Best time to visit
A bucket-list tourist destination, Reykjavik offers numerous attractions throughout the year, with summer being the high season. From May through July, balmy temperatures, averaging around 50-54°F (10-13°C), and extended daylight of the midnight sun offer an ideal setting for a Reykjavik vacation. However, the city gets expensive and more crowded during this time of the year. If you'd like to save some money and avoid the hustle and bustle, the best time to visit Reykjavik is between September and May. Though colder, these months offer a great chance to witness the northern lights, visible from late September until late April. Reykjavík museums, including the National Museum of Iceland, welcome visitors year-round to learn about the Icelandic past way of life, while geothermal baths and pools are the perfect spot to unwind after a long flight. Regardless of the season, Iceland's capital also hosts a diverse range of events, from music festivals to marathons and cultural celebrations.
Rove.me spoke to the representatives of the city's tourism organization, Visit Reykjavík. Marketing Manager Íris María Stefánsdóttir shared with us the organization's recommendations on the best time to visit, "It depends on what you are looking for during your visit in Reykjavík, as Reykjavík is truly a destination for all seasons. Travelers flock to Reykjavík throughout the year, each season offering its unique charm and attractions. Summer is ideal for exploring the stunning natural scenery, including waterfalls and volcanic landscapes. The experience of enjoying Reykjavík's nightlife under the midnight sun is truly unforgettable. Reykjavík is also an excellent base for whale watching. It's an exhilarating experience that adds to the charm of Reykjavík, regardless of the time of year.
However, it's important to note that the summer season is the high season, making it the most expensive time to visit. To avoid the crowds and higher costs, visitors are encouraged to explore Iceland in the off-season, from September to May. During these months, the weather can be more variable, but the city’s beauty remains just as captivating.
Winter showcases the city’s dramatic beauty in a completely different light. The shorter days and longer nights provide perfect conditions for witnessing the mesmerizing Northern Lights. These dancing auroras are one of Iceland's most sought-after natural phenomena. Visible from late September to early April, the best months to see the Northern Lights are typically from October to March. Spring and autumn are equally captivating, offering a blend of experiences. In spring, the city landscape bursts into life with blooming wildflowers and migrating birds, while autumn features vibrant foliage and the return of the Northern Lights as the nights grow longer.
No matter the season, Reykjavík offers a wealth of activities that can be enjoyed year-round. The city's many museums, such as the National Museum of Iceland and the Reykjavík Art Museum, provide deep insights into Icelandic culture and history. For those looking to relax, Reykjavík's numerous geothermal pools, including the newly famous Sky Lagoon and the city's own Laugardalslaug, offer soothing retreats in any weather. Indoor attractions like the Lava Show, which simulates a volcanic eruption, and FlyOver Iceland, an immersive flight experience, provide exciting and educational entertainment for visitors of all ages. Additionally, the city's thriving café culture, eclectic shops, and vibrant art scene ensure that there's always something to do, regardless of the season or weather. Whether exploring the outdoors or indulging in Reykjavík's many indoor offerings, visitors will find that Reykjavík has something to offer every time of year."
32 things to do in Reykjavik
Fjord Kayaking
Secluded and calm waterways full of wildlife are an excellent location for paddlers
Secret Lagoon
An alternative to a celebrated Blue Lagoon, less advertised but equally enjoyable
Golden Circle
Follow the legendary trail in the southwest of Iceland and you will see massive waterfalls, shooting geysers, and separating tectonic plates
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!
Sea Angling
A sea angling trip means a 100% fishing success and delicious fresh fish barbecue on board
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
Caving in Leiðarendi Lava Tube
The curious shapes of Leidarendi are the result of millennial volcanic activity
New Year's Bonfires
Experience the traditional Icelandic way of welcoming the New Year
New Year's Eve in Iceland
Raise a glass to the future at the sight of glittering Reykjavik
Inside Thrihnukagigur Volcano Tour
A trip to Iceland wouldn't be full without exploring a dormant volcano from inside
Brimketill (Troll Pool)
Witness this lava rock natural wonder sitting on the coast, west of the town Grindavík
Menningarnótt
One of the most popular events that brings thousands of Icelanders to the capital of the country
Fresh Lamb Meat
An Icelandic tradition that makes the lamb taste extraordinary
Illuminated Gravestones
You 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
Atlantic Puffins
Watch million cute birds fly around beautiful Icelandic fjords and islands
Þorramatur
An old custom left behind the Norse pagan tradition, but still interesting and luscious
Bolludagur
The Bun Day is a fun holiday representing a family tradition and includes yummy delicacies
Midnight Sun
One of Icelandic natural phenomena that will certainly take your breath away
Beer Day
There's a thing called the Beer Day in numerous countries around the world, but the Icelandic one has an interesting story behind it
Winter Lights Festival
An amazing event that, besides the Northern Lights, brightens up the Icelandic sky
Northern Lights in Iceland
A rare and spectacular show with colors ranging from blue to green is one of the leading reasons to visit Iceland
Wild Salmon and Trout
These two kinds of fish are very popular among the Icelanders and definitely a “must try”
Reykjadalur Hot Springs
Enjoy a thermal bath in the middle of the mountains
Christmas Markets in Reykjavik
Reykjavik Christmas markets draw the attention of many tourists thanks to their fairytale atmosphere
Iceland Airwaves
Experience a fusion of genres at one of the world's northernmost music festivals
Reykjavik Marathon
Menningarnótt, or culture night, kicks off with an exciting 42-kilometer pre-game event
Imagine Peace Tower
A beacon of hope, John Lennon's memorial lights up the sky several times a year
Icelandic National Day
Reykjavik celebrates Iceland's independence with parades, concerts, and festive carnivals
Krýsuvík
This magical site showcases the true geothermal wonders of Iceland's volcanic landscape