Best time to visit Iceland

The best time to visit Iceland is between May and September if you’re hoping to get outdoors, hike through the country’s dramatic scenery, explore the highlands and spot whales, although spring and autumn are better if you’re hoping to see the Northern Lights. You can still travel to Iceland in winter, with long dark nights to see the aurora and captivating frosty landscapes, as long as you’re prepared for freezing temperatures, short days and road closures to cut off some areas.

Despite the country’s name, Iceland isn’t always as cold as you might expect, thanks to its location on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and the warm Gulf Stream, so you can visit year-round whether you’re making the most of the long days to get outdoors, hike and enjoy the scenery, or looking for the Aurora Borealis during the short nights of winter when waterfalls freeze into fairytale shapes. Add in other seasonal attractions such as whale-watching or the puffin migration and your holiday plans can end up determining when to go to Iceland. And as the Icelanders say; if you don’t like the weather, just wait a bit.

• Average temperatures: 9-11°C
• Average daylight: 15-21 hours
• Northern Lights: Very unlikely

 

The summer months bring plenty of clear, sunny days, and pretty much all options are on the table in terms of locations and activities. Hikes, horse rides, whale watching… whatever your Iceland bucket list contains, you can probably tick it off during the summer.

Things can get quite busy at popular tourist sites, so this can be a good time to explore some of Iceland’s more remote regions, such as the Westman Islands or the East Fjords.

Some famous highland routes like the Sprengisandur are only open in July and August as these roads are impassable at other times of the year.

• Average temperatures: 2-7°C
• Average daylight: 5-14 hours
• Northern Lights: Yes (sometimes)

 

The summer crowds begin to disperse, temperatures begin to drop and the nights begin to get longer throughout Autumn. This can be a wonderful time to plan your Iceland holiday, with the weather still pleasant through September and the Northern Lights starting to appear.

Although some of the remote highland roads will close, most of Iceland is still accessible via the ring road. This is a good time for a road trip to some of the lesser-known coastal destinations, such as Snaefellsnes.

Things will also be a little quieter at some of the main attractions, such as the Strokkur geyser and Gullfoss waterfall, so it’s a good time to tick off some of Iceland’s iconic highlights.

• Average temperatures: -1-0°C
• Average daylight: 5-14 hours
• Northern Lights: Yes (frequently)

 

Iceland’s coldest season brings its own unique charm – you didn’t come for a beach break anyway! Reykjavik can be a wonderful place to spend some of your Christmas break or see in the new year, while glaciers such as Vatnajökull are at their most spectacular with ice caves and gorges.

The big draw is of course the Northern Lights. Nothing is guaranteed, but you’d be quite unlucky not to see one of nature’s greatest shows during a winter holiday in Iceland.

Most travellers do not go further than the southwest during this time of year, but with a 4×4 you can go around the entire island if you wish. The interior of the island won’t be accessible,and we’d recommend adding extra nights to your itinerary in case weather conditions slow you down.

• Average temperatures: 1-6°C
• Average daylight: 10-18 hours
• Northern Lights: Yes (sometimes)

 

Spring is one of our favourite times to visit Iceland, with temperatures rising and landscapes slowly turning from white to green. Northern Lights viewings are also still possible, particularly in the early part of the season.

This is an ideal time of year for wildlife enthusiasts too. While whale watching and bird spotting are possible for much of the year, this is perhaps the best time to see Iceland’s animals. You’ll also have a good chance of seeing orcas around the coast.

This shoulder season is also great to see famous sites like the Blue Lagoon and the waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss before the big tourist crowds return in summer.

Expect cold, short days in January, although if you’re hoping for a holiday in Iceland without the crowds, this is also one of the quietest months to visit. Long dark nights raise your chances of spotting the Northern Lights, while you’ll also find winter festivals and illuminations in towns and cities to add a touch of brightness.It is also one of the wettest months of the year in Reykjavik with temperatures barely rising above 3C, although you’ll find plenty of indoor attractions in the world’s northernmost capital.

