When to go to Iceland
The best time to visit Iceland may vary depending on your interests, but it will be from mid-May to early September for most travelers.
The best time for good weather
The best time for optimal weather in Iceland is the high season, from mid-June to late August. The average maximum temperature is around 15°C/62°F and can reach 20°C/70°F. If you are hoping to avoid rains, the least rainfall occurs in May and June. Most travelers choose July and August to visit Iceland, so tourist prices are the highest during this period.
Best time to see the Northern Lights
Since there is less rainfall in September and the first half of October and the nights are already long and remarkable, these months are usually the highest chances of seeing the Northern Lights.
Best time for sightseeing
Iceland is famous for its many spectacular waterfalls, geysers, and volcanoes. To see as much as possible, you need longer days, fewer people blocking out your view, and weather that doesn’t make the roads impassable. That means it is best to choose the last week of the high season or the mid-season, from late May to mid-June, or the first half of September.
Best time for whale watching
Generally, the best time for whale watching in Iceland is April to October. The peak season is in the summer months: June, July, and August. The weather is calmer, and in summer, whales often approach the shore in search of plankton.
Best time for budget travel
Flights and accommodation in Iceland are usually cheapest during the winter months, except for Christmas and New Year. Prices peak in the summer months. If you’re hoping for a combination of lower overall costs and better weather, plan your trip from mid-May to mid-June or September to mid-October.
The best time to avoid the tourist crowds
If you’re hoping for a more relaxed holiday without the crowds, don’t head to Iceland during the high season, from mid-June to August. Arriving here in April or May, September or October, you will encounter fewer tourists, the days will be long enough to enjoy sightseeing and possibly good weather. The least number of visitors comes from November to March, but it is during this time that inclement weather and short dark days can affect your plans.