
What is High Season in Iceland?
The most popular time to visit Iceland is during the high season, which runs from May to August. During this period, the weather is ideal, and you can experience the longest days in Iceland with 24 hours of daylight.
The summer season is also the busiest and most expensive, so planning your trip well in advance is essential to save money on hotels and flights. Shoulder seasons offer the best of both worlds, with fewer crowds and more affordable prices for accommodation and tours.
May to August
The summer months (June to August) are the most popular times of year to visit Iceland. The weather is excellent, with long days of sunlight suitable for sightseeing, hiking, whale watching, and other outdoor activities. It is the best time to take a roadtrip through Iceland.
However, this is also the most crowded time of year in Iceland, and planning your trip to get the most out of your time there is essential. The country’s famous attractions, such as the Blue Lagoon and the Golden Circle, will likely be busy, and accommodation throughout the country can be booked several months in advance.
To avoid crowds, visit during the shoulder seasons of May and June or September and October. These are less crowded but offer good weather and the chance to see the Northern Lights.
Winter is also an excellent time to visit Iceland, especially for photographers who want to capture the stunning natural light and dramatic snowy landscapes. You’ll find ice caves open for tours between mid-November and early March, and it’s also a great time to go mushroom and berry-picking in the countryside.
You may even see the Northern Lights in winter. The lights appear as shafts of green, orange, and sometimes blue light in the sky, which makes for a spectacular sight to behold.
April to June
Iceland’s high season is from mid-June through August, when the days are long, and the sun never sets. It’s an excellent time to visit if you want to enjoy the Midnight Sun but expect higher prices and difficulty finding accommodations.
It’s also a great time to see the Northern Lights, but be aware that this depends on how dark it is and the strength of the Aurora Borealis. Therefore, it’s best to plan your trip during the shoulder seasons of May, September, and early October for optimal weather, lower crowds, and cheaper hotel, flight, and tour rates.
In addition to its spectacular natural beauty, Iceland has several cultural events and festivals. The festivities include food, music, and cultural events throughout the country.
In Reykjavik, the city’s long-running art festival runs over 16 days starting in mid-May, with a wide range of national and international art, design, dance, and theater on offer. You’ll also find several other art exhibitions in towns and villages nationwide.
September to November
The weather is best in Iceland during summer, from June to August, when it’s warm enough to go hiking and whale watching. But these are also the busiest times to visit.
During the high season, hotels and tours book up months in advance. So it’s best to make reservations early to avoid the crowds.
If you prefer a quieter time, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons of April or September. It is an excellent alternative to summer, offering longer days, fewer crowds, and lower prices on accommodation, flights, and car rentals.
Winter in Iceland is also an excellent time for sightseeing and adventure travel, including skiing, backcountry skiing, glacier snowmobiling, and touring. You’ll get better odds of seeing the Northern Lights if you visit during this period, and the long nights and dark landscapes are particularly magical.
December is another popular time to visit, as it brings a festive atmosphere and traditional celebrations, such as Christmas markets and concerts. You’ll also find plenty of fireworks, bonfires, and New Year’s Eve parties in Reykjavik.
December to February
If you want longer days, fewer crowds, and more excellent weather, visit Iceland during the high season. But be prepared for a surge of tourists.
During the summer months, June to August, the sun never fully sets, providing ample daylight for outdoor adventures and activities. Unfortunately, during this time, the country’s most popular attractions, such as the Golden Circle and South Coast, are crowded with visitors, and prices and availability can be limited.
Conversely, winter is an excellent time to explore Iceland’s natural wonders, like glaciers and waterfalls. It is also a great time to see the Northern Lights.
In addition to the Northern Lights, you’ll be able to enjoy long winter sunsets and sunrises with a stunning golden glow over Iceland’s dramatic landscapes. It’s also the best time to take epic photographs.
Packaging thermal clothing during the winter is a good idea, especially in the north, where temperatures can plummet to -10degC. Wind chill can make apparent temperatures feel even colder, so pack a coat and gloves.
Shoulder season (May, September, and early October): This is an excellent time to visit Iceland, but expect to experience more tourist crowds than in the high season. Shoulder seasons are also the most reasonable travel time, as airfare and accommodation rates are generally lower during this period.