With sunrise as late as 11am, and sunset often by 4pm, you’re limited as to how much sightseeing you can squeeze in, so careful planning is essential. Staying close to the attractions of the Golden Circle in Flúðir helps you make the most of the short days, and gives you the chance to see the crashing cascade of Gulfoss surrounded by icicles and snowy scenery.

Don’t expect to head into the highlands, with snow closing roads here and in the West Fjords, while the conditions make driving around the East Fjords difficult if not downright dangerous this month. If you’re hoping to visit Lake Myvatn or Akureyi, the unpredictable weather in the north means it’s hard to make plans for January, with snow and ice storms potentially preventing travel. While you can still travel to the Westman Islands, it’s not an easy journey and not the best experience when you arrive, so it’s best to postpone this for later in the year.

If you are ready to make the most of the mid-winter weather, it’s perfect for exploring Iceland’s ice caves or for hiking up glaciers, including the Sólheimajökull glacier and Vatnajökull glacier, Europe’s largest ice cap. Or watch the icebergs floating from the glacier lagoon at Jokulsarlon to the sea. Then there’s nothing quite like warming up in the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon afterwards.

Festivals: The month-long Thorrablót winter festival is celebrated from mid-January, a tradition that dates back to Iceland’s first settlers and honours these ancestors, with songs, dancing and food including delicacies such as hákarl, fermented shark

Best for: Hiking glaciers, escaping the crowds, Reykjavik

The days are already much longer this month, although some of the more remote and rugged parts of Iceland are still off-limits, such as the highlands, with roads often closed after bad weather in the West Fjords and the East Fjords. But there’s still plenty to entice you to Iceland in February, including the chance to see orca in the waters around the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

If you want to make the most of the winter landscape, you can also ride some of Iceland’s sturdy horses to venture out into the often snowy scenery, although be prepared for the freezing weather if you do want to try. There’s also the chance to hike on ice caps, including the Sólheimajökull glacier and Vatnajökull glacier, and explore ice caves – then a welcome way to warm up is in the country’s thermal waters, including the Blue Lagoon and Secret Lagoon.

It’s also one of the best months to see the Northern Lights; plenty of clear dark nights to spot the aurora in the skies over Iceland, although do wrap up warm in preparation for standing around waiting for the swirls of eerie green.

It’s still quite cold and wet in Reykjavik too, although the Winter Lights Festival helps brighten up the chilly days and Iceland’s south is still warmer than its north, so you can make the most of the capital’s indoor attractions without the crowds, as well as seeing the sights of the Golden Circle nearby – Thingvellir will probably be hidden under a blanket of snow this month though.

Festivals: The month-long Thorrablót winter festival continues until mid-February, a tradition that dates back to Iceland’s first settlers and honours these ancestors, with songs, dancing and food including delicacies such as hákarl, fermented shark

Reykjavik’s Winter Lights festival takes place in early February, with around 150 events to brighten the capital, and artists creating light installations and other illuminations on display.

Best for: Spotting orca, Northern Lights, hiking glaciers

With the Spring Equinox, March marks the official end of winter and the days finally become as long as the nights, perfect if you’re hoping to get outdoors and see more of Iceland’s attractions and scenery. There’s also one of the best chances of the year to see the Northern Lights, with twice as many geomagnetic storms around the equinox, which means double the likelihood of seeing the Aurora Borealis.

While the temperatures may not persuade you that spring has arrived, there’s more possibility that sunshine will accompany any wintery activities too. You can still spot orca in the waters around the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and it’s a great month to see the highlights of the Golden Circle without the crowds. It’s still cold across the country, with an average high of 3C in Reykjavik across the month, and while flowers are blooming in more temperate countries, you shouldn’t expect to see them here for several months.

If you’re planning to enjoy the geothermal springs, you’re also less likely to be emerging back into subzero temperatures and onto snowy ground, although it’s cool enough that the naturally warm waters of the Blue Lagoon and Secret Lagoon are still very tempting. March is also the last month to visit the Blue Ice Cave at the Sólheimajökull glacier until October, as well as the ice caves at the Vatnajökull glacier, as they become unsafe when temperatures climb any further.

