Best time to travel to Iceland

Golden Circle in Iceland

Follow the legendary trail in the southwest of Iceland and you will see massive waterfalls, shooting geysers, and separating tectonic plates

Best time: June–August (better weather) | September–May (low season)

Golden Circle
Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is the most popular route in Iceland that encompasses the best of its southwest. You'll discover such iconic landmarks as Thingvellir or Pingvellir (Þingvellir) National Park, Geysir Area, and Gullfoss Falls. Thingvellir is the point of continental divide—North American and Eurasian tectonic plates drift apart, a few centimetres each year. Geysir Area will impress you with a variety of big and small geysers. The most stunning one is Strokkur—every eight minutes it shoots a boiling fountain, 30 meters high.

Everyone going to Iceland must have heard of well-known Gullfoss Falls (Golden Falls), still seeing them in life is way more impressive than reading about them or even watching them in a video. It looks as if the Earth has opened up into a huge hole and gave way to this massive flow of water that gushes in all possible directions.

The tour is available all year round. The high season due to warmer and more stable weather is summer (June to August). The low season has its benefits too—you can find cheaper rental costs and other discounts. But be prepared to experience four different seasons in a single day.

Practical info

When is the best time to go to Iceland for the Golden Circle?

If visiting the Golden Circle in Iceland, it is best to go during the summer months from June to August when the weather is stable and warm. The low season from September to May can also be an option, as it offers several advantages such as discounts on rentals and tours. However, any time of year, the Icelandic weather can be unpredictable. Show more

What are the top attractions on the Golden Circle route?

The Golden Circle in southwestern Iceland includes three significant attractions: Thingvellir (Þingvellir), where the North American and Eurasian plates separate; the Geysir Area, home to geysers, including the famous Strokkur; and Gullfoss Falls, offering a mesmerizing view of massive waterfalls flowing in all directions. Show more

What is the difference between high season and low season for the Golden Circle?

High season for the Golden Circle is from June to August, offering more favorable weather conditions. However, it can be a bit more crowded, making rentals and tickets more expensive. Low season is from September to May, offering discounts on tours and rentals, but prepare for the cold weather. Also, daylight hours will be shorter, and weather conditions may be unpredictable. Show more

Where can I find discounts on the Golden Circle tour?

To find discounts on the Golden Circle tour, look online during the low season (September to May), when tourism decreases, leading to lower prices for tours and rentals. Online travel agencies such as those offering combo tours that include the Golden Circle and other Icelandic highlights are an excellent option to save money. Show more

When is the best time to see Strokkur geyser in action?

Strokkur, the famous geyser in Iceland, erupts approximately every eight minutes throughout the year, making it possible to witness its force at any time. However, beware of the wind on windy days, as this can make the water jet hard to see. Although the eruption does not change depending on the time of year, in summer, certain weather conditions can make Strokkur a better sight to behold. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin