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Learn how to easily plan your dream trip to Iceland with helpful guides and tips!

Best (And Worst) Time To Visit Iceland (Month By Month!)

February 19, 2022 //  by  Iceland Trippers //   Leave a Comment

Deciding on the best time to visit Iceland for your needs is one of the most important parts of planning an Iceland trip. If you are unsure where to start, we have made it super easy for you by explaining what you can expect month by month.

This complete guide to the months and seasons of Iceland will fully prepare you for your trip. All of the most common questions are answered, such as when to see special things like the Northern Lights, lupine flowers, and puffins.

Planning your trip to Iceland last minute?

Make sure to book your hotels and tours in Iceland in advance to ensure availability! The longer you wait, the more difficult it gets. Here are my top picks for your trip :

Top Experiences And Tours In Iceland:

• Golden Circle Full Day Tour From Reykjavik (Likely to sell out!)
• Silfra Snorkeling Tour (Includes photos + only small group)
• South Of Iceland Full Day Trip (Our pick!)
• Whale Watching In Reykjavik (On a luxury yacht)
• Northern Lights Bus Tour (Great to go with a local)
• Ice Cave Tour And Glacier Hike (Likely to sell out)

Tickets You MUST book in advance:

• Keflavik > Reykjavik Bus Airport Transfer (Skip the line!)
• Sky Lagoon Entrance Ticket (Includes 7-step spa ritual)
• Blue Lagoon Entry Ticket With Drink (Likely to sell out!)

Top picks for places to stay in Iceland:

• Hotel South Coast (Great central location)
• Grandi Reykjavik (Includes free breakfast)
• Hotel Kria (Close to black sand beach)
• Hotel Skaftafell (Mid-range price)

Iceland is amazing , but it is also a country that must be taken seriously. Winter in Iceland is beautiful, but you must plan accordingly if that is when you are planning to visit. However, even summer has its drawbacks.

Not to worry, we have all the information you need to check off all of your Iceland dreams. The best months to visit Iceland might depend a little bit on the season, but it depends the most on you!

Get a FREE printable “Hidden Gems In Iceland” E-book by joining our private  Iceland Facebook Group  and sharing your photos and asking for tips and tricks.

High and Low Seasons for Visiting Iceland

Like any popular tourist destination, Iceland has an “on” season and an “off” season. These times are otherwise referred to as high and low seasons (with the in-betweens being called shoulders).

The high season is when the majority of the tourists come to visit. This is generally due to the nice weather and ease of access. This is when most people plan their Iceland itinerary !

But just because the weather is colder in the low season does not mean you should not visit! Many people enjoy the low and shoulder seasons more because there are fewer crowds and it is cheaper, making it the best time to travel to Iceland for a lot of people.

You might be surprised to learn that there are indoor and outdoor activities for all of the seasons. Iceland is beautiful inside and out no matter when you visit.

High Season: June-August

Summer, summer, summer! This is the high season in Iceland for the obvious reasons: weather and temperature. It is undeniably the best weather to visit Iceland with much more sun and higher temperatures.

However, this is also by far the most expensive time to visit Iceland. Airfare, hotel fees, food prices–everything costs a pretty penny during the summer.

Not to mention the crowds. The high season is high season because it is when most people visit Iceland.

While the cost and the crowds are pretty big negatives, the high season has phenomenal positives as well. Especially if you are wanting to go to Iceland for the great outdoors. Most roads will be open during this time as well.

At the end of the day, it is all about your priorities. If weather and being able to spend the maximum time outside every day is your top priority, you are going to want to come to Iceland during the high season.

Shoulder Season: Sept-Oct & April-May

Shoulder seasons are the traveling industry’s best-kept secret. Okay, so it is not super-secret, but it still is not something people talk about as much as they should.

We hear about the high and low seasons all the time, but not so much about the shoulder seasons. They are the very beginning and the very ending of the classic tourism season.

This means that there are still more people than in the low season, but not the huge crowds of the high season. Prices are a little higher too, but still generally reasonable.

The best part of the shoulder season is that the weather is still reasonable. It may not be as great as the high season, but still totally tolerable!

Low Season: November-March

The low season in Iceland is during the typical winter months. For a country named after ice, Iceland’s winters are not that bad!

While there are some road closures, the country is still quite explorable and traversable during the cold months. And if you are coming to see the Northern Lights, this is the time to do it!

This is also the time to come if you are on a serious budget and need to take advantage of the low season prices. Traveling does not have to empty out your bank account.

The lack of crowds makes it the best season to visit Iceland on a budget! There are some trade-offs for coming during the off-season in Iceland, but there are some definite benefits too. This is actually our favorite time to go!

As we said above, the best time to visit Iceland depends on your Iceland priorities!

Visit Iceland in Summer if You:

-Love the idea of 24-hour sunshine.  Ah, the midnight sun–you are not alone if this is on your bucket list ! If you have dreamt of Iceland’s 24-hour daylight, the summer might be the best time for you to visit.

-Are enamored with the brilliant green of summer.  Iceland starts greening back up in the spring, but summer is the best time to visit Iceland if you want to see green everywhere.

The iconic lupine flowers bloom in June and July as well, creating swatches of purple across the landscape. If you want to photograph these flowers make sure to time your trip right.

-Want the best chance to spot whales. Whale watching is a popular tour in Iceland. The magnificent beasts can be spotted offshore from April through October, but the peak time to see them is in the summer.

In summer, more species are in the area and boat tours are less likely to get canceled because of weather.

-Plan on camping. Since the weather is calmer and less unpredictable during the summer, camping in Iceland is a better option for this season. You will have the least rainfall and less wind. This is especially good if you are tent camping.

-Are not bothered by crowds. Everyone loves the gorgeous, summer Iceland scenery. And we mean everyone . Iceland is a super crowded place in summer so keep that in mind.

If you hate crowds, you can still do alright coming in the summer. You will just want to visit the less popular places in the country. They may be less popular, but Iceland is amazing no matter where you go.

-Are totally invested in the traditional sense (read: financially).  If you are not concerned about how much your trip to Iceland is going to cost, that saves you a lot of seasonal concerns.

Iceland is stunning in the summer, and we cannot blame you for wanting to visit when everything is so vibrant.

Just keep in mind that it is already expensive to travel to Iceland, let alone during the summer. During the high season, top tourist destinations and locations charge top dollar for everything.

Visit Iceland in Winter if You:

-Want to spot the Northern Lights.  You can see the Northern Lights in the fall, but there is a caveat. You will have to stay up until around 2 am. If staying up all night is not your vibe, then winter is the best time to go to Iceland to see the Northern Lights!

In winter, there are not many daylight hours. The sun is only up from around 11 am to 3 pm. However, the increased darkness means a better chance of spotting the Northern Lights. Around midnight is the best time to spot them, but earlier or later is possible too.

-Want to visit an ice cave. The incredibly-formed ice caves are some of the best natural features in Iceland and can only be visited in the winter. Tours are lead from November to March.

-Love a good winter wonderland.  There is just something magical about the way snow completely changes Iceland’s landscape. Many people absolutely love coming to Iceland during this time of year because of this.

If you love the beauty of winter, then it is the best time to visit Iceland! Keep in mind that snow has drawbacks since some roads will be closed.

-Want to stand out from the crowd.  While a lot of people enjoy Iceland in the winter, the number of people who go is nothing compared to the summer.

If you are looking to do something a little different and unique, winter just might be the best time for your visit to Iceland. It certainly is not a bad time!

Visit Iceland in Fall if You:

-Do not like crowds but still want to see the Northern Lights.  Even though this is the off-season, it is prime viewing time for the Northern Lights.

This is because the weather is so nice! You do not have to freeze to see the Northern Lights, just come during the fall.

An extra bonus is that there are really not very many tourists during this time. Fall is the best time of the year to visit Iceland if you want to miss the crowds and do not mind coming when it is a little colder.

-Love fall colors. Iceland is not a country that is typically praised for its fall foliage, mostly because there are not many trees. However, what trees there are turn golden along with the grasses, to create a beautiful landscape.

-Want to experience the Iceland Airwaves music festival.  If you have not already heard about it then you might not know what a big deal the Iceland Airwaves music festival is. But if you have heard of it then you already know that it is a must-see!

It is a super popular music festival that happens each fall in Iceland. Usually, it is held sometime in November, but do an internet search to find the exact date.

If you love music, this festival is a great addition to your Iceland plans! Fall is the best time to go to Iceland to check it out!

Visit Iceland in Spring if You:

-Love puffins!   Spring is the best time to visit Iceland if you want to see puffins . These adorable birds start arriving around April for their yearly nesting.

Puffins are some of the cutest birds out there, and you can find them all over! If you are coming to catch sight of or photograph them, just check in advance to make sure they will be in the area where you are going.

-Want to road trip without snow.  As we said above, some of the roads can close in the winter. Spring is the best time to come to Iceland for better weather and open roads. That melting snow also helps to make the waterfalls flow stronger.

Not to mention that the world is coming back to life in the most beautiful way! There is something about the colorful bursts of color against the gray of winter that makes spring like no other season.

Best Time to See Northern Lights in Iceland

If you are interested in the Northern Lights, you are interested in Iceland! While there are many different places to see the Northern Lights in the world, Iceland is hard to beat.

Especially considering that there are places where you can watch them from a hot tub! The Northern Lights In Iceland are a huge draw, and if they are the reason you are coming you are not alone!

If you are wondering what is the best month to see the Northern Lights in Iceland, there are a few choices. It is possible to see the Northern Lights any month between the end of September and the end of March.

Just like the sun is out all night during summer, the nights are very long in the winter. The closer to mid-winter you visit, the longer the night and thus the higher chance of seeing the lights.

You definitely will not be able to see them during the summer! Winter is when you should book your Iceland trip if the Northern Lights are a priority.

Cheapest Time to Visit Iceland

Unfortunately, Iceland is one of the more expensive countries to visit. We have gone over and over because we believe the experience is worth the money .

However, there are things you can do to make your trip much less expensive. One of those things is visiting during the Iceland off-season.

If it is your goal to do Iceland without dumping a ton of cash, we absolutely recommend the shoulder seasons or winter. Visiting right before or right after the high season of summer can save you a lot of money.

If saving money is a high priority, winter is absolutely the best time to visit Iceland. And pro tip: use grocery stores to cut down on costs even more!

Iceland Weather Breakdown by Month

So far we have been referring to entire seasons, but we know that is kind of broad. Especially when you are planning the trip of a lifetime!

That is why we are going to break everything about Iceland Weather down month by month . This way you can know exactly what to expect.

After all, sometimes the best time to visit Iceland is simply when it best fits into your life. Whenever you make the trip, our month-by-month breakdown will help you make the most of it.

Iceland Weather in January

Happy New Year! January is a great time to visit Iceland. During this time of year you will find highs of about 36 ° F and lows of about 27 ° F.

Is that warmer than you expected? For a country named after ice, Iceland’s winters are actually quite moderate when compared with a lot of other places in the world!

That being said, January in Iceland is the coldest and windiest month. You will want to bring warm clothing and dress appropriately! Expect lots of snow and ice.

Iceland Weather in February

Honestly, the temperatures do not change much in February. What does change is the hours of daylight!

At the beginning of January, you will only get about 4 hours of daylight a day. By the end of February, this increases to about 10 hours.

February is a great month to come because there is more daylight but the crowds and costs are still at a minimum. Check out our post on things to know before you visit Iceland in February!

Iceland Weather in March

March continues with the increase in daylight hours, with about 13 hours of sunshine a day by the end of the month.

Winter weather continues in Iceland in March , although it starts sticking more to the mountaintops and less to the streets. As with most places, the weather is also better in southern Iceland than in northern Iceland.

However, it is still cold pretty much everywhere. We are getting closer to spring, but you would not really know it yet. The temperatures are still averaging between 27 ° F and 36 ° F.

Iceland Weather in April

The weather finally begins to make a bit of a change in April. Temperatures range between 32 ° F and 41 ° F during this warmer month.

What is more, there is a lot less snow! Spring starts to show its face about this time, with the country beginning to green back up again. Migratory birds start to return, including puffins.

We are also looking at around 17 hours of daylight in April as we officially move out of the low season and into the shoulder season. Don’t forget to check out this post about visiting Iceland in April!

Iceland Weather in May

May is seriously one of the best times to visit Iceland! Especially if you love the sun! The days have 20 hours or more of sunlight. It is also the driest month, with the least rainfall.

The highs are also much closer to 50 ° F, which means you almost do not even need a jacket depending on where you are from.

Of course, you will still want to bring your jackets . While the weather is much more temperate, there will still be some cold days. However, it is totally livable and the country is also becoming so much more green!

Iceland in May is also still shoulder season, which means you will not have to try so hard to find your own space while enjoying the sunshine.

Iceland Weather in June

Welcome to high season! While it is called the high season because it is most popular among tourists, June in Iceland is also the high season for the longest days.

If getting the most out of each day is important to you, then June is the best month to visit Iceland. You can explore for many more hours in daylight.

June nights only last for about 3 hours, beginning around 11:30 PM! Yeah, blackout curtains are a big thing in Iceland summers!

While the highs average around 52 ° F, they can get much higher than that. June is the beginning of summer, and also the beginning of real warmth.

Iceland Weather in July

Now, if you are interested in heat rather than warmth , July might be a better time to visit Iceland. It is the best time of year to visit Iceland for heat, as the hottest month of the year. It is also the least windy month.

The weather in Iceland in July is generally extremely pleasant during this time of the year. While the nights are a little longer, at about 4 hours long, they do not increase by much!

Keep in mind that “hot” does not mean the same thing in Iceland as it does in other places. The average highs are around 56°F. That is part of why it is one of the most popular times to visit because it does not get any warmer than this.

Iceland Weather in August

August is the last month of the high season. While the beginning of the month is still as warm as July, temperatures start to go down by the end of the month.

August is the best time to go to Iceland if you do not mind the crowds due to the fairly standard daylight hours. The sun sets around 9 PM and rises around 5 AM. August has the least cloudy days as well.

Do keep in mind that August in Iceland goes quickly from summer to fall. By the end of the month, the slight bite to the air will have you wishing for warm pumpkin pie and spiced apple cider.

Iceland Weather in September

September still has great sunshine for Iceland, but it does go down to just below 12 hours by the end of the month. It is the warmest month with a chance to see the Northern Lights.

Temperatures are still quite nice, and we are back in shoulder season. This means that you can enjoy the nice weather and decent daylight hours without all the crowds of summer.

By the end of the month the likelihood of snow increases. If you visit Iceland in September , you will want to pack your warm clothing!

Iceland Weather in October

October in Iceland is still technically part of the shoulder season, but it is starting to feel much more like the low season of winter. Daylight is down to about 8 hours a day.

In addition, the average temperature is dropping back down to about 41 ° F. While it is not absolute winter yet, the weather should be taken into consideration at this point.

Bring warm clothes and waterproof ponchos. October is the wettest month in Iceland with an average of 14 days with precipitation.

Although it is colder, October is the best time to visit Iceland if you want to explore with as few crowds as possible. The roads are still open and you can still go pretty much everywhere you want.

Iceland Weather in November

Welcome to winter and the off-season in Iceland. November begins the coldest time of the year, although December and January are colder. This is when the snow starts to fully cover the island.

The average temperature is 38 ° F, but it can get much colder. Daylight only lasts about six hours.

We love to visit Iceland in the low season, and really do think it is one of the best times to visit Iceland. You just have to be prepared for the lower temperatures and the weather.

Iceland Weather in December

The last month of the year is one of the coldest months, second only to January. Temperature highs only reach about 39 ° F. It gets as cold as 21 ° F.

In addition, Iceland in December sees quite a lot of precipitation and snow. Daylight hours are generally pretty short.

However, this does make it and January the best time to visit Iceland for the Northern Lights! However, it is also the cloudiest month, meaning the lights can get obstructed.

Iceland Events and Activities by Month

While the weather is a big deal, sometimes it is not as important as what you can do. After all, most weather is survivable if you plan and dress accordingly.

If you are more curious about what is going on than what temperature it will be, we have you covered! We have broken down the events and activities you can do during each month of the year.

You might be surprised by some of your options, especially during the winter!

Iceland in January

Can you even go wrong with New Year’s Eve when you are celebrating in a different country? Especially Iceland!

The country takes this holiday seriously with partying on New Year’s Eve, sleeping on the first, and shopping on the second.

And then there is Christmas–that is right, Christmas extends into January in Iceland, with the last day being on the 6th. If Christmas is your favorite holiday, then the end of December and the beginning of January is definitely the best time to visit Iceland.

Another great January tradition in Iceland is Thorrablot . This pagan celebration was canceled when Iceland went Christian but has had a resurgence in the last couple of centuries.

It is a week-long celebration of an Icelandic tradition that will not disappoint. If you want to feel like a local, prepare yourself for some things you have never eaten before, like rotten shark meat, boiled sheep’s head, and congealed sheep’s blood.

Iceland in February

February is beloved for the Winter Lights Festival . As a celebration of bright and happy things, you will love the way they light the streets with brilliant fluorescence to chase the darkness of winter away.

Öskudagur is basically Icelandic Halloween. The kids dress up in great costumes, and instead of the “trick or treat” chant, sing for their candy.

The Icelandic Food and Fun Festival is a fantastic festival that celebrates Icelandic cooking. And not even the kind that uses blood and rotten shark meat! It is all about using ingredients native to Iceland and enjoying all the culinary joys the country has to offer.

Iceland in March

Did you know that Iceland had its own prohibition period? Beer with an alcohol level of over 2.2% was banned for the majority of the 1900s but legalized again in 1990.

Iceland celebrates this legalization with the unofficial holiday, Beer Day, on the first of March every year! We think you can probably guess what the main activities are. (Drinking beer.)

DesignMarch is similar to the Food and Fun Festival in that it is a celebration of Icelandic creativity. The event features purely Icelandic products and goods.

Continuing in a similar fashion, the Reykjavik Folk Festival honors centuries of traditional music and song.

Iceland in April

Iceland celebrates Easter for days just like Christmas. Honestly, we do not know why more countries do not do holidays like this! Celebrating with just one day is so minimal!

Easter lasts from Holy Thursday to Easter Monday in Iceland. It is generally spent with family, rather than with huge parties.

April’s other holiday is the first day of summer. Given the dark of winter and the light of summer, and the very small in-betweens, Iceland actually does not traditionally recognize spring and autumn as seasons. So summer starts in April!

Iceland in May

The Reykjavik Art Festival is a big deal in May! People come from all over the world to participate in and experience creativity and fun.

If art is not your thing, May still might be the best time to visit Iceland with the Rite of Spring Festival. We know, we know, we just told you there is no spring in Iceland.

But when Iceland gave up its traditional calendar, they adopted spring and autumn into their new calendar. And they like to welcome spring with heartfelt jazz and folk music!

Iceland in June

It should come as no surprise that a country that willingly eats rotten shark meat celebrates the sea! Iceland’s Festival of the Sea happens in June, and it honors the country’s long tradition of seafaring.

Iceland also celebrates its independence from Denmark every June 17th. Like the 4th of July in the United States, Iceland National Day is a country-wide affair filled with parades, concerts, and general enjoyment of Icelandic culture.

Summer Solstice takes advantage of the Midnight Sun with all-night rock concerts. You can also join the locals in watching the sun set and rise all within the course of 2-3 hours.

Another unique Iceland festival is the International Viking Festival . It is a days-long holiday event that pays tribute to Iceland’s fierce Viking history.

Iceland in July

Innipukinn Festival is another music festival that happens in July. If you are not already getting the sense that you can hit up a music festival basically anytime you visit Iceland, well, you can. Icelandic people really love their music, okay?

They mix things up a bit with LungA , a festival specific to the Icelandic town of Seyðisfjörður . This festival still has music (as any good festival does) as well as art!

Iceland in August

Verslunarmannahelgi–say that five times fast, we dare you! Honestly, if you can pronounce it once we will be impressed. Verslunarmannahelgi happens the first weekend of August and is a quick bank holiday (kind of like Labor Day in the US). People generally celebrate by going camping.

Gay Pride comes the second weekend of August, and nowhere celebrates it as Reykjavik does! With parades, parties, and concerts, this is truly a vibrant and fantastic event.

If you like running, (like, really like) then the third weekend of August is the best time to visit Iceland! This is when the Reykjavik Marathon occurs, and it is another event that attracts people from all over the world!

The marathon wraps up with Menningarnott , a fantastic cultural celebration with cultural events, fireworks, and you guessed it, great music!

Iceland in September

The capital city of Reykjavik has two festivals in September, making it the best time to visit Reykjavik if you are wanting to have some fun during the shoulder season.

First is the Reykjavik International Literary Festival . This one is not just a big deal to Iceland, it is actually the biggest literary festival in Northern Europe!

Next is the Reykjavik International Film Festival . There is just something about literature and film that make them go hand in hand. Both of these festivals draw people from all over the world, but especially the film festival!

Iceland in October

Iceland Airwaves is another music festival but centers on indie and alternative music rather than the traditional folk and rock music of so many other festivals. Of course, folk and rock music still abound!

Iceland also celebrates Halloween in October, although they have not been celebrating it as long as other countries and do it a little differently. It is more of an adult holiday, but still features costumes!

Iceland in November

November does not have a whole lot going on in the realm of festivals and events. What it does have, though, it makes sure to do well.

Frostbiter is Iceland’s Horror Film Festival. So while Iceland does not have much going on in November, it is still the best time to visit Iceland if you love horror!

Iceland in December

Sorry not sorry, but Iceland has the best Christmas lights. Seriously, you have to check them out! Because the country is so dark all the time in December, they go all out with the Christmas lights.

And the way they make such a contrast against the dark? Unbeatable.

Everything about Iceland Christmas is simply unbeatable. From the concerts to the food to the country’s own unique and fun traditions, you will absolutely love it.

New Year’s Eve is filled with fireworks, bonfires, and singing. There are even costumes!

And they do not wrap things up and go to bed at midnight. Iceland New Year partying lasts long into the early hours of the next day.

December is the best time of year to travel to Iceland if you love all the December holidays!

When is the Worst Time to Visit Iceland?

Honestly, there is really no bad time of year to visit Iceland as long as you plan accordingly. After reading this article, you should have a good idea of what each month has to offer in terms of weather, natural events, and festivals.

As long as you visit when you want to and pack according to the season , you will be in Iceland at the right time.

If you want to see the Northern Lights, summer is the worst time to visit Iceland. But, if you want clear roads for your rental car and warm weather, then winter is the worst time to visit.

So, When is the Best Time to Visit Iceland?

At the end of the day, the best time to visit Iceland is 100% up to you! Whatever your interests are and your budget will determine when you should visit this amazing country.

After all, this is your trip to Iceland. Plan it around what you want to see and do.

Do you want the midnight sun and purple, lupine flowers? Come during summer. Hate crowds and overpaying, but want decent weather? Give shoulder season a try. Does your Iceland bucket list involve the Nothern Lights or ice caves? Winter is your best bet!

Iceland is gorgeous year-round, and you really cannot go wrong no matter when you visit!

We hope our guide to the best time to visit Iceland has been helpful! Feel free to let us know when you decide to go in the comments below. What is your favorite time to travel to Iceland?

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Planning a Trip to Iceland: DOs and DON’Ts (2024)

This page contains affiliate links. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Planning a trip to Iceland is more complicated than to many countries. With its stunning volcanoes, lava fields, fjords, beaches, and waterfalls, it’s no wonder that visitor numbers to Iceland have surged in recent years.

But many tourists underestimate how dangerous this wild and remote island can be.

Some take unnecessary risks and end up needing to be rescued, which is putting strain on Iceland’s volunteer rescue service. Visitors have even been injured or killed after accidents on glaciers, beaches, and cliffs.

This can be avoided, though, and there’s no reason you can’t have a wonderful, incident-free trip by following these Iceland travel tips.

I also include advice for making the most of your vacation in this beautiful country, quirky facts that make Iceland such a unique place to travel, and the latest travel restrictions.

Video: Planning an Iceland Vacation

When is the best time to visit iceland, how long should you spend in iceland, what’s the best way to travel in iceland, before you arrive in iceland, planning a trip to iceland: dos and don’ts, more iceland reading.

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I would happily visit Iceland at any time of year as each season offers a different experience.

Many people consider the summer months of June to August the best time to visit Iceland.

This is when the weather is warmest, although that doesn’t mean it’s hot. In Reykjavik average temperatures in July range from 9 – 14ºC (48 – 57ºF) and it can be colder in the north.

Summer is the time of the midnight sun with daylight hours ranging from 21 hours in late June to 18 hours in early August.

This is the best time of year for hiking, driving the Ring Road (as roads are clear), and seeing whales and puffins. Most attractions and cafes are open.

The downsides of visiting Iceland in the summer are that it’s much busier and more expensive.

