Iceland in November-March

Despite the country's name and its position just south of the Arctic Circle, Iceland is not an icy wasteland during the winter months. In fact, the average temperature hovers around 31 degrees Fahrenheit—comparable to winter in New York City. However, dark skies and driving winds can make it feel colder, and passing blizzards can make the roads treacherous. It's essential to be prepared during a wintertime trip to Iceland, with thermal gear, waterproof outwear, and plenty of layers.

With daylight confined to a few hours during the middle of the day, winter visitors have less time to admire Iceland's renowned scenery—but plenty of time to search the night skies for the northern lights.

Holidays & Events

• Early November: Iceland Airwaves, a five-day annual music festival, showcases popular music and rising stars in venues around Reykjavik.
• December 25: Christmas
• First weekend in February: Winter Lights Festival. Every February, Reykjavik is illuminated with colorful displays of light, meant to symbolize the growing sunlight hours.

Must See

The northern lights draw visitors to Iceland from around the world, and they are easier to spot during the long nights of winter. All it takes is patience and clear skies—the notoriously fickle aurora are liable to appear at any time and fade just as quickly. Aurora forecasts can be found online, and many local hotels will wake sleeping guests during particularly vibrant displays.

Iceland in April-May

As spring arrives in Iceland, experienced travelers come too, hoping to beat the summer crowds. The days lengthen and snow thaws across the country's vast interior. In the south, flowers begin to bloom as migrating birds—like the famous puffin— touch down on coastal cliffs. Occasional snowstorms pass by even in April, but their impact is minimal and short-lived, as warmer temperatures and mild sunshine melt any lingering snowdrifts. Throughout the spring, daylight hours are long enough to allow plenty of exploring in Iceland's stunning landscapes—but not too long to prevent sightings of the northern lights.

Holidays & Events

• April: Blues legends from both sides of the Atlantic come to perform at the annual Reykjavik Blues Festival.
• First Thursday after April 18: Iceland celebrates their own "official" first day of summer with a public holiday.

Must See

Early May kicks off whale-watching season in the northern Iceland community of Dalvík. Enormous humpback whales, minke whales, even orcas and blue whales enter the nearby fjord, situated at the edge of the Arctic Circle, during the busy May feeding season. Many whale-watching excursions witness playful breaching and fluking, when the whales display their unique tails just before diving.

Iceland in June-August

With 20 or more hours of daylight each day during the summer months, Iceland becomes a magical playground for all-day adventuring. Although the northern lights are invisible during this bright season, dramatic landscapes including fjords, glaciers, lava fields, and serrated peaks more than make up for it. Although it rarely gets hot in Iceland, summertime is mild—with the exception of passing storms that bring wind and rain. Water- and wind-proof layers are a good idea, as well as an eye mask for the twilit sleeping hours.

All summer, tour buses deposit crowds at Iceland's most popular attractions, but the vast natural landscapes make room for more adventurous travelers to get off the beaten path and into a world of serene quietude.

Holidays & Events

• June: Every other year, the Reykjavik Arts Festival brings classic and contemporary artwork from all disciplines to Iceland, where it is displayed—or performed—in unconventional venues.
• June 17: Icelandic Independence Day
• Second or third weekend in August: Danish Days. The residents of Stykkisholmur celebrate the town's heritage as a Danish trading post every summer.
• First or second Saturday in August: The Great Fish Day. Every August, the town of Dalvík hosts a public seafood buffet to show off their fishermen's wares.
• Mid-August: Culture Night. With the slogan "Come on in!" residents of Reykjavik invite visitors and each other to experience Icelandic hospitality and enjoy a diverse offering of cultural events.

Must See

Visitors from further south will appreciate the experience of long summer days—with the sun rising at 3 a.m. and setting after midnight for several days in mid-June. With such long days, summer is a good time to enjoy just about anything in Iceland, but glacier hikes, puffin-spotting, and whale-watching are especially enjoyable during this mild time of year.

Iceland in September-October

Fall in Iceland provides a preview of the long winter months to come, with rain, wind, and temperatures occasionally dropping toward 30 degrees Fahrenheit—but overall it remains mild and closer to 50 degrees. The Ring Road, which circumnavigates the country, remains open and allows visitors to see the entire island before winter weather closes in. Autumn foliage splashes the hillsides with color, brightening an already-beautiful landscape. The nights grow longer, with opportunities to spot the northern lights when the weather is clear. And across the country, summer crowds have departed, leaving natural landmarks and cultural attractions more peaceful. Locals often go berry-picking in the countryside, and then turn their wild berries into jams, cakes, juices, and wines.

Holidays & Events

• Late September: Reykjavik International Film Festival (RIFF). Every September for eleven days, RIFF showcases independent dramas and documentary films from around the world.
• Throughout September and early October: Every fall, Iceland's farmers and shepherds venture out into the country to round up their sheep in a traditional called réttir. Family, friends, and visitors are more than welcome to participate, especially during the post-round-up celebration. For a few weeks following réttir, roast lamb dishes are prevalent in Iceland's restaurants.

Must See

As the nights lengthen, the northern lights become more visible across Iceland when the sky is clear. October is the last chance to tour the Westman Islands' volcanoes and to cruise the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon by boat—an unforgettable chance to glide past the glowing blue icebergs up-close.