Unsettled weather means driving to some of the more remote areas of Iceland are only recommended if you’re confident tackling windy, wintry conditions. The highlands will still be inaccessible this month, although there’s a better chance of being able to explore more of the West Fjords and East Fjords, and to visit Lake Myvatn. Postponing your trip a little longer means you have a better chance of your plans going ahead though. If you’re prepared for colder temperatures, riding Iceland’s sturdy horses is a memorable way to discover more of the landscape.

Festivals: Iceland celebrates Beer Day (or Bjórdagurinn) on March 1, the day the 74-year prohibition of beer was finally cancelled in 1989. Events to mark the occasion including the Icelandic Beer Festival in Reykjavik

Best for: Northern lights, spotting orca, Reykjavik, Golden Circle without the crowds

April marks something of an in-between period if you’re wondering when to go to Iceland. By now, the snow is beginning to clear, roads across most of the country are reopening, and the worst of winter is over, but many summer activities still aren’t underway and the weather is unsettled enough that you could yet face rain and snowstorms. With much longer days and up to 14 hours of sunlight this month, it’s no longer such a good time to see the Northern Lights as the nights get lighter.

On the plus side, it’s much quieter this month and there’s some good wildlife spotting to be done, with puffins returning to the Westman Islands towards the end of the month and the start of the main whale-watching season. You can see whales on tours from Reykjavik, including minke whales in the waters off the capital, or head up to Akureyi and Husavik for the chance to see humpback whales, plus orcas near the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, along with dolphins and porpoises. You can spot whales and puffins in the rugged West Fjords too, finally more accessible this month, with its spectacular scenery including waterfalls and green valleys. Or you’ll find more puffins than people in the less visited East Fjords.

The warmer weather makes riding Icelandic horses more attractive as well, and more hiking trails open this month too, although the Landmannalaugar area in the Highlands is still not accessible. It’s no longer safe to visit the ice caves either but you can hike Iceland’s glaciers year-round, with slightly milder conditions as you step onto the ice at Vatnajökull glacier – it’s no surprise to discover it’s still cold out on the ice caps this month. Or the weather is also getting good enough to discover the black sand beach at Vik plus the Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, once it warms up too much for glacier hiking in the area.

Or watch the geyser gush into the air at Strokkur, as well as seeing Gulfoss and Thingvellir without the crowds of peak season, as you explore the best of the Golden Circle, before a relaxing soak in the Secret Lagoon or Blue Lagoon. The dramatic landscape around Lake Myvatn features its own thermal pools, along with a chance to see the lake before the midges of summer awake – the name literally means Midge Lake – although the colours are less vibrant this early in the year.

Festivals: Iceland celebrates Sumardagurinn fyrsti, or the First day of Summer on the first Thursday after April 18 with fairs and parades. Less than a month after the Spring Equinox and well before any genuinely warm weather arrives, it dates back to the old Icelandic calendar when the year was divided into just winter and summer.

Best for: Exploring without the crowds, whale-watching, puffins, the Golden Circle

Summer is finally beginning to arrive in Iceland in May, with comparatively milder temperatures of around 10-11C by the end of the month and up to 20 hours of daylight, which means more options to get outdoors and go hiking, along with other activities. The main road around the island is usually fully open after any closures from winter storms and snow, lilac lupine flowers are starting to bloom and it’s still a great time to spot wildlife off the coastline.

Even in the highlands, snow begins to melt so you can discover the colourful mountains of Landmannalaugar as well as the rugged lava fields of the interior. There’s more chance to get out walking and hiking too, with evidence of previous dramatic volcanic eruptions around Vik and the Skaftafell National Park. See some of the magnificent waterfalls too, including Skogafoss, take the opportunity to walk behind Seljalandsfoss, or hike to Svartifoss waterfall to overlook the Vatnajökull glacier.

Discover deep blue crater lakes, whistling steam vents and hot bubbling springs around Myvatn, walking the trails between the pool – the midges which give the area its name do start to appear in force from the end of this month. There are plenty more dramatic landscapes to find as well, such as the famous geyser at Strokkur and the Gulfoss waterfall at the Golden Circle, plus the geothermal pools of the Secret Lagoon and Blue Lagoon.