Spring and Autumn

To avoid the crowds and high prices, it’s worth considering visiting in the shoulder season months of April/May (spring) and September/October (autumn).

The weather is cold at this time of year but not as extreme as the winter and there’s a good amount of daylight for exploring.

It’s also possible to see the northern lights in these months, although you’ll have more of a chance in April and October.

The downside is that some attractions and cafes are closed.

We loved visiting Iceland in late September when it wasn’t very busy.

We had around 12 hours of daylight and temperatures of –2ºC (28ºF) to 5ºC (40ºF). We enjoyed autumn colours in some locations, the first snowfall on the mountains, and even the northern lights.

See my guide to visiting Iceland in September for more on what to expect.

Iceland’s winter from November to March is the quietest and cheapest time of year to visit.

This is the best time of year to visit Iceland for the northern lights, beautiful snowy landscapes, and winter activities like ice caves and dog sledding.

The weather is cold but not as cold as you’d expect (around 0ºC/ 32ºF) and daylight is limited for exploring (only four hours in late December/early January).

The roads are often covered in snow and not all parts of the island are accessible at this time of year—it’s best to stay south. If you aren’t a confident driver, stay in Reykjavik and take tours.

The average length of stay in Iceland is around seven nights.

I recommend visiting for at least five nights—this is enough time to see some of the highlights within a few hours of Reykjavik such as the Golden Circle and Snaefellsnes Peninsula .

If you want to drive the entire 1332km (828 miles) Ring Road, which circumnavigates the island, the minimum time needed is one week. 10-14 days would be much better, though.

We visited Iceland for 12 nights and liked not being too rushed. We were able to have a couple of rest days when the weather was bad. See our western Iceland itinerary for details of where we went.

Public transport is very limited so the best way to tour Iceland is with your own vehicle.

If you can drive, the best way to see Iceland is to hire a car and do a self-drive trip around the island.

We use Booking.com Car Rentals  to find the best deal. We rented a 4WD car, which we appreciated on bumpy gravel roads in the Westfjords, but it isn’t strictly necessary for most Iceland trips.

We found driving around Iceland easy—there aren’t many roads so it’s difficult to get lost and there’s good cell phone signal for using Google Maps.

Renting a campervan is also a popular way to tour Iceland in the summer. You must park in designated camping zones, though.

Take Tours from Reykjavik

Another way to explore Iceland is to base yourself in Reykjavik and take day tours. You can get a shuttle bus from the airport into the city (which is very walkable).

See  Get Your Guide for a wide variety of trips such as the popular Golden Circle tour , whale watching on a luxury yacht , Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon , Sky Lagoon geothermal pool , and many more.

This is the best option if you can’t or don’t want to drive or are visiting in winter and aren’t confident driving on snowy roads. It’s also a good way to travel if you are visiting Iceland on your own.

• Save up – Iceland is expensive and you’ll enjoy your vacation more if you aren’t worrying about every penny (on chilly days we really appreciated those hot chocolate and cake breaks). Find out how much our Iceland trip cost . 
• Consider visiting in the off-season – Iceland gets very busy in the June to August summer months, so avoid the crowds by visiting at a different time of year.

• Plan your itinerary – See our off the beaten track Iceland itinerary  for trips of 7 to 12 days or follow the classic ring road around the country (at least 10 days is recommended). Roads in the north are often impassable in winter so stick to the south—here’s a 5 day Iceland winter itinerary .
• Book your accommodation – Especially if you are travelling in the summer high season, you need to book far in advance. You can use sites like Vrbo  to find self-catering cabins and save on high restaurant costs. Search on Booking for hotels, guesthouses, and cottages.

• Buy travel insurance – It’s essential in case anything goes wrong. We recommend SafetyWing (a budget option available worldwide), True Traveller (for UK and EU residents), and Heymondo (available worldwide).
• Book the Blue Lagoon – Iceland’s most popular attraction can book up weeks in advance. It’s near the airport so most people visit after their flight arrives or before they depart. Book the Blue Lagoon with transfers here . We skipped it because it’s expensive, crowded, and we found some gorgeous, isolated hot springs in the Westfjords instead. Next time, I want to visit the new Sky Lagoon in Reykjavik, which should also be booked well in advance.

• Read The Little Book of Tourists in Iceland by Alda Sigmundsdottir – For tips by a local on travelling safely and responsibly and to understand the impact the tourism boom has had on the country. If you have time for more than one book, see my picks of the 10 best Iceland books to read before you visit including non-fiction and fiction. 
• Pack the essentials – In every season you’ll need warm layers (merino wool is great), waterproofs, waterproof hiking shoes or boots, swimsuit and travel towel (for hot springs), tripod (for northern lights photography), and sunglasses (the sun is often low). See our Iceland packing list for what we took.
• Bring a chip and pin debit or credit card – You’ll need it for self-service petrol pumps.
• Don’t worry about cash – Cards are accepted everywhere. We only needed a small amount of cash on our Iceland trip (about 3000 Icelandic krona worth $21) for unattended hot springs and toilets.
• Read safetravel.is – For tips on staying safe on your Iceland vacation. You can also give them your travel itinerary so they’ll be able to respond if you don’t reach your planned destination.
• Check if an EITAS is required – From 2025, the EU will be introducing an online travel authorisation system for travellers from countries that are currently visa-free (including US, UK, and Canada). You’ll need to apply before your trip and pay a small fee, but full details haven’t been announced yet (and it keeps getting postponed).
• Take the Icelandic pledge  
• Be flexible – The volatile weather can mean tours are cancelled or hikes or drives would be too dangerous.
• Check road.is  before setting out each day – For details of road conditions and closures.
• Take a walk through a lava field – They are incredible! Our favourites were on the Snaefellness Peninsula .

• Expect to see many waterfalls – They are everywhere! My favourite was Dynjandi in the Westfjords.

• Drink the tap water – It’s pure and delicious. Bring a lightweight, foldable water bottle like the Vapur with you.
• Look out for the northern lights from September to mid-April – We used the Aurora app and Vedur website to see our chances. We got lucky on a 30% chance day and saw them outside our Bjarkarholt cabin in the Westfjords. It’s best to stay in the countryside where there’s no light pollution. If you don’t have a car, you can take a northern lights tour from Reykjavik . 
• Use a tripod and long exposure  – To take photos of the northern lights. Most of mine were taken in manual mode at f2.8 with a 10 second shutter speed.

• Enjoy the midnight sun – If you visit Iceland in the summer when it’s light almost 24/7.
• Drive with your headlights on at all times .
• Be careful of sheep on the road – And always report it if you run one over (you won’t be fined).
• Fill up with petrol when you can – You might not come across a petrol pump for a while.

• Relax at geothermally heated swimming pools and hot pots – You’ll find them in even the smallest towns and it’s so lovely to swim in warm water when it’s cold outside.
• Shower naked thoroughly (without your swimsuit!) before entering a hot spring or pool – Public nudity isn’t a big deal in Iceland and you’ll draw far more attention to yourself if you don’t. They are very strict about this! There are separate male and female showers. You wear your swimsuit in the pool.
• Use the toilet whenever you find one (they are in short supply) – Be prepared to pay, usually around 200 ISK ($1.40). It’s worth keeping a small amount of cash for this. 
• Admire the cute wooden churches everywhere .

• Look out for seals – We saw them three times lazing on rocks by the sea.
• Ride an Icelandic horse and try its unique, smooth pace, the tölt.

• Create a playlist of Icelandic music – I will forever associate Of Monsters and Men with epic drives through the mountains. Iceland has a huge number of talented bands—check out Björk, Sigur Rós, Solstafir, Ásgeir, Múm and many more.
• Read books by Icelandic authors – It’s a very literary country. Nobel Prize-winning Halldór Laxness is the most famous author, and reading the classic Icelandic Sagas from the 13th and 14th centuries will give you a greater understanding of the country as famous sites from the stories are everywhere. See my 10 favourite books about Iceland including fun, quirky, and mysterious novels.
• Take a walk on a beach – It’s unlikely to be sunbathing weather, but Iceland’s dramatic black, golden, and red beaches are perfect for wild walks.

• Shop at Bonus supermarket – It’s the cheapest place to self-cater.
• Pack a picnic if you are road tripping – There often isn’t anywhere to stop for lunch, especially outside the summer when remote cafes close.
• Stock up on alcohol at Duty-Free on arrival at the airport if you want to drink – It’s much cheaper than in the state-run liquor stores (the only place you can buy booze).
• Enjoy delicious hot chocolate and cake (or a cinnamon bun) at one of Iceland’s excellent cosy cafes.
• Check Grapevine , a free English language newspaper – For what’s on in Reykjavik and enjoy its legendary nightlife and music scene on weekends.
• Call everyone by their first name – Titles aren’t used in Iceland. Instead of surnames, Icelanders use patronymics (or less commonly matronymics) made up of their father’s (or mother’s) name plus “son” (son) or “dóttir” (daughter). E.g. Björk Guðmundsdóttir is Gudmund’s daughter.
• Underestimate the weather – Icelandic weather changes fast and can be dangerous. Check the Vedur website or download their app for weather forecasts. Always be prepared with extra layers and waterproofs. 
• Drive in a storm – Strong winds can blow cars off the road or volcanic rocks into your windscreen in scary sandstorms.
• Stop on the road – I understand, you will feel the urge to take a photo every few minutes, but always pull over into a parking area, even if the road seems empty.

• Speed – Stick to the speed limit of 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on rural gravel roads, and 90 km/h on rural asphalt roads.
• Feel the need to tip – It’s not rude to do so, but it’s not expected or customary.
• Wild camp – This is now banned and you must park your campervan or put up your tent in a designated campsite.
• Risk your life for a photo – Respect any barriers that have been put up.
• Get too close to cliff edges or the surf – Tourists have fallen off cliffs and been killed by rogue waves (especially at Reynisfjara beach).

• Walk on the ice at Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon – The ice is not stable and the water is dangerously cold.
• Go onto a glacier without an accredited guide – There are hidden crevasses that you could fall into.

• Drive on F roads without a 4WD vehicle
• Drive off-road in any vehicle – It damages the landscape and you’ll receive a high fine.
• Worry about staying connected – Even the remote cabins we stayed in had good WiFi and we had 3G or 4G signal almost everywhere. If you don’t have an affordable data plan for Iceland, buy an Airalo e-SIM and get online as soon as you arrive.
• Feed horses – Yes, they are cute, but it is bad for their health. It’s best to visit a horse farm like Sturlureykir , where can pay a small fee to interact with them (or go on a ride).
• Take rocks or pebbles as souvenirs
• Litter – Have some respect for this beautiful place.
• Ask Icelanders if they believe in elves (aka hidden people) – The majority do not, although they understand that many of their ancestors did and they are part of their heritage.
• Rush – Iceland’s a stunning country, take your time and enjoy it.

I hope this post has answered any concerns about how to plan a trip to Iceland. Let me know if you have any questions in the comments below or share your own Iceland travel tips.

• Iceland Itinerary: Off The Beaten Path on a Snæfellsnes and Westfjords Road Trip
• 14 Places Not to Miss on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula
• How Much Does an Iceland Trip Cost? Our Road Trip Budget
• 10 Best Books About Iceland to Read Before You Visit
• The Ultimate Iceland Packing List for Men and Women
• Visiting Iceland in September: What to Expect and Things to Do

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35 Comments

Hi, great blog. I’m thinking of taking my 3 teenagers to Iceland. I don’t want to be stuck in the hustle of a “tour group” experience. Is it possible to do it on my own with just day trips? How is late June? Will we be able to see glaciers and ice caves or are those only in the winter? Thanks!

Reply ↓

Yes, you could do it on your own with day trips if you hire a car and don’t mind a fair amount of driving.

In this case, you might also want to consider a night or two outside Reykjavik though–the Snafellsness peninsula is only a few hours away and is worth the extra time.

Late June is busy and expensive (book asap), but the weather is at its best (but still be prepared for cold) and you’ll have up to 21 hours of daylight.

Langjokull Ice Cave is on a glacier and can be visited year round as it’s man made. You have to visit on a tour from Husafell or Reykjavik.

Enjoy Iceland!

I loved your article. I would like to ask: is it possible to visit Iceland on day tours from Reykjavik? Or is it better to take a 6 days tour of the country? Is it possible to rent a bus from Reykjavik for a group of people?

You wouldn’t be able to see the whole island, but I wouldn’t recommend trying to do that in 6 days anyway. You can certainly see a lot by taking day tours from Reykjavik. Many people who don’t want to drive do this.

I’m not sure about renting a bus. But if you have a really big group maybe contact an Iceland tour company for advice. Organising a private tour might make more sense than joining a group tour.

Credit card use is very pervasive.

However at campsites where laundry and showers are coin-operated, how does one get the coins needed?

We haven’t stayed at campsites so I’m not sure, but we withdrew a small amount of cash from an ATM at the airport on arrival.

Very good article, we just returned from our two weeks in Iceland. and the only thing I would add it’s the wind, not the temperature that is hard to handle. Plus all the Icelandic people we delta with all spoke perfect English, a couple of times I had to ask them where they were from, only to be shocked that they were from Iceland. Enjoy your trip, we did, oh and make sure you get full car insurance!

It’s really helpful for my Christmas Iceland Trip! I hope I can experience a lot as you said!

Thank you very much, Erin, for this super informative blog. I’m planning to visit Iceland sometime in Feb/Mar 2023. Will visit the places of interests you shared. We come from Singapore – hot climate. Might be a struggle to keep ourselves warm in Iceland. :-(

Great information, You answered all my questions

Planning a trip to Iceland now and this has been a super helpful place to start! Thanks so much for a really awesome guide. Reading your 5-day Winter itinerary next as we’re going February 2022 so that could be perfect for us!

Thank you. Very informative, organized, and superb photography.

Thanks, Jay!

After spending 18 months sequestered and being fully vaccinated, I did an 8-day tour of Iceland and although it was challenging getting there from Western Canada, once I got there I loved it! I can verify all the recommended do’s & don’ts are true and worth your while following. The landscape is like no other in the world and it took my breath away despite not having the best weather. The people very friendly & welcoming, the food amazingly delicious, hotels & accommodations modern, simple & comfortable. Our tour and our guide was amazingly knowledgeable & experieced who kept us entertained with great facts, history, geology, birding knowledge & some tall tales. Loved it and would visit again!

Thanks for the trip report, Aida! It sounds like an amazing trip! You’re making me really want to go back.

Are the travel restrictions for Vaccinated people lifted for Iceland? FYI: I’m an american

Yes, you can travel to Iceland now.

I can’t wait to move to Iceland

Hi, I’m an American, do you think the travel restrictions will be lifted by the summer?

Thank you, Jessica

No one really knows but it will depend if the US can get the virus under control by then. It looks like from 1 May, Iceland hopes to open up a little more but that will be based on each country’s situation. Edit: All restrictions have been lifted: https://www.government.is/government/covid-19/covid-19-news/2022/02/23/COVID-19-Lifting-of-all-domestic-restrictions-and-restrictions-at-the-border/

Personally I wouldn’t book anything unless you have free cancellation.

Hi Erin. Thanks for this guide. My wife and I are planning a trip there in September or October. We are US Citizens, so we hope it can happen. We have travel certificates which expire at the end of the year, so we are sort of up against a wall. We have to check to see what the cancellation policy is. Fingers crossed that it can happen.

Good luck with it! It’s so hard to say what will happen with travel this year.

Thank you very much for this guide! I’ve been looking at pre-paid packages and trying to decide whether to do one of those or create my own. Do you have any advice for a solo female traveler? It’s my first solo trip and I am excited but nervous.

I don’t have any experience of solo travel in Iceland but it’s a very safe country and we know plenty of women who loved it. Probably the easiest way would be to stay in Reykjavik and take day tours. If you are a confident drive you could also rent a car and head off by yourself. It’s pretty easy to arrange your own trip. Enjoy!

we are planning a trip this summer. thanks for all the information!

Enjoy, Elana!

The pics are literally breathtaking. Can’t wait to see it all with my own eyes next summer. Thank you for the tips, really valuable for me planning my first encounter with this beauty.

It is one of the most stunning places we’ve ever visited. Have an amazing trip!

This is a great resource! Thanks so much for taking the time to put it together. I particularly appreciate the tips regarding the need for a credit/debit card with a chip and pin for buying gas/petrol, the custom for gratuities, the Icelandic music playlist (perfect for the road trip!) and reading suggestions, and where to buy alcohol and groceries. And my favorite tip is to enjoy the hot chocolate and cake…don’t need to tell me twice!

I’m so glad you found it useful Heather!

Good list! I have two comments:

– Love the thing about tipping! During my trip, I actually asked one waitress what would be an appropriate tip and she said: “We have normal wages here, we don’t need tips”. ??

– I tried to read Independent People by Laxness while in Iceland but I had to give up. There’s only so much interest I can muster about the sheep… ?

Ha! I haven’t read Independent People yet as I heard The Fish Can Sing is a more accessible, lighthearted introduction to Laxness and I did enjoy it.

Erin what a rocking list. All noted. Iceland reminds me somewhat of New Zealand. Insane beauty, kinda expensive and yep, gotta have you head on a swivel sometimes. Especially driving.

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Planning a Trip to Iceland for the First Time (Your Easy 10-Step Checklist!)

Glacier hikes, puffin sightings, thundering waterfalls, and geothermal wonders: there is so much to be excited about when planning a trip to Iceland!

A trip to the Land of Fire and Ice is truly a vacation like no other, and we were smitten with it from the moment the plane touched down and we got to admire the lupines growing along the runway (seriously).

Iceland is an incredibly unique destination and offers a magnificent array of once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences, all in a (fairly) compact location.

However, to best take advantage of all that beauty within a limited time frame, you’ll need to do quite a bit of planning before you take off on your first trip to Iceland.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

While you could certainly arrive with little advance planning and see some incredible sights, experiencing the best things to do in Iceland isn’t as easy as hitting the open road with no (literal or figurative) plan.

The country’s extreme popularity coupled with rural attractions and weather unlike what most people experience in their day-to-day lives means that you’ll have a much better time if you carefully plan your trip to Iceland!

Follow this step-by-step Iceland travel checklist, and you’re bound to have an unforgettable adventure when visiting Iceland for the first time.

Step 1: Check visa and entrance requirements.

Toto, it is definitely not 2019 anymore: while checking visa and entrance requirements has always been important before visiting a foreign country, it’s safe to say that we’ll all be paying a bit more attention to it in years to come than we did pre-2020!

As of late 2023, there are no travel restrictions to visit Iceland–but just in case, this official website provides up-to-date requirements for entering Iceland, including any testing requirements.

Icelandair also has a detailed page on entry requirements.

Don’t forget to check any requirements that your home country has for returning, too!

In addition to these more topical necessities, don’t forget the usual needs, like having more than 6 months of validity left on your passport.

Step 2: Book your flights (the biggest step when planning a trip to Iceland!).

Without a doubt, booking flights is one of the most exciting parts of planning a trip to Iceland (or anywhere else)!

Once you book flights, your trip is official and you can start building the details of your adventures in Iceland around the states of your flights.

If your dates are somewhat flexible, we suggest checking prices a few days before and a few days after your intended arrival and departure dates when shopping for flights to Iceland.

You never know what deals you may happen to come across!

As the vast majority of all international flights in Iceland go through Keflavik International Airport in Reykjavik (KEF), shopping for flights to Iceland is a fairly straightforward process.

Step 3: Reserve your rental car (and read the fine print).

While some travelers to Iceland may choose to base themselves in Reykjavik and only take organized tours outside the city, for most visitors, visiting Iceland means that it is time for a road trip!

Whether you want to drive Iceland’s legendary Ring Road (it’s incredible), explore the popular South Coast in-depth (also incredible), or get off the beaten path in places like the remote Westfjords (again, incredible), renting a car will deeply enhance your trip to Iceland.

Given Iceland’s extreme seasonality, rental cars can be a bit of a hot commodity in the summer, so book as far in advance as you can!

We use and recommend Discover Cars to find out which company has the most competitive prices and best rental contracts.

On our recent Iceland road trip, the best choice ended up being Global Rent a Car, and we had a great experience with them.

Wondering if you need to rent a vehicle with 4-wheel drive?

For a traditional Ring Road itinerary , a standard 2-wheel drive vehicle is just fine–but to drive on Iceland’s unpaved “F” roads, 4-wheel drive is required!

We made use of our 4-wheel drive option several times on our road trip, but I wouldn’t consider not having one a dealbreaker unless you have your heart set on driving yourself into the Highlands or to a particular offbeat spot.

We would’ve had a great trip to Iceland with or without F-road access!

Shop rental cars for your trip to Iceland today!

Step 4: Plan your Iceland itinerary.

With a seemingly limitless number of beautiful places to explore, there are as many possible Iceland itineraries as there are visitors!

A few tried-and-true options, though, include these amazing routes.

Iceland Ring Road Trip

The most classic Iceland itinerary, a Ring Road trip is perfect for visitors who have 10+ days in Iceland and want to see it all.

This is what we did, and honestly, we plan to go back and do it again one day–maybe more than once.

From the iconic attractions of South Iceland to the lesser-visited corners of the Eastern Fjords and North Iceland , the Ring Road makes for an incredible Iceland vacation.

Iceland South Coast Road Trip

Have a week or less in Iceland and want to take an epic road trip?

Try the popular South Coast!

This is where you’ll find many of Iceland’s most famous attractions, such as Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Vatnajökull National Park, and the iconic Skógafoss–just to name a few!

Reykjavik-Based Trip

Only have a few days in Iceland?

Don’t worry!

By basing yourself in Reykjavik and taking well-planned day trips, you can enjoy some of the most iconic sights in Iceland (like the Blue Lagoon and Golden Circle ) very quickly.

While we’d always recommend a longer trip to Iceland if possible, for the right traveler, even a 3-4 day Iceland vacation is well worth the effort it takes to get there.

Step 5: Finalize your Iceland travel budget.

There’s simply no getting around this one: taking a trip to Iceland is expensive!

To save money when traveling to Iceland on a budget, you can make some concessions like shopping in grocery stores for food (and eating lots of gas station hot dogs–a must-have Iceland experience on any budget), staying in basic lodging, and prioritizing only the experiences that are important to you.

But… even with all that, the price tag is still high.

Before booking your lodging and attractions (more on that in a few paragraphs), be sure to run the numbers and see exactly what you have to spend.

Better to make informed decisions along the way than have a nasty surprise bill at the end of your Iceland vacation!

This guide to budgeting for a trip explains how we budget for our travels in a step-by-step way and can help you create an Iceland budget that works for you.

Step 6: Decide where to stay and make reservations.

If you’re taking an Iceland road trip, especially during the summer, booking your hotels and/or vacation rentals as far in advance as possible is essential.

Most of Iceland’s most popular attractions are found in rural areas, and there are often only a few hotels or guesthouses nearby.

In order to complete your road trip efficiently–for example, driving the Ring Road–you’ll want to have your lodging chosen and booked before starting your trip.

We use Booking.com to find and book lodging in Iceland!

A few hotels that stood out on our recent Iceland road trip are Hotel Vík í Mýrdal (fantastic central location in Vik), Hótel Laxá near Mytvan (rural but convenient), and Fosshotel Nupar (perfectly located for glacier hiking in Vatnajökull National Park and visiting the glacier lagoons).

Step 7: Book bucket list tours and activities in advance.

Glacier hikes, snorkeling between tectonic plates , soaking in the famous Blue Lagoon, riding Icelandic horses: many of the absolute best things to do in Iceland require booking a tour or ticket!

And, like rental cars and hotels, tours and activities have a tendency to sell out in the summer.

If there are any bucket-list Iceland experiences you want to make sure you don’t miss, be sure to book them when planning your Iceland trip!

Here are a few popular options that are great to book in advance:

Silfra Snorkeling Tour — Want to snorkel between Europe and North America?

Iceland is the only place you can, and we will never forget this incredibly unique experience !

Glacier Hiking in Skafatell National Park — Hiking on a glacier is one of the most incredible experiences in Iceland, and we loved this tour .

Blue Lagoon — The Blue Lagoon is one of the most famous places in Iceland, and you can’t simply show up for the day–especially during the summer.

South Iceland Day Trip — Basing yourself in Reykjavik and don’t want to drive during your first time in Iceland?

This popular day trip will show you Iceland’s most famous waterfalls and beyond.

Step 8: Make a packing list (and shop).

More than most destinations, packing for Iceland requires some advance planning!

The country’s extreme climate paired with the fact that most people who plan a trip to Iceland are planning to do things they’ve never done before–like a hike on a glacier , perhaps–means that you’ll likely want to purchase some gear before taking off!

While you can certainly find most of what you would need in cities like Reykjavik and Akureyri, most of the best places to visit in Iceland are quite rural, with few stores around.

