What is the best time to visit Iceland?

The best time depends on the planned activities. June to August is peak visitor season, May and September are quieter shoulder months, and northern lights are typically visible from September to April.

What is the cheapest time to visit Iceland?

Iceland's low season runs roughly November to March, excluding Christmas and New Year. Visitor numbers are lowest then, and flights, accommodation and tours are generally cheaper than in the June to August peak. Exact prices vary by operator and date.

When is the best time for northern lights in Iceland?

Northern lights are visible roughly from September to April, with the peak period typically running from October to March. Darkness and suitable conditions are required.

When can the midnight sun be seen in Iceland?

The midnight sun is around June. The sky stays bright through the night from roughly late May to mid-July.

When to go

Best time to visit Iceland

Find your season. Compare month-by-month temperature, daylight, and what is in season, so you visit Iceland at its best for you.

The climate figures are Reykjavík normals for 1991-2020, sourced from Icelandic Meteorological Office (Veðurstofa Íslands). North, East and highland areas run colder than Reykjavík.

Monthly overview

Month	High and low °C	Daylight, mid-month	Precipitation mm	Best for
January	3.2 / -1.7	5h 23m	87.1	Northern lights and ice caves
February	3.3 / -1.9	8h 36m	90.6	Northern lights and ice caves
March	4.2 / -1.3	11h 40m	80.7	Northern lights and ice caves
April	6.9 / 1.0	15h 03m	59.0	Northern lights and whale watching
May	10.1 / 4.0	18h 22m	52.6	Whale watching and puffins
June	13.0 / 7.2	21h 02m	43.3	White nights and highlands
July	14.9 / 9.1	19h 45m	49.9	Highlands and puffins
August	14.1 / 8.6	16h 27m	64.5	Highlands and whale watching
September	11.4 / 6.2	13h 05m	87.0	Northern lights and highlands
October	7.6 / 2.7	9h 52m	79.8	Northern lights and whale watching
November	4.7 / -0.1	6h 33m	86.5	Northern lights and ice caves
December	3.3 / -1.6	4h 13m	94.9	Northern lights and ice caves

Iceland by season

Winter

November to March is the low season, with the fewest visitors, excluding Christmas and New Year. Natural ice caves are a winter activity, and this period overlaps the peak northern lights season.

Spring

Northern lights remain possible through roughly April. Whale watching enters its preferred period in April, and puffins typically arrive around mid-May.

Summer

June to August is peak visitor season. White nights occur around June, while highland roads typically open from late June and remain open through summer.

Autumn

September is a quieter shoulder month. Northern lights become visible again from roughly September, while highland roads usually close by early or mid-September.

Compare sunrise, sunset and day length with the Iceland daylight tool. Prepare seasonal clothing with the Iceland packing list.

Compare Iceland tour hubs

Golden Circle, South Coast, Reykjavík, Reykjanes and Snæfellsnes are accessible year-round. Other regions and activities have more limited seasons.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to visit Iceland?: The best time depends on the planned activities. June to August is peak visitor season, May and September are quieter shoulder months, and northern lights are typically visible from September to April.
What is the cheapest time to visit Iceland?: Iceland's low season runs roughly November to March, excluding Christmas and New Year. Visitor numbers are lowest then, and flights, accommodation and tours are generally cheaper than in the June to August peak. Exact prices vary by operator and date.
When is the best time for northern lights in Iceland?: Northern lights are visible roughly from September to April, with the peak period typically running from October to March. Darkness and suitable conditions are required.
When can the midnight sun be seen in Iceland?: The midnight sun is around June. The sky stays bright through the night from roughly late May to mid-July.