tours are led by expert guides who will give you the best chances, and sometimes even offer another opportunity should your first tour be fruitless!

Best Time for Wildlife in Iceland

With an abundance of wildlife found all across Iceland, there is no shortage of incredible flora and fauna to be found all year round. However, many of Iceland’s most popular animals can only be seen during the summer months when the weather is best, the light is good, and temperatures are at their highest.

One such example is Iceland’s puffins. These adorable, iconic creatures flock to Iceland’s cliffs during the late spring and summer months. With so much attention, these clumsy little birds are getting more and more accustomed to humans, so with some luck, you might be able to get very close for the perfect photograph. However, we urge you not to touch or disturb puffins and their nests, as the species is slowly dying out across the globe. For the best chances of seeing puffins in Iceland, visit between May and August.

Whales can also be seen during summer in Iceland. With whale-watching trips and boat tours common during summer, this is when many whale species venture to Iceland’s warming oceans to find food and mates. Dolphins and seals have also been spotted in popular whale-watching destinations, like Húsavík or Reykjavik.

Best Time for Hiking In Iceland

Hiking is another incredibly popular activity in Iceland. All over the country, stunning landscapes are abundant and a range of natural wonders are on show, with an unimaginable variety even on one single hike! If you’re hoping to go hiking in Iceland, you’re probably wondering when the best time to visit is. 

The summer months, from June to August, will have the best weather conditions for hiking in Iceland. What’s more, Iceland’s Highlands are not open outside of the summer months due to inaccessible conditions. While there are hiking opportunities all over the country, the Highlands offer unparalleled rugged hiking and trekking trails for adventurous visitors.

Best Time to Visit Iceland for Good Weather

The weather in Iceland is temperamental. No matter when you visit, you could well be facing cloudy skies and drizzly scenes. You can increase your chances of good weather by visiting in the summer months. Not only will the weather be better, on average, but you’ll be able to enjoy far more hours of daylight than in autumn and winter. Thanks to the Midnight Sun, more sunlight means longer excursions, so whale-watching and kayaking tours are far more enjoyable. Never heard of the Midnight Sun before?

Summer in Iceland can offer you charming, warm, sunny days, however, these could quickly take a turn for the worse. It’s best to constantly check the weather forecast before outings, particularly if you are driving Iceland’s more tricky roads. Find out more about Iceland’s seasons and climate in our blog.

Now that you have a better idea of Iceland’s calendar, it’s time to start planning your trip. Browse our range of hire cars and enter your perfect pick-up time to book with Iceland Rental Cars today.

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