Traveling to Iceland, sublime Viking territory at the edge of the polar circle? To know when to organize your stay, find all our tips on the best time to visit Iceland!
This has not escaped anyone: Iceland is an island land located between Greenland and Norway, just south of the Arctic Polar Circle. Boasting only 340 000 inhabitants, it is known for its spectacular volcanic landscapes. But also to be one of the coldest European regions. With strong polar winds and a cold and glacial ocean climate, its south and west coasts nevertheless benefit from the Gulf Stream. Who provides them with milder winter temperatures than those of... New York or Montreal! However, the island is experiencing a very variable climate and rough and unpredictable weather changes.
So, what is the best time to visit Iceland, avoiding the coldest temperatures and the most violent climate events? Will you go there during the harsh winter months or, on the contrary, during the gentle summer days? There are so and so many things to do and see in Iceland! It would be a shame to spoil your stay by not choosing, with care, the time of your arrival on the northern island. To help you, here is our guide to find out when to visit Iceland according to the seasons.
When do I visit Iceland?
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Weather
To be perfectly precise, Iceland knows, depending on the region, four seasons and an oceanic climate in three distinct climate models. This is the oceanic subpolar climate, subarctic climate and tundra climate.
In Iceland, the average summer temperature is 10°C , and approaching 0°C during the winter. But it can also be largely negative in remote areas of the island, especially on high plateaus. The island enjoys the Gulf Stream and climate phenomena softening the difference between winter season and summer season. This avoids too much temperature difference between winter and summer, such as the one that can be observed in the middle of Canada or Russia, for example.
In general, Iceland is covered with a pretty white coat between October and March, and in the summer, the temperatures are about 15°C on the coast. But can rise to 25°C a few days a year! Moreover, it is June 21 that we can observe the famous « midnight sun » , the sun not lying on the island on the occasion of the summer solstice! Rainfall is more important in autumn and winter (high snowfalls) than in spring and summer (moderate rains throughout the country).
To visit Iceland and enjoy the most pleasant climate, we recommend you go there during the two months of summer July and August. That said, sublimissimes Northern are visible only in winter, between October and March. So, to you to see and choose what attracts you most!
Budget
On the budget side, it is fundamental when we are looking to visit Iceland to take into account the significant tariff changes affecting the price of airline tickets. For example, the price of a flight can go from one to two depending on whether you book it November (low season) or July (high season) ! These differences are, of course, linked to the influx of tourists but also to the climate, significantly more unfavourable during the winter season. On a pecuniary level, the best time to visit Iceland if you are looking to focus on your budget is between October and March .
In addition, it appears that if we go to Iceland from France, from Paris and not from Marseille, Lyon or Bordeaux is much more affordable. As well as booking a departure on a weekday, less expensive than a reserved flight on a Saturday afternoon, for example. And it won’t surprise anyone, a reserved flight far ahead will always be cheaper than a plane chosen at the last minute.
Is that understood? From now on, you have all the cards in hand to visit Iceland effectively and economically!
Visit Iceland in winter
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For the winter season, Iceland offers landscapes of postcard. Strong snow, volcanic landscapes glazed with an immaculate white, all bathed with a temperature not necessarily extreme. Indeed, benefiting from favourable climate currents, the thermometer does not reach highly negative values during winter. We are far from the Russian or Canadian winters, for example, where the temperature reaches tens of degrees below zero!
The streets and countryside are beautifully covered with snow, the ocean climate makes it possible to soften the icy feeling and to make pretty walks on the island. That said, Icelandic winter can be much harsher in glaciers and high plateaus in the north of the island, where it is necessary to equip itself properly to avoid the cold. Moreover, many roads are closed due to snow and ice during this season.
In addition, it will be necessary to make sure that you choose the right time to visit Iceland if you don’t want to spend all your stay in a black night. Prefer a departure in October or March to avoid, at the height of winter, seeing the sun only one hour or two a day. In addition, winter corresponds to the low tourist season! Visiting Iceland during this period allows you to enjoy a territory less stormed by foreign travellers.
Visit Iceland on average season
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Spring and autumn offer, when visiting Iceland, a good compromise between summer and winter season. The temperatures are rather mild in the day, despite a fresh morning clean to the Nordic countries during this period of the year. And, for nothing to spoil, the flow of tourists remains weak and content! However, precipitation can be important and rain, frequent. It is therefore necessary to take a quality umbrella and boots that, during the thawing, will allow you to face the melted snow serenely!
Visit Iceland in summer
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When you visit Iceland during the summer season, you should not expect sunbathing in shorts. Temperatures only rarely reach twenty degrees in the land, and are struggling to exceed twenty-five degrees on the coast. But you will enjoy long sunny days - while the winter nights can be very long, the summer days are as much! In addition, many activities are offered to Icelandic and travellers who visit Iceland.
Let us mention the many festivals, taken by the inhabitants who take advantage of the few favorable weeks of the year to come out. But it is also possible to camp, organize unforgettable hikes where simply to visit the pretty Icelandic cities. However, everything is paid: rates tend to swell with the arrival of the high tourist season. And international flights to or from Viking Island are subject to a significant rate increase!
When to visit Iceland: the must-see holidays
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Iceland may be a wild territory and have a very low population, as it is everywhere else! Here are some of the festivities taken by the Icelanders:
The Sjomannadgwinn
The first Sunday of June: Sjomannadgwinn is the Sunday of the sailors. This day, all the boats on the island go to Icelandic ports! Races are organized, local specialties are tasted in the streets such as the fried herring or seafood typically Nordic. Then we sing, dance and enjoy the long days of Icelandic June!
The National Day
On June 17, it is the Icelandic national holiday. As with us, it is one of the most important events in the country, commemorating the proclamation of the independence of the Republic of Iceland in 1944. Until then, Iceland belonged to... Denmark! This day is one of the longest of the year, because the night is practically not sleeping. The Icelanders therefore celebrate in joy and good mood, take advantage of this euphoria moment in their company!
The Westmann Islands Festival
The first weekend of August, from Friday afternoon to Tuesday morning, everything is closed. It’s a holiday! During this weekend, music festivals are organized throughout the island, including the Westmann Islands. They attract young and less young people wishing to celebrate together one of the most popular events on the island! All weekends, parties and families come to drink, eat and laugh together at the sounds of the most influential Icelandic musicians.
Year-end celebrations
In this northern country, it would be a shame to pass next to the holiday season, Christmas and New Year. Since these holidays are part of an ideal setting when you visit Iceland during the winter season. Light bunny, sparkling snow, stars and northern lights make festivities before the following year unique moments to share! Family, couple or friends. Don’t hesitate to come and enjoy it!
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