Best time to visit Iceland
Best time of year to visit Iceland
The best time to visit Iceland runs from June to September, although you can get all four seasons in a day. A bit crowded and pricey, the summer period is considered to be the best for visiting waterfalls, exploring Golden Circle, and watching puffins and whales. This is the season to witness midnight sun and lupin blooming, just book in advance. Shoulder season in May and September sees thinner tourist crowds and lower flight costs. Winters on the land of ice are great if you pack layers: Northern Lights will mesmerize you, Blue Lagoon will warm you up, and the Þorramatur foods will nourish your body. Most of the mountain roads remain closed between September and June, so if you plan to rent a car, you will have to consider the 4x4 drive.
32 THINGS TO DO IN ICELAND (JUNE 21 - JUNE 30)
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
See one of the greatest wonders of nature, formed as a result of global warming
Waterfalls
With over 10,000 waterfalls, Iceland literally overflows with torrents and rapids
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
Millennial work of melting glacier water combined with authentic Icelandic solitude makes for one of the world's most fascinating natural landscapes
Midnight Sun
One of Icelandic natural phenomena that will certainly take your breath away
Golden Circle
Follow the legendary trail in the southwest of Iceland and you will see massive waterfalls, shooting geysers, and separating tectonic plates
Lupin Blooming
These beautiful purple flowers bloom all over Iceland providing spectacular views wherever you go
Atlantic Puffins
Watch million cute birds fly around beautiful Icelandic fjords and islands
Whale Watching
A tour of whale watching is fantastic because you can both enjoy sailing and see the whales in their natural habitat
Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck
The wreck lies solitary on vast, cold black sand beach, waiting for occasional visitors
South of Iceland
Every corner of this country is beautiful in its own way, but its southern tip is blessed with a true collection of landmarks definitely not to be missed
Snorkelling and Diving in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge
Do you feel like diving between the continents? Iceland offers a quite adventurous underwater experience
Glacier Walking
The very name of the country implies this is the land of ice, and you can't leave it without ice walking experience
Inside Thrihnukagigur Volcano Tour
A trip to Iceland wouldn't be full without exploring a dormant volcano from inside
F-Roads
These mountain roads in the highlands of Iceland bring danger and adventure, making it one of experiences you will never forget
Glacier Snowmobiling
A good alternative to explore Icelandic Glaciers—more speedy than ice walking
Myvatn Nature Baths
Don't neglect a chance to take an open-air hot bath after hiking chilly Iceland
Landmannalaugar
Experience Icelandic highlands famous for astounding and breathtaking untouched nature
Quad Biking (ATV Tours)
A great way to combine Icelandic nature with sightseeing and get a bump of adrenaline
Wild Salmon and Trout
These two kinds of fish are very popular among the Icelanders and definitely a “must try”
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
The wonders of Snæfellsnes Peninsula once inspired Jules Verne to write his famous science fiction novel. May your visit be that fruitful too!
Lobster Season
Fresh fish, lobsters and reasonable prices is what makes the lobster season so great
Hveradalir in Kerlingarfjöll
Discover the odd red mountain landscapes of Kerlingarfjöll with boiling hot springs and glacial rivers
Caving in Leiðarendi Lava Tube
The curious shapes of Leidarendi are the result of millennial volcanic activity
Reykjadalur Hot Springs
Enjoy a thermal bath in the middle of the mountains
Gullfoss Canyon Rafting
The twisting journey from Langjökull Glacier to the South Coast is as thrilling as it is picturesque
Stargazing
Iceland's night sky will impress you with its sheer number of amazing stars
Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool
One of the oldest swimming pools in Iceland
Kerid Crater Lake
An unusual caldera lake stuns with its beauty
Fjord Kayaking
Secluded and calm waterways full of wildlife are an excellent location for paddlers
Brimketill (Troll Pool)
Witness this lava rock natural wonder sitting on the coast, west of the town Grindavík
Cycling
The "land of ice and fire" can be observed the best from the saddle of your bike
Sea Angling
A sea angling trip means a 100% fishing success and delicious fresh fish barbecue on board
24 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE
Northern Lights
out of rangeA rare and spectacular show with colors ranging from blue to green is one of the leading reasons to visit Iceland
Glacier Ice Caves
out of rangeThese ice caves will make you wonder if you are in Snow Queen’s kingdom
Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa
out of rangeWarm up in thermal waters during cold winter days
Réttir
out of rangeThe Big Round-Up. An event that takes place in the countryside and, as unusual as it sounds, includes sheep and romance
Laufskálarétt
out of rangeWatch a great celebration of local communities, when hundreds of wild horses return to farm homes in the fall
Secret Lagoon
out of rangeAn alternative to a celebrated Blue Lagoon, less advertised but equally enjoyable
Westman Islands Camping Festival (Þjóðhátíð)
out of rangeA great festival that mixes music, drinking, eating and a little romance
Winter Lights Festival
out of rangeAn amazing event that, besides the Northern Lights, brights up the Icelandic sky
Menningarnótt
out of rangeOne of the most popular events that brings thousands of Icelanders to the capital of the country
Fresh Lamb Meat
out of rangeAn Icelandic tradition that makes the lamb taste extraordinary
Illuminated Gravestones
out of rangeYou won't see much difference between the day and night, as it will be freezing all the time. But there is a light at the end of a tunnel, oops, sorry, of a cemetry
Orca (Killer) Whale Watching
out of rangeNever seen a majestic killer whale? Now is your high time to do it
Twelfth Night
out of rangeLight up the bonfires and dance all night!
New Year's Bonfires
out of rangeExperience the traditional Icelandic way of welcoming the New Year
Christmas Markets in Reykjavik
out of rangeReykjavik Christmas markets draw the attention of many tourists thanks to their fairytale atmosphere
New Year's Eve in Iceland
out of rangeRaise a glass to the future at the sight of glittering Reykjavik
Wild Berries Season
out of rangeThere is not a more lovely way to spend your summer day in Iceland than picking berries with the locals
Þorramatur
out of rangeAn old custom left behind the Norse pagan tradition, but still interesting and luscious
Iceland Winter Games
on holdAn open competition for all skiing and snowboarding lovers is a great opportunity to have fun and compete at the same time
Christmas Smoked Lamb
out of rangeAnother lamb specialty on Iceland, maybe even better that the fresh lamb
Slátur
out of rangeA specific and unusual Icelandic dish, but most certainly worth trying
Beer Day
out of rangeThere's a thing called the Beer Day in numerous countries around the world, but the Icelandic one has an interesting story behind it
Surfing
out of rangeIceland has it all for the average to experience surfer with its arctic kinds of breaks and pointbreaks
Bolludagur
out of rangeThe Bun Day is a fun holiday representing a family tradition and includes yummy delicacies