Drive the rugged West Fjords, marvelling at its own waterfalls and green valleys, or seize the chance to spot whales and puffins, spy steep mountainous cliffs and little fishing villages in the less visited East Fjords. For the best puffin spotting, jump on a ferry to the Westman Islands where the birds have been laying their eggs, and there’s a good chance of seeing the adults with their famously colourful beaks. And look out for humpback whales in the north around Akureyi and Husavik, while you can also spot minke whales in the waters near the capital Reykjavik, plus orcas near the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

There’s time for more adventures, including exploring lava caves, snorkelling and scuba diving in the clear icy waters (well kitted up in dry suits) or horse riding on one of Iceland’s hardy breed of horses.

Festivals: The Reykjavik Arts Festival usually runs from late May (or early June), with hundreds of artists from around the world taking part and displaying their art in the capital. The event runs for around two weeks and now takes place every other year.

Best for: Hiking past volcanic scenery, whale-watching, puffins, exploring more remote parts of Iceland

It’s the month of the midnight sun in Iceland. By June, the sun barely dips below the horizon so you’ll enjoy up to 24 hours of daylight – at most, there’s a pinkish glow that takes you straight from dusk to dawn, so light sleepers should pack an eye mask. While there’s no real chance of spotting the Northern Lights, it’s one of the best months for a holiday in Iceland to cram lots into your days and enjoy the dramatic scenery, as well as the carpets of blue and purple lupine flowers.

It’s a good time for a self-drive holiday too, whether that’s making the loop around Iceland’s famous ring road, or venturing further off the beaten track while there’s little chance of snow. The less visited East Fjords and the rugged West Fjords are both an option this month, spotting puffins and waterfalls, spectacular cliffs and little villages amid the vibrant green summer growth. And the more inaccessible parts of the highlands are also back on the cards as the roads clear towards the end of the month; discover the rugged lava fields of the interior and colourful mountains of Landmannalaugar as the main hiking season gets underway.

You’re not limited to four wheels either. Head off on horseback on one of Iceland’s hardy breed of horses, or discover some of the best hiking trails in the national parks. At Skaftafell National Park, there’s everything from Viking villages lost in an eruption to the chance to see two magnificent waterfalls – you can even walk behind Seljalandsfoss. Even in midsummer, there’s ice on the Vatnajökull glacier, although if you don’t fancy pulling on crampons, you could hike to Svartifoss waterfall for some great views.

It’s an almost balmy 12C in Reykjavik this month too, and can sometimes be warmer – still not too hot for a dip at the nearby Blue Lagoon, and ideal for whale-watching trips from the capital, or the string of summer cultural events and festivals. It’s still not quite peak season at the Golden Circle, so while it won’t be as quiet as earlier in the year, you’ll have better weather to soak up the views of Thingvellir, home to one of the world’s oldest surviving parliaments, before seeing the cascades at Gulfoss and the Strokkur geyser, gushing into the air like clockwork.

The capital isn’t the only place to see whales, with humpback whales in the north around Akureyi and Husavik and orcas near the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, plus it’s peak season to spot the countless puffins in the Westman Islands awaiting the hatching of their eggs. You’re unlikely to see pufflings before July, but it’s a good month to see the adults. Myvatn is home to some rather less desirable wildlife, with midges flourishing this month, so it’s worth going prepared with netting for your head – however silly you feel, you’ll be glad to have a barrier between you and the buzzing as you discover deep blue crater lakes.

Festivals: The Fishermen’s Day festival normally takes place on the first Sunday in June with various celebrations across the country. Expect everything from sea shanties, mermaids and a chance to look at various marine creatures through to a celebration of seamanship and Iceland’s long association with fishing and maritime trade.

The Reykjavik Arts Festival usually runs into early June, with hundreds of artists from around the world taking part and displaying their art in the capital. The event runs for around two weeks and now takes place every other year.

The country celebrates Icelandic National Day on June 17, marking the establishment of the Republic of Iceland with parades through towns, villages and cities across the country, featuring Icelandic horses and brass bands. Many places close for the public holiday

Hafnarfjörður Viking Festival runs for around four days in mid-June with re-enactments, markets and a chance to learn more about Viking culture.

