gowhereandwhen.comGo 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 booking links earn us a commission, at no extra cost to you.
The steadiest weather, peaking around Jul.
Other months to compare; prices and crowds depend on your destination and dates.
Hard cold.
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.
Iceland month by month
Highs, lows, rainfall and the rating, for Reykjavik.
JanuaryCold with a little rain.Avoid 15
- Daytime high
- 3°C / 37°F
- Overnight low
- -2°C / 28°F
- Rainfall
- 76 mm
Cold with a little rain.
FebruaryCold with a little rain.Avoid 19
- Daytime high
- 4°C / 39°F
- Overnight low
- -2°C / 28°F
- Rainfall
- 72 mm
Cold with a little rain.
MarchCold with a little rain.Avoid 21
- Daytime high
- 4°C / 39°F
- Overnight low
- -1°C / 30°F
- Rainfall
- 82 mm
Cold with a little rain.
AprilCold with a little rain.Fair 35
- Daytime high
- 6°C / 43°F
- Overnight low
- 1°C / 34°F
- Rainfall
- 58 mm
Cold with a little rain.
MayCold and dry.Good 54
- Daytime high
- 9°C / 48°F
- Overnight low
- 4°C / 39°F
- Rainfall
- 44 mm
Cold and dry.
JuneCool and dryGreat 66
- Daytime high
- 12°C / 54°F
- Overnight low
- 7°C / 45°F
- Rainfall
- 50 mm
Cool and dry.
JulyCool and dryGreat 70
- Daytime high
- 13°C / 55°F
- Overnight low
- 9°C / 48°F
- Rainfall
- 52 mm
Cool and dry.
AugustCool with a little rainGreat 70
- Daytime high
- 13°C / 55°F
- Overnight low
- 8°C / 46°F
- Rainfall
- 62 mm
Cool with a little rain.
SeptemberCool with a little rain.Great 61
- Daytime high
- 11°C / 52°F
- Overnight low
- 6°C / 43°F
- Rainfall
- 67 mm
Cool with a little rain.
OctoberCold with a little rain.Fair 41
- Daytime high
- 7°C / 45°F
- Overnight low
- 3°C / 37°F
- Rainfall
- 86 mm
Cold with a little rain.
NovemberCold with a little rain.Avoid 23
- Daytime high
- 4°C / 39°F
- Overnight low
- 0°C / 32°F
- Rainfall
- 73 mm
Cold with a little rain.
DecemberCold with a little rain.Avoid 15
- Daytime high
- 3°C / 37°F
- Overnight low
- -2°C / 28°F
- Rainfall
- 79 mm
Cold with a little rain.
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.
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.
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.
Watch out
Hard cold
Oct to Apr.
Where to stay in Iceland
Compare places to stay around Reykjavik. Choose your dates on the booking site.
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Before you choose a stay
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- Compare the full price, including taxes and fees.
- Read cancellation terms before you book.
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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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