Iceland
The best time to visit
When to go to Iceland
Go in summer, June to August, for the mildest weather, open highland roads and the midnight sun. For the northern lights, come September to March, when the nights are long and dark but the weather is harsh.
A 0 to 100 comfort rating from daytime heat, overnight chill, rainfall and storm risk, for Reykjavik. Higher is better. Some links on this page are affiliate links, at no cost to you.
The steadiest weather, peaking around Jul.
Either side of peak, with thinner crowds and better rates.
Hard cold.
In short
The year at a glance
Iceland is a land of two very different seasons. The ratings key off Reykjavik, where summer brings mild, long days, accessible roads and near round-the-clock daylight, which is why June to August is the peak. The weather is never hot and can change in an instant in any month.
Winter is the trade-off you make for the aurora. From September to March the long, dark nights give the best chance of northern lights, but storms, ice and short daylight close much of the interior. Spring and autumn are quieter shoulders with a mix of both.
Month by month
Iceland month by month
Highs, lows, rainfall and the rating, for Reykjavik.
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Rating | What it is like |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3°C / 37°F | -2°C / 28°F | 76 mm | Avoid 15 | Cold with a little rain. |
| February | 4°C / 39°F | -2°C / 28°F | 72 mm | Avoid 19 | Cold with a little rain. |
| March | 4°C / 39°F | -1°C / 30°F | 82 mm | Avoid 21 | Cold with a little rain. |
| April | 6°C / 43°F | 1°C / 34°F | 58 mm | Fair 35 | Cold with a little rain. |
| May | 9°C / 48°F | 4°C / 39°F | 44 mm | Good 54 | Cold and dry. |
| June | 12°C / 54°F | 7°C / 45°F | 50 mm | Great 66 | Cool and dry. Reykjavik hotels in June |
| July | 13°C / 55°F | 9°C / 48°F | 52 mm | Great 70 | Cool and dry. Reykjavik hotels in July |
| August | 13°C / 55°F | 8°C / 46°F | 62 mm | Great 70 | Cool with a little rain. Reykjavik hotels in August |
| September | 11°C / 52°F | 6°C / 43°F | 67 mm | Great 61 | Cool with a little rain. |
| October | 7°C / 45°F | 3°C / 37°F | 86 mm | Fair 41 | Cold with a little rain. |
| November | 4°C / 39°F | 0°C / 32°F | 73 mm | Avoid 23 | Cold with a little rain. |
| December | 3°C / 37°F | -2°C / 28°F | 79 mm | Avoid 15 | Cold with a little rain. |
By region
Where you go changes when you go
Reykjavik and the south
The mildest, most accessible part of the island, and the base for the Golden Circle and south-coast waterfalls.
The Highlands
The interior roads only open in summer, roughly late June to early September, for the most dramatic, remote scenery.
Aurora country, in winter
From September to March the dark skies anywhere away from city lights offer the best chance of the northern lights.
Go for
Best time to visit Iceland for
The Ring Road and highlands
June to August, when all roads are open, the weather is mildest and the days are endless.
Northern lights
September to March, on clear, dark nights away from town. October, February and March balance aurora odds with manageable conditions.
Midnight sun
June and July, when the sun barely sets and you can hike or drive late into the night.
Fewer crowds
May and September are quieter shoulders with a chance of both decent weather and early or late auroras.
On the calendar
What is on, and when
Midnight sun, June and July
Near round-the-clock daylight opens up long evenings of hiking and driving.
Northern lights, Sep to Mar
Dark, clear nights give the best chance of the aurora dancing overhead.
Hard cold
Oct to Apr.
Where to stay
Where to stay in Iceland
Compare hotels and rentals around Reykjavik, then book the month you want.
Ready to book?
Rates climb in peak season, so the best-weather months pay to book early. Shoulder and low months are the value windows.
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Questions
Good to know
What is the best time to visit Iceland?
When can you see the northern lights in Iceland?
Is Iceland worth visiting in winter?
Where else, and when
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