Best Time of Year to Travel to Iceland – Month by Month Guide

The last thing anybody wants is to book their dream trip to Iceland, arrive in the country, and realize they came at the wrong Time of the year.

Today I’ll try to answer one of the most frequent questions I get asked: when is the Best Time of Year to Travel to Iceland in 2024? When is the best month? Honestly, the answer will always be different because it really depends on your expectations from your trip.

What do you want to do? I actually found the answer that will fit most people, and that’s September. Let me try to explain why the first big advantage of travelling to Iceland in September is that it is already considered to be an off-season.

Best Time of Year to Travel to Iceland to see the South Iceland

There are still plenty of tourists, especially in south Iceland, but generally, there are much fewer people. That makes for more enjoyable driving and a more authentic experience, and if you’re camping, the campsites will be half-empty, too. Keep in mind, though, that towards the end of the month, more and more camps start shutting down. Before the winter and fewer tourists doesn’t mean only that you’ll enjoy the famous sites without the crowds of people. 

You won’t spend that much money on flights, accommodation or a rental car, and there’s a bigger availability of these things, too. In the high season, there’s often a problem with many places being booked out. But you should be fine in September. Like with the campsites, some places are closing down by the end of the month, but the overall availability balances things out.

Best Time of Year to Travel to Iceland : How is the temperature?

September means its’s autumn here in Iceland and it is a month sort of in between the seasons. That means that there are still days when the temperatures will climb to even 15 degrees or more, but some days, especially later in the month, you’re likely to see some snow in the mountains. The whole landscape also turns into the different shades of orange.

Best Time to visit Iceland : Also prepared for bad weather

Which, in combination with snowcapped mountains, creates amazing contrasts and makes for some great photos But this is Iceland, so be prepared for some bad weather too, and you never know when you’ll get some rain with snow and zero degrees, and everything will be miserable and you’ll be soaking wet so just be well prepared have some good clothes and you’ll be good to go Until middle of the month, sometimes even longer you’ll be able to enjoy fields filled with blueberries and other berries usually until the first big frost.

They grow all over Iceland, even around the capital city Reykjavík, and you don’t need any permission to pick them unless you’re on private land. The same thing goes for mushrooms, which grow here in big numbers, and unlike in some places in the world, almost nobody is picking them.

This is great if you’re cooking your own meals and you’d like to add some fresh local ingredients to your food.

Best Time of Year to Travel to Iceland : Summer Right or Wrong?

There’s one thing that you will miss out on if you’re planning to travel to Iceland during the summer months, and that’s one of the best natural shows, Northern Lights. Unlike in summer, it already gets dark during the night so with a little bit of patience you’ll be able to see them almost every night when the sky is clear.

Best Time of Year to Travel to Iceland : Pros + Cons of each Season

It really depends on what you want to get out of your trip some people want to see the Northern Lights. some people want to see the Midnight Sun. some people want this and that so the answer will be different for all people.

Spring (April – May):

Spring in Iceland is brief, typically spanning from April to May. While it might not be the stereotypical spring with blooming flowers, it’s a time when most of the snow is melting, and temperatures are gradually warming up.

Pros of Spring:

Fewer tourists compared to peak season

Possibility of catching the Northern Lights

Increasing daylight hours for longer exploration

Cons of Spring:

Still cold, requiring warm clothing

Limited flora due to Iceland’s climate

Summer (June – August):

Summer, from June to August, is a popular time for travellers eager to experience Iceland’s Midnight Sun and lush landscapes. The longest day falls on June 20th, offering 24 hours of daylight.

Pros of Summer:

Extended daylight hours for exploration

Vibrant green landscapes and blooming flowers

Access to Highland roads and various outdoor activities

Cons of Summer:

Peak tourist season, leading to crowded attractions

Higher prices for accommodations and services

Despite being summer, temperatures remain relatively cool

Autumn (August – October):

Autumn, spanning from August to October, brings the spectacle of Northern Lights and fewer crowds. While the weather can be unpredictable, it’s a rewarding time for aurora enthusiasts.

Pros of Autumn:

Increasing chances of witnessing the Northern Lights

Decreased tourist numbers and lower prices

Beautiful autumn colours, although unpredictable

Cons of Autumn:

Unpredictable weather with rain, wind, and possible snow

Shortening daylight hours

Winter (October – March):

Winter in Iceland, from October to March, offers a mesmerizing snowy landscape and opportunities for Northern Lights sightings. However, be prepared for limited daylight hours and challenging weather conditions.

Pros of Winter:

Stunning snowy landscapes and frozen waterfalls

Opportunities for Northern Lights viewing and ice cave tours

Unique experiences during Christmas and New Year’s

Cons of Winter:

Limited daylight hours for exploration

Cold weather and possible road closures due to storms

Inaccessibility to Highland areas and F roads

I think that each season in Iceland is really special but if I could only choose one month it’d be September.