Many people ask the question “when is the best time to vacation in Iceland?” And the answer to this question isn’t clear cut due to length of day, weather conditions and temperature being so variable throughout the year. Like some countries, Iceland has four seasons. Plus, because Iceland’s latitude makes it harder to predict weather conditions here. Therefore, you’re going to need a plan before booking your vacation.
Iceland is a country known for its breathtaking landscapes, amazing Viking culture and friendly people. Having an adventure in Iceland is simply incredible, but what to do or where to go? These are two common questions people ask when planning a trip to Iceland. Of course, there is no one correct answer for this question. Each traveler knows their own level of endurance and there are those who enjoy walking in the moss and chilly weather, while others prefer cuddling with the soft sandy beach. With a variety of activities available in Iceland, you can have different experiences according to your moods. Here are some ideas for those who plan to go on a short vacation to Iceland in the year 2017.
Vacationing in Iceland isn’t a vacation. It’s an adventure — or at least it should be. And, like any adventure, it gives you an opportunity to prove your strengths and overcome your weaknesses. That’s why it’s important to properly plan your trip; put in the necessary research so that you can experience everything this island out in the middle of nowhere has to offer without having to worry about accommodations, travel time, weather conditions, and everything else you would normally have to worry about when planning a vacation.
The best time to vacation in Iceland is during the summer. In the summer, you can explore the country’s most popular attractions, such as the Blue Lagoon, which is a geothermal spa located in Grindavik. You can also visit Reykjavik and take a tour of Harpa Concert Hall, which is one of the most famous landmarks in Iceland.
Another great place to visit during this time of year is Thingvellir National Park. This park has many geysers and hot springs, so you can go hiking through them or even swim in some of them. You can also rent a car and drive around some of Iceland’s other interesting sites like Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir geothermal area.
The best time to visit Iceland is between May and September. The weather is good, the days are long, and you’ll have plenty of daylight to enjoy all of Iceland’s natural wonders.
Iceland’s summertime lasts from June to August, which means that you’ll also get plenty of opportunities to see the northern lights. If you’re into winter sports, this is also the best time to go—but remember that if you’re planning on doing any snowmobiling or skiing, your best bet will be a trip in December or January!
Iceland: the land of ice and fire, Viking folklore, pristine scenery and let’s not forget the Northern Lights.
Are you planning to visit Iceland? You should be.
I’ve just returned from my fourth trip to Iceland, and to be frank, it was nothing short of incredible. I wanted to go to Iceland for-e-ver (no joke, it was on the first bucket list I made when I was seven. Yes, I was a pretentious child. And no, nothing has changed since) and now I just can’t stop going back.
This spectacular country draws visitors to its otherworldly landscapes year round – if you are considering booking a ticket, just do it. You won’t regret it
Sounds great right? But you want to know when the best time of year to travel to Iceland is. This guide has everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip.
When is the Best Time to Visit Iceland?
The best time of year to travel to Iceland is during the shoulder season in May and September.
Why is this the Best Time of Year to Visit Iceland?
May and September are the best time of year to go to Iceland because they offer lower prices and fewer crowds but without the harsh weather conditions found in the winter.
Many people worry about whether Iceland is expensive. The answer is yes, but travelling in the shoulder season helps to reduce the cost.
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Most of the museums and attractions that close during the winter months are open during May and September, so you’re less restricted than in the winter months when it comes to visiting these too.
The weather can still be a bit breezy and it can snow in the country’s interior. Mountain access is more limited than in the summer months.
However, when you weigh this against the lower number of visitors and cheaper prices, I think it’s worth the (small) sacrifice.
The Best Time to visit Iceland: May vs September
If May and September are the best times of year to visit Iceland, there are still a few distinct differences between them. Here are some of the things you should consider when you’re choosing between them.
Want Longer Daylight Hours For Your Iceland Trip? Visit Iceland in May.
You will hear a lot about the midnight sun during the peak summer season, but you still get a lot of daylight hours during May and September.
In May you get between 16-20 hours of daylight. I’m figuring that even the very best of you guys need to sleep, so this is plenty of time to get out and see the bigger attractions (such as those in the Golden Circle, Reynisfjara or Jokulsarlon Diamond Lagoon ) early in the morning or later in the evening when there doesn’t tend to be any crowds.
May is also one of the best times to go for a road trip in Iceland, thanks to a combination of long daylight hours and clearer roads.
Tip: Go to attractions early in the morning or during the evening/ night during May’s longer days for fewer crowds.
In September the days are shorter, with between 14-11 hours of daylight (the daylight hours decrease significantly during the month).
Want to See the Northern Lights? Visit Iceland in September
May’s long daylight hours means that the Northern Lights are a no-no. The sky never really gets dark enough to see the aurora borealis in action.
If you want to time your visit for the best time to see the northern lights in Iceland, but want to avoid the cold and sometimes tough conditions of visiting Iceland in the winter, go during September.
It’s not clear why, but the lights are often strongest during the spring and autumn equinoxes. Plus you don’t have to deal with the freezing temperatures of the winter months.
Want to maximise your chances of seeing the phenomena? Stay in one of Iceland’s Northern Lights hotels.
Read more: When is the Best Time to See the Northern Lights?
Want to Go Whale Watching? Go in May or September
September also happens to be a good month to go whale watching: it’s a good time to see orcas.
Want to See Lots of Birdlife? Go in May
Late May is a good time to see bird life, but birds start to migrate to Iceland earlier in the month, so your chances of bird-spotting are pretty high throughout the whole month.
During my visit in early May, many of the migratory birds had already started to arrive in Iceland. Seabirds nested in rugged cliffs made for some great spotting opportunities.
We even had a chance to see Arctic Terns. Did you know they migrate from the Antarctic to the Arctic and back again every year? It’s one of the farthest annual bird migrations at a whopping minimum distance of 12,000 miles.
Puffins are best seen from mid-May to mid August. You’ll want to plump for May over September if you want to maximise your chance of viewing them.
Want to go Horse Riding? Go in May or September
Iceland is famous for its cute, stocky and rather small horses (warning: don’t talk about their size to their face, it’s a touchy subject. Oh and for heaven’s sake, don’t you dare call them ponies).
Exploring Iceland on horseback is the adventure of a lifetime – you can easily arrange multi-day horse treks in different parts of the country.
May and September are both good times to go as the weather is cool enough to make longer rides a pleasant experience.