Best Time to Visit Iceland: Month by Month Guide for 2025

When Should You Visit Iceland?

Iceland is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends entirely on what you want to experience. Whether you are chasing the Northern Lights, midnight sun, or simply want the best weather for a road trip, each season offers something completely different. Understanding the trade-offs will help you plan the trip of a lifetime.

Summer: June to August

Summer is peak season in Iceland, and for good reason. For a deeper look at what each summer month offers, see our complete summer guide. The midnight sun means nearly 24 hours of daylight, giving you maximum time to explore. Temperatures hover between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius, which is as warm as Iceland gets. The Highland roads (F-roads) open up, making remote interior areas accessible for the first time each year.

This is the best window for the full Ring Road circuit. All major attractions are accessible, puffins nest along the coastlines — including the famous colony at Vik — and the landscape bursts with lupins and wildflowers. The downside is that popular spots like the Golden Circle and South Coast can feel crowded, and accommodation prices peak.

Shoulder Seasons: April to May and September to October

The shoulder months offer a brilliant compromise. In April and May, snow begins to melt, waterfalls swell with glacial runoff, and you can still catch the Northern Lights in early April. Prices drop significantly compared to summer, and you will have many attractions nearly to yourself.

September and October bring autumn colours to the Icelandic landscape, shorter days, and the return of Northern Lights season. Our autumn guide covers why these months are Iceland's best-kept secret. The weather becomes more unpredictable, but the dramatic skies make for extraordinary photography. Most attractions remain accessible, though some Highland roads close by mid-September.

Winter: November to March

Winter in Iceland is magical but demands preparation. Days are short, with only four to five hours of daylight in December. However, this is prime Northern Lights season, and the landscapes transform into something otherworldly under snow and ice. Ice cave tours inside glaciers are only available during winter months. For a live aurora forecast tailored to Iceland's regions, check williseeaurora.com each evening before heading out.

Driving conditions can be challenging, with ice, snow, and sudden storms. A 4x4 vehicle is essential, and you should always check road conditions at road.is before setting out. If you prefer not to hire a car, our guide to public transport in Iceland covers bus networks, ferries, and domestic flights. The trade-off is worth it for many travellers, as winter Iceland feels raw, powerful, and deeply authentic.

Month by Month Breakdown

January and February

The coldest months, but ice caves are at their best. Northern Lights are frequent on clear nights. Expect around five to six hours of daylight. Roads in the north can be impassable, so the South Coast and Reykjavik area are your safest options.

March

Days lengthen rapidly, and you get a mix of winter scenery with improving conditions. Still excellent for Northern Lights. A great month for those who want winter atmosphere without the extreme darkness of midwinter.

April

Spring arrives slowly. Snow lingers in the highlands, but lowland roads are generally clear. Northern Lights season ends around mid-April as nights become too bright. Whale watching season begins in Husavik.

May

One of the best months to visit. Crowds have not arrived yet, prices are reasonable, and the days are long. Puffins begin arriving at coastal cliffs. The landscape shifts from brown and grey to green almost overnight.

June

The midnight sun peaks around the summer solstice on June 21st. This is the brightest and often driest month. Highland roads typically open in late June. Perfect for photography and long driving days.

July

The warmest month on average. All roads are open, all tours are running, and the country is at its most accessible. Book accommodation well in advance, as this is the busiest period.

August

Still warm and bright, but nights start to darken. This is actually the best month for spotting Northern Lights returning while still enjoying long days. Crowds begin thinning after mid-August.

September

Autumn colours appear, especially in the east and around Myvatn. Northern Lights become reliable again. Some Highland roads close, but the Ring Road remains fully accessible.

October

Days shorten noticeably. First snowfalls dust the mountains. Excellent Northern Lights viewing. Accommodation prices drop. A wonderful month for those who prefer solitude and drama.

November and December

Full winter mode. Short days, long nights, and the festive atmosphere in Reykjavik. Ice cave season begins in November. Book Northern Lights tours for maximum chances, as tour operators know the best conditions.