Best for: Midnight sun, hiking and trekking, whale-watching, puffin spotting, exploring remote corners of Iceland, festivals

One of the peak times to travel to Iceland, there are still long, long days as the midnight sun persists through July and with the snow long melted, even Iceland’s remotest corners and wild interior are accessible. Towards the end of the month, you can expect some of the biggest crowds of the year at popular attractions including the Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon, and Lake Myvatn, as well as in Reykjavik, but it’s also one of the best times to enjoy the scenery and culture here – one way to escape some of the crowds is to join a midnight sun tour.

One of the warmest and driest months of the year, it’s a fantastic time to go hiking and to explore some of Iceland’s less visited corners, with long light days to get outdoors and tempting conditions for photographers. Iceland’s climate means you may not escape rain entirely though, and even in summer, Reykjavik’s average high temperature is 14C so pack accordingly.

It’s also one of the last good months to spot orcas off the Snæfellsnes Peninsula although there are still plenty of whales elsewhere, including humpback whales in the north around Akureyi and Husavik and whale-spotting trips from the capital as well. The pufflings, as baby puffins are known, may make an appearance if you’re lucky but you can usually spot the adult birds in the Westman Islands this month.

July is another great month for a self-drive holiday, especially if you want to venture off the beaten track without having the challenging snowy conditions of the colder months. You can also escape some of the crowds in the less visited East Fjords, and the rugged West Fjords, where you’ll discover dramatic scenery including waterfalls and colourful villages along the cliffs. It’s one of the best times for a holiday in Iceland’s interior, especially the colourful mountains of Landmannalaugar, which are inaccessible for much of the year.

You’ll still find icy conditions on the Vatnajökull glacier if you fancy a hike with a difference, although there’s plenty to discover in the national parks, including Viking villages frozen in time after a volcanic eruption at Skaftafell National Park and some of the country’s impressive waterfalls. Hike to Svartifoss for views over the glacier, get a rather different view by walking behind Seljalandsfoss, or head into one of the lava caves. Or you could even see the country from horseback on one of Iceland’s hardy breed of horses.

Festivals: The Reykholt Festival, one of the country’s oldest music festivals, takes place around the last Sunday in July, with classical music performances in Reykholt Church. The Kirkjubæjarklaustur Chamber Music Festival often takes place this month as well (or late June/August) on a lava field in southern Iceland.

Best for: Midnight sun, exploring the whole country, hiking and trekking, whale-watching, puffin spotting.

Another peak month for tourism to Iceland, the temperatures are still mild and it’s generally dry across the country, while you can expect the key sites like the Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon, and Lake Myvatn to be busy. The days are getting shorter, though are still long but it’s not the best month to enjoy the midnight sun and too light to watch the Northern Lights.

If you’re hoping to spot wildlife, it pays to time your trip well. Many seabirds start to migrate from mid-August so time a trip to the East Fjords for earlier in the month, although the puffins stay in the Westman Islands until September and this month sees one of the best chances of spotting a puffling, as baby puffins are known. There’s also still a good chance of spotting humpback whales enjoying the feeding grounds off Akureyi and Husavik this month, as well as regular whale-watching tours from the capital, Reykjavik and wild seals around the West Fjords.

There are plenty of chances to escape the crowds if you head off the beaten track a little, with fantastic conditions again for hiking, exploring lava caves, sea kayaking, snorkelling and exploring the country by horseback on one of Iceland’s hardy breed of horses, including a ride along the beach at the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

If you’re hoping to head to the highlands, plan your trip for early in the month. There’s usually good weather in the colourful mountains of Landmannalaugar, although conditions are more unsettled the closer you get to September. Or Skaftafell National Park is another great option this month, with a chance to see the black sand beach at Vik, a Viking village preserved after a volcanic eruption and moss-covered lava fields. There are waterfalls galore to hike to, or for an unforgettable trek, you can head out onto the Vatnajökull glacier which remains frozen year-round.

Festivals: Menningarnótt, or Culture Night, is a huge event taking place in Reykjavik in August with concerts in the city centre, plus roads closing for street performances during the day, and fireworks to finish in the evening.

