Reykjavik is a beautiful city to add to your itinerary if you’re planning a trip to Iceland, “The Land of Fire and Ice.” Iceland itself is a beautiful country with magnificent landscapes and unique attractions. If you want to see certain things, like the Northern Lights, you’ll need to plan your trip accordingly. The best time of the year to visit Reykjavik depends on your budget, preferable weather conditions and which natural marvels you want to see.
In this post, we’ll guide you through visiting Reykjavik throughout the year, as well as the best times to see some of Iceland’s most popular attractions.
When Is the Best Time To Visit Reykjavik, Iceland?
The most popular months to go to Iceland and visit Reykjavik are from June to August due to the long summer days and warmer weather. December is also a popular time to visit Iceland for the holiday festivities and unique winter activities. These are also the busiest times for tourists, resulting in increased costs and larger crowds.
If you’re looking to book a trip with fewer crowds, choose a month that shoulders the offseason—May or September. These months have warmer temperatures and sunnier days than the off-season winter months.
However, the most cost-effective trip would be during the off-season months—September-November and January-May.
June to August
Pros: Warmer and longer days with the opportunity to see the Midnight Sun
Cons: Higher costs and larger tourist crowds
The summer months are the warmest and have the longest days in the year. The summer is a popular time for visitors to explore the breathtaking landscape, go whale watching and check out the local festivals. If you’re visiting toward the end of June, you’ll also be able to see the peak of the Midnight Sun. However, expect higher costs for rental cars, hotels and other popular attractions.
September to March
Pros: Fewer crowds, decreased costs with the opportunity to see the Northern Lights
Cons: Longer nights and decreased road accessibility
The fall and winter seasons in Reykjavik tend to be less busy, apart from December, and can be just as beautiful as the summer. With that, there’s plenty to still do, such as visiting hot springs, viewing glaciers and exploring ice caves. It’s also the ideal time to see the Northern Lights.
Keep in mind daylight is scarce during the winter months, with an average of five hours of sunlight maximum during December. Plus, the winter storms may limit road accessibility. If you’re not a fan of cold weather and long nights, you may want to opt for a trip in the spring or summer.
April to May
Pros: Fewer crowds, decreased costs and mild temperatures
Cons: Mixed weather and a lower chance to see the Northern Lights
April and May are at the tail-end of winter and the start of spring, so you can expect mild temperatures and melting snow. Prices for flights and hotels will likely be lower during these months than in the summer months. Remember to pack a jacket and layers for a mix of weather, from sun to rain to snow. These months are best for bird watching, nature excursions and perhaps even the aurora borealis in April.
When Is the Best Time To Visit the Blue Lagoon in Iceland?
The Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland’s most visited attractions, known for its steaming milky-blue and mineral-rich waters. The geothermal pool is open yearlong, so you can visit during whichever season you book your trip in.
The Blue Lagoon is the most popular during the summer, which is peak tourist season. However, it’s also quite popular during the colder winter months as an escape from the chilly weather. If you prefer fewer crowds, snowy weather, and beautiful winter views, we recommend visiting during the fall and early winter months.
To help with planning, the best time to visit the Blue Lagoon is either early in the morning or during the evening. The afternoon period tends to bring in a larger crowd, whereas the morning and evening are a safer bet for extra room in the pool. Plus, there’s a limited occupancy for how many visitors can enter the Blue Lagoon.
When Is the Best Time To See the Northern Lights in Iceland?
Not all attractions, like the Blue Lagoon, are available all year round. The Northern Lights are best between the end of September and March. These darker months provide the best chance to see the lights, especially around the equinoxes, which occur sometime around the 21st of September and March.
Looking for an immersive experience? The Five Million Star Hotel offers an unforgettable experience of glamping under the beautiful night sky in an inflatable bubble.
We also recommend visiting the Aurora Reykjavik (Northern Lights Center) during your visit. In the center, you can explore various interactive displays on the Northern Lights and browse exhibits that explore the myths and legends of the natural phenomenon.
When Is the Best Time To Go Whale Watching in Iceland?
Whale watching is a must-do excursion to add to your trip itinerary to Reykjavik. You’ll need to plan your trip accordingly to match the whale migration patterns. The best time to go whale watching is between May and August. You’ll be able to see minke, humpback, sperm and Cetacea whales. You also may be able to see dolphins and orcas on boating trips.
After your whale-watching excursion, we recommend visiting the Whales of Iceland, where you can see life-sized models of whale species and enjoy unique interactive exhibits.
When Is the Best Time To Go to the Hot Springs in Iceland?
You can visit Iceland anytime and still enjoy the geothermal hot springs. There are many hidden hot springs to check out, but snowy weather may make them inaccessible. If you’re wanting to find other hot springs, like the Secret Lagoon, we recommend visiting during the early fall months. You’ll enjoy colder weather, have fewer crowds and alleviate concerns about potential travel restrictions to popular hot springs destinations.
FAQ
Below are commonly asked questions about when the best time is to visit Reykjavik and Iceland.
What Is the Cheapest Month To Visit Iceland?
Want to visit Reykjavik but don’t want to break the bank? The autumn and spring months have cheaper flights, tours and car rentals. The off-season, September-November and January-May, tend to have smaller crowds with fewer holiday breaks and temperature weather.
The summer and winter tend to be much more popular because of school holidays and annual wonders like the northern lights and the Midnight Sun. The influx in travelers pushes prices up on tours, excursions and lodging. However, if you travel during the off-season, you’ll still be able to see the aurora and go on other cool excursions, like the Vatnajökull Ice Caves.
When Is the Midnight Sun in Iceland?
The peak of the Midnight Sun usually takes place around the summer solstice in June 2022. Between May and August, the sun never completely goes down past the horizon. If you plan to visit during these months, expect very long days with light in the late evenings. Lucky for you, this means there would be more daytime hours to use for exploring!
How Many Days in Reykjavik Is Enough?
We recommend having 1- 2 days to enjoy Reykjavik built into your Iceland itinerary. If you’re planning to just visit Reykjavik and the South Coast, we recommend around four days.
To explore Iceland in its entirety, we recommend at least 10-14 days to allow you enough time to explore the different regions. It would allow you to complete the Ring Road, the national road that connects most of the towns and villages in Iceland.
Plan Your Excursion to Reykjavik With AAA
Ready to book your trip to the ethereal city of Reykjavik? Our team of agents at AAA Travel Services can help you figure out the best time to visit Reykjavik that works for your budget.
If you have a travel bug, check out these other welcoming international destinations. Or, if you want to stay within the United States for your next trip and are looking for a similar outdoor adventure, we highly recommend checking out the National Parks. With any trip you plan, remember to use your AAA Membership for discounts for countless excursions, hotels and rental cars.