Are you in the thick of planning a trip to Iceland? It’s almost certain that you’re adventure will start in Reykjavik. Our capital is small, colourful, and easy to enjoy year-round. It’s also most people’s first port of call after landing at Keflavik International Airport. For the curious, it’s around a 50-minute drive between the two!
If you plan to explore the city while you’re here and are aware of Iceland’s temperamental, changeable weather, it’s only natural to ask yourself, “What is the best time to visit Reykjavik?” Well, the answer depends on what kind of trip you’re hoping for. Do you want long summer days filled with outdoor adventures? Or are you chasing the northern lights in the depths of winter?
You should also keep in mind that, while it’s a lovely place to discover, the best time of year to visit Reykjavik often lines up with the best time to get beyond the city and experience Iceland adventure activities and marvel at our country’s famous wild landscapes. Let’s take a closer look below, and if you have questions at any point, please just contact us.
Reykjavik in Winter (December to February)
Winter in Reykjavik is as atmospheric as it sounds. Fairy lights hang in shop windows and from street lights, snow covers the rooftops, and the northern lights sometimes dance overhead (although you need to head out of the city for the best shows!). Average highs hover around 2°C (36°F), with lows around -2°C (28°F). It’s not extreme cold by Nordic standards, but the weather can feel much harsher because of the wind.
The days are short — only four to six hours of daylight in December — but that brings its own cosiness. Cafés are full, the warm golden lights of shops and restaurants become even more inviting, and you’ll find yourself slowing down to Reykjavik’s winter pace. On the flip side, storms can roll in quickly, so checking the weather forecast and road conditions is more important than ever. If you’re curious about the realities of travelling at this time of year, read our blog How Challenging is Winter in Iceland when you have finished here.
For those willing to embrace the season, winter is one of the best times to head out of the city and explore Vatnajökull’s glittering ice caves — something you simply can’t see in summer. Browse our range of Vatnajökull Glacier Ice Cave Tours to find out more about the jaw-dropping sights waiting for you.
Reykjavik in Spring (March to May)
Spring in Reykjavik is a season of change. Temperatures rise gradually, averaging between 2°C and 10°C (36 to 50°F), and daylight hours stretch quickly: from 10 hours in March to 18 by the end of May. You’ll notice the city waking up, with locals enjoying longer evenings and the first festivals of the year.
Weather-wise, it’s a mixed bag. Snow melts, rain showers pass through, and sunny days feel like a gift. It’s still windy, but roads outside the capital become easier to navigate, making this a fine time to explore the beautiful south of Iceland without the peak summer crowds. Check out our sample Iceland south coast itinerary, complete with local tips and insights to help you make the most of your time here.
Reykjavik in Summer (June to August)
If you like energy and seemingly endless daylight, summer is the best time of year to visit Reykjavik. Average highs sit between 10°C and 15°C (50 to 59°F), though it can push up towards 20°C (68°F) some days. Rainfall is relatively low, and with up to 21 hours of daylight in June, you’ll experience the famous midnight sun.
The city buzzes with life: outdoor concerts, packed terraces, and cultural festivals fill the calendar. It’s also when Iceland is at its most accessible. The Highland roads open, hiking trails are clear of snow, and the Ring Road is in its best condition.
If you’ve been dreaming of a full road trip around our country, this is when to do it. Our Guide to Iceland’s Ring Road is a great place to start planning your adventure!
Reykjavik in Autumn (September to November)
Autumn in Reykjavik is often overlooked, but it might just be the sweet spot. Average temperatures range between 0°C and 10°C (32 to 50°F). The days shrink from 10 hours of daylight in September to around six in November, but the colours outside the city are spectacular.
Reykjavik itself is calmer after the busy summer, and the northern lights return as the nights grow darker. It’s also one of the best times for photographers, with golden light, crisp air, and fiery landscapes just a short drive away.
September in particular is fantastic, as the weather is still relatively mild and the countryside glows with autumn colour. We’ve put together eight great reasons to visit Iceland in September if you’d like more inspiration for visiting at this time of year!
So, What’s the Best Time to Visit Reykjavik?
The truth is that Reykjavik itself doesn’t transform as dramatically as Iceland’s countryside does. Winter is cosy and atmospheric, spring brings fresh energy, summer is lively and bright, and autumn is calmer and photogenic. Ultimately, the best time to visit Reykjavik depends on what you’re looking for during your stay.
But no matter when you visit, Reykjavik will only give you a taste of Iceland. To really feel the changing seasons, you need to get out on the road…
Beyond Reykjavik: Where the Seasons Truly Shine
Our capital city is charming and picturesque, but it’s beyond Reykjavik that the seasons really shape your Iceland experience. In winter, the ice caves of the Vatnajökull Glacier glisten with deep blues and frozen formations you can’t see any other time of year. In summer, watersports become accessible, and the Highlands open up for a few short months. This is also the best time to join us for canyoning in Iceland!
Autumn transforms South Iceland into a glowing canvas of reds and golds that you’ll take countless photos of, while spring lets you enjoy famous sights like Jökulsárlón, the Golden Circle, Skógafoss, and more without the summer crowds.
No matter when you visit, the weather here can be unpredictable, so it’s worth doing your homework before travelling. Our blog on Iceland’s weather, climate, and temperature year-round breaks down what you can expect, and our smarter Iceland packing list is a lifesaver when filling your suitcase or backpack.
Book Your Iceland Adventure Activities with Us!
So, what’s the best time of year to visit Reykjavik? It depends on what you’re after: long summer nights, crisp autumn colours, cosy winter days, or the freshness of spring. The good news is, there’s no bad time.
But while Reykjavik is a welcoming place, don’t stop at the city. The best of Iceland — the glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls, and endless horizons — is waiting beyond.
At Ice Guardians, our Iceland adventure activities include glacier hikes, ice cave tours, and other adventures around Vatnajökull that change with the seasons. Let us help you experience the Land of Fire and Ice in the most exciting and memorable way possible!
Do you have any questions for our team? Please don’t hesitate to get in touch for the information you need.
