Are you planning a trip to Iceland, the sublime Viking territory on the edge of the Arctic Circle? To find out when to plan your trip, read our advice on the best time to visit Iceland!
It won’t have escaped anyone’s notice: Iceland is an island nation located between Greenland and Norway, just south of the Arctic Circle. Home to just 340,000 inhabitants, it is famous for its spectacular volcanic landscapes. But also for being one of Europe’s coldest regions. Subject to violent polar winds and a cold, icy oceanic climate, its southern and western coasts nevertheless benefit from the Gulf Stream. This ensures milder winter temperatures than those in… New York or Montreal! However, the island’s climate is highly variable, with sudden and unpredictable weather changes.
So, what’s the best time to visit Iceland, avoiding the coldest temperatures and most violent climatic events? Do you want to visit during the harsh winter months or, on the contrary, during the mild summer days? There’s so much to see and do in Iceland! It would be a shame to spoil your stay by not choosing the right time to visit the northern island. To help you do just that, here’s our guide to when to visit Iceland by season.
When to visit Iceland
Photo credit: Meteoblue
The weather
To be perfectly precise, Iceland has, depending on the region, four seasons and an oceanic climate divided into three distinct climatic models. These are the oceanic subpolar climate, the subarctic climate and the tundra climate.
In Iceland, the average summer temperature is 10°C, and approaches 0°C in winter. But it can also be largely negative in remote areas of the island, particularly on the high plateaus. The island benefits from the Gulf Stream and other climatic phenomena that soften the difference between winter and summer. We can therefore avoid the kind of sharp temperature differences between winter and summer that can be observed in the middle of Canada or in Russia, for example.
Generally speaking, Iceland is covered in a beautiful white coat between October and March, and in summer temperatures average around 15°C on the coasts. But for a few days a year, they can rise to 25°C! In fact, the famous « midnight sun » can be seen on June 21 , as the sun doesn’t set on the island during the summer solstice! As for precipitation, it is heavier in autumn and winter (heavy snowfalls) than in spring and summer (moderate rainfall throughout the territory).
For the most pleasant climate, we recommend visiting Iceland during the two summer months of July and August. That said, the sublimely beautiful Northern Lights are only visible in winter, between October and March. So it’s up to you to choose what appeals to you most!
On the budget
When it comes to your budget, it’s essential to take into account the major changes in airfares when visiting Iceland. For example, the price of a flight can double depending on whether you book it in November (low season) or July (high season )! These differences are of course linked to the influx of tourists, but also to the climate, which is much more unfavorable during the winter season. If you’re looking to save money, the best time to visit Iceland is between October and March.
What’s more, if you’re going to visit Iceland from France, it’s much more affordable to fly from Paris rather than Marseille, Lyon or Bordeaux. As is booking a departure on a weekday, which is less expensive than a flight booked on a Saturday afternoon, for example. And, not surprisingly, a flight booked well in advance will always be cheaper than one chosen at the last minute.
Got it? From now on, you’ll have everything you need to visit Iceland efficiently and economically!
Visiting Iceland in winter
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When it comes to the winter season, Iceland offers postcard-perfect scenery. High snowfall, immaculate white volcanic landscapes, all bathed in temperatures that are not necessarily extreme. In fact, thanks to favorable climatic currents, the thermometer doesn’t reach sharply negative values in winter. This is a far cry from Russian or Canadian winters, for example, where temperatures reach several tens of degrees below zero!
The streets and countryside may be covered in snow, but the oceanic climate softens the glacial feeling and makes for some lovely walks around the island. That said, Icelandic winters can be much harsher in the glaciers and high plateaus of the north of the island, where you need to be suitably equipped to avoid suffering from the cold. In fact, many roads are closed due to snow and ice during this season.
You’ll also need to choose the right time to visit Iceland if you don’t want to spend your entire stay in the dark of night. Depart in October or March to avoid seeing the sun for only an hour or two a day at the height of winter. What’s more, winter is the low tourist season! Visiting Iceland during this period allows you to take advantage of a territory less crowded by foreign travellers.
Visit Iceland in mid-season
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When visiting Iceland, spring and autumn offer a good compromise between summer and winter. Temperatures are fairly mild during the day, despite the cool mornings typical of Nordic countries at this time of year. And, to make matters worse, the flow of tourists remains low and contained! However, precipitation can be heavy, and rain is frequent. So it’s a good idea to take along a quality umbrella and boots that will allow you to face the melting snow with peace of mind!
Visit Iceland in summer
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When visiting Iceland in summer, don’t expect to sunbathe in shorts. Temperatures rarely reach twenty degrees inland, and barely exceed twenty-five degrees on the coast. But you’ll enjoy long, sunny days – while winter nights can be very long, summer days are just as long! What’s more, there are plenty of activities on offer to Icelanders and travellers visiting Iceland.
There are many festivals to choose from, and locals make the most of the few good weeks of the year to get out and about. But it’s also possible to camp, organize unforgettable hikes or simply visit Iceland’s pretty towns. However, everything comes at a price: prices tend to rise with the arrival of the high tourist season. And international flights to and from the Viking island are subject to substantial price increases!
When to visit Iceland: must-see holidays
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Iceland may be a wilderness with a very small population, but it’s a place where people party like they do everywhere else! Here are just a few of the festivities Icelanders enjoy:
The Sjomannadgwinn
The first Sunday in June: Sjomannadgwinn is « Sailors’ Sunday ». On this day, all the island’s boats dock in Icelandic ports! Races are organized, and local specialities such as fried herring and typical Nordic seafood are eaten in the streets. Then it’s time to sing, dance and enjoy the long Icelandic June days!
The national holiday
June 17 is Iceland’s national holiday. As in Iceland, it’s one of the country’s most important events, commemorating the Republic of Iceland’s proclamation of independence in 1944. Until then, Iceland belonged to… Denmark! It’s one of the longest days of the year, as night practically never sets in. Icelanders celebrate with joy and good humor, so enjoy this euphoric moment in their company!
The Westmann Islands Festival
The first weekend in August, from Friday afternoon to Tuesday morning, everything is closed. It’s a public holiday! During this weekend, music festivals are held all over the island, including the Westmann Islands Festival. They attract young and old alike to celebrate one of the island’s most popular events! All weekend long, revellers and families come together to drink, eat and laugh to the sounds of Iceland’s most influential musicians.
Holiday season
In this Nordic country, it would be a shame to miss out on the end-of-year festivities, Christmas and New Year. And when you visit Iceland during the winter season, the setting is just right. Luminous fir trees, sparkling snow, stars and the Northern Lights make the festivities leading up to the New Year unique moments to share! As a family, as a couple or with friends. Don’t hesitate to come and enjoy!