WEHN IS BEST TIME TO VISIT ICELAND?
Iceland: A Land of Fire & Ice
Iceland is a country where you can truly experience the supernatural splendor of nature—a breathtaking blend of dramatic landscapes, majestic waterfalls, and the Aurora Borealis, also known as the magical mystery of the sky. You’ve heard of it, you’ve dreamed about it—now it’s time to go.
Because the seasons vary so dramatically this far north, choosing the right time to visit Iceland depends on what you’re hoping to experience.
While Iceland may feel off the beaten path, certain seasonal highlights attract many visitors—so planning ahead and booking early is essential during peak times.
Winter in Iceland can be harsh, but with the proper gear, it's a deeply rewarding time to visit—especially for catching the Northern Lights and enjoying serene, snowy landscapes.
Summer, on the other hand, is perfect for hiking, whale-watching, and joining in on the country’s vibrant festivals under the glow of the Midnight Sun.
If you're unsure when to go to get the Iceland experience you’ve been dreaming of—keep reading.
We’ve gathered everything you need to know to help you choose the perfect season—balancing weather, crowds, and cost—so your journey is unforgettable from start to finish.
Best Time To Visit Iceland In – May-August
The best time to visit Iceland for nature lovers, photographers, and outdoor adventurers is from May to August.
The best time to visit Iceland for nature lovers, photographers, and outdoor adventurers is during the summer months of May through August. This period offers the most pleasant weather, with mild temperatures averaging between 10–13 °C (50–55 °F), making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, wildlife photography, and exploring Iceland’s breathtaking natural landscapes.
During June and July, Iceland experiences its famous Midnight Sun, with nearly 24 hours of daylight—giving you extended hours to capture stunning photographs and enjoy sightseeing without feeling rushed. The long daylight means more time to explore iconic natural wonders like glaciers, hot springs, rugged fjords, and majestic waterfalls.
Summer is also the peak tourist season, especially popular among backpackers and adventure travelers. While you can expect larger crowds at major attractions and higher prices for accommodations and flights, the benefits of warmer, longer days and a wide range of outdoor activities make it well worth it.
From vibrant festivals to local treats like Icelandic ice cream, summer in Iceland offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences that perfectly complement the adventurous spirit of nature lovers and photographers alike.
Where Mountains Meet the Wild
Scenic Icelandic Landscape with Green Fields, Wildflowers, Mountains, and a Distant Waterfall
A breathtaking view of Icelandic nature, featuring a lush field of vibrant green grass sprinkled with yellow wildflowers under a soft summer sky. In the distance, majestic mountains rise beyond the horizon, with a serene waterfall cascading down their slopes. This peaceful, unspoiled landscape captures the raw beauty of Iceland’s countryside—perfect for nature lovers, hikers, and photographers seeking untouched scenery and tranquil moments.
Best Time To Go To Reykjavik – September-November
Visiting Iceland in Autumn and Winter: What to Expect
Autumn in Iceland (September to November) brings cooler temperatures and rapidly shortening daylight hours. While the weather begins to shift, it’s a fantastic time for budget-conscious travelers, as flights and hotel prices drop significantly after the busy summer season. With fewer tourists, popular sights are less crowded, making for a more peaceful and personal experience.
There’s also a chance to see the Aurora Borealis during clear nights in autumn, though for the best Northern Lights experience, it’s recommended to plan a trip during the winter months.
Winter in Iceland (December to February) is cold, dark, and dramatic—perfect conditions for chasing the Northern Lights. The landscapes are transformed by snow and ice, creating a magical setting for winter photography and adventure. While Reykjavík stays lively with winter festivals, cozy cafés, and cultural events, some activities—especially in the Highlands—may be limited due to road closures and weather conditions.
Memories of colds breathing
winding road cutting through the icy landscape, and layers of freshly fallen snow. The cold, silent atmosphere captures the raw beauty of Icelandic winter, perfect for travelers seeking solitude, adventure, and awe-inspiring scenery. This image is ideal for showcasing the power and purity of Iceland’s winter wilderness.
On the upside, winter travel to Iceland is more affordable, with great deals on accommodations and flights. Just be sure to dress warmly and check road conditions if you're planning to explore beyond the capital.
Best Time To See The Northern Lights – October-November
Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Iceland
The magical Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, is one of the top reasons travelers choose to visit Iceland. Thanks to the country’s vast open landscapes and minimal light pollution—especially outside of Reykjavík—Iceland offers some of the best Northern Lights viewing conditions in the world.
While spotting the Northern Lights is never guaranteed, you can improve your chances by traveling during the peak season: September through late March, when the nights are longest and the skies darkest. This period provides the best opportunity to witness this incredible natural phenomenon.
October and November are especially favorable months, offering long, dark nights and historically lower chances of cloud cover, making them excellent for aurora viewing. February and March are also great times to visit, though the likelihood of cloud cover is slightly higher.
It’s important to remember that the Northern Lights are driven by solar activity, and their appearance can’t be predicted with absolute certainty. While you can’t control solar flares or geomagnetic storms, you can plan your trip during a time when dark skies and dry weather increase your odds.
To maximize your experience:
Stay outside major cities to avoid light pollution.
Choose multi-night stays to increase viewing opportunities.
Check aurora forecasts and local weather updates.
Be flexible and ready to travel to clearer areas if needed.
Power law of the sky
A breathtaking view of the Aurora Borealis dancing across the Icelandic night sky, illuminating a serene winter landscape with hues of green and violet light. This long-exposure shot captures the magic of Northern Lights in Iceland, set above snow-covered ground, distant mountains, and untouched nature. Perfect for showcasing the surreal beauty of Iceland at night, this image embodies the dream of every aurora chaser and nightscape photographer.
Best Time to Do the Golden Circle in Iceland
The Golden Circle is (as the name would suggest) a circular route that starts in Reykjavik and takes in some of Iceland’s most beautiful landscapes. The route takes you to three of the country’s top attractions: Þingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall, and a whole host of extra little gems along the way.
The route can be done in one day, or you could take your time to explore some of the smaller, but no less fascinating locations in between. Scheduled group tours can have you back at your hotel before a full workday has passed, but a self-drive adventure at your own pace can be very rewarding.
While the summer months in Iceland offer the long days and mild weather ideal for sightseeing, it does come with the pitfalls of coach-loads of other tourists.
If you’re doing a self-drive, accommodation along the way can get pricey at this time of year.
Of course, doing the Golden Circle in winter will offer a completely different perspective on the landscape.
It will be cold, but it does mean you could be rewarded with sights of the Northern Lights in Iceland as well.
Gullfoss waterfall will be frozen and hauntingly beautiful at this time.
Þingvellir National Park
Explore Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Iceland where history, geology, and nature meet. Walk between tectonic plates, visit the site of the world’s oldest parliament, and witness stunning waterfalls and clear lakes. Perfect for hiking, photography, and guided tours. Þingvellir is a must-visit destination on your Iceland adventure—rich in beauty and cultural heritage
“If you don’t like the weather in Iceland, just wait five minutes.”
