When Should Travelers Visit Iceland?

Image: PHOTO: Iceland, Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon during a night with aurora borealis seen from east beach. (photo via Flickr/Moyan Brenn)
Image: PHOTO: Iceland, Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon during a night with aurora borealis seen from east beach. (photo via Flickr/Moyan Brenn)
by Traveling Well
Last updated:: 4:30 PM ET, Tue January 10, 2017

As Iceland continues to become a must-visit country for travelers, Collette is here to break down the best times to visit the beautiful country of Iceland.

The short answer is, there is no wrong time to take an adventure to Iceland. Here's all you need to know.

What to Expect and When

Temperatures can get as low as -22 degrees Fahrenheit (-30 Celsius) from December to February, so if you're scheduled to visit during winter, make sure to pack many thermal layers to stay warm.

If you wish to view the Northern Lights, Collette blogger Kristen Gilbert says they "are particularly strong around the equinoxes, making February to March and September to October the best times to see them, although they are also visible from September to April."

June and July are the ideal months for photographers and outdoor nature lovers, however this is when Iceland experiences the midnight sun, meaning it may be difficult to sleep when you first arrive and need to adjust.

Springtime Superlatives

The best part about visiting Iceland in the Spring is that the days are longer, the weather is warmer and the crowds and prices are smaller as most tourists come during the Summer.

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Summertime Sights to See

Again, you'll need to adjust to the midnight sun, but with beautiful weather and the "lush green scenery" it's worth visiting this time of year if you don't mind the larger crowds.

Autumn Attractions

Be sure to check the forecast as it can be stormy in the fall. However, if you find yourself in Iceland in the fall and it doesn't rain, you'll be able to take in sensational views as the trees change color, which makes it the perfect time to go on a hike.

Winter Wonders
Fresh snow abounds in the winter in Iceland, as well as breathtaking views of the Northern Lights. It will be really cold during this time of year, but the atmosphere around you more than makes up for that.


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