When is the best time to visit Iceland?

Everything about Iceland!

The weather, season by season

For those who paid attention in geography class in middle school, you should know that Iceland, due to its geographical location, is a cold country due to high altitude, as it is exposed to cold winds from the pole. It's an island country in Northern Europe in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, and with this subarctic climate, therefore particularly cold and cloudy, almost all year round. It's clear that Iceland is not the ideal country for those who want to spend a stay in a tropical climate, but this country, once ruled by the Vikings, is clearly worth the detour!

The weather is so unpredictable that sometimes Icelanders experience all four seasons in one day!

Winter

Short days and cool temperatures, so far we're not teaching you anything new. But know that December 21st there is the shortest day of the year, as the sun barely shows its face for 4 hours! For those who are used to sleeping in, you can bet you'll be a bit shaken up! From November to March, temperatures vary between 5 and -10°, but sometimes, the temperature can drop to -20 degrees during a harsh cold wave. But this shouldn't discourage you from visiting the country, in winter you'll witness the splendid northern lights that illuminate the sky and the grandiose landscapes covered in snow. Get out all your winter gear: sweaters, coats, down jackets, gloves, scarves... And beware of very slippery ice layers and treacherous winds!

Summer

Enter summer, from the end of May until August. This is the time of year when the number of visitors floods throughout the country, temperatures are less harsh to bear and it's easier to get around by car. However, during the weather, you have to expect everything. It may be beautiful sunshine outside, but when you go out, you discover that it's actually barely 5°! The temperature usually ranges between 10 and 0°, but some days, if you're lucky it's possible that the thermometer shows a beautiful 20°. This will be the opportunity for you to take a long and beautiful hike, camp under the stars, or relax in thermal water.

Autumn

Autumn sets in from the end of August and usually ends around mid-October. This is the period when you'll feel temperatures decreasing more and more, but generally, while remaining pleasant. Between 4 and 10°, this is the time of year when tourism is rarest, but for those who arrive at the end of October, you'll be lucky to be the first to witness the first snowfalls! Keep your eyes open, because it's also during this period that you can see the most northern lights! Don't forget your umbrella, because September gives way to heavy rains, but don't worry, they certainly won't spoil your visit to the country.

Spring

Spring, when migratory birds return, and other animals poke their noses out, happy to rediscover this beautiful and wild nature. From April to May, enjoy two months of about 8°, even if snow still tends to fall a bit. You'll witness nature's awakening, and visiting the country during this period offers landscapes with different colors, which are worth seeing. It's a good time for a road trip, starting for example with discovering Reykjavik!