Current Time in Iceland

Best time to travel to Iceland

Comparison of the best months to travel to Iceland

Month	5-point rating	Reason
January		Perfect for aurora viewing, but extremely cold and short daylight hours (4-5 hours). Road conditions are prone to deterioration.
February		Aurora season continues. Daylight hours are slightly longer than in January, but it is still very cold.
March		You can enjoy both the aurora and the arrival of spring. Daylight hours increase significantly (10 hours), making sightseeing easier.
April		Temperatures rise with the start of spring. It becomes difficult to see the aurora, but it is a transitional period between tourist seasons and there are fewer crowds.
May		Comfortable weather, and you can be active almost 24 hours a day. Ideal time for a sudden increase in daylight hours leading up to the summer solstice.
June		The midnight sun begins and sightseeing time is at its maximum. All tourist attractions are accessible.
July		The warmest month, but tourist numbers are at their peak. Hotel prices are high and popular spots are crowded.
August		End of summer, temperatures are still high. Tourists start to thin out and sightseeing is relatively calm.
September		Enjoy both the start of the aurora season and the last of summer. Tourists start to thin out and prices start to drop.
October		A good time to see the aurora. Some roads start to close as winter approaches, but sightseeing is still possible.
November		Winter is in full swing and it's perfect for aurora viewing. However, it gets colder, daylight hours are short (5 hours) and sightseeing is limited.
December		Extremely cold with the shortest daylight hours (3-4 hours). Many facilities are closed during the Christmas season.

The most recommended month is "September"

September is the most balanced and ideal time to travel to Iceland. The relatively high temperatures (average 7-10°C) due to the summer's lingering effects, and the good road conditions make it ideal for driving around the ring road. At the same time, the hours of darkness start to increase, and the possibility of observing the Northern Lights comes up, so you can enjoy the charms of both summer and winter. The number of tourists decreases after the peak of summer, so you can enjoy sightseeing at a relatively leisurely pace even in popular spots, and accommodation costs are more affordable than in July and August. The natural landscape begins to take on the colors of autumn, and the inland mountains are especially beautiful with autumn leaves. This is also the time to have a chance to see the traditional event of "Lettill", where flocks of sheep come down from the mountains. The daylight hours are about 12 hours a day, so it is bright enough for sightseeing, but it gets dark at night, so you can also participate in an aurora tour. The weather is relatively stable, and there is little risk of summer storms or cold waves in the cold winter. This is the best season to experience the charm of Iceland to the fullest, with the widest selection of activities, including hiking, glacial lakes, hot springs, and aurora observation.

The least recommended month is "December"

December is the worst month for traveling to Iceland. The biggest problem is the extremely short daylight hours, with only about four hours of light in Reykjavik. This significantly limits the time you can visit, making efficient travel and sightseeing difficult. Temperatures are often below freezing, and it is not uncommon for them to drop below -10°C, especially in the inland and northern parts of the country. Blizzards are also frequent, and roads are closed, significantly increasing the risk of not being able to visit the tourist spots you had planned. In addition, in December, which is the Christmas season, many restaurants and tourist facilities are closed or have reduced business hours, limiting sightseeing options. Hotels often have heating that is too strong, and the temperature difference with the outside air can easily make you sick. The only attraction, aurora viewing, is likely to be disappointing during this cloudy period. In addition, the New Year period overlaps with the local holiday season, and services tend to be poor. It is the worst period in terms of tourism, climate, and comfort, and it can be said that this is the period when you cannot fully experience the charm of Iceland.

Recommended months by travel type

Travel type	Recommended month	Reason
Aurora viewing	September, October, February	There is plenty of dark time, but the weather is milder than February. The aurora is more likely to appear and can be observed comfortably.
Enjoying nature in summer	June and July	The midnight sun allows sightseeing 24 hours a day. All roads are open, and inland areas are accessible.
Road trips	May and September	The ring roads are in the best condition. There are few tourists in May, and the autumn leaves are beautiful in September.
Photography	March and September	March is the vestige of winter and the arrival of spring, while September is the best month for photography, with the combination of autumn colors and the Northern Lights.
Hiking	July and August	The temperature is high, and all hiking trails are open. This is the peak season when alpine plants bloom in abundance.
Hot springs and spas	January and October	The hot springs are exceptional in January during the coldest period. In October, you can enjoy the autumn scenery while bathing, and there are fewer crowds.
Cultural experiences	June and December	You can experience traditional Icelandic culture, such as the Midsummer Festival in June and the Christmas market in December.
Traveling with children	July and August	The weather is at its mildest, and there are plenty of activities for children. Family-friendly facilities are also fully open.