Iceland is a beautiful country of mesmerizing auroras, breathtaking landscapes, and a host of forever memorable sights and experiences. This Nordic gem has seen an explosion in tourism and has gained even more popularity since people started taking note of enchanting movie sets straight off Star Wars and Game of Thrones.
While some people might swoon to visit the famous hot springs accessible throughout the year, the more elusive northern lights views are the best only during certain months. Iceland has always had a lot to offer, but some activities may best suit only certain parts of the year.
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Best Time To Visit Iceland in 2022
Travelers planning to visit Iceland must take into consideration which months would suit best for their interests. So check the best availability of your United Airlines Booking Flight to start your journey, whatever be on your bucket list.
According To Ideal Weather Conditions
Here is a small guide for anyone who wishes to know the best time to visit Iceland.
Summer Time
The best time of the year to visit Iceland is undoubtedly between July and August. Usually, summertime these months are the times when Iceland experiences its mildest weather conditions. Hence naturally attracting the largest crowd then. The peak seasons here coincide with the most amount of daylight and the most number of activities available.
While some may describe the weather in Iceland as generally temperate the whole year-round, it is no doubt that the summers seasons here have the best to offer in terms of climate.
Iceland also offers a fair share of festivities even during the summer months, and road trips tend to be the best around this time as there are longer daylight hours. Due to this, places and spots may experience more crowds and footfall as the summer season usually attracts the most visitors.
People who wish to visit Iceland during a quieter time should probably consider the shoulder months of May and September as there is usually less crowded, with still ample lights and more or less mild weather. However, the weather can be a little more uncertain during this phase.
Winter Time
The idea of ideal weather for some may be the chillier snowy days, and for that, travelers can head to Iceland towards October and April. It has also been noticed that winter has started attracting more crowds and visitors lately and is the ideal best time to experience long nights resulting from the northern parallels. And for those who make it by December can also experience and take part in the Christmas and New Year festivities.
The northern light/auroras are preferably also best viewed during this time as longer and darker nights ensure clear views of such spectacle. While usually, Iceland remains a perennial location to visit, lesser daytime and longer nights make for fewer choices and options for activities.
Long drives around the Ring road in Iceland are also possible during the winter season. Still, they are more difficult, and weather conditions like snowstorms, less daylight, and icy roads could make travel challenging. It is strongly also advised for those who wish to visit Iceland during the winter to pack appropriately. To face the winters experienced out here where the chilly winds can make it feel colder than it already is.
According To Needs
For Watching Whales
According to marine biologists, June and July are the best months to watch whales and for those around Northern Iceland. More varieties can enjoy dolphins, minks, and humpbacks, which go through the Atlantic from May to August.
The summertime is also especially ideal for seeing some minke whales and dolphins. Whereas, Orcas are seen congregating around the Western part of Iceland around Snaefellsnes.
For Visiting Hot Springs
An integral part of local culture and simple overall wellness, the hot springs of Iceland are usually open throughout the year. Reykjavík’s public pools are also accessible year-round and are especially refreshing during peak winter, but more than that.
The best way to experience hot springs would probably be through natural hidden, hot springs that you can have all to yourself. Particularly best experienced during September and October when the roads are still accessible by road.
Also, for those planning to visit the Blue Lagoon, known for its geothermal spas, the best time would probably be during the off-season when crowds are a bit sparse.
For Experiencing the Northern Lights
Clear Skies, Darkness, and a surge in solar activity; the three requirements for an aurora. Like curtains of neon wind, the northern lights will figure high on anyone’s bucket list quite easily. The spectacle is best conditioned and experienced between September to the middle of May.
However, travelers are advised not to make plans to Iceland solely for the viewing of Auroras. The weather can be pretty unpredictable, and statistically, Canada offers a better chance for sighting one on a clear night.
For Hiking
Hiking through the beautiful mountain trails of Iceland can be an unforgettable experience but is dependent a lot on suitable weather conditions to have accessibility to these trails. The months of May and September are usually famous as the best months to explore. These trails with ample daylight time and milder conditions provide the best way to take full advantage.
However, hiking can result in unexpected weather conditions even in these ideal months in higher altitudes. Snow on higher altitudes is to be expected even in the months leading up to mid-May.
For Visiting Caves
The Katla ice cave provides a surreal experience between mid-November and early March, usually falling in Winter. However, if you still wish to experience the ice caves during summer, head to the Perlan in Reykjavík; which offers visitors to experience an artificial ice cave.
However, visitors can also opt to visit and traverse the Second Largest Glacier for those who make it in winter. Langjökull and go through an artificial tunnel into the depths of the glacier with the “Into The Glacier Experience.”
Pointers
Temperatures can fall as low as -30celcius in some parts of Northern Iceland and the months of December. February is particularly cold, and it is hence advisable to carry proper thermal gear.
Auroras are the best places to visit between February to March and September to October; this time is particularly around the Equinoxes. For those planning to visit Iceland for photography purposes; it may be good to know that late November through January could be troublesome as there is very little daytime.
During June and July, daylight timings extend and can cause trouble for some to fall asleep. As the body adjusts to the constant Arctic light, it is advisable to carry an eye mask.
Road trips are advised to be undertaken on vehicles with 4WD. Smaller minor roads are usually closed between September to June, especially around the mountains. Between February and March, Orcas are the Best Time to Visit Iceland and on special tours. The photography excursions are looking to experience these spectacles.
