Generally speaking the best and most popular time to visit Iceland is during the summer months from June to August, when the temperatures are the highest and the days are the longest (and we mean long!). The fall and spring months are decent times to visit as well, but there is a chance temperatures will be lower as they bookend the brutal winter season, which some travelers simply prefer to avoid.
If you want to hike or spend time outside, the best time to visit is definitely summer (June-August). This is when you will find the warmest temperatures and driest weather, plus the days are much longer due to its location towards the top of the planet. In fact, in June and July you might even have some trouble getting to sleep with the infamous “midnight sun.” Of course, because this is the high season, prices are higher and it is significantly more crowded – this isn’t necessarily a bad thing if you don’t mind, but it is something to be aware of while planning your Iceland expedition. Generally, cruises do a good job providing a more intimate environment even in more crowded areas.
If you’re hoping to get a glimpse of the impressive Northern Lights display, Iceland is a great destination just before or after the winter months, especially from February-March and September-October, during the equinox. But do be prepared for colder temperatures and long hours of darkness. The weather can be pretty unpredictable too, and it’s not unheard of to experience all four seasons in just one day. However, this also happens to be the shoulder season when you might be able to find some lower prices or promotions on cruises.
If you want to visit in winter, it’s not a bad choice, but temperatures can dip well below freezing, so having multiple layers of warm thermal gear will be important. It’s also worth noting that some backcountry roads are closed during this time due to ice and snow, which might restrict certain destinations.
If you want to hike or spend time outside, the best time to visit is definitely summer (June-August). This is when you will find the warmest temperatures and driest weather, plus the days are much longer due to its location towards the top of the planet. In fact, in June and July you might even have some trouble getting to sleep with the infamous “midnight sun.” Of course, because this is the high season, prices are higher and it is significantly more crowded – this isn’t necessarily a bad thing if you don’t mind, but it is something to be aware of while planning your Iceland expedition. Generally, cruises do a good job providing a more intimate environment even in more crowded areas.
If you’re hoping to get a glimpse of the impressive Northern Lights display, Iceland is a great destination just before or after the winter months, especially from February-March and September-October, during the equinox. But do be prepared for colder temperatures and long hours of darkness. The weather can be pretty unpredictable too, and it’s not unheard of to experience all four seasons in just one day. However, this also happens to be the shoulder season when you might be able to find some lower prices or promotions on cruises.
If you want to visit in winter, it’s not a bad choice, but temperatures can dip well below freezing, so having multiple layers of warm thermal gear will be important. It’s also worth noting that some backcountry roads are closed during this time due to ice and snow, which might restrict certain destinations.
Season: Summer (June-August)
Highlights: Hiking, long days, midnight sun, warm & dry weather, accessibility at its best
Feels: Warm & Brisk
Season: Fall (September-November)
Highlights: Great time to see the Northern Lights, decent but unpredictable weather.
Feels: Brisk - Cold
Season: Winter (December-March)
Highlights: A good time to see the country under a fresh blanket of snow.
Feels: Cold - Extremely cold
Season: Spring (late March-May)
Highlights: Spring is very short, but tends to have unpredictable weather similar to the fall season.
Feels: Brisk - Cold
Highlights: Hiking, long days, midnight sun, warm & dry weather, accessibility at its best
Feels: Warm & Brisk
Season: Fall (September-November)
Highlights: Great time to see the Northern Lights, decent but unpredictable weather.
Feels: Brisk - Cold
Season: Winter (December-March)
Highlights: A good time to see the country under a fresh blanket of snow.
Feels: Cold - Extremely cold
Season: Spring (late March-May)
Highlights: Spring is very short, but tends to have unpredictable weather similar to the fall season.
Feels: Brisk - Cold
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
1 day ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
3 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
4 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
5 days ago
Rapid response.
5 days ago
Jess and her non pushy salesmanship!!!!!
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