Iceland in April: Spring Arrives, Crowds Have Not

April in Iceland is the month where everything starts to shift. Winter loosens its grip, daylight stretches past 16 hours by month’s end, snow begins to melt along the south coast, and the first puffins arrive on the cliffs. Meanwhile, the summer tourist surge has not yet begun, prices remain reasonable, and you can explore many of the major sights without competing for space.

The trade-off: April is a transition month. Weather is unpredictable, highland roads are still closed, and not every tour or activity is running yet. But for travellers who like to catch a destination between seasons, April is one of the smartest months to visit Iceland.

This guide covers everything you need to plan an April trip: weather, daylight, what to do, driving conditions, costs, northern lights chances, and what to pack.

Weather and Temperatures

April weather in Iceland is a mix of late winter and early spring, and it can change dramatically from one day to the next. Here is what to expect:

Reykjavik and the south coast:

  • Average temperatures: 1°C to 7°C (34°F to 45°F)
  • Milder days up to 10°C are increasingly common, especially in the second half of the month
  • Rain, sleet, and occasional snow are all possible. April can deliver all four seasons in a single day

The north (Akureyri, Myvatn):

  • Average temperatures: -2°C to 4°C (28°F to 39°F)
  • Snow cover is still common, especially in the first half of April
  • Late April starts to feel noticeably warmer

Wind: Still a factor, though April generally brings fewer intense storms than the deep winter months. The south coast remains the windiest area. Always check vedur.is before heading out.

The key thing about April weather: Early April often still feels like winter, particularly in the north. Late April, especially in the south, feels like early spring. Snow on the mountains, green starting to appear in the lowlands, waterfalls running at full power from the snowmelt. The transformation through the month is dramatic.

Daylight Hours

This is where April gets exciting. After months of short winter days, daylight is increasing fast:

  • April 1st: Sunrise around 6:50, sunset around 20:30. About 13.5 hours of daylight
  • April 15th: Sunrise around 6:00, sunset around 21:15. About 15 hours of daylight
  • April 30th: Sunrise around 5:15, sunset around 22:00. About 16.5 hours of daylight

By late April, you have nearly 17 hours of usable light. That is enough to cover serious ground on a road trip without rushing. The twilight hours extend even further, so true darkness only lasts a few hours in early April and barely exists by the end of the month.

Northern Lights: Last Chance

April marks the end of northern lights season in Iceland. The increasing daylight means the window for spotting them shrinks rapidly through the month:

  • Early April (1st to 10th): Still a reasonable chance on clear nights, especially after 10pm. Not peak season, but auroras are still active
  • Mid-April (10th to 20th): Possible but increasingly difficult. The sky does not get fully dark until late at night
  • Late April (20th to 30th): Very unlikely. The sky is too bright. The midnight sun is approaching

If northern lights are a priority, visit in early April and hope for clear skies. If you see them, it will feel like a bonus rather than a guarantee. For dedicated aurora chasing, our northern lights guide covers the best months, locations, and how to read the forecast.

What to Do in April

Outdoor Adventures

Waterfalls at their best: April snowmelt sends enormous volumes of water over Iceland’s famous falls. Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss on the south coast are spectacular. Dettifoss in the north, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, is thundering.

The Golden Circle: The classic route is fully accessible in April and far less crowded than summer. Thingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss are all open. The landscape may still have patches of snow, which makes the scenery even more striking. See our Golden Circle self-drive guide.

Glacier walks and ice caves: Glacier hikes on Vatnajokull and Solheimajokull run throughout April. Natural ice caves are typically closed by April (they form in winter and become unstable as temperatures rise), but check with tour operators as some may still offer cave tours in early April.

Whale watching: Whale watching season begins picking up in April, particularly from Husavik in the north and Reykjavik harbour. Humpback whales, minke whales, and dolphins are increasingly active as the ocean warms.

Hiking: Lower-elevation trails along the south coast and Reykjanes Peninsula are generally walkable in April. Higher trails and anything in the highlands will still be snow-covered and inaccessible. The Westfjords are still largely in winter mode.

Geothermal Bathing

Hot springs and geothermal spas are perfect in April. The air is cool enough to make the hot water feel incredible, but not so cold that walking between pools is miserable.

  • Blue Lagoon: Open year-round. Less crowded in April than summer. See our Blue Lagoon guide
  • Sky Lagoon: Ocean views from Reykjavik
  • Myvatn Nature Baths: Open and uncrowded. The northern landscape may still have snow
  • Public swimming pools: Every town has one. This is how Icelanders start their day, year-round

For the complete list, see our best hot springs guide.

Wildlife

Puffins arrive: This is one of the highlights of an April visit. Atlantic puffins begin returning to their breeding colonies in mid-April. The first arrivals land at Dyrholaey, the Westman Islands, Latrabjarg, and Borgarfjordur Eystri. You may see them from the cliffs at Vik, though peak puffin season is June and July. See our puffin season guide.

Seabirds: Other seabird species also start arriving in April. The cliffs come alive with razorbills, guillemots, and fulmars.

Seals: Harbour seals are visible on the Vatnsnes Peninsula and along the south coast year-round, but spring is a good time to spot them.

Horses: Icelandic horses are out in the fields, often with new foals in late April. The countryside is beautiful for a riding tour.

