Iceland is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning natural landscapes, hot springs, northern lights, and vibrant culture. However, Iceland can be more difficult to navigate during certain times of the year when the weather is at its worst. If you’re planning a trip to Iceland, it’s helpful to know the worst times to visit to ensure your vacation goes smoothly. Here is an overview of the least ideal times to travel to Iceland along with tips for making the most out of your trip whenever you decide to go.
June to August – Peak Tourist and Prices Season
The summer months of June through August are typically the most popular time for tourists to visit Iceland. The weather is at its mildest, with average highs around 55°F and daylight lasting up to 21 hours at the height of summer. While the long sunny days present ample sightseeing opportunities, this peak tourist season does have its downsides.
Crowds at Popular Attractions
Expect the most popular natural attractions like Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir, black sand beaches, and the Golden Circle sightseeing route to be very crowded with tour buses and visitors during summer. Visiting iconic places often means waiting in long lines and jostling for space to take that perfect photo.
Peak Prices
Increased demand for hotels and summer activities also means peak prices, making Iceland a very expensive destination in summer. Getting good rates at hotels can be tough without booking well in advance. Even Airbnbs and holiday rentals can be pricier during these popular months.
Difficult Hiking Conditions
The interior highland trails and famous Laugavegur hiking trail tend to still be covered in snow or muddy from meltwater, making summer one of the more difficult seasons for trekking.
November to March – Winter Cold and Darkness
The winter months tend to deter all but the heartiest travelers, as the weather is at its coldest and darkest during this frigid season.
Frigid Temperatures
Average high temperatures from November to March range from the mid-30s to low 40s Fahrenheit. However, brutally cold winds sweeping across the island and abundant precipitation make it feel even chillier most days. Without proper warm cold weather gear, the bone-chilling Icelandic winter can be downright miserable.
Extreme Darkness
Due to Iceland’s northerly location, the sunlight hours are very limited in the winter. The farther north you travel, the darker it gets, with some parts only getting 4 hours of daylight or less around the winter solstice. Lack of sunlight can make winter travel rather gloomy.
Winter Storms
Frequent snowstorms, strong winds, sleet, freezing rain, and run-of-the-mill rainy weather often plague Iceland from November onward. Stormy weather can persist for days, causing road closures and disrupted travel plans.
Travel Difficulties
Icy roads, reduced visibility, and flight delays/cancellations caused by storms can make winter travel more challenging. Most highland roads completely close through winter as well. While the darkness, cold and solitude has its appeals for some, winter is generally not ideal for sightseeing.
September & October – Fall Storms and Unpredictable Weather
Iceland’s fall shoulder season is known for being volatile in terms of weather shifts. While you may still have a decent shot at seeing the Northern Lights as they return, you may also encounter challenging weather.
Frequent Rainfall
The autumn months tend to be Iceland’s rainiest season, so having quality raingear is a must. It’s not uncommon to deal with rather gloomy, wet weather for days on end with little chance to enjoy nice sunny intervals between rainfall.
High Winds
Strong winds frequently pummel Iceland in the fall, which can feel excessively cold when combined with chilly temperatures, rain and cloud cover. Gusty winds may cause difficulties when trying to open car doors, or even blow you off balance if you’re not careful!
Dramatic Weather Shifts
While you could have a mild sunny day in the 50s one afternoon, a raging blizzard could roll in overnight with rapidly plunging temperatures. Icelandic weather is already quite mercurial, but fall takes this up a notch with dramatic weather changes.
Unpleasant Hiking Conditions
Hiking trails often devolve into muddy, slippery messes come fall with the combination of autumn rains and snowmelt. Landscapes look dreary and dull if shrouded in fog and clouds frequently. Rivers used to ford during summer hiking season also become impassably high from precipitation.
How to Make the Most of a Trip During Iceland’s Off-Season
While clearly there are ideal and not-so-ideal times to visit Iceland, there are still ways to have an enjoyable trip no matter what the weather throws at you:
Book Lodging Strategically
To avoid getting stuck driving long distances in terrible weather, carefully plot out lodging locations in advance based on your planned route and pace of travel across regions.
Plan Flexible Itineraries
Having alternate activities that work for foul or fair weather will allow you to adjust your plans seamlessly. Save indoor attractions like museums for stormy days.
Invest in Quality Gear
Windproof and waterproof layers, winter boots, thermal baselayers—proper equipment tailored to Icelandic conditions makes all the difference in bad weather.
Seek Local Guidance
Connect with Icelandic guides who understand volatile weather patterns intimately and follow their lead on altering plans safely.
Embrace the Adventure
Braving less idyllic conditions means less crowds at top destinations. Let go of expectations and enjoy the unique adventure of travelling in Iceland during trickier weather!
The Bottom Line
While Iceland does have periodic off seasons that see the worst weather, visiting at these times also comes with some advantages if you plan accordingly for conditions. You may enjoy cheaper prices, smaller crowds, and a uniquely thrilling Icelandic adventure during stormier stints. With flexibility and the right mentality, you can discover incredible beauty across Iceland regardless of the fickle weather.