When To Visit Iceland

Iceland offers a world of adventure year-round. From cross-country skiing beneath the Northern Lights in winter to snorkeling between tectonic plates under the midnight sun in summer, the best time to visit Iceland depends on the type of journey you want to embark on.

When To Visit Iceland
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
NORTHERN ICELAND
SOUTHERN ICELAND
BLUE LAGOON
REYKJAVIK
  • NORTHERN ICELAND: June to October
  • SOUTHERN ICELAND: June to October
  • BLUE LAGOON: June to October
  • REYKJAVIK: March to June

NORTHERN ICELAND

In Northern Iceland, excursions are tailored to the season, from dog sledding in December to February, heli-skiing in March to June, and whale watching from June to October.

January: Deep winter with heavy snow, quiet landscapes, and excellent Northern Lights conditions.
February: A classic winter month, combining snow-based activities with increasing daylight.
March: Ideal for late-winter adventures like heli-skiing as daylight returns.
April: Early spring brings fewer visitors and a mix of snow-covered and thawing landscapes.
May: A quieter shoulder season with longer days and varied scenery.
June: Continuous daylight under the midnight sun, perfect for extended exploration.
July: Peak summer with long, bright days, accessible landscapes, and active wildlife.
August: Mild temperatures, ideal for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
September: Ideal conditions for whale watching and excursions across glacier-carved landscapes.
October: The start of the seasonal shift, with dramatic scenery offering stunning vistas.
November: Early winter atmosphere returns, with snow, stillness, and dark skies.
December: Festive atmosphere, with long nights ideal for Northern Lights and winter excursions.

Northern Iceland Average Temperatures

Northern Iceland Average Temperatures
° F HIGHS° F LOWSPRECIP (IN)
JAN32214.9
FEB32194.6
MAR32214.1
APR39253.2
MAY43322.8
JUN52392.7
JUL55443.3
AUG57443.8
SEP48374.9
OCT39285.8
NOV34235.0
DEC33195.1

SOUTHERN ICELAND

From snow-covered landscapes and the Northern Lights in winter to extended daylight and coastal exploration in summer, experience southern Iceland’s glaciers and volcanoes year-round.

January: Deep winter brings snow-covered landscapes and excellent Northern Lights viewing.
February: A classic winter month with snowy scenery, glacier adventures, and increasing daylight.
March: Late winter offers longer days and less Arctic conditions.
April: A transitional month with fewer crowds and emerging signs of spring.
May: Shoulder season with greener landscapes, longer days, and quieter access to major sights.
June: Midnight sun begins, offering long days ideal for exploring waterfalls and glaciers.
July: Peak summer with the warmest weather, full access to remote areas, and extended daylight.
August: Mild and rewarding, with great conditions for wildlife, hiking, and coastal exploration.
September: Early fall brings fewer crowds, softer light, and the return of Northern Lights.
October: A dramatic shoulder season with fall colors, fewer visitors, and increasing aurora visibility.
November: Early winter returns with darker skies, quiet landscapes, and a more atmospheric feel.
December: Festive and wintry, with snow-covered scenery and prime Northern Lights conditions.

Southern Iceland Average Temperatures

Southern Iceland Average Temperatures
° F HIGHS° F LOWSPRECIP (IN)
JAN39296.5
FEB39286.8
MAR41305.9
APR45344.6
MAY52404.1
JUN57463.6
JUL60504.0
AUG59495.0
SEP53447.0
OCT47386.0
NOV42335.9
DEC39296.9

BLUE LAGOON

The Blue Lagoon can be enjoyed throughout the year. While summer delivers long, luminous days, winter adds a dramatic, otherworldly contrast of landscapes.

January: Midwinter conditions with cold air, limited daylight, and snow.
February: Cold with slightly longer days and fewer visitors.
March: Winter begins to soften as daylight increases.
April: Early spring brings longer days and milder temperatures.
May: Pleasant conditions with extended daylight and fewer crowds.
June: Near-continuous daylight and clear roads for easy access.
July: Peak summer season, offering the warmest temperatures and longest days.
August: Mild weather continues, with golden light and slightly fewer crowds later in the month.
September: Cooler air and the return of darker nights, with the chance to see the Northern Lights.
October: Cooler temperatures and fewer visitors.
November: Early winter arrives with snow beginning to settle on the lava fields.
December: Short days and festive winter scenery with high aurora sighting potential.

Blue Lagoon Average Temperatures

Blue Lagoon Average Temperatures
° F HIGHS° F LOWSPRECIP (IN)
JAN41335.5
FEB40325.8
MAR41335.0
APR45374.1
MAY50413.5
JUN55473.1
JUL57503.3
AUG56494.1
SEP54465.9
OCT47405.1
NOV45365.3
DEC41335.6

REYJKAVIK

Reykjavík’s cultural, culinary and natural wonders can be enjoyed year-round, either during summer’s long daylight hours or winter’s cozy character in proximity to the Northern Lights.

January: Deep winter with short days, snowy landscapes, and potential Northern Lights viewing.
February: Cold and wintry, though daylight slowly increases and cultural experiences remain lively.
March: Winter begins to ease as days grow longer.
April: Early spring arrives with noticeably longer days and fewer visitors.
May: Milder temperatures and extended daylight.
June: Near-continuous daylight and warming temperatures.
July: Warmest month of the year, with easy access to nature.
August: Mild weather continues, with golden evening light.
September: Early fall brings crisp air, fewer crowds, and the return of Northern Lights.
October: Cooler temperatures and days starting to lengthen.
November: Early winter sets in, with shorter days and snow returning.
December: Festive and atmospheric, with strong potential for Northern Lights sightings nearby.

Reykjavik Average Temperatures

Reykjavik Average Temperatures
° F HIGHS° F LOWSPRECIP (IN)
JAN37275.5
FEB36285.9
MAR36285.0
APR41324.2
MAY48373.9
JUN52453.4
JUL55483.7
AUG55464.2
SEP48415.8
OCT43364.8
NOV41324.9
DEC39305.5