Visiting Iceland is wonderful. We know because we recently took an amazing Iceland vacation. In these posts, we tell you everything you need to know, including when the best time is to visit Iceland.
Iceland has it all: Waterfalls, volcanoes, glaciers, hiking, hot spring spas, geysers, friendly people, whale-watching, puffins, and more! Be sure to read our post on Iceland’s gorgeous Golden Circle as it a “must do” on every visitor’s list.
The Best Time to Visit Iceland
Most people visit in June, July, or August when the weather is best and there is sunlight almost 24 hours a day. The shoulder seasons (May and September) are delightful, and things are less crowded. We went in late May and loved it. We think May is the best time to visit Iceland, especially if you want to see the puffins. And you should see the adorable puffins!
Best Time to Visit Iceland for the Northern Lights
If your goal is to see the Northern Lights, you should go in the winter months. You cannot see the Aurora Borealis in the summer due to the sunlight. There are many tour options for seeing the Northern Lights. Your chances of seeing them are excellent as you are just below the Arctic Circle, but you MUST go during the winter months. This means September through April, but October through March are the best for catching them.
Things To Do Visiting Iceland
There are so many things to do in Iceland! Spectacular waterfalls! Glaciers! Volcanoes! Ice caves! Whale-watching! Geysers! Hot springs and spas! Birdwatching! Iceland is a hikers’ paradise.
The Blue Lagoon is a famous hot spring spa but there are others as well. By the way, Iceland relies heavily on its abundant geothermal energy. Because of this, don’t be surprised if there is a slight sulfur smell in your shower as they are using water from the hot springs.
We spent over six hours hiking over a still warm lava field at the famous Fagradalsfjall volcano which is not far from Rekyavik. By the way, it has already been covered with new flow.
Iceland’s volcanos are legendary. If you were traveling in Europe in April 2010, as we were, you will recall how air traffic was halted for almost a week due to volcanic ash from Eyjafjallajökull.
Packing for Visiting Iceland
Iceland’s weather is quite variable. Therefore, you should definitely dress in layers. We suggest a T-shirt, a sweater, and a water-proof jacket with a hood. Take mittens or gloves and a knit hat, especially if you are whale or puffin watching from a boat.
How to Visit Iceland
Everyone is extremely friendly and helpful. And, because in school everyone learns English, as well as Icelandic, it is a very easy country for an English-speaking traveler to navigate. Most Icelanders speak three or four languages.
The two best ways to tour Iceland are to take a guided vacation with a group or to rent a car and drive yourself. There are also ocean cruises that pay shore visits to this amazing land.
For more ideas for your visit to Iceland, we suggest the Official Iceland Tourist Information page.
Iceland’s People
With fewer than 400,000 people, Iceland is Europe’s least densely populated country. In fact, there are so few people that Icelanders created an app to help people from accidentally dating their cousins!
Iceland has one of the lowest poverty rates in the world. In general, most of the service employees you encounter will be relatively well-paid compared to their American counterparts.
LGBTQ+ Friendly
Everyone finds Iceland to be friendly and welcoming. This is especially true for LGBTQ+ travelers who report feeling safe and welcome when visiting Iceland.
Money Matters
Tipping is neither customary nor expected. Of course, if you want to reward exceptional service, it is appreciated.
Credit cards are widely accepted. Bring two types, as not all are always accepted (especially American Express).
If you need Icelandic kronur, there are ATMs in the main tourist areas. Bring a debit card for withdrawals as credit card withdrawals can come with hefty fees.
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