And, Iceland is not exactly a budget-friendly place to shop!

A detailed breakdown of what to pack for Iceland requires a whole other blog post (and packing for Iceland in winter is even more intense), but here are a few things we recommend bringing:

Travel Adaptors for Iceland — If you’re coming from outside of Europe, you’ll definitely need adaptors for your electronics!

Waterproof Jacket — Mine is no longer available but is similar to this popular jacket , and Jeremy loved this one in Iceland.

Sleep Mask — Midnight sun during the summer in Iceland is no joke, and a sleep mask is a must!

I don’t typically like to wear sleep masks, but I was so glad to have one during our summer trip to Iceland.

Lonely Planet Iceland — We don’t use travel guides in every destination, but in rural, widespread, land-of-confusing-spellings Iceland, we loved having one!

Waterproof Pants — Perfect for hiking on glaciers with! I use these ; Jeremy uses these .

Waterproof Boots — There’s nothing like having warm and dry feet! I adore these boots and have been wearing them for years.

Reusable Water Bottle — Avoid plastic waste, cut your expenses, and enjoy even more of Iceland’s fantastic tap water. Win/win/win.

Step 9: Purchase travel insurance for your trip to Iceland.

Don’t forget to buy travel insurance when planning a trip to Iceland!

While Iceland is an incredibly safe country to travel in, traveling in general opens you up to vulnerabilities you simply don’t have at home.

If you lose your luggage, have a fender bender in your rental car, get pickpocketed, or–heaven forbid–get injured, you’ll be glad you have the insurance.

Given how inexpensive travel insurance is when purchased in advance (especially as compared to the cost of flying to and then renting a car in Iceland), we consider it well worth the investment.

However, that being said, travel insurance companies have been about as prone to changing requirements over the last couple of years as borders have been.

Safety Wing is generally considered a reliable option, but be sure to double and triple-check coverages for any travel insurance policy these days, especially if you’re looking for protection from COVID-19-related issues.

Check travel insurance prices and coverage for your Iceland vacation now!

Step 10: Make an arrival plan for your trip to Iceland.

Once you finally finish planning your trip to Iceland and board your plane bound for the Land of Fire and Ice, you’ll still have one final logistical hurdle to overcome before kicking off your adventures: getting from the airport to wherever you’re going next.

For many travelers, that will mean walking or hopping the shuttle over to whatever rental car office they’re using (that’s what we’ve done).

However, if you’re not renting a car on the day you arrive in Iceland, you’ll likely still need to get from the airport to the center of town, which is about a 45-minute drive (there isn’t a train).

Bus transfers like this are the most popular and economical option to get from KEF to central Reykjavik for those who aren’t driving.

If you’re looking to splurge as you put your Iceland travel plan into action, though, private transfers like this are also available and will get you to your hotel faster.

Both options have their pros and cons, but the time to decide isn’t when you’re jetlagged, exhausted, and desperate to be done traveling.

A little advance planning can go a long way, and ensure you step off the plane confident that you’ve planned the perfect first Iceland trip!

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

2 thoughts on “Planning a Trip to Iceland for the First Time (Your Easy 10-Step Checklist!)”

Thank you for your Iceland guides! The info is incredibly helpful as we opted for a DIY trip instead of booking a pre-planned tour. We are heading out in Oct. Since we are native Minnesotans :-), we should be able to handle the weather (fingers crossed). Thanks again! I look forward to checking your guides to other destinations.

That’s wonderful to hear, thank you, Elaine!

I suspect you guys will definitely be just fine with the weather. 😉

Have a fantastic trip!

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Plan unforgettable road trips!

How to plan an unforgettable trip to Iceland (time, itinerary, transport…)

Last updated on October 6, 2023 by Claire Robinson - this article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I get a small commission ( more )

Let’s start planning your trip to Iceland. All I want is for you to have an unforgettable experience! With all the incredible landscapes to discover in Iceland, some planning is really necessary to make the most of your time. So here is my guide to help answer all your planning questions such as where to go, how to get around, where to say, what to do….

Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Iceland:

My favorite platform to rent a car in Iceland: DiscoverCars

The unmissable boat tour: Whale Watching

Fun activity: Swimming in Silfra Fissure

My favorite places to stay:

• Reykjavik: see best rated hotels – e.g. Vintage Boutique Hotel
• Lake Myvatn: see best rated hotels – e.g. Hotel Laxa
• Vik area: see best rated hotels – e.g. Hotel Vik i Myrdal

Navigate back to the complete  Iceland Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Iceland – The Guide

As you will see, I have written many articles in my travel guide to help you plan an UNFORGETTABLE trip to Iceland. This post below is a summary to help you find the answers to all of your questions and show the related articles that can help you plan everything.

There are many options to discover the land of Fire and Ice, and I want to help you decide the best approach for you.

So let’s get started with the 8 essential questions…

Where? Best destinations in Iceland

Let’s start by a general overview of the main regions of Iceland and the things you can expect to see in each of them. Note that all the tourist board websites in Iceland are organized by such regions.

Here is a quick map of Iceland with its regions:

And below is a quick overview of all the region to see what type of scenery your prefer:

SOUTH ICELAND

It has some the country’s most visited tourist attractions with waterfalls, glaciers, icebergs and the drive along this South Coast is a constant amazement

You can see the top things to do in the region here

SNAEFELLSNES PENINSULA

Also known as the ‘small Iceland’; its geological diversity will give you taste of what there is to see in Iceland: volcano, glacier, waterfall, fjords…

SOUTH WEST ICELAND

The Iceland Tourist board includes 2 other regions: Reykjavik and the Reykjanes peninsula. Personally I will gather them with other attractions into a region ‘Around Reykjavik’ with geothermal wonders, lighthouses, geysers and impressive waterfalls

NORTH ICELAND

Valleys, fjords, geothermal area, ‘post-apocalyptic’ lava fields… contrasts, colors and a deep connection with Earth. This was my favorite region

WEST FJORDS

Stunning fjords and lagoons, wildlife… This is a very isolated region with relatively unspoiled wilderness

EAST FJORDS

Forest, lush farmlands, small fjords and islands…

CENTRAL HIGHLANDS

Wild mountains and glacier which can be explored during summer with 4WD or hiking

And now that you know where you would like to go, let’s start planning your trip to Iceland !!!

When? Best time to visit Iceland

Iceland is beautiful and magical all year around and the best time to visit really depends on you and what you want to see.

FULL ARTICLE  ==> I have written a detailed guide on the Best time to visit Iceland including conditions and things to see.

Here is a very short summary:

June-August

• Long daylight hours, green scenery, lupine fields (June-July)
• BUT Peak season: higher prices, more tourists; no aurora borealis

May & September-beginning October

• Still enough daylight hours, Chances at aurora borealis, autumn colors, road still in good conditions
• BUT Less accommodations are opened, colder weather
• Not many tourists, winter wonders such as the blue caves, stunning landscapes with snow, less tourists, interesting low light for photography, good prices
• BUT Difficult driving conditions, many roads closed, not many hours of light
• It is a great time to see the Northern lights in Iceland
• Find out your options on my article about visiting Iceland in Winter and Iceland Winter Tours
• Have a look this great post by Dreaming and Wandering about 10 reasons you should visit Iceland in Winter

How long should you plan a trip to Iceland ?

Before you can start planning a trip to Iceland, you first have to decide how long to stay (if you have the luxury to be flexible with your time).

Here are some facts to help you:

• Route 1 a.k.a. the Ring Road (Icelandic: Þjóðvegur 1 or Hringvegur) runs around the island (see on the map above). The total length of the road is 1,332 kilometers ( 828 miles ).
• Speed limit on the best paved roads is 90 km/hour but unpaved sections are at 80km 
• You will want to stop every 5 minutes to look at the changing scenery or take a photo – this is inevitable

Therefore, I would not recommend attempting the all around Ring Road in 7 days, you would have to rush all the time. But if you are ok with getting just a snapshot of each region then go for it (one of my favorite blogger Liz from Young Adventuress did it with her Iceland challenge and really loved it).

From my experience and discussion with local tour guides, I think to really enjoy it you need:

• Reykjavik – Golden circle: 2 days
• Snaefellnes: 2/3 days
• South Iceland: 3 days
• West Fjords: 2 – 3 days
• East Iceland: 2 days
• North Iceland: 5 days (including 3 around Myvatn)
• Central Highlands – at least one day for Landmannalaugar with 4 WD but there is so much more to see!

Transportation – How to travel around Iceland?

When you are planning a trip to Iceland, you can consider the following options to get around the island:

OPTION 1  – Self-Drive Iceland – own planning

Considering the distance and the limits of bus travel, especially outside the summer months, doing and Iceland Road Trip is the number one solution. And I totally agree. Because me, the person who hates driving, I ended up enjoying my self-drive experience in Iceland!!! The lack of traffic and the amazing scenery everywhere made my trip very easy. It was a miracle according to my mother 🙂

FULL ARTICLE  ==> Anyway I have gathered for you all I learnt about driving on a road trip in Iceland and a step-by-step guide to renting a car in Iceland

And I recommend the rental car company I used: Route 1 car rental . Their service was excellent, and the car was is perfect condition. 

IF THIS IS YOUR CHOICE, you can jump to the next section about planning your Iceland itinerary.

OPTION 2  – Self-Drive Iceland – Iceland Trip Package

If you don’t want to plan everything yourself but are happy to drive around based on indication provided, you can book an Iceland Self drive package with car rental, hotels and recommendations.

Here are suggested packages of all lengths:

• Summer Self drive tours
• Winter Self drive tours
• And if your budget is limited, they also gathered in one page all their budget Self drive tour options

Or you can head to my article about how to choose your Iceland Self drive tour package .

OPTION 3 – Organized tours with base in Reykjavik

Many companies are offering single day tours departing from Reykjavik to see many of the best attractions in the South of the island. If you have only a few days it can be a good option to stay in the same hotel, and get a snapshot of several areas.

FULL ARTICLE  ==> To see the best options of activities and tours check out my  suggested best day trips from Reykjavik

OPTION 4 – Multi-day Iceland Circuits

Another option if you don’t want to drive (especially in Winter) is to book a circuit over several days. This way you get to see a lot more than with day trips. And you can just sit, relax and admire the scenery.

For example:

• a Summer 7 day Guided Ring Road Tour – check out program and price
• A Summer 10 day Iceland Circle in Minibus – check out program and price
• a Winter 7 day Vacation with Northern lights – a mic of day trips and multi day ones – check out program and price
• An 8 day Winter complete tourPackage  – check out program and price

OPTION 5 – Super Jeep Private Tours

If you have the budget, you can also hire a super jeep and expert drive. This will allow you to discover off the beaten track regions and magnificent landscapes. And I did splurge and offered myself a private 2 Day Super Jeep tour to discover part of the central highlands. I used Discover Iceland and was extremely satisfied. 

OPTION 6 – Bus / hitchhiking

• Except from the very well organized FlyBus that takes you from the airport to Reykjavik, I have not tested the bus system. However note that you will be quite limited if traveling off the main summer months. The public transport system is run by Straeto.
• Many people hitch hike in Iceland as it is a very safe place to do so. However you have to be extremely patient as the flow of cars can be very small. In that case you cannot do much to plan a trip to Iceland.

Note -on Internal Flights in Iceland

If you want to shortcut your tour, or just cover one area of island, you can take internal flights from the Reykjavik domestic airport. Reykjavik to Akyreyri takes 40 minutes. Air Iceland runs many internal flights and they were cheaper than I expected especially if you book them in advance. Plus if you are lucky like me and the weather is clear you get to see part of Iceland from the sky for a lot cheaper than a special flight. I flew over fjords and glaciers and I even saw the cloud from the eruption far away!

What to see in Iceland? Planning an Iceland Trip Itinerary…

Now, if you have opted for a self-drive, it is time to start listing all the locations you do not want to miss. The problem is that there are so many, it is difficult to gather them and make a choice to create your itinerary !

I have made my selection and you can find all my favorite places in the following:

You can surf my website with 65 posts dedicated to Iceland . Most are dedicated to one location at a time with many photos and some videos: Golden Circle , Blue Lagoon , Jokulsarlon , Dimmuborgir , Dettifoss and so much more!

It includes  some  suggested itineraries depending on how long you have!

Check out the main eBook: a  practical road trip travel guide for Iceland I compiled for you. It contains:

• 8 exclusive maps
• 100+ locations with precise planning tips
• GPS coordinates
• More than 100 original pictures

All you need to plan your trip to Iceland!

If you just want to drive around the ring road, check out my other eBook, the practical Ring Road guide  I compiled for you. It contains:

• 30 stops within 10km of the Ring Road
• 10 detours under a day
• More than 70 original pictures
• Map with all locations
• All 2WD accessible

Accommodations – Where to stay in Iceland?

As one of my taxi drivers mentioned, with the boom of tourism in Iceland, accommodations are appearing everywhere, especially guesthouses. The options are as usual: camping, minivan/motorhome, hostels, guesthouses, hotels, farm stay.

FULL ARTICLE  ==> For information about where to stay in Iceland and for suggestions, check out my Iceland Accommodations Article.

A few points to keep in mind:

• During peak season, accommodations fill in quickly especially those well located
• Off peak season, many are closed so it can also be hard to find accommodation if you look at the last minute (I looked at it 6 weeks before and options were limited for the Myvatn area)
• A lot of rooms in Guesthouses have share bathrooms – I have seen many reviews by people who were surprised. So when you book, check the details!
• Renting a campervan or camping is also a great option to save money, stay closer to nature. But know that it is cold at night, so be mindful of how you are willing to travel. In September I still saw a lot of campers. Layers Layers Layers! – Check out some Mini-camper and van options

Get travel insurance

I really recommend you purchase travel insurance prior to departure. Compared to the budget of such a trip, it is reasonable and, in case of problems, you won’t regret having one. I personally always use World Nomads. Get a quote online here .

Language – The basics

To make your acquaintance smiles.

Almost everyone speaks English. So it is very easy to get around.

However be ready that they will have fun when you try pronouncing the names of places such as Fjadrárgljúfur, especially when talking about the volcano that erupted in 2010: Eyjafjallajökull. 

Of course like in any country, it is always appreciated when you try a few words in their language (which is called Icelandic by the way).

• Hello – Halló
• Thanks – Takk or Takk fyrir
• Cheers! – Skál!

For more, check out the wikitravel phrasebook page

To understand the name of places

Also there are a few words that are useful to be recognized so that when you see a sign you can realize what type of scenery it will be and you can decide if you want to explore:

• Jökull – Glacier
• Kirkja – Church
• Sarlon – Lagoon
• Fell – Mountain
• Foss/Fossar – Waterfall
• Hraun – Lava

Things to know to prepare your trip to Iceland

Money – currency, tipping….

• Currency: Icelandic Kronur
• Tipping: It’s not customary to tip in Iceland
• Paying: You can pay even very small amount by credit card. but to minimize the fees you might want to take out cash then plan in advance because there are not that many towns
• Managing cash: Exchange your leftover cash at the airport before leaving. You won’t be able to change it back once outside of Iceland.

FOOD & BEVERAGES – what to expect

• If you like Fish and Seafood, welcome to paradise! I had fish or langoustine at almost evey diner. Delicious!
• In terms of meat, you will see the usual. They serve a lot of Lamb. The Americans on my photo tours were surprised by how tender and good the lamb was (apparently very different from the US version).
• A typical quick bite in Iceland is the hot dog. They mix many sauces in it but it has nothing original.
• Snacks include dry fish… I have not tried, just the smell was repulsive to me. Let me know what younthink if you try it
• Cold tap water in Iceland is fantastic. It comes from the glacier and is delicious
• Alcohol is on the expensive end of the travel spectrum
• Icelandic Supermarkets are not big but you will find a good selection of options for snack and light meals – check out Victoria’s great article with the 5 things to know about the Icelandic Grocery Stores

The Icelandic weather is UNPREDICTABLE and can change every 10 minutes.

So do not watch the weather forecast before leaving. It is going to depress you. Iceland is beautiful in any weather. And you are not going there to lie on the beach so who cares? Just watch once you are there to maybe decide where to go each day if not preplanned.

What to pack for Iceland

Clothes – what to wear in iceland.

Layers, Layers, Layers. This is the golden rules. For Wind, Rain, Sun, Cold

The weather is unpredictable and you need to cover and uncover as it changes. But let’s face it, mostly you need warm clothes. Here is what I had:

• Good waterproof shoes
• Warm hat (I bought one in Iceland which is very comfortable and warm)
• Gloves; personally I took some with a touch screen finger to be able to take pictures with my iPhone without removing them
• Your new best friend, the  rain overpant
• Rain jacket but not too warm because I use layers for that, and a waterproof over pant
• Thermal underwear
• Wind shell jacket
• something to cover your neck
• swimsuit for nature baths and springs

And if you go outside during the night to chase northern lights, make sure to add layers to those you were wearing during the day. It gets cold, especially when it is windy.

Want a more detailed list with product suggestions?

Check out my complete article with detailed suggestions and tips on what to wear and pack for Iceland

Photography and other equipment

Iceland is magical. You can’t help but take hundreds of pictures of the same things. It is THAT beautiful. So here are major things not to forget

• Extra battery
• Extra memory cards – I had already many and bought one more in Iceland – After 16 days I came back with 8000 pictures (well, I did bracketing, so original pictures might be 6000) and 400 short videos. Don’t judge me!
• Rain protection – plastic bac or more evolved options this is mandatory. You will have rain and mist from the waterfalls.
• If you are a little bit more advances, ND filters for the waterfalls will be really helpful
• If you are even more advanced, then you do not need my help…
• Tripod to photograph aurora borealis

I also recommend bringing binoculars to admire the glacier tongues from the distance or to spot puffins. Check out my complete guide to help you find the right binoculars for you.

Good to know before leaving

• SHOWER – Hot water can smell like sulfur. But do not worry it is just due to the way it is heated (with geothermal power). No danger there.
• VISA – Don’t forget to check if you need a visa
• WIFI –  Wifi is widely available, often for free, at gas stations around the country. There are not many Internet café (well, there are not many towns so…) but all places I stayed had wifi had least in the common areas.
• COMMUNICATIONS – Cell phone service is also reliable in many places around the Ring Road
• FITNESS –  Before going I was worried I would miss a lot because I am not fit. But there is so much beauty everywhere that it was really not a problem. Of course, you have activities for all fitness level (e.g. 4 day hike through Thormosk and Landmannalaugar), but most Icelandic highlights are very accessible and your knee problems will just prevent you from seeing them from other viewpoints where you need to climb a little. You will still get to see them.

Want to know more about Iceland?

PREVIOUS: 

Best Iceland Lava Caves

NEXT: 

WHAT TO PACK FOR ICELAND

Ready to plan a trip to Iceland?

Reader Interactions

October 19, 2014 at 8:20 PM

My husband and I are planning to go back to Iceland to drive the ring road and this is SUPER helpful as we stayed mostly in Reykjavik and South Iceland last time. Do you have any recommendations on lodging? We’re backpackers and were just considering camping, but we’re still in the planning stages.

October 20, 2014 at 1:26 PM

Thanks for the comment. I am glad to hear you are finding this helpful. I am not an expert in accommodations as I stayed only in few. However I added a paragraph with some of the things I learned during my own research. I normally prefer camping holidays but this time I had a week on a photography tour for which hotels were booked and for the second week by myself I opted for guesthouses.

March 30, 2017 at 6:03 AM

We’re now planning our trip to Iceland. Your posts are very helpful! Do you think 7 days are enough to do south and west of Iceland? We’re going in mid April so I’m aware the roads might not be in a great condition but the days are longer already so more daylight for driving.

Thanks for any tips, Monika

March 30, 2017 at 5:05 PM

Hi Monika Thanks for your comment With 7 days you can cover quite well the South, the Golden Circle and the Snaefellsnes peninsula. But I think it would be very difficult to add the Western Fjords in the North-West part of the island. You would have to rush a lot, which would feel frustrating. Cheers, Claire

May 17, 2017 at 8:10 PM

We are planning a trip to Iceland in 2018. we are considering travel in September. How far in advance should we begin planning in order to secure the airline tickets, accommodations, sites, events, etc?

May 18, 2017 at 4:15 PM

Hi Patrick. I just checked in Booking.com and by September this year, bookings should be opened for September 2018. You can book as early as you want as, for most, you can cancel until the last few days (unless you get a special price. I think that for September, booking in January should be good to have plenty of choice. But I am not an expert at getting the best deals on flights… 🙂 Happy planning!

February 20, 2018 at 4:48 PM

Hi I plan to visit iceland next summer, the information you wrote is very helpful. thanks lily

February 20, 2018 at 5:23 PM

Glad to read it. Thanks for taking the time to comment. Have a wonderful trip!

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• Travel Tips

These Are the Best Times to Visit Iceland

Here are the best times to visit Iceland for ideal weather, fewer crowds, and more.

Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure , covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer.

Over the last decade, Iceland has become one of Europe's "it" destinations thanks to its ethereal — and highly photogenic — landscapes featuring ancient glaciers and rugged fjords.

Before you book your flight to this popular island nation, you'll want to think about everything you want to see and do on your trip because the time of year can determine what's available. Some attractions, like Iceland's famous hot springs , are open all year, while natural phenomena like the northern lights and midnight sun are best viewed during specific months. Here's a breakdown of the tourist seasons in Iceland:

• High Seasons:  June to August and late December
• Shoulder Seasons:  September to October and May
• Low Season:  November to April, excluding holidays

Read on to learn about the best time to visit Iceland for whale watching, northern lights spotting, and more.

Irjaliina Paavonpera/Travel + Leisure

Best Times to Visit Iceland for Smaller Crowds

The busiest months in Iceland are June, July, and August, when most natural attractions are open and easily accessible. Iceland can stay relatively warm through the first week of October, so planning a September visit can be ideal since most crowds have thinned as children return to school. May, too, provides ample daylight for sightseeing, warmer temperatures, and fewer crowds.

The off-season between November and April is ideal for those looking to escape the hordes of tourists, as long as you don't mind the dark (by mid-winter, expect only five or six hours of daylight). Though some roads are closed, it's a glorious time to enjoy hot springs, backcountry skiing, and tours by snowmobile or jeep. You'll also have a better chance of spotting the northern lights. Tourism tends to pick up again during the holiday season, so avoid December if you're looking for a crowd-free vacation.

Courtesy of Visit Iceland

Best Times to Visit Iceland for Good Weather

During the summer months — July and August — the temperature in Iceland hovers around 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a popular time to visit. And June, with its 24 hours of daylight, sees just about as many tourists as the peak of summer. But even during this season, rain and intense wind are not uncommon. The island's fickle climate often means you can experience all four seasons in a single day.

The weather remains pleasant in September, with temperatures between 43 and 52 degrees Fahrenheit. May is similar, but if you're keen on exploring some of the more remote hills and fjords, it might not be the best time to visit, as some roads remain closed while they thaw from winter's snowy cover. For serious hikers, the best time to visit Iceland is during the summer, when all the mountain roads and famous trails are open and accessible.

Best Times to Visit Iceland for Lower Prices

Getting to Iceland can be relatively affordable, especially compared to other European destinations. Travelers from the United States and Europe frequently find flight deals — keep an eye out for sales on Icelandair and low-cost airline Play to save even more on your journey.

Accommodations, tours, attractions, and meals can be pretty pricey throughout the year, but you might be able to save money by visiting during the off-season, which is typically late fall through early spring, excluding December. Summer is usually the most crowded and expensive time to visit.

Best Time to Visit Iceland for the Northern Lights

You'll need three essential factors to see the aurora borealis: darkness, clear conditions, and a surge in solar activity. The northern lights are often elusive and can easily be marred by transient clouds. To avoid disappointment, travelers should never plan their trip to Iceland solely for the northern lights because the island's weather is too capricious (statistically, there are more clear nights in Yellowknife, Canada , for example.) The best way to optimize your chances of seeing the northern lights in Iceland is by visiting from mid-October through March, when you have extended hours of darkness, and by getting out into the countryside to reduce ambient light pollution.

Best Time to Visit Iceland for Whale Watching

According to Icelandic marine biologist Edda Elísabet Magnúsdóttir, the peak months to go whale watching in Iceland are June and July. During the summer, Reykjavík sees higher numbers of minke whales and dolphins, while orcas congregate in West Iceland along the Snaefellsnes peninsula during the first half of the year.

In northern Iceland, you'll have a wider window to enjoy visits from humpbacks, minkes, and dolphins, which ply the Atlantic from May to August; a few humpbacks even stick around until the end of the year. Blue whales pass through in the summer, too. For best results, head to the charming small town of Húsavík , where you can spot more than 20 species of whales on boat tours that leave from the harbor.

