When's the Best Time to Visit Iceland?
Iceland, the magical island of fire, ice, and woolly jumpers, has distinct seasons, but is an enchanting place to visit all year round. In the mild summer, you can sightsee from morning until night, as the sun never really sets between late May and July.
In winter you can expect around 4-5 hours of daylight, but with the added bonus of being able to spot the Northern Light dance across the sky after dark. The shoulder seasons (which bridge the peak and off-peak times) are a great time to score a deal, and autumn offers a packed cultural calendar.
The weather can be unpredictable and you can often encounter all four seasons in one day so pack layers, waterproofs, hiking boots, and swimming gear (the thermal pools stay open come rain, shine, or snow).
Spring: Score a bargain before the summer crowds hit the island. Temperatures vary from 1 to 9°C between March and May and popular activities include whale watching, fishing and golf.
Summer: The average temperature is around 13°C. In June and July the sun rises just after 3am and sets between 11:30pm and midnight. Expect to see crowds throughout the peak summer months.
Autumn: September marks the start of the Northern Lights season and the autumnal colours can provide a stunning backdrop to Iceland's otherworldly landscapes. Top cultural events including the Airwaves music festival take place between September and November.
Winter: Temperatures hover around 1°C and you'll find snow on the ground in many places (the snow-covered lava fields are a spectacular sight). In January, the sun rises at around 11:30am and sets just before 4pm. Popular winter activities include Northern Lights-spotting, snowmobiling, and skiing.
Find deals to Iceland, or check our hotels in Europe, and our Europe city break deals.
This post was written by guest blogger Rachel Erdos