Best time to visit Iceland
The best time to visit Iceland is summer, from June to August, when temperatures are mildest, daylight stretches nearly around the clock and the whole ring road and highlands are open. It's never truly warm — pack layers year-round. Winter (October to March) is cold, dark and stormier, but it's the season for the northern lights and ice caves.
The short answer
The best time to visit Iceland is May, June, July and August — the months with the most comfortable temperatures and the lowest rainfall of the year. The month-by-month table below shows why, and links each month to a full packing list.
Iceland weather & when to go, month by month
| Month | High | Low | Wet days | When to go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3°C / 37°F | -2°C / 28°F | 13 | Off-season |
| February | 3°C / 37°F | -2°C / 28°F | 12 | Shoulder |
| March | 4°C / 39°F | -1°C / 30°F | 14 | Shoulder |
| April | 6°C / 43°F | 1°C / 34°F | 12 | Shoulder |
| May | 10°C / 50°F | 4°C / 39°F | 11 | Best |
| June | 12°C / 54°F | 7°C / 45°F | 11 | Best |
| July | 14°C / 57°F | 9°C / 48°F | 12 | Best |
| August | 13°C / 55°F | 8°C / 46°F | 13 | Best |
| September | 11°C / 52°F | 6°C / 43°F | 14 | Shoulder |
| October | 7°C / 45°F | 3°C / 37°F | 15 | Shoulder |
| November | 4°C / 39°F | 0°C / 32°F | 14 | Off-season |
| December | 3°C / 37°F | -1°C / 30°F | 14 | Off-season |
Best months in detail
- Iceland in May: daytime highs around 10°C (50°F), nights near 4°C (39°F), and some rain (about 11 wet days).
- Iceland in June: daytime highs around 12°C (54°F), nights near 7°C (45°F), and some rain (about 11 wet days).
- Iceland in July: daytime highs around 14°C (57°F), nights near 9°C (48°F), and some rain (about 12 wet days).
- Iceland in August: daytime highs around 13°C (55°F), nights near 8°C (46°F), and frequent rain (about 13 wet days).
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