Best Time to Visit Iceland's Hot Springs

Hot springs are intrinsic to Icelandic culture for social as well as wellness benefits. Reykjavík's public pools are open year-round (and are especially invigorating during the dead of winter), but Iceland also has hundreds of hidden "hot pots" that tap directly into the geothermal activity under its lava-ridden surface.

Expert Icelandic mountaineer and cofounder of Midgard Adventure , Sigurdur Bjarni Sveinsson, offers the following advice for hot water hunters: "Check them out during September or, even better, the first half of October, when they're all still accessible by mountain road, but the crowds of tourists have significantly died down."

For travelers who want to visit the Blue Lagoon , the most famous geothermal spa, the best time to visit is during the off and shoulder seasons, when crowds are thinner.

Worst Time to Visit Iceland

Thanks to Iceland's stunning landscapes and seasonal natural phenomena, there's really no bad time to visit. Northern lights seekers flock to the country during the darker winter months, while visitors chasing more daylight opt for summer. Of course, those traveling in the spring and fall can take advantage of more moderate weather and daylight, so the best time to visit Iceland depends on what you want to see and do during your trip.

That said, the warmest months of the year are easily the worst time to visit if you're hoping to avoid the onslaught of tourists. July and August see the highest number of travelers, with big-ticket attractions like the Blue Lagoon, Golden Circle, South Coast, and Jökulsárlón being particularly overrun. If you're planning to visit during that time, consider exploring more remote corners of the island like the Westfjords or East Iceland, which have their own cache of fjords, vistas, and waterfalls that are just as impressive as the natural attractions surrounding the capital — if not more.

The Ultimate 10-Day Iceland Itinerary

Day 1 - Reykjavik

• Day 2 - Caving & Hveragerdi

Day 3 - Waterfalls, Reynisfjara, & Klaustur

Day 4 - skaftafell & jokulsarlon.

• Day 5 - The East Fjords & Egilsstadir
• Day 6 - Asbyrgi

Day 7 - Myvatn

Day 8 - husavik & akureyri, day 9 - husafell.

• Day 10 - Reykjanes & Homecoming

Discover 10 adventure-filled summer days of authentic travel—our ultimate 10-day Iceland itinerary is sure to cater to your highest expectations. In addition to guiding you to incredible landscapes and secret natural gems, this well-thought-out selection of Iceland's must-see attractions covers the Ring Road and more. Read on to explore the best 10-day Iceland itinerary.

Many travelers wonder how much time they need in Iceland. We believe 10 days is optimal to take in a range of incredible attractions and activities. 

• Book this  10-Day Summer Self-Drive Tour of the Complete Ring Road with a Taste of the Central Highlands
• Join this fantastic 10-day guided circle trip around Iceland in winter

Popular package tours

Scenic 4-day northern lights tour of vatnajokull ice cave, jokulsarlon & the south coast, amazing 5-day northern lights winter vacation package in iceland with ice caving & the blue lagoon, breathtaking 6-day northern lights hunting package of iceland with ice caving.

Other Considerations for This 10 day Iceland Trip Itinerary

• The following is a 10 day Iceland summer itinerary. Take this trip between May and September to allow sufficient daylight hours to see all our recommended attractions.
• You will spend one night in each location, allowing you to complete the entire Ring Road and uncover hidden gems.
• Because the summer months in Iceland are busier, we advise you to pre-book your accommodation . 
• Although this is a summer itinerary, you will still need to bring warm clothing to Iceland.
• See also The Right Clothes and Gear for Tours in Iceland

Mode of Transport for Your 10 day Iceland Travel Itinerary

Iceland has no railway system, and although the Icelandic bus system is relatively accessible and straightforward, trips are both expensive and infrequent.

When traversing the country, therefore, we recommend that you rent a car , as it allows you to control your own pace and explore hidden paths and less-used roads where you are sure to discover many secrets.

With the speed limit set at a modest 56 miles per hour (90 kilometers per hour), Iceland's quiet highways provide ideal road trip conditions where you have ample opportunities to marvel at the breathtaking scenery.

And remember that if you do not have the necessary means of driving by yourself, you always have the option of going on a  Guided Ring Road of Iceland Tour .

With your sights set on central  Reykjavik , where you have booked your accommodation, pick up your car at the Keflavik International Airport . First, drive through the lunar vistas that make up the Reykjanes Peninsula . Here you can immerse yourself in Iceland's spectacular landscapes, spontaneously discovered by simply looking out your car window.

Over 70 percent of the people who visit Iceland make their way to the Blue Lagoon  geothermal spa, making it Iceland's single most popular attraction, and with good reason. Named in 2012 as one of National Geographic's "25 Wonders of the World," this outdoor spa is in the middle of a rugged black lava field in  Grindavik . The Blue Lagoon, located 13.4 miles (21.6 kilometers) from Keflavík Airport, has warm milky-blue water and supposed extraordinary healing powers.

Should you arrive in Iceland early in the morning, a visit to the Blue Lagoon would be an ideal choice for the day. The journey ahead will provide you with ample opportunities to bathe in many of Iceland's magnificent natural and artificial pools. You could also visit the Blue Lagoon on your last day or skip it altogether.

When you have checked into your accommodation, take advantage of the closeness to Reykjavik's thriving city center. You can discover a multitude of shops, museums, restaurants, and cafes and explore the old harbor district of  Grandi . It recently transformed into a vibrant arts venue filled with workshops, restaurants, and galleries. 

In the evening, dine at one of  the best restaurants in Reykjavik  before joining the radically liberal  nightlife in Reykjavik , which is famed for its avant-garde atmosphere and flamboyant crowds.

Just make sure that you save some energy for the journey ahead.

Top Blue Lagoon Tours

• See also Top 10 things to do in Reykjavik

Day 2 - Caving & Hveragerdi  

Start the second day of your 10-day Iceland itinerary by driving 12.4 miles (20 kilometers) east of Reykjavik into the  Blafjoll Country Park . Spend the late morning and early afternoon exploring what is widely considered the most magnificent natural phenomenon of its kind, the empty magma chamber of the Thrihnukagigur  volcano.

Photo from  6-Hour Volcano Tour Inside the Magma Chamber of Thrihnukagigur with Transfer from Reykjavik

After a 1.8-mile (3-kilometer) hike through Blafjoll's volcanic wonderland, an open cable car will take you through a narrow, funnel-shaped opening and slowly lower you 393 feet (120 meters) into the enormous Thrihnukagigur magma chamber.

A  Thrihnukagigur volcano tour  is an excursion into the cold heart of a dormant volcano, where orange and scarlet walls tell stories of ancient cataclysms and terrible destruction.

Hot water perpetually pours from the Reykjadalur's surrounding hills, forming a warm stream at the bottom of the valley, where you can bathe and unwind while enjoying the mesmerizing scenery.

If you are thirsty for a more daring approach, a guided horseback tour  takes you further into the mountains above Hveragerdi. Here you will discover mighty lava fields and geothermal hot spots of bubbling mud pools, solfataras, and fumaroles. At the same time, you will enjoy riding the pony-sized Icelandic horse .

The third day of your 10-day Iceland road trip takes you further east, across the southern lowlands where Seljalandsfoss , one of Iceland's highest waterfalls, awaits you by the highway.

Seljalandsfoss waterfall drops over 197 feet (60 meters) over a misty cavern where you can walk behind the cascade. Experience its mystical force from the point of view rarely granted by mother nature.

Your next stop of the day is Seljavellir, where an old path takes you to  Seljavallalaug outdoor pool , one of Iceland's oldest swimming pools and the south's most iconic construction.

Since 1923, the pool has collected the lukewarm water that steadily seeps from the hills. You are free to bathe in this stunning example of organic architecture to this day.

Six miles (10 kilometers) east of Seljavellir, the mighty  Skogafoss  waterfall, one of Iceland's most significant, plummets 197 feet (60 meters) from the towering cliffs that make up the border between the coastal lowlands and the Icelandic Highlands .

After accosting this mighty aqueous guardian of the south, you would do well to visit the Skogar Folk Museum , whose six buildings display more than 15,000 regional folk craft artifacts.

Spend the late afternoon exploring  Reynisfjara  beach, one of the world's most beautiful black sand beaches.

Perpetually hammered by the ruthless North Atlantic surf, Reynisfjara has titanic rock formations and hexagonal basalt columns that make up an enormous cliff face on which strange dark caves gape towards the open sea. 

Please be advised that strong undercurrents, heavy surf, and cold water temperatures make  entering the sea extremely dangerous , and one should not do so under any circumstances. 

• Book a  Reynisfjara South Coast Tour  now

Photo by Regina Hrönn Ragnarsdóttir

After exploring Reynisfjara, you head east towards  Kirkjubaejarklaustur  town, where you will lay your head for the night. 

The bright summer evening provides the perfect conditions for exploring the Systrafoss waterfall and the magnificent Systrastapi (Sister's Rock). This strange rock hill towers from the southern lowlands, 0.8 miles (1.3 kilometers) from the village. 

Top South Coast Tours

On the fourth day of this epic 10-day Iceland Ring Road itinerary, enjoy the journey into  Skaftafell  nature reserve. This incredible landscape covers over 2,982 square miles (4,800 square kilometers) of utterly surreal wildlands. Black desert sands meet a birchwood oasis under a spur of the Vatnajokull ice cap.

Skaftafell is famed for its warm summer climate, and locals offer excellent services, including guided glacier hiking tours and ice cave tours , transportation, food, and accommodation. From Skaftafell's visitor center and campsite, many hiking trails will take you into dreamlike realms of mesmerizing beauty.

On Fossaleid (Trail of Falls ), Hundafoss waterfall will be the first and highest of a set of cascades on the path to the majestic  Svartifoss  (Black Falls) waterfall. It tumbles from a tall row of black basalt columns in a forest clearing, like a reality gap. 

Thirty-four miles (54.7 kilometers) east of the campsite, you will find one of Iceland's most treasured masterpieces of nature, Jokulsarlon  Glacier Lagoon.

Jokulsarlon is a glacier lagoon in which you can join countless seals traveling amongst the towering mountains of ice that have broken off from the Breidamerkurjokull  glacier in the north.

For decades,  Jokulsarlon tours  have attracted large crowds worldwide, and to this day, they remain one of Iceland's most popular tourist activities.

But when the titanic icebergs of Jokulsarlon have melted to the size of a mere cubic meter, the Jokulsa a Breidamerkursandi glacial river ferries them south into the sea. Here, the waves polish them into table-sized blocks of ice that eventually wash onto the obsidian sands called  Diamond Beach . 

Diamond Beach is where 1,000-year-old glacier fragments slowly fade into unity with the significant drop of water called the Atlantic Ocean.

Spend the rest of your day here before heading back to Skaftafell for a well-deserved good night's sleep under a glacier bathed in the scarlet rays of the midnight sun . 

Top Jokulsarlon Tours

Day 5 - the east fjords & egilsstadir  .

On day five of your 10-day trip to Iceland, you set your sights on the small township of Egilsstadir , the largest settlement in the Eastern Region , where folklore and science have waged a fierce battle for centuries.

Lagarfljot , Iceland's third-largest river, splits the unofficial Eastern capital. It is allegedly home to the Icelandic equivalent of the Loch Ness Monster , the serpentine creature known as Lagarfljotsormurinn .

Documented sightings of the great worm of Lagarfljot first occurred in 1345 and continued well into the 21st century. Still, it wasn't until 2012 that a video recording finally provided the irrefutable evidence that ultimately proved the creature's existence.

And within the blink of an eye, legend had become fact.

Before you have the possibility of chancing upon a close encounter with the Lagarfljot Worm, enjoy the three-hour morning drive towards Egilsstadir. Your reward is crowd-free vistas of windswept mountains, picturesque villages, and an array of waterfalls so stunning that they are even said to rival their southern counterparts.

The dramatic east coast has long fjords with steep sides and jagged glacier-forged peaks. The fjords contrast with fertile farmlands, blooming meadows, and green groves.

Fifteen miles (25 kilometers) south of Egilsstadir, the  Hallormsstadaskogur  National Forest covers over 740 hectares (7.4 square kilometers) of varied landscapes, making it the largest forest in Iceland.

Forests are a rare phenomenon in Iceland, and before you reach Egilsstadir, a visit to the forest would be well worth your while. Hallormsstadarskogur boasts over 24.8 miles (40 kilometers) of footpaths and marked trails, two fully-equipped campsites, and boat and horse rentals.

Top Eastfjords Tours

Day 6 - asbyrgi  .

Day six of your 10-day Iceland road trip takes you 118 miles (190 kilometers) northwest of Egilsstadir and into the mystical horseshoe-shaped  Asbyrgi  canyon (The Shelter of Gods). According to numerous local sources, their steep sides are towering cliffs that are the principal dwellings of the hidden Icelandic people (Huldufolk).

Photo by Regína Hrönn Ragnarsdóttir

One of those paths is a stone-stepped trail that leads to the crystal clear and still Botnstjorn pond. This small body of water is all that remains of a nameless waterfall, which in primordial times fell roaring from the cliffs above.

Today, Botnstjorn has a viewing platform that allows for a peaceful moment where you can pay a silent tribute to the aquatic spirit that once was the master of this realm.

Legend claims that Asbyrgi formed when Odin's eight-footed horse, Sleipnir, graced the earth with a touch of one of its hooves. Most geologists, however, maintain that catastrophic ice-age flooding of the Jokulsa a Fjollum glacial river brought Asbyrgi into existence.

Spend the day in Asbyrgi's soft but rocky embrace and secure a night of sweet dreams by remembering to pay your respects to the hidden people in the cliffs above you. 

• Book a  Ring Road Self-Drive Tour With Asbyrgi  here 

From Asbyrgi, head northeast inland and onward to Lake Myvatn , 55.7 miles (89.7 kilometers) away. Here you will traverse ethereal landscapes formed in a cataclysmic volcanic explosion more than 2,000 years ago.

Myvatn is one of Iceland's largest lakes, famed for its multiple bird communities, vibrant plant life, and the many natural wonders surrounding the lake itself. These include the bubbling sulfuric mud pools of the  Namaskard  pass, the enormous tuff ring volcano crater of  Hverfjall , and the massive  Krafla  volcanic caldera. Krafla is fiercely active and last erupted in 1984.

You will find one of Iceland's most precious natural marvels, the  Dimmuborgir  (Dark Cities) lava fields east of the lake.

Legend has it that Dimmuborgir came into existence when Lucifer was banished and cast from the heavens. Upon landing east of Myvatn, the fallen angel quickly amassed an infernal hoard of lost souls and established the Catacombs of Hell, much to the dislike of the local light elves.

There was chaos and confusion. Demons fought light beings under a burning sky. Still, eventually, the elves drove Satan's army far into the nether regions before turning the unusually shaped lava fields into a cross-dimensional elven capital of their own.

Stories like this may come across as nonsensical at first. Still, when you consider the area's incredible geothermal potency, Myvatn's mythological association with fire, brimstone, and burning underworlds becomes quite understandable.

Around the lake, you are more than likely to happen upon numerous caves filled with hot water, many of which rank amongst the world's most magnificent natural baths.

But since small earthquakes regularly alter the area's geothermal conditions—sometimes raising water temperatures to extreme and even life-threatening levels—you should always  connect with locals  before bathing in the caves. 

From Myvatn, a picturesque morning drive takes you into the northern Skjalfandi Bay  and the quiet little town of  Husavik , which has made a name for itself as the whale watching capital of the world.

Because of the multiple species of whale that flock to their feeding grounds in the waters of Skjalfandi bay, Husavik is the very best whale watching harbor in Iceland, with local operators boasting an unmatched 99 percent success rate.

On a  Husavik traditional whale watching tour , you are more than likely to encounter the white-beaked dolphin, the harbor porpoise, and even the titanic blue whale. However, the gentle minke whale is by far the most commonly sighted animal, its curious nature often allowing visitors to watch it from a very short distance. 

In the early afternoon, visit the local  Whale Museum  and the Exploration Museum , whose ancient artifacts and fishing vessels witness Iceland's incredible maritime history.

Top Whale Watching & Puffin Tours

From Husavik, a 56-mile (90-kilometer) drive takes you west to Akureyri , the largest town in Iceland outside of the capital area, with a population of 20,000. 

Although Akureyri lies only 62 miles (100 kilometers) below the arctic circle , the town greets you with mild, pleasant weather and an easy-going atmosphere. 

Akureyri has started to rival Reykjavik as Iceland's go-to cultural hot spot. Before you rest for the night, spend the late afternoon and evening exploring the town's many attractions, including an abundance of cafes, restaurants, and museums. 

• See also:  13 Best Things to Do in Akureyri

On the second to last day of your 10-day Iceland road trip, start your day early and drive to the old pastoral hamlet of Husafell , 196 miles (316 kilometers) from Akureyri.

Set in dense birchwood forests between two glaciers, this ever-popular outdoor activity center makes for an ideal place to spend a day of easy hiking and sightseeing.

Excellent footpaths and hiking trails lead into the beautiful Husafellsskogur forest, towards the Ok and  Eiriksjokull glaciers, and onto the vast Hallmundarhraun lava field. The lava field is home to numerous caves, including Surtshellir  and the enormous Vidgelmir .

Vidgelmir cave is 0.9 miles (1.5 kilometers) long, with gigantic domes reaching astonishing heights of over 49 feet (15 meters). These measurements make it the most extensive cave of its kind in Iceland and one of the largest lava caves in the world. 

Although Vidgelmir's sheer size is spectacular to behold, the cave's true uniqueness lies not in its enormity but its beautiful vibrant colors. They come to life in numerous locations, where a lights system ensures that visitors thoroughly enjoy their underground adventure. 

• Book a  Vidgelmir Cave Explorer Tour  here

Just over 9 miles (15 kilometers) southwest of Vidgelmir, you will find another natural marvel, the  Hraunfossar  waterfalls flowing into the Hvita River.

Do not miss Hraunfossar waterfalls, ranked among Iceland's most magnificent waterfalls. They are only a short drive from Husafell's service center. Husafell has a small grocery store, a filling station, a swimming pool, and an information booth where you can book cottages, reserve space on the campground, or book a room for the night in the local  Hotel.

Day 10 - Reykjanes & Homecoming  

On the very last day of your 10-day Iceland road trip itinerary, you will travel 119 miles (192 kilometers) southwest of Husafell onto the ultra-volcanic  Reykjanes Peninsula . Marvel at the massive ridge of black and red lava fields where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates drift apart.

Around every turn, you will stumble upon superb examples of Iceland's volcanic nature, such as the steaming  Kleifarvatn lake and the vibrant  Gunnuhver  and Seltun geothermal fields with bubbling mud pools and steaming fumaroles.

In Sandvik , a footbridge overarches a small canyon on the peninsula's southern point. Here, you can walk between the two separating continents.

It is easy to lose track of time and space in Reykjanes' volcanic landscape, so make sure to save a moment for the Blue Lagoon, should you not have gone there on your first day.

The steamy world of black rock and milky-blue water makes for the perfect finish to your visit to Iceland. In the misty lake, you are bound to soak away all of your tension and prepare your body for the journey back home.

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How Long Do You Need in Iceland?

7 minute read

By Catherine Allan

You’re coming for the glaciers, volcanoes, hot springs, and outdoor thrills. Not to mention the wildlife-watching in summer and Northern Lights-hunting in winter. There’s a lot to do in the Land of Fire and Ice. But how long do you need in Iceland to fit it all in?

Of course, the longer you stay, the more time you’ll have for adventure and excitement. But if you only have a long weekend, that’s enough to get a taste of Iceland (and whet your appetite for a longer visit!).

In this guide, discover how long to visit Iceland for, depending on what you want to get up to. Read on for suggestions on where to go and how much time to spend in each region. But these are only minimum guides, because ultimately you can stay as long as you like!

• Ready to travel? Check out these last-minute trips to Iceland .

Around Reykjavík in 3 days 

As Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavík is the cultural heart of the nation. No matter how long you’re staying in Iceland, you’ll likely start and end your trip here. And if you’ve only got a weekend, this is the place to be.

That said, to get the most out of your short break, allow at least 3 days. This way, you’ll be able to see some of the natural wonders around Reykjavík, while also getting a feel for the city.

The best way to spend a day exploring Reykjavík? Stroll around the harbor, dive into downtown’s food scene, and check out some of the city’s architectural wonders, such as Hallgrímskirkja .

A visit to one of Iceland’s renowned spas is also a must. A soak in one of these is the perfect way to unwind after a day of sightseeing. The Blue Lagoon , with its warm mineral-rich waters, is the most famous. What’s more, its location between Keflavik Airport and the capital make it an easy addition to your trip.

• Get inspired by these multi-day tours from Reykjavík .
• Related: Your ultimate guide to the Blue Lagoon in Iceland .

As well as spending time in Reykjavík, 3 days will let you take an excursion or two into the surrounding countryside. For instance, check out the popular Golden Circle route, and you’ll see three of Iceland’s top attractions in a single day.

These include Þingvellir National Park , a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home of Iceland’s ancient parliament . You’ll also witness the mighty Gullfoss waterfall and active geysers at the Geysir geothermal area.

If you have time for another day trip, venture along Iceland’s beautiful south coast where you’ll glimpse breathtaking waterfalls and black sand beaches. In summer, you could go on a puffin- or whale-watching boat tour from the Reykjanes peninsula. Or, travel in winter, and you could chase magical displays of the Northern Lights.

• Find out how many days you need in Iceland in winter .
• Related: 10 must-see attractions close to Reykjavík .

South Iceland in 4 days

Extend your trip to 4 days, and it’ll let you go further from Reykjavík to encounter more of the south coast.

This length of time is perfect for combining the capital with seeing the highlights of South Iceland . But it would be easy to spend longer here if you wanted to explore the region in more depth.

Begin your trip by uncovering Reykjavík’s cultural gems and checking out the must-see spots along the Golden Circle route.

With an entire day for the experience, you could add thrilling activities to your Golden Circle tour . Imagine delving into Raufarhólshellir cave, created by lava thousands of years ago, or zooming across a glacier on a guided snowmobile excursion.

Then, spend your remaining 2 days traveling the length of the rugged south coast. Here, you’ll find many of the glacial and volcanic wonders that give Iceland its nickname – the Land of Fire and Ice.

For instance, there’s Jökulsárlón , an iceberg-strewn glacier lagoon. And Vatnajökull National Park , which is home to volcanoes, geothermal springs, and one of the largest ice caps in Europe.

Over your 4-day getaway, base yourself in Reykjavík and take day tours out of the city. Or split your time between the capital and one of the charming villages along the south coast. Vík is a popular choice, and the striking black sand beach of Reynisfjara isn’t far away.

• Adventure is waiting for you on an active tour of Iceland .
• Related: Lava caves and ice caves in Iceland – Your guide .

South Iceland and Snæfellsnes peninsula in 5–6 days

Seeing Snæfellsnes, in combination with South Iceland, over 5 or 6 days means you can take a deep dive into these regions.

The Snæfellsnes peninsula is often called 'Iceland in miniature'. When you get there, it’s not hard to see why. Here, you’ll uncover a world of epic mountains, dazzling glaciers, and dramatic coastlines dotted with picturesque fishing villages. This is a place worth visiting!

Spend a day touring Snæfellsnes and you’ll pass the iconic peak of Kirkjufell mountain as you journey along the peninsula’s scenic coastal road. Don’t miss the steep sea cliffs near Arnarstapi village and the black sands of Djúpalónssandur . And stop off at the basalt columns at Gerðuberg on your way back to Reykjavík.

With this amount of time to experience southwest Iceland, why not also head to the Westman Islands , one of Iceland’s hidden gems? Come summer, this volcanic archipelago is home to one of the largest puffin colonies in the world. Plus, there are hiking and whale-watching opportunities here.

Once you’re back on the mainland, you could marvel at astonishing waterfalls along the south coast. There’s Seljalandsfoss , the jaw-dropping plume you can walk behind, and Skógafoss, one of the biggest and most powerful waterfalls in Iceland .

• Spark your wanderlust with these top 5-day itinerary ideas .
• Related: Your complete guide to the Snæfellsnes peninsula .

The Ring Road in 7–8 days

Iceland’s Ring Road, or Route 1, draws an enormous circle around most of the country. Stunning scenery and straightforward navigation make this the ultimate Icelandic road trip.

How long do you need? That depends on how far you want to travel in a day. Most road-trippers allow at least 7 days, as anything less can feel rushed. And there are plenty of mind-blowing sights to keep you busy, however long you want to take.

In fact, a Ring Road tour is one of the most popular ways to see Iceland. Start and end in Reykjavík, rent a car, and get ready to take in the very best of Iceland’s highlights.

After arriving in the capital, you could set out along the west coast, before heading north to Akureyri . On your way there, don’t miss the chance to check out Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls and marvel at the wild landscapes around Borgarfjörður . As you get close to Skagafjörður valley, look out for Icelandic horses roaming freely by the roadside.

