The Best Time to Visit Iceland

The most frequently asked question is about the best time to visit Iceland. It is also the hardest question to answer.

Iceland is a unique destination that offers great travel experience all-year-round. No matter when you travel Iceland will not disappoint you.

Summer, of course, is the most popular season because of the warm weather, extended daylight, arts and cultural festivals, green scenery and open highland roads paving access to less explored and somewhat virgin parts of Iceland. The downsides are crowds of tourists, higher rates and difficulties finding accommodations in certain areas. Summers are short in Iceland and mid-August starts feeling like early fall. Back roads are closed from mid-October to mid-May. The prices are lower and most places are not so crowded. This is a great time to enjoy fall colors. Since Iceland has very few trees, the color changes are mostly in the grass, mosses and low shrubs. For the best fall foliage visit National parks. Bring warm clothes and be prepared for possible cold weather though you might get lucky and experience summer temperatures for a short time.

Iceland is located close the Arctic Circle, but due to the Gulf Stream, temperatures are cool in summer and very mild in winter, milder than, let's say, in New York. Mild Atlantic and cold Arctic air meet over the Gulf Stream, driving wind and rain, causing overcast skies and frequent shifts in weather. It is not unusual to experience four seasons in just one day. Iceland's precipitation is highest from mid-October to February, and lowest in May and June with southern and western parts of the island receiving the most rainfall.

Winter is becoming more and more popular with tourists from all over the world coming to Iceland in search of Northern Lights. The best way to travel in Iceland this time of the year is to join an escorted group tour. Experienced guides and drivers will keep you comfortable and your chances of seeing Northern Lights are higher.

Spring arrives late and is very short, several wonderful weeks between winter and summer. A new exciting season is in the air, longer and warmer days, but still no crowds and low prices.

No matter when you travel to Iceland you will enjoy this amazing country with its warm and hospitable people, natural wonders and authentic culture

Nordic Saga Tours offers many exciting trips to Iceland all-year-round. Experience everything there is to see in Iceland on our summer and winter escorted Iceland Tours. See incredible natural wonders, volcanoes, glaciers, hot springs, Blue Lagoon and Icelandic horses, hunt for unique sightings of Northern Lights on our Northern Lights Explorer winter tours. However you choose to explore Iceland, you'll surely remember the time spent in this magical land for years to come.