Iceland
Iceland travel tips, itineraries and things to do across Iceland.
Iceland Travel Guide
Why pick Iceland?
The land of Ice and Fire, Iceland is a great destination for nature lovers and adventure travellers alike.
There is something for everyone all year round. From chasing the northern lights during winter, to experiencing puffin season during Spring/Summer. Endless hiking routes, waterfalls to see and great food to eat.
Iceland is sure to provide you with the road trip of a lifetime, whether you’re there for a short while and are looking to complete the Golden Circle, or you’ve carved out enough time to complete the full Icelandic Ring Road!
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When to visit Iceland?
❄️ Winter (December – February)
| Month | Sunlight | Aurora | Puffins | Highland | Snow | Hikes | Prices | Crowds | Ice Caves | Weather Alerts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December | Lowest | Good | No | No | Yes | Short | Low | OKish | All | Regular |
| January | Lowest | Good | No | No | Yes | Short | Low | OKish | All | Regular |
| February | Okish | Great | No | No | Yes | Short | Low | OKish | All | Regular |
🌸 Spring (March – May)
| Month | Sunlight | Aurora | Puffins | Highland | Snow | Hikes | Prices | Crowds | Ice Caves | Weather Alerts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March | Good | Great | No | No | Maybe | Short | Low | OKish | All | Regular |
| April | Good | Maybe | Maybe | No | Maybe | Some | Low | Least | Some | Some |
| May | Highest | No | Yes | No | Maybe | Some | Medium | Least | Only 2 | Some |
☀️ Summer (June – August)
| Month | Sunlight | Aurora | Puffins | Highland | Snow | Hikes | Prices | Crowds | Ice Caves | Weather Alerts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| June | Highest | No | Yes | Maybe | No | All | High | A lot | Only 2 | Some |
| July | Highest | No | Yes | Yes | No | All | High | A lot | Only 2 | Little |
| August | Good | No | Maybe | Yes | No | All | High | A lot | Only 2 | Little |
🍂 Autumn (September – November)
| Month | Sunlight | Aurora | Puffins | Highland | Snow | Hikes | Prices | Crowds | Ice Caves | Weather Alerts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| September | Good | Maybe | No | Maybe | No | All | Medium | OKish | Some | Some |
| October | Okish | Great | No | No | Maybe | Some | Low | OKish | Some | Regular |
| November | Lowest | Great | No | No | Maybe | Some | Low | Least | All | Regular |
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Iceland Travel Guide Map
Discover the latest travel tips, tricks, and itineraries to explore Iceland with Gigs ‘n’ Travel. From waterfalls to the Icelandic ring road, Lagoons, the Aurora, puffin watching, and glacier hiking – Iceland has it all!
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, keep an eye on this space, we are always adding new blogs!
Iceland Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to visit Iceland?
The best month to visit Iceland depends on your goals. For the Northern Lights, February, March, October, and November are ideal. For hiking and road trips, July and August offer the best weather and daylight hours. If you want to avoid crowds and save money, consider visiting in May or September.
When can you see the Northern Lights in Iceland?
You can see the Northern Lights in Iceland from late September to early April. The best months for aurora sightings are February, March, October, and November due to long nights and generally clearer skies.
Are Iceland’s roads accessible in winter?
Main roads like the Ring Road are maintained year-round, but weather can cause sudden closures. The Highlands and some remote routes are closed in winter. Always check online for real-time conditions before driving in winter.
Can I visit Iceland on a budget?
Yes, Iceland can be done on a budget with proper planning. Travel in the shoulder seasons (May or September), book accommodation early, cook meals, and use public hot springs or free hiking trails to reduce costs.
What’s the best time to see puffins in Iceland?
The best time to see puffins in Iceland is from May to early August. Puffins nest on coastal cliffs during this period, especially in places like Dyrhólaey, Borgarfjörður Eystri, and the Westman Islands.
Is summer a good time to visit Iceland?
Yes, summer (June to August) is ideal for outdoor activities, hiking, and exploring the entire country. Expect long daylight hours, access to the Highlands, and mild weather—but also higher prices and more tourists.
Are the Icelandic Highlands open year-round?
No, the Icelandic Highlands are only accessible in summer, typically from mid-June to mid-September. Roads like F26, F35, and F208 are closed the rest of the year due to snow and impassability.
When are ice caves in Iceland open?
Most natural ice caves are open from mid-November to mid-March when it’s cold enough to be safe. However, a few man-made or stable caves can be visited year-round with a guided tour.
Is it better to travel Iceland in summer or winter?
It depends on your priorities. Summer offers access to all areas, midnight sun, and hiking, while winter gives you the chance to see the Northern Lights and ice caves. For balanced experiences, shoulder months like May and September work well.
What’s the weather like in Iceland by season?
Iceland’s weather is unpredictable but generally mild. Winters are cold (0°C to -5°C), windy, and dark. Spring is cool and transitional. Summer is mild (10°C to 15°C) with long days. Autumn brings more rain and aurora potential. Always pack layers!