Once you get to Akureyri, you’ll want around 2 days in Iceland’s north. From here, you can visit Lake Mývatn , Goðafoss (known as the ‘waterfall of the gods’), and Dimmuborgir ’s otherworldly volcanic landscape.

Then, drive south towards the wild Eastfjords. In this mountainous region, the road winds its way along the windswept coastline. You could stay the night around Höfn, before taking 2 days to travel back to Reykjavík along the south coast.

The beauty of a self-drive trip is the freedom it offers. You can stop whenever and wherever you like to explore the places that you’re drawn to the most. Plus, depending on the time of year, you could put a day aside to visit ice caves or go glacier hiking.

• Discover the Ring Road on a summer or winter vacation in Iceland .
• Related: Driving Iceland’s Ring Road – Ultimate guide .

Iceland off the beaten path in 10 days or more

Fancy seeing parts of Iceland that few others go to? One of the best ways to do this is by adding detours to your Ring Road itinerary. If you want to explore Iceland to the fullest, just make sure to give yourself around 10-14 days, or even longer.

A tangle of deep fjords, golden beaches, and imposing sea cliffs, the Westfjords is one of these less-visited areas. This remote peninsula, which stretches out into the North Atlantic Ocean is one of the least inhabited regions of Europe.

In fact, you’ll find there’s fewer than one person per square kilometer here. Because of this, it’s a haven for Arctic foxes and is one of the top places to see puffins in Iceland .

If you’re visiting Iceland in summer, you could also venture to the likes of Landmannalaugar in the Icelandic highlands. Another one of Europe’s last great wildernesses, it’s a land of surreal multi-coloured mountains, natural hot springs, and lava fields.

Both the Westfjords and the highlands are known for hiking trails that’ll take you through mind-boggling terrain. If you want to get off the beaten path, go camping or stay the night in a mountain hut.

While you can get a feel for both regions in a day each, know that access can be tricky. Particularly in the highlands where you’ll use unpaved tracks that require 4x4 vehicles. 

As a result, moving around can be a little slower than you might be used to. This means it’s best to budget more time than you think you might need.

• Immerse yourself in nature on a camping vacation in Iceland .
• Related: Top 10-day Iceland itineraries .

Explore Iceland with Iceland Tours

How long to spend in Iceland? In short, that’s up to you. However much time you have – whether that’s a long weekend or over 2 weeks – Iceland will reward you.

When you’re planning how long to stay in Iceland, consider how you want to travel too. With Iceland Tours, you can choose your preferred way to get around.

For example, do you want to take the wheel and enjoy the freedom of going at your own pace? Then a self-drive trip to Iceland is for you. We’ll book everything for you, including car rental and accommodation, along with any activities.

If you’d rather let someone else drive, a guided group trip or private tour of Iceland would be a good choice. As well as driving, your guide will make your trip even more memorable by sharing their local knowledge with you along the way.

Alternatively, base yourself in Reykjavík and get to know the surrounding area on one of these multi-day packages . This is a great option if you want to stay in the city and with the chance to check out some of Iceland’s natural wonders on guided day tours.

No matter how you want to travel, choose Iceland Tours and we’ll take care of the planning for you. Check out these last-minute Iceland trips you can book today.

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About the author

Catherine became fascinated by Iceland when she studied geology at university. And while there’s plenty to captivate a self-confessed geology geek, there’s so much more to discover here. The wild landscapes, epic bathing spots, and laid-back culture are just some of her favorite things about Iceland. When she’s not writing about travel, you’ll probably find her rock climbing or planning her next adventure.

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When is the best time to visit Iceland in 2024?

Mar 7, 2024 • 5 min read

Summer is the best time to take an Iceland road trip © Klaus Vedfelt / Getty Images

There’s no such thing as the perfect time to visit Iceland as the weather is notoriously whimsical and the best season for your trip depends entirely on what you want to experience.

Mid-summer is glorious with eternal daylight courtesy of the midnight sun. This is the time for hiking, camping and exploring the wilderness, and when most services are open. The down side is many destinations will be packed with tourists.

We've got all the information you need about the highs and lows of different seasons. Whenever you choose to visit Iceland, pay attention to forecasts and road conditions and follow any safety advice issued by Icelandic authorities . 

December to January is best for seeing the Northern Lights

Christmas lights brighten up the darkness and a festive spirit is in the air as the dark season nears its peak. Frost glitters and snow transforms landscapes into winter wonderlands. Christmas markets are held in Heiðmörk outside Reykjavík, in Hafnarfjörður and on Ingólfstorg square in Reykjavík, which has the added bonus of an ice rink. If conditions are right, the first ski resorts open up.

The sparse daylight means that you have a better chance of seeing the Northern Lights, especially outside populated areas where there is less light pollution (find a Northern Lights forecast here ). Joining tours is advisable. While it is possible to drive yourself, road conditions are often slippery and snowstorms are common.

Festivals worth checking out in winter include Dark Music Days and þorrablót mid-winter feasts, celebrated around the country. For the brave, restaurants often serve special þorri food.

February to March is the best time for snow sports and hot springs

It’s still dark and cold so communities brighten up the darkness with events like the Winter Lights Festival in Reykjavík and List í ljósi festival in Seyðisfjörður in the East. In narrow fjords in the Eastfjords and Westfjords, inhabitants celebrate the return of the sun with sólarkaffi and have pancakes. Snow sports become more enjoyable as daylight gradually returns.

Spring is an abstract concept in Iceland as the weather doesn’t always play along. It can still be cold and snowy, but the days get longer and the sun sometimes shines on skiers – this is often the best time for snow sports. The first of the migrant birds arrive and slowly but surely, nature springs back to life. Around Easter, events like Easter egg hunts are a fun family activity. In Ísafjörður, the Aldrei fór ég suður music festival is held and Ski Week  is around the same time.

April to May is the best time for off-peak travel

While the weather is still unreliable, temperatures gradually rise. The first flowers blossom and trees bud. Migrant birds arrive in flocks and lambs and foals are born. Migrant whales have also returned and with better weather, whale watching is more enjoyable. The bird-watching season begins, although some areas may be closed due to nesting.

There are relatively few tourists around and if conditions are good, this can be a good time for a  road trip . Look out for off-season discounts on accommodation and activities. However, not all tours and services have opened up yet.

The first Thursday after April 18th is the official First Day of Summer in Iceland, which is celebrated with parades and events around the country – even though the weather rarely plays along.

June to August is the best time for outdoor recreation

While there’s no good weather guarantee, this is your best chance of sun and warmish temperatures. Late June to early August is when most Icelanders go on vacation, filling up campgrounds wherever the best weather is forecast. This is the height of the tourist season – and height of the whale-watching season – so whatever you have planned, it’s best to book ahead.

Expect crowds at the most popular destinations, like on the South Coast and the  Golden Circle . But as it’s bright all night, you can beat the crowds by traveling either super early or late. In July, Highland roads open up, but you'll need to book a tour or hire a 4WD vehicle equipped for F-roads and crossing rivers (if that’s your plan). Summer is the best season for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Around mid-August, wild berries ripen.

Summer is also festival season. Fishermen’s Day is a national celebration held in every seaside town on the first weekend of June. Around June 21, summer solstice is celebrated on Grímsey island, Iceland’s northernmost inhabited island. The Reykjavík Arts Festival is held every other year – the next one is on in June this year (2024).

Bræðslan music festival is held in Borgarfjörður eystri on the last weekend of July. Verslunarmannahelgi  is a weekend in August that is packed with festivals and events, and Reykjavík Pride has various events held throughout the city, culminating in the Pride Parade.

Reykjavík Culture Night and the Reykjavík Marathon are held on the third weekend of August.

September to November is best for cultural events

Nights grow colder and camping is no longer advisable as fall rolls into winter. The weather is often good, though, so hiking can still be enjoyable. Pay attention to weather forecasts and bring warm clothing. Nature starts to change colors, painting forests and heather yellow, orange and red. Þingvellir National Park is at its most beautiful.

Road tripping is still possible and there will be fewer travelers around. However, winter is around the corner, so roads get slippery as soon as the temperatures drop and conditions can get stormy.

Réttir sheep and horse roundups are held in the countryside, and the Reykjavík International Film Festival takes place in the capital. In East Iceland, the Days of Darkness festival is held around Halloween and the Iceland Airwaves music festival is held in Reykjavík. Advent is approaching and Christmas preparations begin. This is a great time for visiting galleries and museums, going to concerts, relaxing in heated swimming pools, and feasting on good food.

This article was first published February 2021 and updated March 2024

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Published: December 4, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Yelena Bushey

• Plan Your Trip
• Travel Guide

Introduction

Welcome to the land of fire and ice, where natural wonders abound and breathtaking landscapes await your exploration. Iceland, a Nordic island nation located in the North Atlantic Ocean, is a destination like no other. From steaming geothermal hot springs to majestic glaciers, this unique country offers a multitude of experiences for every traveler.

Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a nature enthusiast, or a history buff, Iceland has something to captivate your senses. From the vibrant capital city of Reykjavik to the serene beauty of the countryside, Iceland is a destination that promises to leave a lasting impression.

In this article, we will guide you through the optimal duration for an Iceland trip, ensuring that you make the most of your time in this captivating country. We will explore the best time to visit Iceland, as well as provide a day-by-day itinerary that highlights the must-see attractions and experiences. So, pack your bags, put on your hiking boots, and get ready for an epic Icelandic adventure.

Best Time to Visit Iceland

Iceland’s weather is known for its unpredictability, with dramatic changes occurring within a matter of minutes. Therefore, choosing the right time to visit can greatly impact the overall experience of your trip. The best time to visit Iceland largely depends on your interests and what you hope to see and do during your visit.

Summer, from June to August, is the most popular time to visit Iceland. The weather is milder, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F), and the days are long, allowing for more daylight hours to enjoy outdoor activities. This is also the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices.

If you’re interested in witnessing the magical phenomenon of the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, the best time to visit Iceland is during the winter months, from November to February. Although the weather can be harsh, with temperatures dropping below freezing, the stunning light displays in the dark night sky make it well worth the visit.

For those seeking a balance between pleasant weather and fewer tourists, the shoulder seasons of spring (March to May) and autumn (September to October) are excellent choices. During these times, you can enjoy milder temperatures, fewer crowds, and the chance to witness the vibrant colors of the changing seasons.

It’s important to note that the weather in Iceland can be quite unpredictable no matter the time of year, and it’s always a good idea to pack layers and be prepared for varying conditions. Whether you’re exploring glaciers, hiking through national parks, or immersing yourself in the rich culture of Icelandic cities, understanding the best time to visit will ensure a more enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Duration of an Iceland Trip

When planning your trip to Iceland, one of the key considerations is how long to stay. The ideal duration of an Iceland trip depends on several factors, including your interests, budget, and the amount of time you have available. While some travelers opt for a short getaway, others prefer a more immersive journey to truly experience all that Iceland has to offer.

For a whirlwind tour of Iceland’s main attractions, a minimum of four to five days is recommended. This will allow you to explore highlights such as the Golden Circle, the Blue Lagoon, and the stunning waterfalls on the South Coast. However, keep in mind that you may feel rushed during a shorter trip, and you may not have enough time to venture beyond the most popular tourist spots.

If time permits, a seven to ten-day trip provides a more comprehensive experience. This will give you the opportunity to not only explore the popular sights but also venture off the beaten path and discover Iceland’s hidden gems. You can delve deeper into the rugged landscapes of the East Fjords, hike in the stunning Skaftafell National Park, or embark on a thrilling whale-watching adventure in Husavik.

For those seeking an even longer and more immersive experience, a two-week trip allows for a more in-depth exploration of the entire country. You can drive the entire Ring Road, which encircles the island, and discover the remote and untouched regions of the Westfjords, the highland interior, and the picturesque Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

Regardless of the duration of your trip, it’s crucial to plan your itinerary carefully and prioritize the sights and activities that interest you the most. Keep in mind that Iceland’s natural beauty is vast and diverse, and there is always more to see and explore. Whether you have a few days or a few weeks, Iceland promises to leave you in awe of its breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable experiences.

Day 1: Arrival in Iceland

Welcome to Iceland! Your adventure begins as you arrive at Keflavik International Airport, located just outside of Reykjavik, the capital city. After collecting your luggage and going through customs, you can easily transfer to your accommodation in Reykjavik by either taking a taxi or utilizing one of the many shuttle services available.

Once you’ve checked in and settled into your accommodation, take some time to explore the charming city of Reykjavik. Start by strolling along the colorful streets of the city center and soaking in the unique blend of Nordic charm and modern urban vibes. You’ll find a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants offering a taste of Icelandic cuisine.

One of the must-visit attractions in Reykjavik is Hallgrimskirkja, the iconic Lutheran church that dominates the city’s skyline. Take an elevator ride to the top of the church tower for panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscapes. Nearby, you’ll find the charming neighborhood of Old Reykjavik, with its picturesque houses, cobblestone streets, and historic sites.

If you’re interested in learning more about Iceland’s history and culture, consider visiting the National Museum of Iceland or the Reykjavik Art Museum. Both museums offer fascinating exhibits that showcase the country’s rich heritage and artistic talents.

In the evening, indulge in a delicious dinner at one of Reykjavik’s renowned restaurants, where you can savor local specialties such as fresh Icelandic seafood, hearty stews, and traditional delicacies like fermented shark. After dinner, consider immersing yourself in the city’s vibrant nightlife scene, with its cozy pubs, trendy bars, and live music venues.

Before calling it a night, keep an eye on the sky for a chance to catch your first glimpse of the mesmerizing Northern Lights if you’re visiting during the winter months. Check the aurora forecast for the best chances of spotting this natural phenomenon, and head to a spot away from the city lights for an optimal viewing experience.

After a day of exploration and excitement, return to your accommodation and get a good night’s rest, as there are more incredible adventures awaiting you in the days to come.

Day 2: Exploring Reykjavik

On your second day in Iceland, dive deeper into the vibrant city of Reykjavik and discover more of its hidden treasures. Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local café, fueling up for a day of exploration.

Begin by visiting the Harpa Concert Hall, an architectural masterpiece located on the waterfront. Explore the striking glass façade and admire the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the sea. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a performance or exhibition taking place inside this cultural hub.

Next, make your way to the charming Old Harbor area, where you can join a whale-watching tour. Board a boat and set sail into the Atlantic Ocean, keeping your eyes peeled for the magnificent creatures that call these waters home. From humpback whales to dolphins, this experience offers a chance to witness Iceland’s incredible marine life up close.

After the tour, take a leisurely stroll along the harbor promenade, lined with vibrant fishing boats, cozy cafes, and seafood restaurants. Stop for a delicious lunch and indulge in fresh Icelandic seafood, a true culinary delight.

Continue your exploration of Reykjavik’s cultural scene by visiting the Reykjavik Art Museum, an institution dedicated to contemporary art. The museum showcases a diverse range of Icelandic and international artworks, allowing you to immerse yourself in the thriving art scene of the city.

In the afternoon, head to Tjörnin, the city’s picturesque lake, which is often teeming with birdlife. Take a leisurely walk around the lake, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and the views of the surrounding cityscape. If visiting during the winter months, you may even be able to lace up your ice skates and glide across the frozen lake.

End your day by pampering yourself at one of Reykjavik’s geothermal pools or spas. Relax your body and mind in the warm mineral-rich waters, experiencing the traditional Icelandic ritual of soaking in hot springs. The most famous of these is the Blue Lagoon, located a short distance from the city, offering a luxurious and rejuvenating experience.

After a day filled with exploration, culture, and relaxation, return to your accommodation in Reykjavik and reflect on the wonderful experiences you’ve had so far. With each passing day, your Icelandic adventure will continue to unfold, showcasing the incredible beauty and wonders of this captivating country.

Day 3: The Golden Circle Tour

On day three of your Iceland trip, embark on the famous Golden Circle tour, a route that takes you through some of the country’s most iconic natural and cultural attractions. Prepare for a day of awe-inspiring landscapes, historical sites, and breathtaking geological wonders.

Start your journey by heading east from Reykjavik towards the Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you can walk between the tectonic plates of North America and Eurasia, witnessing firsthand the dramatic geological forces shaping the landscape. The park is also home to the historic Althing, the world’s oldest parliamentary assembly, dating back to the 10th century.

After exploring Thingvellir, continue on to one of Iceland’s most famous attractions – the mighty Gullfoss waterfall. Marvel at the power and beauty of the cascading water as it plunges down into a rugged canyon. Get up close to feel the mist on your face and capture stunning photos of this natural wonder.

Next, make your way to the Geysir geothermal area, where you’ll witness the erupting hot springs in action. The most famous geyser in the area is Strokkur, which erupts every few minutes, shooting a column of boiling water into the air. Be sure to have your camera ready to capture this impressive display of nature’s power.

After a morning filled with natural wonders, take a break for a leisurely lunch at one of the local restaurants in the area, indulging in traditional Icelandic cuisine or international favorites.

In the afternoon, make a stop at the Fridheimar Tomato Farm, where you can discover the unique process of growing tomatoes in geothermal greenhouses. Enjoy a tour of the farm, learn about the sustainable practices, and savor a delicious meal surrounded by the lush tomato plants.

Conclude your Golden Circle tour with a visit to the Kerið volcanic crater, a mesmerizing sight with its vibrant blue lake surrounded by steep red volcanic walls. Take a walk along the rim of the crater, immersing yourself in the otherworldly allure of this natural marvel.

As the day comes to an end, return to Reykjavik with memories of the astounding natural wonders and historical landmarks you’ve explored along the Golden Circle route. Reflect on the power and beauty of Iceland’s geological wonders, and prepare for more adventures in the days ahead.

Day 4: Discovering the South Coast

Day four of your Iceland trip takes you on a journey along the stunning South Coast, renowned for its dramatic landscapes, picturesque waterfalls, and black sand beaches. Get ready to witness the raw power and beauty of nature as you explore this captivating region.

Start your day early and head east from Reykjavik, driving along the scenic Route 1. Your first stop along the South Coast is Seljalandsfoss, a majestic waterfall that’s unique because you can walk behind it. Follow the path that takes you behind the cascade, getting a truly immersive experience and a unique perspective of the falls.

Next, continue to Skógafoss, another impressive waterfall towering at a height of 60 meters (197 feet). Marvel at the thundering cascade and let the mist refresh your senses as you stand in awe of this natural wonder. If you’re up for a challenge, climb the staircase alongside the waterfall for a breathtaking view from the top.

As you continue your journey, you will pass through picturesque coastal villages and scenic landscapes. Keep an eye out for the famous Icelandic horses grazing in the fields, their gentle demeanor and unique appearance adding to the charm of the region.

Make a stop at the black sand beach of Reynisfjara, a place of haunting beauty with its striking basalt columns, roaring waves, and the towering Reynisdrangar sea stacks looming offshore. Take a leisurely walk along the beach, enjoying the serenity and captivating views of the Atlantic Ocean.

After exploring the beach, head to the nearby village of Vík, where you can savor a delicious meal at one of the local restaurants. Indulge in Icelandic specialties, such as fresh seafood or traditional lamb dishes, while taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.

In the afternoon, set out to explore the Skaftafell National Park, a natural wonderland nestled between glaciers and picturesque mountains. Lace up your hiking boots and embark on one of the many hiking trails in the area, giving you the opportunity to witness glacial tongues, lush valleys, and pristine waterfalls. The most popular trail leads to Svartifoss, a stunning waterfall framed by towering basalt columns.

As the day comes to an end, make your way to your accommodation in the charming village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur or continue onwards to the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where you can witness the magical sight of icebergs floating in the still waters. Reflect on the beauty and power of the South Coast as you look back on the adventures of the day, eagerly anticipating what lies ahead in the coming days of your Icelandic journey.

Day 5: Hiking in Skaftafell National Park

Day five of your Iceland trip is dedicated to exploring the mesmerizing beauty of Skaftafell National Park, a nature lover’s paradise nestled between glaciers and towering mountains. Lace up your hiking boots and get ready for an unforgettable trek through this captivating landscape.

After a hearty breakfast, make your way to the Skaftafell Visitor Center, where you can gather information and obtain maps of the hiking trails available in the park. The park offers a variety of trails, catering to different fitness levels and interests.

If you’re up for a challenging hike, embark on the Svartifoss Trail, one of the most popular routes in Skaftafell. This trail will take you through scenic woodlands, across glacial streams, and eventually to the stunning Svartifoss waterfall. Marvel at the unique hexagonal basalt columns surrounding the waterfall, creating a striking natural spectacle.

For those seeking a longer and more adventurous hike, choose the Morsárdalur Valley Trail. This trail will lead you to breathtaking viewpoints of glaciers, jagged peaks, and the mesmerizing Morsárfoss waterfall, the tallest waterfall in Iceland. The rugged beauty of the landscape will leave you in awe at every turn.

If you prefer a shorter and more leisurely hike, you can opt for the Sjónarnípa viewpoint trail or the easy walk to the glacier tongue. Both trails offer stunning views of the surrounding glaciers and mountains, allowing you to immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of Skaftafell.

As you hike through the park, keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife that calls this area home. You may spot Arctic foxes, reindeer, and a variety of bird species. The park is also a popular spot for ice climbing and glacier tours, offering unique opportunities to explore the icy wonders of the region.

After a day of outdoor adventure, make your way back to the visitor center, where you can relax and reflect on the incredible landscapes you’ve explored. If time allows, visit the exhibition at the visitor center to learn more about the park’s geology, flora, and fauna.

In the evening, return to your accommodation and take some time to rest and rejuvenate. Enjoy a delicious dinner and relish in the memories of your day, as you prepare for more exciting experiences in the upcoming days of your Icelandic adventure.

Day 6: The East Fjords

Day six of your Iceland trip takes you to the mesmerizing region of the East Fjords, a remote and untouched area known for its rugged mountains, picturesque fishing villages, and breathtaking fjords. Prepare for a day of scenic drives, charming towns, and awe-inspiring natural beauty.

Start your day by driving from your accommodation towards the East Fjords region. As you make your way along the winding roads, be prepared to be amazed by the dramatic coastline, steep mountainsides, and cascading waterfalls that greet you at every turn.

One of the must-visit towns in the East Fjords is Seydisfjordur, nestled by the shores of a beautiful fjord. Explore the vibrant art scene of Seydisfjordur as you stroll through its colorful streets lined with quaint houses and charming boutiques. Don’t miss the iconic blue church that adds to the town’s picturesque charm.

Continue your journey along the fjords, stopping at various viewpoints along the way to admire the breathtaking landscapes and capture memorable photos. Keep an eye out for the diverse birdlife that thrives in this region, as the cliffs and rocky shores serve as nesting grounds for various species.

Visit Vestrahorn, a striking mountain on the Stokksnes Peninsula, famous for its dramatic peaks and black sand beach. Take a moment to appreciate the unique beauty of this landscape, which has been featured in many films and photographs.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the East Fjords offer excellent opportunities for hiking and exploring. Consider embarking on one of the scenic hiking trails, such as the trail to Hengifoss, a majestic waterfall framed by vibrant red cliffs. The hike will reward you with stunning views and a sense of serenity as you immerse yourself in nature.

As you continue your drive through the East Fjords, take your time to soak in the peacefulness and tranquility of the area. Encounter charming fishing villages along the way, where you can stop for a leisurely lunch and savor freshly caught seafood.

As the day draws to a close, find a scenic spot to witness the mesmerizing colors of the Icelandic sunset reflecting on the tranquil waters of the fjords. Take a moment to appreciate the beauty that surrounds you and reflect on the unforgettable experiences of the day.

As you return to your accommodation, savor the memories of the enchanting East Fjords and prepare for the adventures that await you in the remaining days of your Icelandic journey.

Day 7: Whale Watching in Husavik

Day seven of your Iceland trip is dedicated to one of the most thrilling and unforgettable experiences: whale watching in Husavik, known as the whale watching capital of Iceland. Prepare for a day of adventure on the open seas as you encounter magnificent marine mammals in their natural habitat.

After breakfast, make your way to the charming town of Husavik, located on the northeastern coast of Iceland. Husavik is not only known for its abundant whale populations but also for its picturesque setting and rich maritime history.

Upon arrival, head to one of the reputable whale watching tour operators in the town. Experienced guides will provide you with safety instructions and interesting information about the different whale species you may encounter during the excursion.

Board the boat and set sail into Skjálfandi Bay, where the nutrient-rich waters attract a wide variety of marine life. Keep your eyes peeled as you cruise along the stunning coastline, searching for the magnificent creatures that call these waters home.

Whales are known to frequent the waters of Skjálfandi Bay, including humpback whales, minke whales, orcas, and even the elusive blue whale. The sight of these gentle giants breaching the surface or playfully swimming alongside the boat is an awe-inspiring experience that will stay with you forever.