The National festival, or Þjóðhátíð, is held on Vestmannaeyjar island in early August, a mix of traditional Icelandic culture and wild celebrations

Best for: Exploring the whole country, hiking and trekking, whale-watching, puffin spotting, festivals

One of the best months for a holiday in Iceland, the crowds of peak season have departed but the weather is still generally good if you’re looking to explore off the beaten track and get outdoors. September is cooler and wetter than peak summer, but you can still expect temperatures of around 11C in Reykjavik and only a few more rainy days than August.

The Northern Lights are also visible again this month, and it’s arguably the best time to visit Iceland if you’re hoping to see them. Geomagnetic storms make for more vivid displays around the autumn equinox in particular, but there’s a good chance throughout the month’s darker evenings. By the end of September, roads in the highlands are already closing because of snow and ice, so plan your trips to Landmannalaugar for the start of the month. This is one of the last good times to see the mix of colours in the mountains before they’re all covered in snow too, as well as having the spectacular scenery to yourself.

The peak whale-watching season is also coming to an end this month, although there’s still a chance to see them off Akureyi and Husavik in the north, and around Reykjavik. The puffins also leave this month, so if you’re hoping to spot them, early September is when to go to Iceland, with a chance of seeing the birds around the Westman Islands, and in the West Fjords, East Fjords, and Snæfellsnes Peninsula. But there’s also another unusual sight to enjoy this month, with the réttir (or réttur) taking place when hundreds of thousands of free-ranging sheep are rounded up throughout the month by farmers and communities and brought back to farms before the snows arrive.

Traditionally this was done on horseback, and you can get some first-hand experience of Iceland’s hardy breed with a horse riding trip before it gets too cold. Or there are plenty of opportunities to explore on your own two feet as well, with hikes to the waterfalls of Skaftafell National Park and the black sand beach at Vik, or an icy trek on the Vatnajökull glacier.

It’s quieter at some of Iceland’s biggest attractions, including the geysers and waterfalls of the Golden Circle, and the dramatic thermal landscape of Lake Myvatn so this is a perfect time to enjoy the sights without the crowds of summer. And as temperatures drop, the country’s famous geothermal pools become even more tempting, with a dip in the Secret Lagoon or the Blue Lagoon.

Festivals: The Night of Lights Festival takes place in Reykjanesbaer on the Reykjanes Peninsula during the first weekend of September, celebrating local culture including music and art, as the nights start to get darker.

The Reykjavik Film Festival also takes place over 11 days from the end of September, with films from around the world, including movies from Iceland’s most talented directors and new talent.

Best for: Escaping the crowds, Northern Lights, hiking and trekking, exploring the whole of Iceland

Winter is setting in properly in Iceland this month, with roads closing in less accessible corners of the east and in the highlands, so don’t expect to be able to trek to Landmannalaugar. It’s also usually the wettest month of the year, with some summer activities finished, while many whale-watching tours are also ending as the majority of whale species have now migrated to warmer waters.

But this month is a tempting time for a holiday in Iceland to see the autumn colours and enjoy the berry harvest. Leaves start changing to reds and yellows in late September, but the displays are at their best in October, with pinks and purples alongside the usual crimsons and orange shades. Thingvellir is a great place to see the rainbow of colours if you’re visiting the Golden Circle, as well as Skaftafell National Park where they contrast with the cascading waterfalls and with the icy blue of the Vatnajökull glacier, where the ice caves have also started forming for winter. Or saddle up for a chance to explore Iceland on horseback, riding one of the country’s hardy breed of horse.

As the nights get darker, it’s a fantastic time to spot the Northern Lights before the coldest months, as long as you’re lucky enough to dodge the rainclouds. The West Fjords can be one of the best places to spy the eerie green swirls of light, although the weather can often start closing roads here this month, so be prepared to make a plan B if you’re hoping to visit. The same goes for the Westman Islands; the ferry should still be running and if you’re lucky with the weather, you’ll get to hike and enjoy the lush green scenery. However, the puffins and much of the birdlife has moved on and there’s a realistic chance of mist and rain, which makes for a far less memorable trip.

