Nobody will have missed the fact that Iceland is an island nation south of the Arctic Circle, between Greenland and Norway. It has barely over 300,000 residents but is renowned for its breathtaking volcanic scenery.
Nevertheless, it is also one of the coldest locations in Europe. Despite being vulnerable to ferocious northern winds and having a frigid maritime environment, the Gulf Stream benefits the south and west coastlines of this country.
This guarantees them warmer winter temperatures than those of the Quebec region in Canada or the state of New York. The island does, however, undergo quick and unpredictable weather changes, as well as a climate that is exceedingly volatile.
When is the best time to visit Iceland?
It’s always fascinating to consider the best time to visit a given nation before planning your Iceland vacation. Because Iceland’s climate is neither the mildest nor the most consistent in the world, choosing the right season is crucial.
Therefore, it is best to research the weather, the length of the sunshine, or the number of tourists before making a decision. Choosing the ideal time of year to visit Iceland is difficult and mostly relies on personal preferences.
Iceland weather
To be exactly accurate, Iceland experiences, depending on the location, four seasons and an oceanic climate with three unique climate models. These are the subarctic climate, tundra climate, and oceanic subpolar climate.
In Iceland, the average summer temperature is 10°C, while the average winter temperature is close to 0°C. But in isolated sections of the island, particularly in the mountains, it may also be mainly negative.
The Gulf Stream and other climatic factors help the island by reducing the contrast between winter and summer. As a result, we steer clear of extreme temperature differences between winter and summer, like those that may be found, for instance, in Russia or the centre of Canada.
Iceland is typically covered in a lovely white mantle between October and March, while summertime shore temperatures are typically about 15°C. However, on a few days each year, it may reach 25 °C. In addition, the famed “midnight sun” ,when the sun doesn’t set on the island on the summer solstice, may be seen from June the 21th.
When it comes to precipitation, they are more significant in the fall and winter (due to high snowfall) than in the spring and summer (moderate rains throughout the territory).
I suggest visiting Iceland in the two summer months of July and August to take advantage of the country’s most agreeable weather. Nevertheless, the breathtaking Northern Lights are only visible from October to March throughout the winter. So it’s up to you to discover what appeals to you the best and select that.
What to Budget when visiting Iceland?
When planning a trip to Iceland, it is crucial to consider the significant exchange rates that have an impact on the cost of airline tickets. For instance, depending on whether you buy a flight in July or November (high season or low season), the cost may skyrocket.
These variations are undoubtedly related to the increase in visitors as well as the temperature, which is significantly less hospitable in the winter. If you want to visit Iceland on a tight budget, the ideal months to go are between October and March.
Additionally, it would seem that departing from London rather than Liverpool, Birmingham , or Manchester would be significantly cheaper if you were travelling to Iceland from the UK. In addition, scheduling a ticket during a weekday rather than a weekend afternoon, for instance, will save money.
No one will be surprised to learn that a flight purchased in advance will always be less expensive than one made at the last minute.
I hope this will help you now own all the cards necessary for an effective and affordable trip to Iceland!
Travel to Iceland in Winter
Iceland has a picture-postcard scenery in winter. Heavy snowfall, immaculately white frozen volcanic landscapes, and a temperature that is not necessarily severe all around.
In fact, the temperature does not reach extremely low values during the winter thanks to beneficial climatic currents. Iceland is far from winters in Russia or Canada, for instance, where the temperature drops to many tens of below zero.
The Iceland’s marine temperature helps to mitigate the glacial mood and makes for pleasant hikes despite the fact that the towns and landscape are blanketed in snow.
However, in the northern glaciers and highlands of the island, where you must be adequately outfitted to resist the cold, the Icelandic winter may be even worse. In reality, during this season, numerous highways are closed because of snow and ice.
Additionally, if you don’t want to spend your entire trip in the dark, you’ll need to be careful to pick the proper time of year to travel to Iceland.
To avoid only seeing the sun for an hour or two a day during the dead of winter, consider leaving in October or March. Winter is also the slowest travel period. When you go to Iceland around this time, you might experience a place that is less overrun by visitors from abroad.
Visit Iceland Mid Season
When travelling to Iceland, spring and fall provide a decent middle ground between the summer and winter tourist seasons. Despite a morning freshness unique to the Nordic nations at this time of year, the temperatures remain rather warm during the day.
And to top it all off, the visitor influx is still modest and controlled. However, it can rain often and in considerable amounts. It is thus important to pack boots and an excellent umbrella that will let you face the melting snow calmly during the thaw.
Visit Iceland in Summer
You shouldn’t anticipate sunbathing in shorts if you travel to Iceland in the summer. Inland temperatures seldom surpass twenty degrees, while coastal temperatures rarely get over twenty-five.
Although winter nights might be quite long, summer days can be just as long, so you will enjoy long, bright days. Additionally, both Icelanders and visitors to Iceland have access to a wide range of activities.
Let’s talk about the several events that are well-liked by the locals who enjoy going out during the few pleasant weeks of the year. However, it is also feasible to set up tent, plan incredible treks, or simply see the charming Icelandic towns.
But everything is paid for since costs increase as heavy tourist season approaches. Additionally, there will be a large price rise on all foreign flights to and from the Viking Island.
Iceland travel season: must-attend events
Even though Iceland is a remote region with a little population, people still go out and have fun there. Here are some of the celebrations that are popular in Iceland:
Sjomannadgwinn
“Seafarers’ Sunday” is observed on the first Sunday of June. All vessels on the island dock at Icelandic ports that day. Locals have races and sample regional delicacies like fried herring or traditional Nordic seafood on the streets.
Then they sing, dance, and enjoy the lengthy days that are unique to Icelandic June.
Independence Day National holiday
The national day of Iceland is June 17. Similar to other countries, it honours the Republic of Iceland’s proclamation of independence in 1944 and is one of the most significant occasions in the nation. Iceland had been a part of Denmark in the past.
Due to how rarely darkness falls, this day is among the longest of the year. As a result, the Icelanders rejoice with delight and good humour. Join them in sharing this exhilarating moment.
Festival of the Westmann Islands (Þjóðhátíð)
Everything is closed the first weekend in August, from Friday afternoon through Tuesday morning. It’s a a bank holiday in this country. Over the course of this weekend, music festivals are held on every island, including the Westmann Islands.
They draw both young and old people who want to share in one of the island’s most well-known celebrations. Families and friends gather all weekend to celebrate, eat, and laugh to the sounds of Iceland’s most well-known artists.
The year's closing festivities
It would be a pity to miss the Christmas and New Year celebrations in this Nordic nation. Since these celebrations are a part of the winter season in Iceland, they are held in an entirely fitting environment.
The celebrations leading up to the new year are very special times to share thanks to the glowing fir trees, beautiful snow, stars, and aurora borealis, family, or friends. Do not be reluctant to visit and take everything in for an unforgettable experience.
