When to go to Iceland
Driving on a lava road in Iceland during summertime. Photo: Craig Nelson
Contrary to its name, Iceland never gets too cold to visit. In fact, even winters are fairly mild. The biggest difference between summer and winter is the amount of light (or lack of) that you’ll enjoy. From June through August, the tourist season is in full swing, and the Midnight Sun means there’s daylight 24/7.
August also sees a number of festivals that are worth attending but might make it hard to find a cheap hotel room. Mark your calendar for the Reykjavik Pride festival that features a big parade and performances, Reykjavik Culture Night that attracts over 100,000 participants with free art exhibitions and concerts, and the Reykjavik Jazz Festival with bands from across the globe.
Note: This article is part of our budget travel guide to Iceland.
If you have your heart set on glimpsing the Northern Lights, fall is a good time to visit. However, note that several cultural festivals, like the Iceland Airwaves music festival and the Reykjavik Film Festival, may make it hard to find a cheap hotel room. See a full schedule of the major events to plan your accommodations ahead of time.
Reykjavik is fun to visit during December with festive Christmas markets and ice skating, while New Year’s brings plenty of celebrations and fireworks late into the night. Winters can be spectacular (especially if you like snow) but be prepared for dark days with only about four hours of light in January and February.
Our guide to budget travel in Iceland
Read more in our guide to saving in Iceland:
About the author