It’s a good month to enjoy Iceland’s geothermal landscape, from the bubbling pools at Myvatn to relaxing in the warm waters of the Blue Lagoon. There’s plenty to do and see in Reykjavik this month too, where the Imagine Peace Tower is lit every year on October 9 for John Lennon’s birthday. Or use the capital as a base to explore more of the south coast, including its waterfalls and the black sand beach at Vik.

Festivals: The Reykjavik Film Festival takes place during early October, with films from around the world, including movies from Iceland’s most talented directors and new talent.

The Imagine Peace Tower is illuminated each year on John Lennon’s birthday on October 9, with a 4,000m beam of light shooting up to the sky from Videy island, near Reykjavik, with the words ‘Imagine Peace’ written on the base in 24 languages.

Best for: Autumn colours, escaping the crowds, Northern Lights

Winter is firmly underway in Iceland in November, with much less daylight, colder temperatures and snow falling across the country. But it’s a great month to spot the Northern Lights during the long dark nights, as well as winter activities such as ice caving – not to mention relaxing in one of the geothermal pools, such as the Blue Lagoon or Secret Lagoon near the Golden Circle, where the falls at Gulfoss will be surrounded by sparkling ice by now.

Snow and bad weather closes more roads this month, so it’s not only the highlands and eastern Iceland which are inaccessible, with less chance of reaching the West Fjords, Westman Islands, Snæfellsnes Peninsula and the north around Akureyi. But if you’re ready to embrace the freezing temperatures, it’s ideal for exploring Iceland’s ice caves or for hiking up glaciers, including the Sólheimajökull glacier and Vatnajökull glacier, Europe’s largest ice cap. Or watch the icebergs floating from the glacier lagoon at Jokulsarlon to the sea.

Temperatures in Reykjavik hover just above freezing, but there are plenty of indoor attractions in the city, which makes a perfect base to explore some of the south coast and for Northern Lights tours. Bear in mind there are only around five hours of daylight at the end of the month, although it’s also one of the quietest months of the year in Iceland if you are prepared for the cold.

Festivals: The Iceland Airwaves festival brightens up the cold days of winter this month, running for three days towards the beginning of November, with music from a variety of genres and performances and concerts in a string of venues across the capital.

Best for: Hiking glaciers, ice caves, escaping the crowds, Reykjavik

It’s the heart of winter in December in Iceland, but while the days are short – with as little as four hours of light at times – there’s a pinkish twilight that gives everything a fairytale feeling, as well as festive illuminations in the towns and cities and a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights. You’ll need to plan carefully to make the most of the daylight and be prepared for subzero temperatures and lots of snow, plus you’ll be limited as to where you can travel.

The highlands are completely inaccessible during the winter months, but challenging weather and road conditions mean you can also cross the East Fjords, West Fjords, Westman Islands, Snæfellsnes Peninsula and north around Akureyi and Myvatn off the list. You can still get outdoors and discover the country’s dramatic winter scenery though. In the Skaftafell National Park you’ll find ice caves and a chance to hike on two separate glaciers, including the Sólheimajökull glacier and Vatnajökull glacier, Europe’s largest ice cap. Marvel at the frozen waterfalls around the country, including ice gleaming around Gulfoss in the Golden Circle, or watch the icebergs floating from the glacier lagoon at Jokulsarlon to the sea.

You can expect plenty of winter and Christmas festivities to brighten the cold, dark days in Reykjavik too, along with plenty of indoor attractions to enjoy. Plus there’s no better time to sink into the steaming waters of Iceland’s geothermal pools – the Blue Lagoon is an easy trip from the capital

Festivals: As well as the Christmas celebrations, you’ll find some Icelandic festive traditions this month, as the Jólasveinar – or Yule lads – visit children in the 13 days leading up to Christmas. Once known for playing tricks, they now leave little gifts. You’ll also be able to see them at the Christmas Village in Hafnarfjördur.

New Year’s Eve is marked by a huge party across the country, with bonfires and firework displays as Icelanders brighten one of the darkest points of the year. It’s also when the huldufolk, Iceland’s elves, are said to be most active.

Best for: Hiking glaciers, Reykjavik, frozen waterfalls, geothermal pools