What is the Cheapest Month to Visit Iceland?

The best time to visit Iceland depends on what you want to see. If you have something specific in mind, Iceland is the perfect magical destination.

Its breathtaking landscapes will captivate you no matter where you’re from or how much you’ve traveled.

With over a million tourists visiting each year, three times the population of locals, there’s no doubt Iceland has something special to offer.

Let’s look into the best time to visit Iceland, what to consider before your trip and the advantages and disadvantages of going in the summer and winter.

Best Time to Visit Iceland

The crowds of Iceland get active in June, July, and August as these are the months when most of the attractions are open and the roads are accessible.

But if you like to beat the rush, September is a good month because it is still warm and most people go back to their previous lives.

If you want to enjoy the northern lights, you should go there from September through March.

While the winter season offers great opportunities for skiing and snowboarding, if you prefer the summer activities like hiking and exploring then June to August will be your best choice.

Eventually, you end up concluding that summer is wonderful with its warm temperatures and long days because of the midnight sun.

You’ll be able to enjoy the natural environment with lots of greenery and wildlife during this period.

But if you’re more of a night owl or a relaxing person, spas and Northern Lights without the crowd, maybe winter is the best time for you.

Things to Consider Before Choosing When to Travel to Iceland

Here are some things to think about when deciding the best time to visit Iceland:

1. If you’re traveling with kids, definitely go in the summer. It’s warmer, so you won’t have to worry about them getting cold, and you’ll have more daylight hours for exploring.

2. If you have a lot of time to travel, like more than 5 days, summer is the way to go. There’s so much more you can do and see during the longer days.

3. If you’re short on time and only have a few nights, consider visiting in the winter. You can still experience some of Iceland’s magic without needing a long trip.

4. If seeing the Northern Lights is your top priority after reading all this, winter is your best bet. But if the idea of experiencing the Midnight Sun sounds amazing to you, then go in the summer.

5. If you’re on a tight budget, consider going in the Spring or Fall seasons. You might find better deals on accommodations and activities during these times.

How is Iceland in the Summer?

Summer in Iceland is awesome, usually from June to July and the beginning of August. While it’s not super warm all the time, the weather is generally pleasant.

You’ll still need to bundle up and might encounter some chilly rain, but the Midnight Sun is a game-changer. With 24 hours of daylight, you have endless opportunities to explore.

Sure, you should get some sleep, but you can also do cool things like visiting The Blue Lagoon at midnight or soaking in a hot tub while the sun does its strange midnight “set” and then rises again.

It’s an incredible experience that opens up all sorts of possibilities.

The longest day, around June 20th, is mind-blowing – when we visited in early July, it never really got dark, just perpetual dusk around midnight before the sun popped back up.

Advantages of Visiting Iceland in the Summer

The advantages are;

1. The Midnight Sun: With 24-hour daylight, you have endless time to explore, plus you get treated to a beautiful pink sky every night.

2. Pleasant Weather: Enjoy the outdoor sights comfortably.

3. Camping: Perfect if you’re into outdoor adventures.

4. Access to Certain Areas: Places like the Highlands and some hikes are only open in the summer.

5. No Weather-Related Cancellations: You don’t have to worry about plans getting disrupted due to bad weather or road closures.

6. Safer Roads: It’s easier to travel around without concerns about dangerous road conditions.

7. Wildlife Sightings: Higher chances of spotting puffins and whales.

Disadvantages of Visiting Iceland in the Summer

The disadvantages are;

1. No Northern Lights: Unfortunately, you’ll miss out on this natural phenomenon.

2. Crowds: Expect busier tourist spots and more people around.

3. Higher Expenses: Accommodations might be pricier, but there are plenty of free activities to make the most of the long daylight hours and good weather.

How is Iceland in the Winter?

Winter in Iceland is truly enchanting, typically from October to March. Reykjavik, the capital city, is especially magical with its snowy landscapes and cozy atmosphere.

There’s something special about strolling through the snow-covered streets, surrounded by colorful buildings and bundled-up locals.

Since it’s Iceland, experiencing cold weather feels authentic and adds to the charm.

Advantages of Visiting Iceland in the Winter

The most notable benefits of traveling to Iceland in the winter are.

The advantages are;

1. Northern Lights: Perhaps you will be lucky enough to observe this amazing creation of nature. It is awesome.

2. Snowy Landscapes: The snow can give an extra natural beauty to Iceland’s landscape and make it even more attractive.

3. Fewer Crowds: While there’ll be fewer tourists you will be able to get yourself immersed in a unique and true environment.

4. Cost-Effective: In winter, the costs of accommodations and activities in Iceland are usually lower. This can be a great time to visit the country without having to worry about the budget.

5. More Accommodation Options: There will be fewer people and this means that you will have a variety of options when you want to look for a place to stay.

6. Hot Springs: Iceland’s thermal pools are open day and night, allowing visitors to do something special such as relaxing in warm water while the snow falls outside.

Disadvantages of Visiting Iceland in the Winter

The disadvantages are;

1. Tour Cancellations: Inclement weather may be a cause for tours to be canceled and this may put your itinerary at risk.

2. Northern Lights Disappointment: If circumstances are not right, you may miss witnessing the Northern Lights. If you have come to see them, it might be a great disappointment if you don’t.

3. Cold Temperatures: During the wintertime, it can become really cold in the country, so it is hard to stay outdoors for long hours, despite the beautiful landscapes of this country.

4. Limited Daylight: With only a few hours of daylight, you experience the difficulties of finding the time to roam the town and discover the famous sites.

5. Road Conditions: The roads may be temporarily unavailable or they can be very dangerous due to weather conditions and as such your ability to reach certain areas may be affected.

Is it Expensive to Go to Iceland?

In Iceland, it might be a bit pricey, but not the most expensive country on the planet.

On average, the cost of one day of the trip ranges from $100 to $200. As such, a vacation lasting up to one week should cost around $700 to $1400.

If you want to save some money, the most affordable time to visit Iceland is during its off-season, which stretches from September to November and January to May.

Iceland is home to 376,248 people and it is unbelievable but 98% of them have English language skills. Thus Icelanders do not have only 368,723 English speakers.

This is an interesting fact, which is unusual in many European countries, as is the case in other states. It is interesting why English is spoken by the majority of Icelanders so fluently.

Deciding on the time of visit to Iceland is determined by the kind of experience you pursue. If you crave outdoor activities and midnight sun then definitely, summer is your kind of season.

On the other hand, if you are fond of the charm of the Northern Lights as well as winter with its comfortable coziness, then winter will be your choice.

Take this into account and pick up the time that corresponds to your taste and you are ready to take an amazing Icelandic tour.