Climate Iceland in June — July
It probably won’t come as a shock to learn that the summer is prime season for traveling to countries with plenty of outdoor attractions. This is true worldwide, but in Iceland it is extremely pronounced. Summer is the best season to visit a nation noted for its cold weather and brisk winds. Weather like this is ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, even though “warm” in Iceland is “moderate” elsewhere. In the summer, when the roads are open, hikers have easier access to paths that were previously closed for the winter. The months of June and July are prime time for seeing marine mammals including humpback whales, minke whales, blue whales, and even dolphins. As an added bonus, summer has almost 24 hours of daylight, which is great (unless you’re trying to sleep, in which case, it’s not so great).
Climate Iceland in September — October
The Blue Lagoon and other well-known public hot springs in Iceland are accessible and pleasurable at any time of year, but the early autumn is the best time to see the country’s many hidden springs. To escape the crowds and make the most of your time at Iceland’s hundreds of little hot springs that are directly tied to the continents’ underground geothermal activity, plan your trip during spring. The popular Blue Lagoon, and the even more recent Sky Lagoon, are at their least relaxing and most crowded in the summer and winter, respectively.
Climate Iceland in October — March
When trying to see the northern lights, darkness is your best bet. Although your chances of viewing the lights are low at any time of year, winter is your best bet. During these months, the sun sets earlier and the sky are darker than at any other time of year. Perhaps it seems illogical to go on a vacation to Iceland in the winter, when there is less time for sightseeing due to the shorter days. Even so, it will be well worth it to see the northern lights over Iceland’s already breathtaking scenery. Be careful to dress in layers.
Climate Iceland in June — September
Good weather usually ushers in festival time. Travel to Iceland between June and September to see the country’s stunning natural landscapes and unique culture. The Icelandic National Day is the biggest party of the year. Icelanders commemorate their freedom from the Danish every June with parades, music, and a reading of traditional poetry.
There is also a festival honoring the longest day of the year, the Secret Solstice Festival, which takes place in June. The celebration continues far into the morning as many remain up to see the midnight sun. As would be expected, tonight is one of the craziest times to go out in Iceland.
Icelanders celebrate Pride in August, with most of the festivities concentrated in the nation’s capital, Reykjavik. Weeklong celebrations including parades, costume contests, workshops, and talks. The greatest parade of Pride Week takes place on the Saturday, and the whole city is decorated in rainbow colors for the occasion.
Climate Iceland in November — February
Travel to Iceland in the winter if you don’t care about creature comforts and want to see the country at its most raw and unforgiving. The “genuine” Iceland, some may say, is the Iceland found away from the crowds rather than by renting a vehicle and driving the Ring Road and stopping at every waterfall along the way. Put on your crampons and visit Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon in the winter. Hiking on the sparkling ice with views of the snow-covered countryside will give you a feeling of adventure that you can’t get from sitting in a vehicle. Get off the beaten path and into the real Iceland on a snowmobile. Rarely visited by tourists, Iceland’s highlands provide some of the country’s most breathtaking scenery, including the unparalleled thrill of speeding through ice fields and lakes against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains.