Best Things To Do In Iceland – Complete Guide 2024

Over the last decade, Iceland has become one of Europe’s “it” destinations thanks to its dreamy, incredibly picturesque landscapes with old glaciers and untamed fjords. Iceland has emerged as one of Europe’s “it” travel destinations over the past ten years.

You should consider all the things you want to see and do during your trip before you book your flight to this well-known island nation. The time of year can affect what is available.

While some attractions, like Iceland’s well-known hot springs, are open year-round, certain natural phenomena, like the midnight sun and northern lights, are best seen in particular months. Below is a summary of Iceland’s tourist seasons:

High Seasons: June to August and late December

Shoulder Seasons: September to October and May

Low Season: November to April, excluding holidays

Read on to learn about the best time to visit Iceland for whale watching, northern lights spotting, and more.

Best Time to Visit Iceland

Since most of Iceland’s natural attractions are open and convenient to get to, June, July, and August are the busiest travel months. Since most crowds have dispersed as kids return to school, September can be an excellent month to visit Iceland because the country can remain relatively warm until the first week of October. May offers plenty of daylight for sightseeing, pleasant weather, and fewer crowds.

If you don’t mind the darkness (by mid-winter, expect only five or six hours of daylight), the off-season, which runs from November to April, is perfect for those who want to avoid the throngs of tourists. It’s a fantastic time to take advantage of the hot springs, backcountry skiing, and snowmobile or jeep tours. Some roads though might be closed.  

Additionally, your chances of seeing the northern lights will increase. If you want to avoid the crowds during your vacation, steer clear of December as tourism tends to pick up again during the holiday season.

Best Times to Visit Iceland for Good Weather 

Iceland is a popular destination during the summer months of July and August when temperatures range from 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Furthermore, June sees roughly the same number of tourists as the height of summer due to its 24 hours of daylight.

However, rain and strong winds are common even in this season. Because of the erratic weather on the island, you can frequently experience all four seasons in a single day.

September continues to have pleasant weather, with highs of 43 to 52 degrees Fahrenheit. May is comparable, but if you want to see some of the more isolated fjords and hills, you might want to visit later in the year.

Some roads stay closed as they thaw from the winter’s snow cover. The summer months are ideal for serious hikers because all of Iceland’s well-known trails and mountain roads are open and accessible during this time.

Best Times to Visit Iceland for Lower Prices

Traveling to Iceland can be reasonably priced, particularly when compared to other European locations. Deals on flights are common for travelers from the US and Europe, so keep an eye out for promotions on low-cost carriers like Icelandair.

The off-season, which is normally late fall through early spring, excluding December, may allow you to save money on lodging, tours, attractions, and meals, all of which can be rather expensive throughout the year. The busiest and most costly season to travel is typically the summer.

Best Time to Visit Iceland for the Northern Lights

To see the aurora borealis, you’ll need three things: darkness, clear skies, and a spike in solar activity. The northern lights are frequently difficult to see and are easily spoiled by passing clouds. Because Iceland’s weather is so unpredictable—statistically, there are more clear nights in Yellowknife, Canada.

For example, it is best not to base travel plans exclusively on seeing the northern lights. When visiting Iceland, the best time to maximize your chances of seeing the northern lights is to go out into the countryside to reduce ambient light pollution and to visit between mid-October and March, when the hours of darkness are longer.

Worst Time to Visit Iceland 

Visiting Iceland is always a good idea because of its breathtaking scenery and yearly natural events. Visitors seeking more daylight choose to visit during the summer, while those seeking the northern lights travel to the nation during the gloomier winter months.

The best time to visit Iceland depends on what you want to see and do during your trip, of course. Those who travel in the spring and fall can benefit from more moderate weather and daylight.

Nevertheless, if you want to escape the horde of tourists, the warmest months of the year are unquestionably the worst times to go. The busiest travel months are July and August when popular destinations like the Blue Lagoon, Golden Circle, South Coast, and Jökulsárlón are especially crowded.

If you’re going to be there at that time, think about visiting some of the island’s more isolated regions, like the Westfjords or East Iceland, which have their own share of breathtaking waterfalls, vistas, and fjords that rival, if not surpass, the natural attractions that surround the capital.