While whale sightings are never guaranteed due to the unpredictable nature of wildlife, Husavik boasts one of the highest success rates for whale sightings in Iceland. Even if you’re not able to spot whales, you may encounter playful dolphins or various seabird species, adding to the excitement of the excursion.

After the exhilarating whale watching tour, take some time to explore the charming town of Husavik. Visit the Husavik Whale Museum, where you can learn more about these magnificent creatures and the importance of conservation efforts to protect their habitats.

Indulge in a delicious seafood lunch at one of the local restaurants, savoring the fresh flavors of the catch of the day. Take a leisurely stroll along the harbor, admiring the colorful fishing boats and soaking in the coastal atmosphere.

In the afternoon, consider taking a relaxing dip in the geothermal waters of the GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths. Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding bay as you unwind and rejuvenate in the warm mineral-rich waters, providing the perfect end to an incredible day of whale watching.

As the day comes to a close, reflect on the thrilling encounters you’ve had with the magnificent creatures of the sea and the unique experiences you’ve had in Husavik. Prepare for the journey back to your accommodation, knowing that the wonders of Iceland are far from over, with more adventures waiting for you in the remaining days of your trip.

Day 8: Relaxing in the Blue Lagoon

Day eight of your Iceland trip is dedicated to ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation at the world-famous Blue Lagoon. Nestled in a rugged lava field, this geothermal spa is renowned for its soothing warm waters and mineral-rich mud masks.

After a leisurely breakfast, make your way to the Blue Lagoon, located near the town of Grindavik, just a short drive from Reykjavik. As you approach, you’ll be greeted by the striking blue waters and the steam rising from the surface, creating a mystical and enchanting atmosphere.

Upon arrival, check in and prepare for pure indulgence. Step into the warm, milky-blue waters of the lagoon and feel your worries and tensions melt away. The silica and mineral-rich waters are believed to offer many therapeutic benefits, leaving your skin smooth and rejuvenated.

Take your time to explore the lagoon’s different amenities, including saunas, steam rooms, and relaxation areas. Indulge in the Blue Lagoon’s signature silica mud mask, applying it to your skin and allowing the minerals to work their magic. As you soak and relax in the tranquil surroundings, take in the stunning views of the volcanic landscape that surrounds the lagoon.

For an extra touch of luxury, treat yourself to a spa treatment at the Blue Lagoon’s Spa Retreat. Choose from an array of massages, facials, and body treatments, tailored to provide the ultimate pampering experience.

After indulging in the soothing waters and pampering treatments, take a break for a delicious lunch at one of the on-site restaurants. Savor Icelandic culinary delights or international cuisine while enjoying the serene views of the lagoon.

In the afternoon, continue your relaxation by lounging in one of the lagoon’s waterfall massages or enjoying a refreshing drink from the swim-up bar. Take your time to fully unwind and soak in the serenity of this natural oasis.

As the day comes to a close, bid farewell to the tranquil waters of the Blue Lagoon, feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to continue your Icelandic journey. Leave with a sense of tranquility and well-being, cherishing the memories of this unique and indulgent experience.

Head back to your accommodation and spend the evening reflecting on the memorable moments of your day at the Blue Lagoon. Rest well and prepare for the final day of your Icelandic adventure, knowing that you have experienced the ultimate relaxation amidst the wonders of Iceland.

Day 9: Departure from Iceland

Day nine marks the end of your unforgettable journey through Iceland. Although it’s time to bid farewell to this captivating country, you can still make the most of your last day before departure.

After breakfast, take a moment to reminisce about the incredible experiences and adventures you’ve had in Iceland. Whether it was witnessing the power of waterfalls, exploring the unique landscape of the East Fjords, or relaxing in the soothing waters of the Blue Lagoon, this trip has surely left a lasting impression.

If you have some time before your flight, consider exploring more of Reykjavik. Take a leisurely stroll through the city, revisit your favorite landmarks, or explore the local boutiques and shops for souvenirs to bring back home.

If you’re interested in history and culture, pay a visit to the National Museum of Iceland or the Reykjavik City Museum. Both provide a fascinating insight into Iceland’s rich heritage and offer a deeper understanding of the country’s unique traditions and customs.

Before your departure, treat yourself to a final Icelandic meal, savoring the flavors of the local cuisine. Whether it’s a traditional Icelandic lamb dish, fresh seafood, or a hearty bowl of Icelandic soup, indulge in the culinary delights one last time.

As you make your way to Keflavik International Airport for your departure, take a moment to soak in the views of the rugged landscapes, the vast open spaces, and the untouched beauty of Iceland. Reflect on the memories and experiences you’ve gathered during your time here.

Airport transfers are widely available, either by taxi or shuttle services, ensuring a comfortable journey to the airport. Remember to arrive with ample time to go through security and check-in procedures.

As your plane takes off, bid farewell to Iceland, knowing that this extraordinary adventure will forever hold a special place in your heart. Take one last glance at the striking landscapes from above, promising yourself to return one day to explore more of the wonders that this magical country has to offer.

Safe travels, and until we meet again, Iceland!

As you reflect on your Icelandic adventure, you can’t help but feel grateful for the incredible experiences and natural wonders that you’ve encountered along the way. From the vibrant city of Reykjavik to the breathtaking landscapes of the Golden Circle, the South Coast, the East Fjords, and beyond, Iceland has truly left an indelible mark on your heart and soul.

Throughout your journey, you’ve witnessed the power of cascading waterfalls, explored glaciers that seem to stretch into eternity, and marveled at the mesmerizing dance of the Northern Lights. You’ve immersed yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of this unique Nordic island nation.

From the welcoming locals to the warm geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon, Iceland has captivated your senses and provided you with memories that will last a lifetime. The diverse landscapes, ranging from volcanic plains to lush green valleys, have continually amazed and inspired you.

Whether you embarked on thrilling adventures, such as whale watching in Husavik or hiking in Skaftafell National Park, or simply took a moment to soak in the tranquil beauty of Iceland’s natural wonders, each day was filled with awe and wonder. The pristine wilderness and untouched landscapes have reminded you of the importance of preserving and protecting our planet for future generations.

As you depart from Iceland, you carry with you not only the beauty of the land but also the warmth and hospitality of the Icelandic people. The memories you’ve made and the connections you’ve forged will forever remind you of the magic that exists in this extraordinary country.

So until we meet again, Iceland, with your rugged cliffs, hidden hot springs, and boundless beauty, keep calling to the hearts of adventurers around the world. Your captivating landscapes and rich history will continue to ignite the wanderlust within all who have had the privilege of experiencing your wonders.

Farewell for now, but know that you will always hold a special place in our hearts. Thank you, Iceland, for an unforgettable journey.

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Best time to visit Iceland

The best time to visit Iceland is between September and March to see the northern lights, or between June and August for summer activities. While travel to Iceland may depend on your desired itinerary, generally, the best time to visit is during the summer. During this time, you’ll experience warmer temperatures and long days of sunlight, known as the spectacular midnight sun. While the summer boasts green countryside and animal spotting, the winter is the best time for the Northern lights and the country’s famous geothermal spas when they may not be as busy!

However, if you’re planning a trip to see something specific, such as the puffin or whale migrations, you’ll need to visit during a specific time of year. We've broken down some main factors to consider before choosing when to travel to Iceland.

The phenomenal cosmic light show, known as the aurora borealis or the Northern Lights, is a natural event that occurs from late September to late March. The long and dark winter nights make it an ideal time to visit, however, because it is a sporadic event, a definite sighting can't always be guaranteed. You may be more likely to see the lights during the equinoxes that occur around the 21st/22nd of March and September.

Learn more about the Northern Lights

Iceland’s famous Blue Lagoon is a year-round natural geothermal pool that is said to have healing properties and is situated among a scenic Icelandic landscape. This mineral-rich seawater contains a mix of silica, algae and other bioactive elements that can be particularly beneficial for certain skin conditions.

While the lagoon is open all year, if you’re hoping to visit with slightly warmer weather, you may want to visit in the summer months (May to August). That said, many travelers love to visit the springs in the winter months to be surrounded by the beautiful snowy hills of the region while they relax in the outdoor lagoon.

The Icelandic coastline is famous for its whale activity due to the cold waters and favored feeding grounds of the local marine life. Between April to September is the best time to visit Iceland for whale watching as this is when the whales migrate north for the summer months. Keep a look out for humpback, minke, fin, sperm or even blue whales! You might even see other marine species such as orcas, dolphins, seals or harbor porpoises.

Best for: Þorrablót Mid-winter Festival and ice caves

While mid-winter weather and short days may deter some travelers, the colder months are also perfect for ice cave exploration and catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights. However, if you’d like to stay out of the weather, why not partake in the honoring of the Icelandic ancestors during the Thorrablot festival? While visiting in January, join locals on a historical Icelandic food tour that includes foods such as hangikjot (flavored smoked lamb) or brennivin (a local distilled beverage).

Best for: Winter Lights Festival and Northern Lights

February is one of the best times to visit Iceland for some exciting food and cultural events. The two festivals, Winter Lights and Food & Fun are hosted annually by the capital Reykjavik and can add spark some joy in the coldest and wettest months of the year! But keep a watchful eye out for the Northern Lights.

Best for: Northern Lights, winter sports, Iceland Winter Games and the Annual Beer Festival

The longer and brighter winter days of March make it an advantageous time for winter sports. If you’re looking to downhill or cross-country ski, snowboard, snowshoe or hike the terrain, the nearest mountain is only a 20-minute drive away from Reykjavik.

Best for: puffins and golden plover migration, The Golden Circle  and smaller crowds

April marks the start of the spring season in Iceland and the breathtaking return of several local bird species, including the world-renowned puffins and golden plovers. While the locals celebrate the first day of summer shortly after April 18th, this month is a perfect time to visit for lower off-season prices and fewer tourists. Remember that there may still be an assortment of rain, snow, hail or shine, so pack accordingly.

Best for: whale watching, nature adventures and long days

May in Iceland sees the end of the cold winter months, however, temperatures still sit between 32-50,°F although there is less chance of snow. Towards the end of May, there can be up to 20 daylight hours which makes it a great time to do some fun outdoor adventures. Why not take a tour through the lava caves, hike your way across a glacier, snorkel or scuba dive in Icelan's pristine waters or even horseback ride along the countryside?

Best for: midnight sun, Hafnarfjörður Viking Festival, National Holiday of Iceland, Fisherman’s Day and the opening of some highland roads

Summer has arrived! With summer comes longer days and the peak travel season so prices are higher and attractions are busier. June is one of the best times to explore the natural wonders of the Icelandic countryside. However, with a great array of cultural, music and environmental festivals, there’s something for every interest. The end of May to the start of June is also the best time to see the famed midnight sun phenomenon in Iceland so make sure you bring a good sleeping mask!

Best for:   Braðslan, nature photography and long days

July is the busiest tourist month of the year for Iceland. With sunshine, greenery and longer days, it’s a perfect time to engage in the bustling city life or explore the vibrant natural scenery. If you’re looking for a slightly less crowded time, try to book in for the start of the month before the local schools are on break.

Best for: Reykjavik Pride, Reykjavik Culture Night, National Festival, Verslunarmannahelgi, Þjóðhátíð and wilderness exploration

Visiting Iceland in August usually ensures full access to the country’s wilderness as inaccessible areas in winter are now fully open. As one of the hottest months, the weather in August - while still unpredictable at times – is best for exploring the rugged and idyllic terrain of the glaciers, volcanoes, hot springs and waterfalls of the Icelandic wild. If nature isn’t your thing, the local scene has plenty of events and attractions to fill your itinerary.

Best for: fewer crowds and mild weather

September marks the end of the busy summer months but temperatures can still fall between 40-50°F. With the bulk of tourists on their way home, you’ll find lower prices and smaller lines for attractions. This is a great time to go if you’re looking to surround yourself with great music or film. Note that some highland roads will be closed by the end of the month for winter.

Best for: Northern Lights and berry picking

See the vibrant autumnal colors that blanket Iceland during October as the temperatures lower and leaves drop. As the colder months set in, plan for the Northern Lights as they can easily be seen at this time of year, especially when away from city areas without cloud cover.

Best for: hot springs, ice caves and Northern Lights

November brings winter into full steam with a drop in temperatures and daylight hours. Winter is often the most scenic time to visit one of Iceland’s many hot springs and relax in the white-blanketed scenery. With the drop in temperatures comes the reformation of the ice caves making November a perfect time to transverse the chilly blue caves and stunning glaciers.

Best for: New Year’s Eve, frozen waterfalls, glacier exploration, Christmas villages and festive lights

Looking to party into the new year? Iceland’s eclectic music scene and picture-perfect Christmas villages can provide you with day-to-night entertainment. While December is known as one of the coldest and windiest months, the Northern Lights are often viewable during this time. Just note that some hotels, services and attractions are closed during the winter.

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Iceland’s Folklore: 4 mythical creatures that make the scenery come alive

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Home » Europe » Best Time to Visit Iceland – MUST READ • 2024 Guide

Best Time to Visit Iceland – MUST READ • 2024 Guide

Iceland, the Land of Fire and Ice, is a land of extremes. From the midnight sun to the Northern Lights, and from striking volcanic landscapes to incredible wildlife, this far-flung island is a feast for the eyes.

Because the seasons vary so dramatically this far north, choosing the best time to visit Iceland is really going to depend on what you’re heading there to experience. But no season should be discounted as there’s plenty to see at any time of year.

While a visit to Iceland is off the well-worn tourist path, certain experiences and seasons attract a large number of tourists and should be booked well in advance.

Winters in Iceland are brutal, but if you’re well prepared with the right gear it can be a very rewarding time to visit, not only to see the Northern Lights. Hiking and whale-watching are best done in the summer when there are also loads of festivals to check out.

If you need help deciding on the best time to visit Iceland to get the experience you’re been dreaming of, read on. We’ve gathered all the details to help you choose that perfect time that balances cost, climate, and crowds.

Best Time To Visit Iceland – May-August

Best Time To Go To Reykjavik – September–October

Best Time To See the Northern Lights  – October-November

Best Time To Do the Golden Circle  – Spring (May–June), autumn (September–October)

Best Time For Sightseeing – May–mid-June, September

Cheapest Time To Visit Iceland – Spring (May–June), autumn (September–October)

When is the Best Time to Go to Iceland?

When to visit iceland – a month by month breakdown, faq about the best time to visit iceland, final thoughts on the best time to visit iceland.

The best time to go to Iceland for great weather is during the summer, between May and August. The days are at their longest, so you can cram plenty more sightseeing in, and the temperatures are pleasant and mild. 

This is also the peak tourist season for backpacking Iceland , so prepare for large crowds of tourists at sightseeing spots and attractions, not to mention the increase in prices for hotel rooms and flights. Of course Iceland is never cheap even in low season.

Late spring and early autumn offer a great compromise – all the benefits of mild weather without the peak season crowds and inflated costs. April to May and September to October offer this perfect balance – ideal for sightseeing. Yes, the days are slightly shorter and it may be a little cooler, but your reward will be a far more relaxed and budget-friendly experience. 

For me, it’s the perfect place to explore in October !

Whale-watching is best enjoyed between April and October – this is the peak season for travel, so make sure to plan and book well in advance. It is still possible to see whales outside of the summer season in certain regions, providing there aren’t any storm conditions. You’ll likely be given a thermal suit to protect you from the icy temperatures.

The northern lights are a popular reason for travel to Iceland. Usually, you can see these from around late September until March when the nights are darkest. Precipitation and cloud cover are not ideal for seeing the northern lights, so months where there’s less chance of cloud cover are ideal – October and November tend to be best. 

The cheapest time to travel is during the winter months, outside of the Christmas and New Year period. Rates on Icelandic accommodation and flights are the cheapest at this time. However, if you want to balance costs with better weather for sightseeing, then aim for the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn. 

Best Time to Go to Reykjavik

Reykjavik, Iceland’s vibrant capital city, is great to visit at any time of year. In the summer, the city gets around 21 hours of daylight and experiences the best weather. Maximum daytime highs reach into the high teens with precipitation at its lowest. 

While summer offers great weather, it comes at a price. Accommodation in Reykjavik will be significantly more expensive at this time, tourist numbers are at their highest, and you can’t see the northern lights at this time of year. On the upside, there are plenty of festivals and celebrations during the summer months, and it’s a great time for whale-watching.   

Autumn (September and October) is slightly cooler and the days start to get much shorter. However, prices on flights and hotels are much lower and the hordes of summer tourists have left. There’s a small chance you could see the aurora borealis on clear days, but if this is your primary reason for visiting, rather plan for a winter trip. 

Rain and snow characterize the winter months. It’s dark and cold and perfect for seeing the Northern Lights. Winter in Reykjavik can be fun too! And you’ll easily be able to pick up a good deal on accommodation and flights, However, certain experiences might be unavailable due to poor weather conditions and the impact of this on the roads.

Spring is a mixed bag when it comes to weather, but it’s still much cheaper than peak season. The days are getting longer and warmer, which is great for sightseeing but not for seeing the Northern Lights .  

Best Time to See the Northern Lights

The magical aurora borealis, or Northern lights, are a popular reason for travel to Iceland. The distances between cities here make it easier to avoid light pollution, and the winter months are dark, making it easier to see this incredible phenomenon. 

Like most natural occurrences, predicting the visibility of the Northern Lights is not an exact science, so there is always a small chance you could miss it. Of course, there’s not much you can do to encourage a solar flare or solar wind to increase your chances of seeing the aurora, but you can plan your trip for a time when it’s more likely that you’ll see them.  

September to late March is commonly the time when it’s dark enough for the Northern Lights to be seen. Months where there’s less or no precipitation are preferable as cloud cover is the last thing you want. October and November offer dark nights and low chances for cloud cover, increasing your odds of seeing the Northern Lights. 

February and March also offer good conditions for seeing the Northern Lights, but with a slightly increased chance of cloud cover. 

Best Time to Do the Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is (as the name would suggest) a circular route that starts in Reykjavik and takes in some of Iceland’s most beautiful landscapes. It is a cornerstone for most Iceland tours . The route takes you to three of the country’s top attractions:   Þingvellir National Park , Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall, and a whole host of extra little gems along the way. 

The route can be done in one day, or you could take your time to explore some of the smaller, but no less fascinating locations in between. Scheduled group tours can have you back at your hotel before a full workday has passed, but a self-drive adventure at your own pace can be very rewarding.

While the summer months offer the long days and mild weather ideal for sightseeing, it does come with the pitfalls of coach-loads of other tourists. If you’re doing a self-drive, accommodation along the way can get pricey at this time of year. 

Of course, doing the Golden Circle in winter will offer a completely different perspective on the landscape. It will be cold, but it does mean you could be rewarded with sights of the Northern Lights as well. Gullfoss waterfall will be frozen and hauntingly beautiful at this time. 

Best Time for Sightseeing in Iceland

The long daylight hours and mild weather of summer make it a great time to enjoy sightseeing. So great, that that’s when everyone does it. This means you’ll likely have to endure long waits at major attractions, straining to see past big crowds and the typical elevated pricing of high season. 

Traveling in May or September, the months immediately before and after high season, offer the best weather for heading out to the many sights, while simultaneously avoiding the crowds and costs of peak season. While the days are shorter than in high summer, there’s still plenty of daylight to enjoy your sightseeing. Any earlier than May or later than September can see the weather becoming more variable, and the days very much shorter. 

Winter is significantly cheaper for a visit to Iceland, however, aside from the icy temperatures, the snow and rain can make some roads impassable, meaning some sight will be inaccessible. The days are also very short, offering only around four or five hours of daylight to get your sightseeing in. 

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Cheapest Time to Go to Iceland

Winter, outside of the Christmas and New Year holiday period is the cheapest time to visit Iceland. This time of year is characterized by intense cold, dark days with only a few hours of daylight, and in times of bad weather, inaccessible roads in some places. 

The shoulder seasons of spring and autumn offer a happy compromise between the lovely weather of summer and the low costs of winter. During these shoulder seasons, you can still enjoy good weather and a crowd-free experience. 

Another benefit of travel outside of peak season is that you have the option to hold out for last-minute offers which can further save you on accommodation and flights.

If you are trying to save a few quid when visiting Iceland, check out the pod hostels in Reykjavik .

Busiest Time to Visit Iceland

Despite its long and dark winters, Iceland is a rewarding destination all year round and attracts tourists throughout the year. Of course, certain times are busier than others, so it’s always best to have all the facts when it comes to choosing the best time to visit Iceland. 

The busiest tourist season is during the summer between May and September. These months offer the warmest weather, with daytime temperatures in the low 20s, and in some places almost 21 hours of daylight. 

The long days and mild weather are ideal for sightseeing, whale-watching, and hiking. The Northern Lights are not visible during the summer months. 

The winter months are the quietest time to visit Iceland, with the exception of the Christmas and New Year holiday period when we see a brief return to peak conditions with more tourists and higher pricing. 

The shoulder seasons of spring and autumn are busier than the winter months in terms of tourist numbers but not as crowded as the peak summer season. 

Weather in Iceland

Iceland has four very distinct seasons, although the weather at any time can be variable and unpredictable. 

The west of the country benefits greatly from the warm Gulf Stream current that flows from the Caribbean. When this warm air meets the Arctic air from the north, things can get very temperamental.

There’s a saying in Iceland, ‘if you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes,’ and these swirling competing air masses are to blame for this. In the winter, this can lead to windy, stormy weather. 

Summer in Iceland is characterized by long daylight hours and mild temperatures. Days rarely reach temperatures exceeding the low-20s, and while it’s mostly sunny and bright, it can also turn misty and rainy at the drop of a hat. 

Winters are cold in Iceland, with frequent snow and rain. It’s dark, with only a few hours of daylight, and high temperatures rarely break into the double digits (Celsius). Stormy weather can cause problems with travel as some roads may become impassable. 

Interestingly, although Iceland is located further north than most of Europe, the United States and parts of Canada, its winters aren’t as cold as, say, New York or even Russia. The warm Gulf Stream ensures that the country doesn’t quite live up to its name as much as we would expect. 

Where is the Best Weather in Iceland?

The southern coastal region of Iceland is generally characterized by mild summers and cool winters which don’t often get too cold. The influence of the warm ocean currents causes an overall milder climate. The differences between summer and winter are not extreme, and rain can be expected at any time of year.

Further inland and in the higher elevations, the climate is much cooler. Summer peak temperatures rarely break into the teens (Celsius) and the winters are much colder than the southern coastal regions. 

The northern regions of the country tend to exhibit cooler temperatures overall, with maximum daytime highs in winter hovering at around 10°C – significantly colder than in the south, which averages 0°C.

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Festivals in Iceland

Iceland celebrates many festivals annually, from ancient Viking traditions and religious observances to more contemporary celebrations. The population of Iceland may be small, but its capacity for celebration is large. 

A slightly modernized Viking tradition featuring loads of singing and dancing and eating. The gastronomically adventurous and strong of stomach can try traditional delicacies like fermented shark, sheep’s head, and pickled ram testicles, and wash it down with a potent shot of  brennivín  – a schnapps-like spirit nicknamed the ‘Black Death’.  

• Winter Lights Festival:

Hosted annually in February, the lights festival originated as a way to brighten up the darkness of the long winter months. Reykjavik is lit up with spectacular light installations, landmarks are illuminated, and various performances and shows. 

Over the four days of the festival, you can also enjoy Pool Night and Museum Night – extended opening hours and free admission at the city’s pools and museums. 

While not technically a festival or a celebration, the arrival of these shy, goofy-looking birds is worth taking note of. The puffins arrive on the shores in impressive numbers (over 10 million birds) in the spring for their breeding season, departing again by mid-August. Iceland is the breeding home for over 60 percent of the world’s Atlantic puffins, with colonies located all over the country. 

The best time to see and photograph them is in late summer.

• International Viking Festival :

A celebration of the country’s Viking heritage, this is the oldest and biggest festival of its kind, held annually at Viking Village in Hafnarfjörður.

Five days of staged battles, dances, and story-telling offer visitors a glimpse into traditional Viking life. Visitors can learn to use traditional weapons like spears and axes, learn wood carving techniques, and purchase a variety of handmade goods from the market.

• Frostbiter:

Icelandic folklore is filled with tales of monsters and supernatural creatures. These dark tales are likely a result of the deep, dark winters, volcanic landscapes, and dramatic scenery of the country. 

This penchant for dark themes has birthed an annual horror film festival celebrating these macabre, strange, and downright terrifying movies. 

Horror film fans can head to Akranes, a small town north of Rejkyavik, for the Iceland Horror Film Festival which celebrates both local and international horror films. 

Christmas is a special time to be in Iceland. From traditional Christmas concerts, festive markets, and twinkling lights that cut through the winter darkness, the country is transformed into a winter wonderland. 