Culture and Events

Easter: Iceland celebrates Easter over four days (Thursday through Monday). Many Icelanders travel domestically over the long weekend. Shops and services may have limited hours from Thursday through Monday. Popular destinations can be busier than usual over Easter weekend. If your visit overlaps, book accommodation early.

First Day of Summer (Sumardagurinn fyrsti): Iceland officially celebrates the first day of summer on the first Thursday after April 18th. Despite often still being cold, this holiday goes back centuries and marks the end of winter in the old Icelandic calendar. Expect parades and events in Reykjavik and other towns.

Reykjavik cultural scene: Museums, galleries, restaurants, and the music scene are all active without the summer crowds. It is a good time to explore the city at a local pace.

Driving Conditions

Route 1 (Ring Road): The entire Ring Road is generally passable in April, though sections in the north and east may still have ice and snow, particularly in the first half of the month. Check road.is every morning.

South and west Iceland: Roads are usually clear by April. The Golden Circle, south coast to Vik, and Snaefellsnes Peninsula are all drivable.

North Iceland: More variable. The mountain passes between Akureyri and other areas may have snow. The Dalvik-Olafsfjordur tunnel route is reliable year-round.

F-roads and highlands: Closed. F-roads typically do not open until late June or July, depending on conditions. Do not attempt them. See our driving guide for full details on road types.

Vehicle choice: A 4x4 is strongly recommended in early April, even if you are sticking to Route 1. Ice patches, unexpected snow, and gravel roads are all possible. By late April, a 2WD is adequate for the south and west in good conditions, but a 4x4 gives you more flexibility and peace of mind.

For comprehensive driving advice, see our complete driving guide and winter driving guide.

Costs and Budget

April is a shoulder season, which means prices are lower than summer but starting to climb:

Flights: Generally cheaper than June through August. Look for deals from European hubs. Direct flights from North America may have limited schedules this early in the season.

Accommodation:

  • Budget (hostels, guesthouses): 8,000 to 15,000 ISK per night ($58 to $110)
  • Mid-range (hotels, Airbnb): 20,000 to 35,000 ISK per night ($146 to $256)
  • Luxury: 50,000+ ISK per night ($365+)

Prices are noticeably lower than peak summer, especially in the first half of April. Easter weekend is an exception, when domestic travel pushes up prices in popular areas.

Car rental: More availability and lower prices than summer. A compact car starts around 8,000 to 12,000 ISK per day. A 4x4 runs 15,000 to 25,000 ISK per day. Book early for the best rates. See our car rental guide.

Food and activities: Same year-round. Budget 3,000 to 5,000 ISK for a casual restaurant meal, 6,000 to 10,000 ISK for a nicer dinner. Tours run 10,000 to 30,000 ISK depending on the activity.

For a detailed daily budget breakdown, see our Iceland budget guide.

What to Pack

April requires layering. You need to be ready for cold mornings, mild afternoons, rain, wind, and possibly sunshine, all in the same day.

Essentials:

  • Waterproof outer layer (jacket and trousers). This is the most important item. April rain is frequent
  • Warm mid-layer (fleece or down jacket)
  • Thermal base layers for colder days, especially early April
  • Waterproof hiking boots with good grip. Trails can be muddy, icy, or wet
  • Warm hat, gloves, and a buff or scarf. Mornings and evenings are cold
  • Sunglasses. The spring sun reflecting off snow and water is bright

Nice to have:

  • Swimsuit (for hot springs and pools, you will use this)
  • Sunscreen. UV reflection off snow at higher elevations can surprise you
  • Camera with extra batteries (cold drains batteries faster)
  • Reusable water bottle. Icelandic tap water is excellent

For the full packing list by season, see our what to pack guide.

Is April Right for Your Trip?

April is perfect if:

  • You want fewer crowds and lower prices than summer
  • Long daylight hours are important to you (up to 16.5 hours by month’s end)
  • You want a chance at seeing northern lights AND spring wildlife
  • The Golden Circle, south coast, and Reykjavik are your main focus
  • You enjoy shoulder-season travel where the experience feels less packaged

April might not be ideal if:

  • The highlands and F-roads are on your wish list (they will be closed)
  • Peak puffin viewing is a priority (June/July is better)
  • You want guaranteed warm weather (it will be cold, especially early April)
  • You are planning a full Ring Road trip (the north may still have challenging conditions)

Sample 5-Day April Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at Keflavik. Pick up rental car. Drive the Reykjanes Peninsula or visit the Blue Lagoon. Check into Reykjavik.

Day 2: Golden Circle day trip. Thingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss. Stop at the Secret Lagoon on the way back if time allows.

Day 3: South coast drive. Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, Vik’s black sand beaches, Reynisfjara. Overnight in Vik or further east.

Day 4: Diamond Beach and Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Glacier walk tour. Drive back towards Reykjavik (or overnight near Vik).

Day 5: Morning in Reykjavik. Museums, cafes, shopping on Laugavegur. Afternoon visit to Sky Lagoon. Depart.

For a more detailed road trip plan with exact timing and restaurant recommendations, the Iceland Blueprint covers two complete itineraries including a 7-day south coast route and a 10-day Ring Road circuit.