The weather is a part of the island nation's charm. A few minutes can turn a sunny day into a day of waiting on the side of the road for a snowstorm. I prefer to think of it as an opportunity to fully experience the Land of Ice and Fire, rather than seeing it as a vacation bummer.
I have learned to appreciate Iceland during all its seasons and wild weather patterns, and figured out the best itineraries for all situations, thanks to my interest in the country.
You can find the best times to visit Iceland based on a number of factors.
If you don't care about weather-specific activities, I recommend taking advantage of the shoulder seasons in the spring and fall when crowds are thin and accommodations are cheaper. Cheap flights can be found during these times as well.
We've recently seen prices under $300 for flights between Boston and Reykjavik on a low-cost airline called Play.
There are great fall, winter and spring deals on flights.
In terms of value, it is a good idea to visit in the spring when the flights are cheaper and the weather is nicer. You might get more value if you pay a bit more.
In the off months of March, April, September and October, you can take in the sights without being surrounded by other people. Travelers don't take the risk since the weather is more unpredictable.
In the winter months of December, January and February, you can go to Iceland if you don't like the weather. The crowds are kept at bay by the extremely short days and cold weather.
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There are many festivals to keep in mind when planning your trip to Iceland. The Secret Solstice in June and the four-day rock and metal festival, Eistnaflug, are two examples of music festivals.
The LungA Art Festival is in July and there is a film festival in October.
If you have done your research on the sagas, you should travel on the first Friday after January 19th. The mid-winter festival brings locals and travelers together to eat strange foods from the past.
The summer solstice takes place over June 21. The bonfire celebrations go late into the night after a long day.
There are many mistakes you don't want to make inIceland.
It can be difficult to spot any kind of wildlife during the winter season. The best time to spot whales is in the spring and fall. There are lots of whale watching tours on the Reykjavk Harbor that will take you to the best locations.
The best time to see the most adorable bird in the world, the puffin-spotting, is in the spring and summer.
The largest colony of puffins in the world is located on the Westman Islands. A local guide will show you the history of the islands and give you a tour of some of the local hot spots.
There are 7 things to do inIceland.
Millions of birds call the cliffs home, including razorbills and northern gannets, and the Ltrabjarg cliffs are a great place to see them.
There are two animals you will see no matter where you go. Horse rides across the countryside have become a popular bucket list item for the animal, while wool textiles are a huge part of the country's retail market and exports.
The best time to hike in Iceland is in the summer. If you want to get away from the crowds, you can hire a private guide who will take you to lesser-known hikes in the highlands.
Despite the blowing winds and heavy precipitation, there are hiking trails that are open during the winter. If you do the research, you can find hiking in almost any part of the year. There are a lot of opportunities to take a stroll around the major attractions, from the waterfalls along Route 1 in the south to the Bakirkja church, which sits on a lava field.
Do you want to hike through the Highlands or some of the harder terrain in the north? If you want to travel in June, July or August, plan your trip. Do you like glacier walking? You can find a tour company to take you to some of the prettiest spots. It depends on the weather forecast for the day.
The views make cycling the ring road worthwhile. It's a good idea to plan your trip during the summer months. It's easy to bike long into the night during this season because the sun stays up all day. If you really want to sleep, you should use your eye mask.
It is possible to drive around the country during any time of the year, but you will have different weather to worry about. You have to decide if you want a leisurely, sunny road trip or if you just want to get from point A to point B. Over and over again, you will be thanked by yourself.
If you want a road trip, go during the summertime when the sun is shining. If you book your road trip in July, you won't regret it.
If you don't mind driving through hail, snow, blizzards, torrential downpours and a blip of sunlight all in the span of a few hours, you can do it in Iceland. The country will shut down the roads if they are not usable. You won't be able to go to the highland region during the winter.
The destination is so special due to the fact that there are only a few things that can be done during certain times of the year. It is possible to relax in a hot spring throughout the year.
If you plan on hiking this summer, you will get the most out of it. You can get access to the multi-colored landscapes of Laugavegur if the weather is better.
You can get close to the electric blue glaciers in the winter. Glacier hikes and ice caves are popular during the winter.
If you want to visit during the winter, the ice caves are a must. A trained guide is needed to visit them. The melting pattern can be unpredictable and extremely dangerous, so don't visit on your own.
Northern lights spotting is one of the only wintertime activities. During the months of September and April, when the nights are long, you have a better chance of seeing the northern lights.
There are some things in the country that can only be experienced during a certain time of the year. Make a list of your priorities. The caves are covered in ice. During the winter, you will need to visit. Do you want to go hiking in the highlands? That makes it harder to find travel options.
You will be treated to the country's unparalleled beauty, exciting outdoor activities and majestic wildlife no matter where you go.