Any Christmas in Iceland is virtually guaranteed to be a white Christmas, and the chances increase the further north you travel. 

If you’re still in any doubt as to the best time to visit Iceland for the experience you’ve been dreaming of, take a look at our month-by-month guide. 

We’ve gathered all the details for each month of the year to help you find the ideal balance of costs, crowds, and climate.

January in Iceland

January in Iceland is  cold and dark . Average high temperatures hover around 2°C and winds often reach gale force, making it feel colder than it is. There’s a good chance of rain and snow as well. 

It’s very much low season, so definitely the  cheapest time to visit Iceland , and there aren’t too many other tourists to contend with at tourist attractions. However, the days are short and offer only a few hours of daylight for sightseeing. Certain roads and attractions are likely to be closed or inaccessible due to weather conditions. 

February in Iceland

It isn’t much warmer in February , but the chance of rain and snow decreases. The days are getting longer so there’s more time for sightseeing. Most of the roads should be accessible by now unless there’s a bad storm. 

You’ll still benefit from  low season conditions : sightseeing is still pleasantly crowd-free and prices are low. 

March in Iceland

March is still cold with  occasional rainy days . Snow isn’t likely unless you’re headed to the higher elevations. The days are getting significantly longer now, and there’s  more daylight than darkness  now. 

There are few tourists around so sightseeing is still relatively uncrowded. This is a great time for winter sports in the mountains as there’s far more daylight to enjoy the slopes.  

April in Iceland

This is the unofficial start of the summer season in Iceland. As the snow melts, the landscape is blanketed in greenery, and flocks of migratory birds arrive. While it’s still chilly with maximum temperatures only hitting the single digits (Celsius), there’s significantly  less rainfall and much longer days . 

Tourist numbers start to increase from April, but it’s still not peak season so costs and crowds are manageable. 

May in Iceland

May is the best time to visit Iceland if you’re wanting a good balance between crowds, costs, and climate. The days are lovely and long, if a little chilly, there are  fewer tourists, and prices are still low . 

Temperatures are still fairly low, with the average maximum rarely peaking over 10°C. And like any time in Iceland, the weather has the potential to be erratic. Snow is unlikely unless you’re headed to the mountains.

June in Iceland

It’s now feeling a lot more like summer. Average high temperatures can get as high as 20°C but usually hover around the low-teens. You can expect  bright, sunny days  for the most part, with the longest days of the year. 

With the mild weather come the  crowds and peak season pricing . Anyone wishing to visit in high season should book well in advance. 

July in Iceland

Like June, July offers  long sunny days  and mild temperatures that attract large numbers of tourists. Average daytime temperatures creep closer to the mid-teens, but can sometimes get much higher. You may experience light rain on occasion. 

This is one of the most  popular times to visit Iceland , so expect busy attractions, crowds of tourists, and elevated pricing. If you’re visiting at this time, there are plenty of outdoor festivals and celebrations to attend.

August in Iceland

It’s still fairly warm in August, with  daytime highs in the low teens , but the temperatures start to decline noticeably as the month progresses. There’s a slightly higher chance of rain, and days are getting noticeably shorter too. 

It’s still a great time to travel to Iceland in terms of weather, but you may still encounter  large numbers of tourists  and higher pricing. 

September in Iceland

The days shorten significantly in September in the lead-up to winter. It’s rainier at this time of year and the  temperatures are cool , with an average maximum of around 10°C. The first sightings of the northern lights are possible now, although not guaranteed. 

If you’re visiting at this time, you can enjoy the crowd-free conditions and the lower pricing that follows the peak season. 

October in Iceland

Weather conditions become  much more wintery  in October. While it’s technically only autumn, the average maximum temperatures drop into the single digits, the days are short, and rain is common. 

Conditions are still good for sightseeing and the weather hasn’t yet impacted the conditions of the roads. You’ll also benefit from  fewer crowds and off-peak pricing . The northern lights become much easier to see from October onwards. 

November in Iceland

Temperatures continue to drop  along with the number of daylight hours. There are only a few hours of daylight to enjoy, so you’ll need to plan your time well. Light rain is common, and if you’re heading further north, your chances for snow increase. Some attractions and roads are impacted by the weather and may not be operating. 

Tourist numbers are low  at this time, making sightseeing pleasant and stress-free. You may be able to pick up some  great deals on accommodation  during November. 

December in Iceland

The cities transform into festive  winter wonderlands , with twinkling lights and festive markets brightening up the winter darkness. Snow is common at this time as is rain, and average daytime temperatures hover around 4°C. 

There’s a small spike in tourism around Christmas, but if you book in advance, you’re still likely to pick up a good deal on accommodation.  

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When is the Best Time to Go to the Golden Circle?

The Golden Circle route can be done at most times of the year. May and September are the best times, as they offer pleasant weather and fewer tourists.

When is the Rainy Season in Iceland?

The weather in Iceland is notoriously unpredictable and rain can be expected at any time in the year. Most of the rain falls over the winter months between October and February.

When is the Coldest Month in Iceland?

January and February are the coldest months in Iceland. The average maximum temperature is around 2°C, and rainfall and snow are frequent.

When is the Worst Time to Visit Iceland?

Iceland’s short summer occurs between June and August. This is when large numbers of tourists flock to Iceland to enjoy the sights in the mild weather.

Don’t Forget your Iceland Travel Insurance

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

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Iceland, the Land of Fire and Ice, is a land of contrasts and extremes. Whether you choose to visit in the height of summer or the very depths of winter, each experience will yield a unique perspective of this fascinating island. 

Choosing the best time to visit Iceland will depend largely on what experiences you wish to have. It all comes down to striking a balance between the weather conditions, the tourist numbers, and seasonal pricing. 

If you’re planning a visit in the summer – you’ll be treated to long sunny days, but it’s essential to book well in advance. If you’re hoping to go off the beaten track and explore outside of the peak season, you might want to hold out for a last-minute deal. 

Either way, there’s plenty to experience in Iceland. And when you’ve done it all? Come back and do it all again in a different season for a completely new perspective. 

• Let’s get you ready for your next adventure with our  backpacking Iceland guide .
• Check out the  best hostels in Iceland to kickstart your adventure.
• Know  where to stay in Reykjavik  BEFORE you get there… trust me on this one.
• With the  best international SIM card you can stay connected, always.
• Seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience? Explore the best places to see the northern lights .
• Explore some of the best waterfalls in Iceland to experience something a lil’ different.
• Plenty of backpackers – myself included – make a stop at Iceland’s Blue Lagoon at the end of their Iceland adventure.
• Expand your horizons and explore the best winter destinations in Europe .

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Christina Grayt

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My husband and I will be in Reykjavik from August 16 to August 18th. We are very interested in taking a Golden Circle small group tour on August 17th. How do I find such a day tour?

Ask at the local tourist information centre, check online, or ask at your accommodation. There will be more than a few tour companies advertising their jaunts.

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About Iceland

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Since 2021, the Reykjanes Peninsula has witnessed a surge in seismic activity, including several volcanic eruptions. Despite this, Iceland has remained a safe and open destination for travelers. For a detailed look into the recent volcanic activities and their safety implications, the Icelandic Meteorological Office offers insights through this informative video.

Embark on the journey of a lifetime in Iceland!

With our new interactive map feature, you can easily plan every step of your adventure. From cozy accommodations to unforgettable activities, the possibilities are endless. Dream big, plan smart, and chart your path with our personalized itinerary feature. Make the most of every moment in Iceland!

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Regions of Iceland

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CAMPING , EUROPE , ICELAND , REYKJAVIK · June 11, 2022 Last Updated on March 14, 2024

THE ULTIMATE ICELAND CAMPERVAN FIRST TIMER’S GUIDE

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may receive a small commission when you make a purchase using our link.

Iceland is one of the best places in the world for your first time traveling by campervan. 

Camping allows you to see everything Iceland has to offer at your own pace and is an extremely cost-efficient way to see the notoriously expensive country.

I had a ton of questions when planning my own first campervan trip in Iceland , so I put together this guide with all the answers I learned firsthand.

Whether you are renting your first campervan or are an experienced camper, here are 16 tips I wish I knew for my first trip to Iceland in a campervan!

Pick The Right Iceland Campervan Company

Deciding who you rent your campervan from can make or break your Iceland road trip before it starts.

I did tons of research before my trip and I decided to book with KuKu Campers , and I’m so glad I did!

KuKu offers a range of campervans so you can decide what type of van works best for you (see below).

When deciding on which Iceland campervan company to use, there’s a few important things to keep in mind.

First, do they have availability on your dates? Most of the quality campervan companies will let you search dates to see pricing and availability but also most of top-quality companies can get booked up quickly, so make sure to start planning well in advance to get the company and the specific van type that you want.

When it comes to pricing, be sure to check what is included in your rental . Some companies can appear to be cheaper when you first search them, but they may charge you more in hidden fees like mileage and insurance.

KuKu Campers who we booked with include unlimited mileage with all their rentals, along with basic CDW insurance, a fully equipped kitchen, and an extra named driver for free.

Not all Iceland campervan rental companies are created equal, so be sure to spend some time researching the best one for your trip (or save some time and book with KuKu Campers!).

Decide On The Type Of Campervan

When you book your campervan, you’ll be given a list of different options. The best campervan for you will depend on your group size and budget, but some key things to consider are:

Different Size Options

Most campervan companies will offer a range of van size options, from smaller vans for a couple to larger ones you can fit the entire family in.

I booked KuKu’s CA Campervan which was a great choice. The CA camper is a larger van that allowed me to fully stand up while cooking dinner and had a full seating area that converted to a large sleeping area each night.

Also, the CA Camper had a handy top row that is intended for two people to sleep, but I used this space for extra storage. In total, you can sleep up to 5 people in the CA campervan, though I would say 4 adults or 2 adults + 3 children would be more comfortable (or you can only have 2 people like I did and have plenty of space!).

Automatic vs Manual

You will also have to decide if you want a manual or automatic transmission for your campervan.

Manual might give you a few more van options and be slightly cheaper, but I would recommend an automatic unless you are extremely comfortable driving a manual transmission.

The driving conditions in Iceland can be challenging, with narrow roads and unpredictable weather. This is doubly true in the winter months, where wet and icy conditions are the norm.

Two-Wheel Drive Vs Four-Wheel Drive (4X4)

Deciding on if you get a two-wheel drive or four-wheel 4×4 drive campervan will also have a big impact on your trip.

Many roads in Iceland, called “F-roads”, are only suitable for four-wheel drive vehicles. 

As long as you stick to the Ring Road, or Highway 1, you will be completely fine in a two-wheel drive vehicle, but if you want to explore some of the more remote areas of Iceland you’ll need to have a four-wheel drive campervan.

My campervan was a 2WD, but if I was booking my trip again, I would have paid extra for the 4WD.

There are numerous long gravel roads leading to many of the popular landmarks and campsites which are much easier to handle in a 4×4 campervan.

On top of that, there are many remote locations in Iceland, particularly in the middle of the country, that are completely inaccessible without a 4WD vehicle.

Take a look at your itinerary and see how you get there – if the road starts with “F” or is 3 digits long (like 354), then you will very likely need a 4WD campervan to reach it!

Get The Right Insurance

When you book your campervan, you’ll be offered a range of insurance options.

Some companies, like KuKu Campers, include Collision Damage Waiver insurance with a €3,000 deductible with all of their rentals, even the 4×4 rentals.

However, you can reduce your liability even more with additional insurances, which is exactly what I did.

For example, KuKu offered the following insurance options (pricing current as of June 2022):

• Super Collision Damage Waiver SCDW (€20 per day): Reduces deductible for an accident from €3,000 to €750 .
• Platinum Collision Damage Waiver PCDW (€30 per day): Reduces deductible for an accident to from €3,000 Euros to €0 (zero).
• Gravel Protection (€10 per day): Additional coverage for damage caused by gravel, which reduced your liability from €500 to €0.
• Sand and Ash Protection (€10 per day): Add coverage for sand and ash, with a maximum liability of €750.
• Tire Insurance (€7 per day): Covers repair or replacement of tires.

Also, you can buy an insurance package like the Platinum package which includes Platinum CDW insurance, Gravel Protection, Sand and Ash Protection, and Tire insurance for €50/day, saving you €7/day.

I wanted the piece of mind of not having to worry about any damage to the campervan during my trip so I bought the Platinum CDW insurance package , so think about what works best for you before your trip!

Research Paved Vs Gravel Roads

There is a big difference between the paved and gravel roads in Iceland.

Even if a road is not labeled as an “F” road, it can still be gravel.

One tip I learned towards the end of my trip was it’s possible to see which roads are gravel and which ones are paved so you can plan your route ahead of time!

Simply visit the website https://vegasja.vegagerdin.is/eng/ for a real time look at which roads are paved (shown in black) and which roads are gravel (shown in orange).

Google Maps doesn’t always know the difference between paved and gravel roads, so it can be worth looking at that website to plan your route to stick to paved roads, especially if you are not in a 4×4 campervan. 

It is also a good time to note that Iceland roads do not have many opportunities to pull over and turn around, so if you go down a road you are likely committed to it! Planning ahead if key so you do not end up on a road that your vehicle cannot handle. 

Know The Different Iceland Highway Numbers

You can typically get a good sense of how a road will be simply by looking at the highway number.

If you are driving the Ring Road, you will be on 1. This is the main paved highway that goes all around Iceland, so if you ever get disoriented just follow the signs to get back to 1.

Two digit roads tend to be paved and are often good roads to drive on. For example, I drove on 54 when visiting Kirkjufellsfoss in the West.

However, be sure to double check the paved vs gravel website above, because roads like 54 can be paved in some parts and gravel in others!

Three digit roads are often gravel. Roads like 842 and 917 are gravel and can often turn into F-roads.

Finally, “F” roads are the offroad roads that you can only drive with a 4WD vehicle.

These roads literally start with the letter F, so if you see F88 or F910, you know to avoid it unless you are driving a 4×4 vehicle. Your campervan rental company will also tell you that you are not permitted to drive on these roads unless you are in a 4×4.

Prepare For The Weather

The weather is arguably the most important factor that will determine your Iceland road trip.

Best Time Of Year For A Road Trip

If you want to drive the entire Ring Road, then I would highly recommend visiting in the summer between May and September .

This is when the conditions are the best and all of the campsites are open.

You also get a phenomenal amount of daylight in the summer, with the sun rising as early as 4 am and not setting until after midnight (if it ever sets at all!).

This makes it great for a road trip because you are always driving in daylight and you can cover a lot more ground each day.

Plus, you can even visit some of the landmarks at 11 pm because it’s so light out!

If you want to catch the Northern lights , then you will want to visit in the winter.

However, keep in mind that Iceland gets cold and snowy, so the driving conditions will be tougher. Many of the campsites are closed in winter as well.

Also, you will have much less daylight to work with (down to as low as 4 hours per day), so you will need to be driving in the dark.

Most Accurate Weather Forecasts During Your Trip

My best tip is to check the official Iceland weather station website .

The weather conditions in Iceland can range wildly across the country, so it can be raining in the West while bright and sunny in the East.

The weather station website has weather stations all across Iceland, and you can see the weather forecasts for each area for the next 5 days.

I found this website to be much more accurate than other sites like Accuweather , so make sure to bookmark it for your trip and plan your route accordingly based on the weather.

Bring These Items To Make Your Van Life Easier

There are several items you can bring with you to make your new van life easier, especially if you’ve never camped in the campervan before:

Several External Batteries

You can charge your phone and other USB powered electronics while running the van during the day, but it’s best to have fully charged external batteries to charge them overnight.

I brought 3 external batteries with me and my trick was to charge my external battery off of the campervan while driving during the day, then using that external battery to charge my phone at night.

Power Inverter

You can bring a power inverter which will allow you to charge larger electronics like a laptop or a camera battery. The power inverter plugs into the cars cigarette lighter port so you can only use it while driving, but this let’s you charge your bigger items on the go.

Alternatively, if you don’t want to pack a bulky power inverter, you can rent one from some campervan companies including KuKu!

Magnetic Phone Holder

Most of us have magnetic phone holders in our cars at home, but it’s very easy to forget to pack one for the trip. I ordered a basic magnetic phone holder from Amazon which made driving using my phone for navigation SO much easier.

Spare Cigarette Charger

I brought my own 2 port USB cigarette lighter charger in addition to the power inverter I rented from KuKu. My CA Campervan had 3 total cigarette charging ports, 2 in the front and 1 in the back of the van, so I could set up a full charging station to be charging my electronics during the long driving days.

Having a spare USB charger with multiple ports allowed me to charge my phone and an external battery at the same time which was great!

KuKu Campers also has these for sale for a very reasonable 10 Euros if you forget to pack your own.

Buy Certain Alcohol At Duty Free

Alcohol can be very expensive in Iceland.

When entering from your international trip, I highly recommend picking up some alcohol at the Keflavík Airport (KEF) airport duty-free shop in the arrival terminal.

Duty Free Alcohol Options

The amount of alcohol you can buy is based on a “unit” system, where each person is allowed to buy 6 “units” of alcohol.

See the official duty-free unit calculator website to calculate your own allowance.

This worked out to be 6 bottles of wine OR 1 bottle of 750ml liquor per person (which is exactly what we bought).

Cheaper bottles of wine were about $15 USD and the cheapest bottle of whiskey was about $20 USD. You can also see pricing on the duty-free website .

However, not all alcohol prices are created equal in Iceland!

Buying Alcohol In Iceland

If you do want to buy alcohol outside of the airport, you will need to visit a government run alcohol store called Vínbúðin as Iceland does not sell alcohol at supermarkets or convenience stores.

At the government stores, spirits are extremely expensive, with a typical $20 USD bottle of vodka or gin back home running about $80 USD!

If you are more of a wine or beer drinker, you will find that the prices aren’t nearly as bad at the government run stores.

I was able to buy bottles of decent wine for about $18 USD each , which was only slightly more expensive than the airport duty free.

So if you only want wine and/or beer, don’t stress too much about buying it at duty free, but if you want hard liquor, then definitely take advantage of your duty free allotment!

Renting Vs Packing Necessities

There are certain items you will want to bring with you, like the external batteries and magnetic cell phone holder above.

For other items, like power inverters, you can likely rent them from your campervan company like KuKu.

You will also rent lots of bulky items directly from your campervan company that you won’t want to bring with you, like a camping table, camping chairs, sleeping bags, pillows and blankets.

Some additional items I would recommend bringing with you to make your trip more comfortable and easy are:

• Mini travel memory foam pillow (this is my number one recommendation and absolutely saved my neck during the trip). I bought this pillow from Amazon which rolls up. I highly recommend it for comfort, plus it can double as a pillow you use on the plane/  
• Eye mask (especially if traveling during summer!)
• Good earplugs
• Silk travel pillow  
• Quick dry towels (you can also rent towels from your van company, but I loved having a small quick dry towel) 
• Mini toiletry reusable bottles
• A bag for bringing your toiletries, towel and change of clothes to the shower
• Travel mirror
• Travel hairdryer and hair straightener or curler. There is typically access to a plug in the shower units at most campsites, I bought this travel hairdryer ahead of the trip and it worked great.
• Clips  These are really helpful for clipping the curtains to keep the van a little darker and for closing up open food packaging
• Reusable food storage bags   
• Large water bottle (or two)
• Packing cubes to keep all your clothing organized in the van

Use These Iceland Google Maps Tricks

Google Maps will be an invaluable resource for your Iceland trip.

Download An Offline Map

Before you head to Iceland, make sure to download an offline map for your trip.

That way you will be able to navigate from one landmark or campsite to another without having to worry about having service.

Here are instructions on how to download an offline Google Map .

Use The Attractions Search

Another Google Map tip is to search for the word “Attractions” on the map.

This will bring up locations that other travelers have marked as points of interest.

This search will bring back the big name places, like the Blue Lagoon and Selfoss, but it can also help you discover some lesser known sites off the beaten track!

You’ll be able to tell how popular a site is by the number of reviews. If it has 1,000+ reviews, you know it’s a main stop, but if it has 50 reviews or less, you might have just discovered a new gem!

Trust Google Map Campsite Reviews

Finally, I found the Google Map reviews of campsites to be extremely accurate.

There are a ton of campsites in Iceland and they all cost a similar amount (roughly $15 USD per person), but the quality of them can range wildly.

You don’t need to book campsites in advance, so you can head out on your daily adventures and start looking for a campsite when you are ready to call it a night.

Search Google Maps for “campsite” and try to pick a campsite with at least a 4.0 review, and preferably a 4.5 review.

By doing this, I was able to find some great campsites that had amenities like hot showers, kitchens, clean bathrooms, and more.

Don’t Worry About Coins (Too Much)

You might have heard that you will need all the coins you can find for your Iceland trip for things like showers and bathrooms.

While this might be true for some, I did not find this to be the case on my Iceland trip.

I started hoarding coins like Scrouge McDuck from the moment I landed, and I used them a grand total of once to pay 300 ISK (about $2.50) for the shower at the first campsite I stayed at.

I didn’t need coins a single time after that for the rest of my trip, so take all the coin advice with a grain of salt!

Every other campsite I stayed at included showers as part of the campsite fee, and virtually every bathroom I went to while out for the day was free or accepted a contactless or chip credit or debit card.

There’s no harm in saving some coins, but don’t stress too much about needing them as long as you have your card handy!

Know The Speed Limits and Iceland Driving Laws

One thing you should be worried about are the speed limits in Iceland.

The speed limits are very low, and for good reason. There are also speed cameras throughout Iceland that do not tolerate speeding (many of which will be tagged on Google Maps or will have a sign warning you).

As a general rule of thumb, stick to the following speed limits and always watch for signs:

• Highway: 90 km p/h
• Tunnels, roadwork, and entering towns: 70 km p/h
• Gravel roads: 60 km p/h
• Inside of towns: 50 km p/h

Also, it is the law in Iceland to have your headlights turned on at all times , so make sure to keep them on even in bright sunshine!

Be Prepared For Unusual Driving Moments

Iceland is absolutely beautiful to drive around, but make sure to keep your eyes on the road.

People Will Pass You

Almost all of the roads are one lane in each direction, and people are not afraid to pass you.

Do not stress if someone is driving close behind you. Let them go around you if they want, and everyone can carry on with their day.

Watch For Sheep

There are lots of sheep in Iceland, and sometimes they will wander into the road. Always keep an eye out for sheep, especially because they can be unpredictable!

There are a lot of reasons you want to avoid hitting a sheep, mostly because they are cute, but also because you can be fined 500 Euro per sheep that you’ll have to pay to the owner of the sheep if you do hit one.

One-Way Bridges

There are many one-way bridges you will come across driving around the Ring Road.

This means that the bridges are so narrow that traffic can only pass in one direction.

Take these very slow, and if you see a car on the other side, let them go over the bridge first .

You can’t always see to the other side of the bridge, so go especially slow on these to make sure no one else is coming before you cross it.

Iceland has announced that they will begin turning these one lane bridges into two lanes over the next decade, but if you are planning to visit Iceland anytime soon, be prepared for the one-way bridges.

Which Iceland Sim Cards To Buy

Having a phone with data is a great resource for your entire Iceland trip.

Even if you have roaming from your home carrier, it’s likely worth buying a local Iceland SIM card to save some money and also ensure you have the best coverage.

You can buy your SIM cards from the convenience store inside of the airport as soon as you exit from baggage claim.

Simply walk up to the convenience store cashier (where they are also selling Sbarro pizza) and tell them you would like a sim card.

During my trip in June 2022, I could pick from 3 sim card companies with prepaid cards:

• Simmin (10GB data, no voice or texting)
• Simmin (5GB data, unlimited voice and texting)
• Vodaphone (5GB data, unlimited voice and texting)
• Nova (10GB data, no voice or texting)

Simmin and Vodaphone have the best coverage , and Nova is a newer network with worse coverage.

I bought 1 Simmin sim card and 1 Vodaphone sim card for my trip (note: you don’t need to show a passport to buy the sim cards), and I found them to both have 4G coverage almost everywhere I went around the Ring Road.

Finally, one other alternative is you can rent a Wi-Fi hotspot from your campervan company – KuKu Campers offered this and it worked really well!

Showering and Washing Your Hair

Of course, as someone with quite unruly hair one of the things on my mind was how frequently will we be able to shower and will I be able to wash my hair. 

In reparation I bought some dry shampoo and baby wipes anticipating all the campsites would just have a cold shower and no option to dry your hair. But I was wrong! 

In fact, most campsites have hot showers for free, just make sure you read reviews first. 

I also found that 9/10 times I was able to find an outlet to plug in my hairdryer to be able to dry and style my hair. Just make sure to buy a good travel hairdryer that can adapt to the voltage. 

Another good hack is to use the showers when you visit thermal baths. I went to the Sky Lagoon in Reykjavik and Myvatn Nature Baths in the north and both had great showers, shampoo, conditioner and hairdryers. 

