Iceland: when to go?
océanique subpolaire climate
Iceland enjoys a surprisingly mild subarctic oceanic climate thanks to the Gulf Stream. Contrary to common assumptions, temperatures remain moderate throughout the year, ranging between -1°C in winter and 13°C in summer. The country experiences two distinct seasons: a long, windy winter from November to March with only 4-5 hours of daylight in December, and a short but bright summer from June to August with nearly 20 hours of daily sunlight. Autumn and spring serve as rapid transitions. Precipitation is frequent but rarely intense, alternating between rain and snow depending on altitude and season. For your trip, prioritize June to August to enjoy passable roads, blooming lupines, and puffins. Winter offers its northern lights but limits travel. Weather changes rapidly: prepare for all conditions in a single day!
- Best period
- June to August
- Good alternatives
- March to May, September to November
- Windy winter
- December to February
Year-round overview
Select a month to plan your trip
Climate in numbers
Monthly temperatures and precipitation
Temperature (°C)
Precipitation (mm)
Find your best time to go
Select your traveler profile to discover the best months to travel
0Plan your trip
Answer 3 questions to receive personalized recommendations
1When would you like to travel?
2How long is your trip?
3What type of trip are you looking for?
Are you hesitant between several periods?
A local expert can tell you which region to prioritize based on your dates and build an itinerary tailored to your wishes.
Climate zones
Climate varies by region. Discover the unique characteristics of each zone.
Iceland's general climate
UnfavorableSubpolar oceanic climate influenced by the Gulf Stream and Atlantic winds. The central highlands are colder and snow-cov...
The South and the Golden Circle
FairThe Central Highlands
Not recommendedThe fjords of the west
UnfavorableThe North and Lake Mývatn
FairThe Reykjanes Peninsula
FairMonth by month
Find detailed climate information for each month of the year.
Temperature
-14° — 3°C
Precipitation
79 mm
Average temperature
-0.1°C
Rating
Average
By climate zone
Northern lights possible but only 4 hours of daylight. Difficult roads to the interior.
Temperature
-14° — 3°C
Precipitation
70 mm
Average temperature
0.1°C
Rating
Average
By climate zone
Best month for Northern Lights. Days still short but increasing daylight.
Temperature
-12° — 4°C
Precipitation
68 mm
Average temperature
0.2°C
Rating
Average
By climate zone
Spring transition. Ice caves still accessible but roads improving.
Temperature
-8° — 7°C
Precipitation
50 mm
Average temperature
0.6°C
Rating
Fair
By climate zone
Snowmelt underway. Puffins beginning to return to the coasts.
Temperature
-3° — 10°C
Precipitation
40 mm
Average temperature
1.2°C
Rating
Good
By climate zone
Lupins are beginning to bloom. Highlands roads still closed but Ring Road is passable.
Temperature
2° — 13°C
Precipitation
44 mm
Average temperature
1.7°C
Rating
Ideal
By climate zone
Lupine and puffin season. Up to 21 hours of daylight, F roads open.
Temperature
5° — 15°C
Precipitation
50 mm
Average temperature
2°C
Rating
Ideal
By climate zone
Hottest month. All roads accessible, Reykjavik festival.
Temperature
4° — 14°C
Precipitation
59 mm
Average temperature
1.8°C
Rating
Ideal
By climate zone
Still excellent to visit. Puffins leave at the end of August, first storms arrive.
Temperature
0° — 11°C
Precipitation
70 mm
Average temperature
1.2°C
Rating
Good
By climate zone
Northern lights are visible again. F roads are closing progressively.
Temperature
-4° — 7°C
Precipitation
82 mm
Average temperature
0.7°C
Rating
Average
By climate zone
Frequent storms. Good period for northern lights but unpredictable weather.
Temperature
-9° — 4°C
Precipitation
83 mm
Average temperature
0.2°C
Rating
Average
By climate zone
Very short days but excellent northern lights. Ice caves reopen.
Temperature
-13° — 3°C
Precipitation
85 mm
Average temperature
0°C
Rating
Average
By climate zone
Only 4 hours of daylight. Northern lights but challenging travel conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Everything about the climate and the best time to visit Iceland
The best months to visit Iceland are June, July, August. This period offers favourable weather and ideal conditions for exploring the country at its best.
Yes, the oceanic climate in Iceland is known for its variability: all 4 seasons can occur in a single day. Average temperature 5.2°C. Packing layered clothing and a waterproof jacket is essential, regardless of the season.
Rainfall is distributed throughout the year in Iceland, but the wettest and windiest months are December, January, February. Summer (June, July, August) remains the most stable, though showers cannot be ruled out.
If Iceland is located at northern latitudes, yes: the Northern Lights are visible between September and March, during clear nights. The best conditions are in the middle of winter, with patience and a bit of luck.
Summer (June, July, August) offers the best conditions for hiking, with long days and mild temperatures. Spring and autumn are also beautiful, but with more unpredictable weather.
If your travel dates don't match the ideal season in Iceland, the Nomadays network brings together more than 100 local agencies worldwide. Get in touch to find out which destination would be ideal for your dates.
Let's imagine your trip
to Iceland
Every journey is unique. Tell us your wishes and receive a personalized proposal within 24 hours, with no obligation.
Response within 24 hours — No commitment — 100% free quote
We use cookies to improve your experience and measure our site's audience. You can choose what you accept. Learn more.