When To Go To Iceland

Iceland is a relatively large island in the Atlantic Ocean. The nearest neighbouring country is Greenland, just 286 km (180 miles) away, followed by the Faroe Islands 420 km (260 miles), Scotland 795 km (495 miles), and Norway 950 km (590 miles).

Iceland is located near the Arctic Circle, and half the land-mass of Grímsey, an island off the North coast of Iceland, lies within the Arctic Circle. It takes approximately five hours to fly from New York to Reykjavík, and three hours from London.

Iceland is the second largest island in Europe, following Great Britain, and the 18th largest island in the world. The island itself stretches across 103,000 km2 (40,000 square miles), and is about the same size as Hungary and Portugal, or Kentucky and Virginia.

The chilliest thing about Iceland is its name! Despite its northerly location, Iceland is really more solar than polar. This is thanks to the warming effects of the Gulf Stream which provides a temperate climate year round. Icelandic weather is unusually volatile however.

The Gulf Stream brings mild Atlantic air in contact with colder Arctic air, resulting in frequent and abrupt weather shifts where you may experience four seasons in one day. The Icelanders often say, “If you don’t like the weather, just wait 15 minutes and you’ll get something different.”

Iceland does not have a rainy season, but precipitation peaks in October to February, with the southern and western parts receiving the most rainfall. The North, East and Interior experience colder winter temperatures but warmer summers, and noticeably less snow and rain.

Iceland’s most influencing weather element is the wind. The Icelandic language includes 156 words describeing wind, e.g. logn (calm), rok (gale) and fárviðri (storm), There are 4 seasons in iceland :

Ø Winter

Winters are remarkably mild with the average January temperature in Reykjavik (-0.5°C /31°F) similar to New York City or Hamburg. It is not unusual to see snow in October or April, but it rarely stays on the ground for more than a few days.

Outdoor life goes on as usual throughout winter when horseback riding, outdoor swimming and snow adventure activities take on an added element of excitement under the shimmering Northern Lights.

Iceland most popular winter tours are ‘Northern Lights Mystery‘ and ‘Northern Lights Hunt Jeep Tour‘.

Ø Spring

Spring arrives in April when temperatures begin to warm up and nature awakens from its winter rest with sprouting green grass and flowers. April and May represent spring shoulder season for savvy travelers trying to score a travel deal before the summer tourists arrive.

Fishing, whale watching and golf season begin and migratory birds return to gradually greener pastures. On the mountain slopes the last of the snow melts and the fresh scent of spring fills the air.

Iceland most popular spring tours are ‘Golden Circle Self Drive‘ and ‘Golden Circle Classic‘.

Ø Summer

Summers in Iceland can be delightfully warm plus the added bonus of the magnificent Midnight Sun which gives 24 hours of daylight and the excitement of midnight golf.  It is the height of tourist season with most hotels and guest houses operating at peak capacity.

Iceland most popular summer tours are ‘Ring Road Express‘ and ‘Inside the Volcano‘.

Ø Fall

September and October bring cooler temperatures and the beginning of Northern Lights Season while daylight hours are still normal. The cultural calendar heats up with film, art and music festivals including Reykjavik’s favorite Iceland Airwaves.

Adventure activities are in full swing and it is a great time to take advantage of fall travel deals. The season brings marvelous beauty to the moss growing on ancient lava formations giving nature sites an added splash of autumn color.

Iceland most popular fall tours are ‘South Iceland Express‘ and ‘Whale Watching from Reykjavik‘.

Ø Vatnajökull National Park

Vatnajökull National Park, established in 2008, encompasses not only all of Vatnajökull glacier but also extensive surrounding areas. These include the national parks previously existing at Skaftafell in the southwest, and Jökulsárgljúfur in the north, so that today's park covers 13% of Iceland and ranks among the largest national parks in Europe.

Ø Hvannadalshnjúkur Mountain

Iceland's highest peak is Hvannadalshnjúkur, standing 2,119 m (6,852 ft) above sea level. More than 11% of the country is covered by glaciers. Its landmass comprises glaciers (12,000 km2), lava (11,000 km2), sand (4,000 km2), water (3,000 km2), and pasture (1,000 km2).