Iceland in March: Weather, Northern Lights and What to Do

March is the month where Iceland starts to turn. Winter is still very much present, especially in the north, but daylight is growing fast, the worst of the cold is easing, and the first signs of spring appear along the south coast. You get the best of both worlds: winter landscapes and northern lights combined with enough daylight and improving conditions to explore comfortably.

For many travellers, March hits the sweet spot between the deep darkness of midwinter and the crowds and high prices of summer. This guide covers everything you need to plan a March trip: weather, daylight, northern lights, driving, activities, costs and what to pack.

Weather and Temperatures

March weather in Iceland is changeable but improving. Here is the breakdown:

Reykjavík and the south coast:

Average temperatures: -2°C to 5°C (28°F to 41°F)
Milder days are more common as the month progresses
Rain, sleet and snow are all possible, sometimes on the same day

The north (Akureyri, Mývatn):

Average temperatures: -4°C to 2°C (25°F to 36°F)
More consistent snow and colder conditions than the south
Late March starts to warm noticeably

The key thing about March weather: It is a transition month. Early March feels like winter. Late March starts to feel like spring, particularly in the south. The first half of the month brings more storms; the second half tends to be calmer with longer stretches of clear weather.

Wind: Still a major factor. Atlantic storms can hit hard, especially in the first two weeks. Check vedur.is every morning for wind warnings and forecasts. Between storms, March delivers some of the crispest, clearest days of the year.

Daylight Hours

This is where March really shines. Daylight increases dramatically:

March 1st: Sunrise around 8:40, sunset around 18:50. About 10 hours of daylight
March 15th: Sunrise around 7:50, sunset around 19:30. About 11.5 hours of daylight
March 31st: Sunrise around 7:00, sunset around 20:10. About 13 hours of daylight

You gain roughly 6 minutes of daylight every day through March. By the end of the month, you have nearly as much daylight as a typical winter day in southern Europe. That is plenty of time for full days of sightseeing, with the bonus of golden-hour light at the low sun angles that make Iceland's landscapes look incredible in photographs.

Northern Lights

March is the last reliably good month for northern lights before the nights become too bright. Here is the situation:

Early to mid-March: Excellent conditions. You still have 12 to 14 hours of darkness, plenty of window to catch the aurora. Statistically, March has more clear nights than the heavy overcast months of autumn.

Late March: Still possible but increasingly difficult. By the last week, true darkness (when the sky is dark enough for aurora viewing) does not begin until around 22:00 and ends before 04:00. The window shrinks, but strong displays are still visible.

Where to look:

Anywhere away from Reykjavík's light pollution
Þingvellir National Park: easy access, dark skies, dramatic landscape
Snæfellsnes Peninsula: Kirkjufell with aurora overhead is a classic shot
Vík and the south coast: if the skies are clear
Check the aurora forecast at vedur.is/vedur/spaer/nordurljosaspa

Tip: If northern lights are a priority, visit in the first half of March rather than the second half. You get longer dark hours and a better chance of clear skies.

For a complete aurora guide, see our northern lights article.

What to Do in March

March opens up more of Iceland than the deep winter months while still offering winter-exclusive activities.

Ice Cave Tours (Last Chance)

March is typically the last month for glacier ice cave tours inside Vatnajökull. As temperatures rise, the caves become unstable and tours stop (usually by mid to late March, depending on conditions). If ice caves are on your list, early March is your best bet. Book ahead because these fill up fast.

For more on caves, see our caves guide.

Glacier Walks

Glacier walks on Sólheimajökull and Svínafellsjökull run year-round. March conditions are good, often with fresh snow on the glacier and clear views. Tours provide all equipment (crampons, ice axes, helmets). No experience required.

The Golden Circle

Þingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss are fully accessible in March. By mid-March, the roads are generally in good condition (though still potentially icy in the mornings). Gullfoss framed by snow and ice is stunning, and the crowds are a fraction of what they will be in June.

South Coast

The south coast waterfalls, Reynisfjara black sand beach, Vík and Jökulsárlón are all accessible. The drive from Reykjavík to Jökulsárlón and back is a long day (about 9 hours of driving) but manageable with March's improving daylight. Consider spreading it over two days.

For the full south coast guide, see our south coast article.

Snæfellsnes Peninsula

The peninsula is accessible in March, though the mountain passes (Útnesvegur) can still be icy or closed after storms. Check road.is before driving. On a clear day, the Snæfellsjökull glacier is visible from Reykjavík across the bay and the peninsula looks extraordinary in late-winter light.

For the full guide, see our Snæfellsnes article.

Whale Watching

Whale watching runs year-round from Reykjavík. March is particularly good for humpback whales and dolphins. Tours from Akureyri and Húsavík resume in March or April depending on the operator. Dress warmly for the boat.

Geothermal Bathing

Still peak season for hot spring experiences. The contrast between cold March air and hot geothermal water is wonderful.

