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© Pavel Svoboda / Dollar Photo Club

Best time to visit

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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

mid-May–September Activity

Secluded and calm waterways full of wildlife are an excellent location for paddlers

Secret Lagoon

October–April Activity

An alternative to a celebrated Blue Lagoon, less advertised but equally enjoyable

Golden Circle

June–August (better weather) | September–May (low season) Nature

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

Snæfellsnes Peninsula

mid-May–September Nature

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

May–mid-September Activity

A sea angling trip means a 100% fishing success and delicious fresh fish barbecue on board

Glacier Walking

all year round Activity

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

all year round Activity

The curious shapes of Leidarendi are the result of millennial volcanic activity

New Year's Bonfires

December 31–January 1 Event

Experience the traditional Icelandic way of welcoming the New Year

New Year's Eve in Iceland

December 31 Event

Raise a glass to the future at the sight of glittering Reykjavik

Inside Thrihnukagigur Volcano Tour

May 15–October 15 Nature

A trip to Iceland wouldn't be full without exploring a dormant volcano from inside

Brimketill (Troll Pool)

June–August Nature

Witness this lava rock natural wonder sitting on the coast, west of the town Grindavík

Menningarnótt

August 24, 2024 Event

One of the most popular events that brin​gs thousands of Icelanders to the capital of the country

Fresh Lamb Meat

September–mid-December Food

An Icelandic tradition that makes the lamb taste extraordinary

Illuminated Gravestones

late December & New Year's Day Activity

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

mid-April–August Nature

Watch million cute birds fly around beautiful Icelandic fjords and islands

Þorramatur

mid-January–mid-February Food

An old custom left behind the Norse pagan tradition, but still interesting and luscious

Bolludagur

February 16 Food

The Bun Day is a fun holiday representing a family tradition and includes yummy delicacies

Midnight Sun

June–July Nature

One of Icelandic natural phenomena that will certainly take your breath away

Beer Day

February 28–March 1 Event

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

February 1–4, 2024 Event

An amazing event that, besides the Northern Lights, brightens up the Icelandic sky

Northern Lights in Iceland

September–mid-April Nature

A rare and spectacular show with colors ranging from blue to green is one of the leading reasons to visit Iceland

Twelfth Night

January 6 Event

Light up the bonfires and dance all night!

Wild Salmon and Trout

May–September Food

These two kinds of fish are very popular among the Icelanders and definitely a “must try”

Kerid Crater Lake

May–October Nature

An unusual caldera lake stuns with its beauty

Reykjadalur Hot Springs

all year round (best in June–August) Activity

Enjoy a thermal bath in the middle of the mountains

Christmas Markets in Reykjavik

mid-November–late December Event

Reykjavik Christmas markets draw the attention of many tourists thanks to their fairytale atmosphere

Iceland Airwaves

November 7–9, 2024 Event

Experience a fusion of genres at one of the world's northernmost music festivals

Reykjavik Marathon

August 23, 2025 Event

Menningarnótt, or culture night, kicks off with an exciting 42-kilometer pre-game event

Imagine Peace Tower

October 9–December 8 | December 21–December 31 | February 18 | March 20–March 27 Event

A beacon of hope, John Lennon's memorial lights up the sky several times a year

Icelandic National Day

June 17 Event

Reykjavik celebrates Iceland's independence with parades, concerts, and festive carnivals

Lava Show

all year round Event

Witness the power of lava up close at this one-of-a-kind exhibit

Krýsuvík

all year round Nature

This magical site showcases the true geothermal wonders of Iceland's volcanic landscape

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