Best time to visit Iceland (month by month comparison)
by The Adventure People on 27th September 2018
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Iceland is definitely a country that should be visited more than once. Why? Because much like the other Nordic countries, winter is a completely different experience to summer and the contrasts are huge. If you've visited a snow covered dark Iceland in winter, you would find Iceland in summer almost unrecognisable with 22 hour sunlight, everything is green and people are swimming.
Not sure which month to visit is right for you? Here we break down what you can expect each month:
December to February
It's winter in Iceland and temperatures are low (can get as low as -30°C in the north). There are only 3-4 hours of daylight per day, so you have to find your way in the darkness but the snow covered land lights it up slightly. There is something magical about this time of year, and of course because there is so much darkness, the Northern Lights often appear to lighten up the sky. During the day the sun makes the sky look golden. This is a good time to visit if you're up for a winter adventure. Activities to do include snowmobiling, glacier hiking and take a dip in the hot lagoons.
March to May
It's starting to get warmer in Iceland, however slowly. It's still possible to see the Northern Lights, until April roughly. Snow melts away around this time and flowers come up. Puffins return in April too and stay for the summer. It's a great time to visit for photography enthusiasts. The waterfalls become more powerful as the ice is starting to melt away. Goes without saying but it's also much easier to drive around the country as the snow melts. Temperatures range between 0-10°C.
June to August
If you're not too bothered about northern lights and snowmobiles, this is definitely the best time to visit Iceland. Temperatures are warmer (though usually only around 10-15°C) ideal for hiking and exploring the country. You can also camp at night and star gaze, although there is up to 22 hours of sunlight so bring an eye mask. This is the ideal time to visit the beaches, go snorkelling, horseback riding and more!
September to November
Going into autumn the temperature drops but the beautiful colours start to appear. The days get shorter and if you're lucky you may see the northern lights, especially later on in November. There are fewer crowds than in summer and it's still possible to go on some great hikes! Temperatures can get to as low as freezing so remember to pack warm.
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