Blue Lagoon: Open and less crowded than summer. See our Blue Lagoon guide
Sky Lagoon: Ocean views from Reykjavík
Krauma: Near Reykholt in west Iceland, using water from Europe's most powerful hot spring
Public pools: Every town has a geothermal swimming pool. Entry around 1,000 to 1,200 ISK

For a complete list, see our hot springs guide.

Reykjavík

March is a great month for the capital. The city is waking up after winter with longer days and more energy, but without the summer tourist crush. Restaurants, museums, galleries and the café scene are all in full swing. The nightlife on Laugavegur picks up on weekend evenings.

Events and Festivals

Beer Day (Bjórdagurinn), March 1st: Iceland banned beer from 1915 to 1989. When the ban was lifted on March 1st, 1989, Icelanders celebrated, and they have been celebrating every March 1st since. Bars and restaurants across Reykjavík mark the occasion with beer specials and events. It is a fun night out if you happen to be there.

Design March: An annual design festival in Reykjavík with exhibitions, talks and open studios across the city. Dates vary each year, usually mid-March.

Food and Fun Festival: A culinary festival where top international chefs collaborate with Reykjavík restaurants to create special menus using Icelandic ingredients. If food is important to you, this is worth timing your visit around.

Driving in March

Driving conditions in March are better than January or February but still require caution. March is a transition month for roads as well.

Essential rules:

Winter tyres are mandatory until mid-April. All rental cars have them
Check road.is before every drive
A 4WD is recommended for anything beyond the Golden Circle and south coast
Roads can be icy in the mornings and at higher elevations, even on clear days
Headlights on at all times (legally required year-round)

What is accessible:

Ring Road (Route 1): Maintained year-round. Northern and eastern sections may close briefly after storms, but closures become less frequent through March
Golden Circle: Fully accessible
South coast to Jökulsárlón: Accessible with care
Snæfellsnes Peninsula: Accessible, mountain passes conditions vary
Reykjanes Peninsula: Fully accessible

What is NOT accessible:

All highland F-roads: Closed until June or July
Interior routes (Kjölur, Sprengisandur): Closed
Some high mountain passes in the Westfjords: May still be closed or require chains

For comprehensive winter driving tips, see our winter driving guide. For car rental advice, see our car rental guide.

What to Pack

March requires winter layers, though you can pack slightly lighter than for December or January.

The essentials:

Base layer: Merino wool or synthetic thermals
Mid layer: Fleece or lightweight down jacket
Outer layer: Waterproof, windproof jacket. This is the single most important item
Trousers: Waterproof over-trousers for days out
Feet: Waterproof hiking boots with good grip. Ice grips (crampons) are useful for icy paths
Head and hands: Warm hat, buff or neck gaiter, waterproof gloves
Sunglasses: The March sun sits low and reflects off snow. You will need these

March-specific tip: Pack layers you can remove easily. March days can start at -2°C in the morning and reach 6°C by afternoon when the sun comes out. The temperature swing is more noticeable than in midwinter.

For a complete packing list, see our packing guide.

Costs and Budget

March is still shoulder season (leaning towards low season in the first half), so prices are significantly below summer peaks.

What is cheaper:

Flights: Still well below summer rates, though prices start climbing for late March
Accommodation: 20 to 40% below peak summer rates. Good availability without needing to book months ahead
Car rental: Lower than summer, especially in early March

What costs the same:

Activities: Glacier walks, ice caves, whale watching are priced year-round
Food and fuel: No seasonal variation
Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon: Same pricing all year

Budget comparison: A couple travelling mid-range in March can expect to spend roughly 30,000 to 40,000 ISK ($220 to $290) per day, compared to 40,000 to 55,000 ISK in peak summer. The savings add up quickly over a week.

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

Is March Right for You?

March is perfect if you:

Want northern lights with longer days for sightseeing (the best-of-both-worlds month)
Prefer smaller crowds and lower prices
Want to catch the last ice cave season
Enjoy the drama of a landscape transitioning from winter to spring
Are comfortable with winter driving but want milder conditions than midwinter
Time your visit for Beer Day, Design March or the Food and Fun Festival

March is not ideal if you:

Want midnight sun or 24-hour daylight (that is June and July)
Want to see puffins (they arrive in mid-April)
Want to drive the highlands or F-roads (closed until summer)
Dislike unpredictable weather (March can swing between snow and sunshine rapidly)
Want guaranteed warm weather

The honest take: March is one of the best months to visit Iceland, full stop. You get northern lights, improving weather, fast-growing daylight, winter landscapes, fewer tourists and shoulder-season prices. The only things you miss are puffins, midnight sun and highland access. If those are not priorities, March gives you an outstanding trip.

Early March vs. late March: If northern lights and ice caves are priorities, visit early March. If you prefer longer days, milder weather and spring energy, late March is better. Either way, you win.