What To Do About Food

If you’re not used to van life, then you are likely wondering what groceries you should buy and how it is cooking your meals in the van.

Cooking In Your Campervan

If you book your campervan with a company like KuKu, they will provide all the necessary cooking equipment like pots, pans, utensils, and a camping stove. This is a list of what was in our van:

• 1 frying pan
• 1 sauce pan
• 5 plastic plates
• 5 plastic cups
• 5 plastic bowls
• 1 cutting board
• 1 bread knife
• 1 small cutting knife
• Bottle opener
• Washing up liquid
• 1 camping stove

You can also add additional items such as BBQ stove, table and chairs, coffee press as a rental. One thing I wish I had was a proper mug for tea and coffee, so I recommend bringing your own with you. 

Here are a couple of things I recommend picking up when you go to the supermarket at the beginning of the trip:

• Trash / Rubbish bags
• Toilet paper / Tissues
• Kitchen roll / paper towels
• Extra tea towels
• Cleaning spray

To cook using the stove, you will use small gas canisters that you can get from your campervan company as well as from gas stations along your journey.

One of the best parts of the larger CA campervan was I could fully stand up while cooking my meals inside the van, which was a lifesaver on a rainy day!

There is also a small sink that you can use to wash up, but I would recommend cleaning your dishes at the communal campsite sink whenever possible to avoid clogging the campervan drain.

Where To Buy Groceries

Eating out in Iceland is incredibly expensive, so I would strongly recommend doing a grocery run when you first get your van.

Head to a local grocery store called Bonus and stock up on food for your trip.

There is a small cooler in the campervan that can run while you are running the van and it did keep food remarkably cold (especially since I added a bag of ice to it on the first day), but you might not want to get perishables like raw meat.

Instead, stock up on things like pasta and vegetables that you can easily cook during your trip.

If you are craving meat, then I would recommend buying it the same day you plan on cooking it or buying pre-cooked meats.

By cooking for yourself, I was able to save a ton of money during the week! I bought about $170 worth of groceries for 2 people over 9 days and we had food left over.

The one meal we ate at a café cost over $50, so you see the benefit of cooking for yourself in the campervan!

Iceland First-Time Campervan Wrap Up

This Iceland campervan guide had all of my questions that I wish I knew the answers to when planning my own Iceland trip.

Feel free to download this for your own journey, and let me know in the comments if you have any other questions you would like to know the answers to.

Traveling around the Ring Road in a campervan was one of my favorite travel experiences I’ve ever had, and I highly recommend you give it a try yourself!

I received a press discount on my campervan from KuKu campers. As always, all opinions are my own.

Subscribe to get access to our FREE eBook with tips for saving money when you travel!

Read More Iceland Guides

• How To See The Northern Lights In Iceland
• 10 Things You Can’t Miss In Reykjavik Iceland  
• Iceland: A 3 Day Itinerary In The Land Of Fire And Ice
• Iceland Road Trip: 5 Epic Hidden Gems To Seek Out
• Why You Should Rent A Car In Iceland

We Are Travel Girls Founder Becky van Dijk of  BeckyvanDijk.com Connect with Becky  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram  |  Pinterest  |  YouTube

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Fjords, Pharaohs or Koalas? Time to Plan for Your Next Eclipse.

If you can’t get enough of totality, or missed out this time, you’ll have three more chances in the next four years in destinations like Iceland, Spain, Egypt and Australia.

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By Danielle Dowling

Are you still a little giddy from the magical moments of totality during Monday’s solar eclipse? Or did clouds swoop in to block your view? Maybe you just couldn’t make it to the path of totality this time. No matter what, the question now is “ Where and when will it happen again?”

“People who have never seen it before, the first words out of their mouth after the totality ends is ‘I’ve got to see another one, this is incredible, this is unbelievable.’ That is when you become addicted to these things and end up traveling no matter where the next one is,” said Joseph Rao, an eclipse chaser and guest lecturer at the Hayden Planetarium.

So, if like Mr. Rao, you’ve developed a raging case of umbraphilia — the love of eclipses — you’ll have three chances over the next four years to see the moon blot out the sun. The first, on Aug. 12, 2026, will start above Greenland, then strafe the west coast of Iceland and move along the Atlantic Ocean and over Spain. Almost a year later, on Aug. 2, 2027, another will skirt the Mediterranean coast of North Africa then cross Egypt and part of the Arabian Peninsula. The third, on July 22, 2028, will cut across Australia and the southern tip of New Zealand.

Future Eclipses

Eclipse chasers will have several more chances this decade to view a total solar eclipse .

Last week, as Victoria Sahami , the owner of Sirius Travel , was preparing to guide a group of tourists in Mazatlán, Mexico, for Monday’s big event, she was also planning for these other upcoming eclipses. Ms. Sahami joined the ranks of the eclipse-obsessed when she witnessed one in Venezuela in the 1990s. “Like many people, I was hooked. There was no going back,” she said.

Total solar eclipses happen fairly regularly — about every one to two years — in locations scattered around the world. “That’s the great thing about them: You wind up in places that you don’t normally go,” Ms. Sahami said.

A major spoiler is weather, which will be a big variable in the 2026 eclipse — one Greenland, Iceland and Spain will see.

“Iceland normally has a lot of cloud during that time of year,” said Paul Maley , who runs Ring of Fire Expeditions . “The data shows Spain to have the higher good-weather prospects of all three. However, the sun is low in the sky and the eclipse ends as the sun hits the horizon at sunset.”

Because of Iceland’s mercurial meteorology, Ring of Fire Expeditions is going all in on Spain, with a 10-day excursion on the mainland. Sirius Travel is offering not only a five-day trip to Majorca but also an eight-day tour around Iceland. It will be based in Reykjavik, and the itinerary will remain flexible on the day of the eclipse so the tour can easily pivot toward the location with the least cloud cover. Ms. Sahami recommends the trip for those who already have a few eclipses under their belt and would be happy just to take in the sights of Iceland if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

The 2027 eclipse, on the other hand, promises to be truly stellar: Luxor, Egypt — the site of numerous ancient temples as well as the Valleys of the Kings and Queens — sits right in the middle of the path of totality and will be bathed in darkness for a full 6 minutes 23 seconds. Weather-wise, it is what Ms. Sahami called “a slam dunk.” “You know you’re going to see it. You know that you’re not going to get any clouds,” she said.

But for all its potential, those considering Egypt should be aware that the State Department has a Level 3 “Reconsider Travel” warning for the country because of the risk of terrorism.

The 2028 eclipse will darken the skies over Sydney, Australia, for 3 minutes 49 seconds. It will be the first time the city has experienced a total solar eclipse since 1857. Ms. Sahami has her eyes on a trip based out of there, while Mr. Maley has chartered a cruise ship off the northwest coast of Australia. It will be winter there, he said, but that isn’t likely to mean bad eclipse-viewing weather.

If you want to see any (or all) of these eclipses, you should get started on planning and booking now, particularly if you want to sign up for a trip organized by a tour company. One of Sirius Travel’s excursions to Luxor is already full.

Scrutinize refund policies and look into insuring your trip. Several companies will fully refund your deposit if you cancel a year in advance. A lot can happen, Ms. Sahami said, “but if you think you’re going to go, why not?”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Want to see the next total solar eclipse in 2026? An expert recommends booking travel now.

• 2026 will be Europe's first total solar eclipse in 27 years.
• Travelers worldwide will likely head to Spain, Iceland, and Greenland for the event.
• A hotel expert encouraged travelers to start planning and booking their trips now.

It'll be two decades before the next total solar eclipse hits the US .

Another option: hop on a plane to Europe and turn the 2026 total solar eclipse into a viewing vacation.

Eclipse cartographer Michael Zeiler at GreatAmericanEclipse.com told Space.com that up to 3.7 million people likely traveled for the solar eclipse on Monday.

HotelPlanner's chief communication officer, Philip Ballard, told Business Insider that the eclipse was a major revenue generator for many cities. For places like Austin, Texas, and Rochester, New York, it could have created $1 billion in revenue, Vox reported.

"I would say the total solar eclipse has become a global phenomenon," Ballard said.

Ballard added that the next solar eclipse , which will pass through Iceland, Greenland, and Spain on August 12, 2026, could result in similar tourism and revenue influxes.

And if travelers are considering a trip to Europe for the solar eclipse, Ballard recommends planning your trip now.

Determine your eclipse viewing destination

According to Space.com , 2026 will be Europe's first total solar eclipse in 27 years. Its path will go through Greenland, parts of western Iceland, and northern Spain.

Choosing where to watch the eclipse will be a tough and important decision for travelers.

Iceland and Greenland have some positives. These regions will experience longer totality times, so viewers can watch the eclipse longer. Plus, the sun will be higher in the sky, so finding a spot to watch the eclipse will be less challenging, Space.com reported.

The downside is that these regions are more likely to be cloudy, according to the outlet.

Related stories

While parts of Spain are likely to offer clearer skies, the eclipse's timing will be shorter and closer to the horizon, which means travelers will need to plan and track down a viewing location with unobstructed views of the western horizon, Space.com reported.

Regardless of the destination, according to the outlet, one bonus is that the strongest meteor shower in the Northern Hemisphere will happen the following night, so travelers can pack two events into one trip.

Book flights and hotels far in advance

Ballard encouraged people to book their hotels in their destination of choice as far in advance as possible.

"You should start looking now and booking hotels now because those cities in the path are already going to be at peak season," Ballard said.

Ballard said it's similar to when a Super Bowl city is determined or a Taylor Swift tour date is announced — you immediately see spikes in bookings. He predicts hotel occupancy rates will hit near-record highs, and room prices may double around the solar eclipse date.

Ballard's general rule of thumb is to book international travel at least three months in advance, but since this is such an anticipated event, booking earlier is smart. His advice is to start discussing plans with friends and family. If you decide on a destination, book a refundable room to keep your options open if plans change.

Regarding purchasing a plane ticket, a study from Expedia states that international travel's sweet spot is at least six months in advance.

According to Expedia, travelers who book six months in advance save an average of 10% more than travelers booking within two months or less.

Skip the hassle of planning altogether and book a solar eclipse tour

Another option is to let a tour operator do the work for you. A handful of tour companies have seen the increased interest in the solar eclipse and launched tours designed around the event.

These tours will have predetermined locations to view the eclipse, hotel blocks reserved, and itineraries highlighting both the region and the eclipse.

However, these can sell out quickly. For example, Space and Telescope created an 11-day tour of Spain around viewing the 2026 solar eclipse. The tour has already sold out as of Wednesday, and the waitlist is full.

Other operators, such as Wilderness Travel and Eclipse Traveler, have similar itineraries for the total eclipse in 2026.

Watch: A small Australian town was treated to a rare hybrid solar eclipse

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Here’s how much it will cost to travel to see total solar eclipses in iceland, spain, egypt and australia.

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For those who were left totally wanting more after last week’s eclipse, it’s not too early to start thinking about trips to Europe, African and Australia — which will all see total solar eclipses over the next four years.

On Aug. 12, 2026, the moon will black out the sun over Reykjavík, Iceland and just outside of Barcelona, Spain.

A year later — on Aug. 2, 2027 — the zone of totality will be above Luxor, Egypt and the Strait of Gibraltar, which separates Spain and Morocco.

And on July 22, 2028, a total solar eclipse will intersect the Australian continent, with the zone of totality above Sydney, the nation’s largest city.

People who follow eclipses are called umbraphiles — meaning shadow lovers — and if they plan early enough, they can avoid paying out-of-this-world prices for Airbnbs, hotels and flights .

Emily Beatty, 32, bought tickets from Los Angeles to Albany eight months in advance to watch the eclipse in the Adirondacks last week, and said her flights were “not too bad” because of her planning.

“I knew about the eclipse like four years ago, and I knew I was going to come out and see it,” said Beatty, a video game producer.

Airline tickets are normally only made available for purchase a year in advance, and a quick check of the travel site Priceline found that roundtrip flights could be had in the days around Aug.12 of this year from New York to either Reykjavík and Barcelona for under $700.

Emily Regan, 30, was visiting Iceland two weeks ago and just returned to her Ovid, New York home to see the eclipse, which she missed because of cloud cover on Seneca Lake in the zone of totality.

“We went out, tried to find a spot on the lake that we thought would have a total view of totality, and the clouds rolled in about an hour and a half before, so that was really disappointing.”

Although she was “super disappointed” that she wasn’t able to see the eclipse, she enjoyed Reykjavík so much that she would go back in two years to catch the next astronomical event.

“The whole scenery and everything about that area is so beautiful, and seeing it in the summer, when sun goes for — I think it’s like up to 20-something hours in the peak of summer, would be especially cool for the solar eclipse,” said Regan, a school nurse in the South Seneca district.

“Especially because the country is so relatively small that you can get out of the major city center and experience like truly immersed in nature … I’m sure you could find a place just 40 minutes outside of the city center where you could have some isolation if you really were looking for it.”

Many hotels could be had in the Icelandic capitol this August for between $200 and $250 a night. Lodging was cheaper in Barcelona — by about $100.

With clear skies in eastern New York last Monday, Beatty said the celestial event “100%” exceeded her already high expectations, and said she would love to hop the pond to see another one.

“I think I would I would definitely be interested in seeing it either in Reykjavik or Gibraltar, like that would be really pretty rad,” she said.

Roundtrip flights to Lisbon, Portugal, near Gibraltar, could be snagged for about $950 in August, while flights to Cairo were about $1,000.

The Egyptian capital will not be in the zone of totality in 2027 however, so eclipse-hunters may be better off spending $1,500 to fly to Luxor, where they could enjoy highly rated hotel rooms for as little as $10 a night, according to the travel site.

The event will also be seen from Africa’s Algeria and Libya as well as Saudi Arabia and Yemen in Asia.

The most expensive — and longest — eclipse trek, by far, would be Down Under. Flights from New York to Sydney in July start at $2,100, but hotels are more reasonable, with many in the $100 to $200 range.

The event will also be visible from southern New Zealand.

For umbraphiles like Beatty, it is hard to put a price tag on the experience.

“I was really excited to see it but I just did not expect it to affect me in the way it did. It was very physiological, you know what I mean?” she said.

“Like I got really excited. Not freaking out, but definitely very like, in the moment. It was pretty unbelievable.”

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When is the next total solar eclipse in the U.S.? See the paths for the 2044 and 2045 events

By Cara Tabachnick

Updated on: April 9, 2024 / 2:31 AM EDT / CBS News

Eclipse-watchers waited more than six years since the last time a total solar eclipse charted its way across the United States,  in 2017 . After the  April 8 event , prepare to wait a lot longer — the next chance won't be coming around any time soon.

Viewers in what's called " the path of totality " saw the moon completely block the sun  — an opportunity those in North America won't have again for 20-plus years. The next total solar eclipses in North America are not anticipated until 2044 and 2045.

"A total solar eclipse is one of the most spectacular things anyone can see in their lifetime," Virginia Tech astrophysicist Nahum Arav told CBS News. The eclipse "looks like a black hole in the sky," said Arav, who watched the paths of totality of eclipses in 1991 and 2017.

Monday's eclipse started around 11:07 a.m. PDT on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, and then moved into Texas . The eclipse's visibility tracked  through 15 states  — Oklahoma, Illinois , Ohio,  Pennsylvania , New York , Vermont ,  New Hampshire  and Maine , among them — before heading northward into Canada and then exiting North America.

Even with spotty weather in some states, millions of people from coast to coast saw a partial solar eclipse, in which the moon partially covers the sun. However, only those within the path of totality experienced the darkness of the total solar eclipse. 

When is the next total solar eclipse in the U.S. after the 2024 eclipse?

Solar eclipses happen about twice a year, said Arav. "Eclipses happen all over the Earth evenly," he told CBS News — but noted the timings when they occur are not regular. That means  eclipses can occur within just a few years, or every few decades, in North America.

Before the eclipse in 2017, the last total solar eclipse to cross North America was in 1979 . That was the first eclipse whose path of totality crossed the entire continent in 99 years. 

Even though eclipses may seem to occur randomly, scientists can pinpoint exactly when and where they will happen.

"There is no ambiguity, as we know exactly where it will land," said Arav. 

There will be eight total solar eclipses visible from North America in the 21st century, Arav said, with one occurring about every 12 years, on average.   

The next total solar eclipse to cross North America is predicted to occur on Aug. 23, 2044 , NASA said. However, the path of totality from this eclipse will only touch three states, according to  The Planetary Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to public interest in space.  

This next eclipse will mainly be observed in Canada, Arav said. 

Path of totality for the 2044 total solar eclipse

The 2044 eclipse will start in Greenland on Aug. 23, 2044, and will continue its path through Canada. 

The 2044 total solar eclipse will be short, mostly appearing in Canada. It will be visible from three states in the U.S.: Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota.  

The path of totality will cross Williston and Dickinson, North Dakota, and Great Falls, Montana.

Path of totality for the 2045 total solar eclipse

The next solar eclipse that crosses a significant portion of the continental U.S. will be in 2045, said Arav. That year, a solar eclipse will darken skies in parts of the U.S., Haiti, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Guyana, French Guiana, Suriname and Brazil. 

In North America, the 2045 total eclipse will be visible in many states as it moves from coast to coast. The eclipse will start in California and move east to end in Florida, similar to 2017, Arav said. 

There will be numerous U.S. cities where eclipse watchers can view the total eclipse, including Reno, Nevada; Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Orlando, Florida.

Future solar eclipses in North America after 2045

Scientists have predicted eight total solar eclipses will appear in North America in the 21st century.

"Natural phenomena are like a Swiss clock," Arav said. "We know exactly when and where they will appear."

After the 2044 and 2045 total solar eclipses, the next total eclipses in North America will occur in 2078 and 2099.

May 11, 2078

This total solar eclipse on May 11, 2078 , will pass over the southern United States.

Cities include:

Atlanta, Georgia

New Orleans, Louisiana

Charlotte, North Carolina

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Sept. 14, 2099

This total solar eclipse on Sept. 14, 2099 , will cross a wide swath of the United States.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Chicago, Illinois

Columbus, Ohio

Fargo, North Dakota

Cara Tabachnick is a news editor and journalist at CBSNews.com. Cara began her career on the crime beat at Newsday. She has written for Marie Claire, The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal. She reports on justice and human rights issues. Contact her at [email protected]

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Your last-minute guide to Monday's total solar eclipse

A total solar eclipse will cross North America on Monday , offering millions a rare opportunity to see afternoon skies temporarily darken as the moon blocks the face of the sun.

Tune into NBC News NOW as Lester Holt hosts a two-hour special at 2 p.m. ET Monday from Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The eclipse's path fortuitously cuts across Mexico, 15 U.S. states and a small part of eastern Canada. In all other states in the continental U.S., viewers will be treated to a partial solar eclipse, with the moon appearing to take a bite out of the sun and obscuring part of its light.

Here’s everything you need to know about the rare celestial event.

What is a solar eclipse?

Solar eclipses occur when the sun, moon and Earth align. The moon passes between Earth and sun, temporarily blocking the sun’s light and casting a shadow on Earth.

A total solar eclipse is when the moon fully obscures the sun, whereas a partial solar eclipse means it blocks just a portion of the sun’s face.

Solar eclipses occur only with the new moon. Because the moon’s orbit around Earth is tilted, the three bodies don’t always line up in a way that creates an eclipse.

“Imagine if the moon’s orbit were in the plane of Earth’s orbit around the sun — if that were the case, then every new moon, you’d have a total solar eclipse and every full moon, you’d have a lunar eclipse,” Neil DeGrasse Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History, told NBC News. “So, because things don’t always align, it lends to the rarity of the event and the specialness of the event.”

Where and when will the eclipse be visible?

This year’s eclipse will follow a slightly wider path over more populated areas of the continental U.S. than other total solar eclipses have in the recent past.

NASA estimates that 31.6 million people live within what’s known as the path of totality, where the total solar eclipse will be visible. An additional 150 million people live within 200 miles of the path, according to the agency.

The path travels through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Tiny parts of Michigan and Tennessee will also be able to witness totality if conditions are clear.

After the eclipse crosses into Canada, it will pass over southern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton, at the eastern end of Nova Scotia.

Those outside the path of totality can still take part in the astronomical event by viewing a partial solar eclipse — visible throughout all 48 states of the contiguous U.S. — or a NASA livestream.

The timing, including how long totality lasts, depends on the location, but some spots will see the moon fully cover the sun for up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds.

Below is a list of timings for some cities along the path of totality, as  provided by NASA . A number of other resources, including NationalEclipse.com  and  TimeandDate.com , can also help people plan.

• Dallas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:23 p.m. CT and totality at 1:40 p.m.
• Little Rock, Arkansas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:33 p.m. CT and totality at 1:51 p.m.
• Cleveland: Partial eclipse begins at 1:59 p.m. ET and totality at 3:13 p.m.
• Buffalo, New York: Partial eclipse begins at 2:04 p.m. ET and totality at 3:18 p.m.
• Lancaster, New Hampshire: Partial eclipse begins at 2:16 p.m. ET and totality at 3:27 p.m.

How to safely view a solar eclipse

It is never safe to gaze directly at the sun, even when it is partly or mostly covered by the moon. Special eclipse glasses or  pinhole projectors  are required to safely view solar eclipses and prevent eye damage. Failing to take the proper precautions can result in severe eye injury,  according to NASA .

Eclipse glasses are thousands of times darker than normal sunglasses and specially made to enable wearers to look at the sun during these kinds of celestial events.

Sky-watchers should also never view any part of the sun through binoculars, telescopes or camera lenses unless they have specific solar filters attached. Eclipse glasses should not be used with these devices, as they will not provide adequate protection.

However, during the few minutes of totality, when the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to look with the naked eye.

Beware of fake eclipse glasses. On legitimate pairs, the lenses should have a silver appearance on the front and be black on the inside. The manufacturer’s name and address should be clearly labeled, and they should not be torn or punctured. Check, as well, for the ISO logo and the code “IS 12312-2” printed on the inside.

If you don’t have eclipse glasses, you can make a homemade pinhole projector, which lets sunlight in through a small hole, focuses it and projects it onto a piece of paper, wall or other surface to create an image of the sun that is safe to look at. 

All you need is two pieces of white cardboard or plain white paper, aluminum foil and a pin or thumbtack. Cut a 1- to 2-inch square or rectangle out of the center of a piece of white paper or cardboard. Tape aluminum foil over that cut-out shape, then use a pin or thumbtack to poke a tiny hole in the foil.

During the eclipse, place a second piece of white paper or cardboard on the ground as a screen and hold the projector with the foil facing up and your back to the sun. Adjusting how far you hold the projector from the second piece of paper will alter the size of the image on the makeshift screen.

What to look for while viewing the total solar eclipse

For people along the path of totality, there are some fun milestones to keep track of as the total solar eclipse unfolds.

As the eclipse progresses and the sun gets thinner in the sky, it will start to get eerily dark, according to Tyson.

When the last beams of sunlight are about to become obscured, look out for the “diamond ring effect”: The sun’s atmosphere will appear as an illuminated halo, and the last light still visible will look like the diamond of a giant ring.

As the sunlight decreases even further, an effect known as Baily’s beads will be created by the moon’s rugged terrain. Tiny “beads” of light will be visible for only a few seconds around the dark moon, as the last bits of sunlight peer through the moon’s mountains and valleys.

When the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to remove eclipse glasses and look at the total solar eclipse with the naked eye.

Some lucky sky-watchers may even catch a glimpse of a comet .

Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks — nicknamed the “ devil comet ” because an eruption last year left it with two distinct trails of gas and ice in the shape of devil horns — is currently visible from the Northern Hemisphere as it swings through the inner solar system.

The comet can be seen in the early evenings by gazing toward the west-northwest horizon. During the eclipse, when skies darken during totality, it may be possible to see the comet near Jupiter, but its visibility will depend on whether it’s in the middle of an outburst and thus brighter than normal.

Most likely, all eyes will be on the alignment of the moon and sun.

“Most people won’t even notice,” Tyson said. “But if you know to look, it’s there.”

When is the next solar eclipse?

The next total solar eclipse will be in 2026, but it will mostly pass over the Arctic Ocean, with some visibility in Greenland, Iceland, Portugal and northern Spain. In 2027, a total solar eclipse will be visible in Spain and a swath of northern Africa.

The next total solar eclipse visible from North America will be in 2033, but only over Alaska. Then in 2044, a total solar eclipse will cross Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, parts of Canada and Greenland.

The next total solar eclipse to cross the continental U.S. coast-to-coast in will occur in 2045. The path of totality for that eclipse will cut through California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia and Florida.

Denise Chow is a reporter for NBC News Science focused on general science and climate change.

Lucas Thompson is a content producer for the NBC News Climate Unit.