Summary
- Winter (Nov-Feb): Harsh weather, limited daylight, but best for Northern Lights; driving hazardous, roads often closed.
- Shoulder Seasons (Apr-May, Sep-Oct): Unpredictable weather; smaller crowds; some road closures, but balanced exploration opportunities.
- Summer (Jun-Aug): Peak tourist season; warm weather, long daylight hours, but crowded attractions, and high prices.
- Avoid Peak Prices: Summer months have the highest costs for flights and accommodations; book 2-6 months in advance for deals.
- Winter Travel Tips: Pack warmly, enjoy geothermal pools, hunt the Northern Lights, embrace cozy cafes, and explore Reykjavik's culture.
Iceland, with its stunning landscapes, unique cultural experiences, and mesmerizing natural wonders, is one of the best countries for many travelers to visit in 2024. However, planning a vacation requires careful consideration, especially regarding timing. Discovering the worst time to visit Iceland in 2024 can significantly impact your travel experience. Various factors, such as extreme weather conditions, limited daylight hours, and peak tourist seasons, can impact the quality of your visit. To ensure you make the most of your Icelandic adventure, you must be aware of the worst time to visit Iceland, allowing you to plan accordingly and avoid potential pitfalls.
This article aims to provide travelers with essential information to optimize their Icelandic journey by avoiding the least favorable travel periods. By highlighting the worst time to visit Iceland, we aim to help you steer clear of conditions that could hinder your experience, such as harsh weather, overcrowded attractions, and higher costs.
When Should I Not Go to Iceland in 2024? And Why?
Iceland's beauty shines year-round, but there are times to consider depending on your travel preferences.
1. Short Daylight & Harsh Weather (November-February)
Although we mentioned Iceland as one of the best destinations to visit during the winter in Europe, winter's magic comes with a trade-off. While it offers the best chance to see the Northern Lights, daylight shrinks to just 4-5 hours. Expect frigid temperatures, strong winds, and frequent road closures. This can limit exploration and make driving hazardous.
2. Shoulder Seasons (April-May & September-October)
These months offer a middle ground but can be unpredictable. The weather can be a mix of sunshine and sudden rain or snow. While some roads may be closed, crowds are smaller than in summer.
3. Peak Tourist Season (June-August)
Summer boasts pleasant temperatures, long daylight hours (including the midnight sun), and ideal conditions for outdoor activities. However, this is also the most crowded and expensive time to visit. Popular attractions can get packed, and finding affordable accommodation becomes a challenge.
Focus on Your Priorities
The key is to prioritize what you want from your trip. Winter might be worth the shorter days if you are obsessed with the Northern Lights. Shoulder seasons or summer (despite the crowds) might be better for comfortable exploration and outdoor adventures with moderate crowds.
Worst Time to Visit Iceland for Weather
Iceland's unpredictable nature can make any time of year an adventure, but if predictable weather is your priority, there is a window to avoid it. December through February is one of the worst times to visit Iceland, where it brings the coldest temperatures, hovering around freezing or slightly below. This coincides with frequent snowfall and strong winds, making exploration uncomfortable and potentially hazardous, particularly for driving. Daylight dwindles to a mere handful of hours, limiting your sightseeing window.
However, there's a silver lining. These harsh winter months boast the best opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring Northern Lights dance across the night sky. So, if braving the elements is worth seeing this natural phenomenon, winter might be your perfect time to visit Iceland.
Worst Time to Go to Iceland for Crowds
The worst time to visit Iceland for crowds is during summer, specifically June, July, and August. This is the peak tourist season when the weather is warmest, and there are the most daylight hours. This makes it the best time to visit Iceland, but it also means that the most popular attractions, such as the Blue Lagoon, the Golden Circle, the South Coast, and Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, will be the most crowded.
If you want to avoid the crowds, consider visiting Iceland in the shoulder seasons, May or September to mid-October. The weather is still relatively mild during these months, and plenty of daylight hours remain. You'll also find that prices for flights and accommodations are lower during the shoulder seasons.
Worst Time to Travel to Iceland for High Prices
The worst time to visit Iceland for high prices is also during the summer months, specifically June, July, and August. This is the peak tourist season when everyone flocks to see Iceland's stunning scenery bathed in warm(ish) summer light and experience the midnight sun. This surge in demand sends flights, accommodations, and rental car prices soaring. You could easily pay double the price for flights and hotels compared to the off-season.
If you're on a tight budget, consider visiting Iceland during the shoulder seasons (May or September to mid-October) or even the winter (November to April, excluding holidays). While the weather may be colder and daylight hours shorter in the winter, you'll be rewarded with significantly lower prices and potentially experience the magical Northern Lights.
Worst Time to Book Flights to Iceland
Iceland is an amazing destination, but there are definitely times to avoid booking flights if you prioritize saving money or having options.
For the most affordable fares, avoid peak summer (June-August). This is when tourist demand is highest, driving flight prices through the roof. If you're on a budget, consider shoulder seasons (May or September to mid-October) instead. Flights are generally cheaper during this time, and you'll still experience decent weather and daylight hours.
Flexibility is key to finding good deals. The closer you get to your departure date, the more likely you will pay a premium, especially during peak season and holidays. Ideally, book your flights 2-6 months in advance to get the best selection and pricing.
To snag the best deals, be a savvy traveler! Use flight comparison tools and apps to track prices and set drop alerts. Subscribe to email lists of airlines flying to Iceland, and you might be notified of special offers and promotions. With some planning and flexibility, you can find affordable flights to Iceland whenever you decide to embark on your adventure.
Worst Time for Reserving Accommodation Iceland
Like booking flights, the worst time to reserve accommodation in Iceland depends on your priorities. Here's a breakdown of budget and flexibility:
Worst Time for High Prices:
- Peak Season (June-August): Just like flights, summer surges in tourist demand, driving accommodation prices up significantly. If you're on a budget, avoid booking during this period.
Worst Time for Limited Options:
- Last Minute (Especially Peak Season & Holidays): While occasional last-minute deals exist, they're rare. Popular hotels and guesthouses fill up quickly, especially during peak season and around holidays. Don't book too close to your trip for a wider selection and to avoid disappointment.
Related Post: Read more tips for the best time to book hotel prices 2024.
Tips for Finding Affordable Accommodation:
- Book in Advance (Generally 2-6 Months Before Arrival): Booking early gives you the best chance to find deals and secure your preferred room type, especially in popular locations.
- Consider Alternative Accommodation: Explore options beyond hotels. Hostels, guesthouses, guesthouses in smaller towns, and Airbnb can offer more budget-friendly options.
- Look for Deals and Packages: Some hotels and guesthouses offer special packages or discounts for longer stays or booking tours alongside accommodation.
Pros & Cons of Traveling to Iceland During the Worst Time
If you hate crowds and high prices, then the summer (June-August) is the worst time. However, if you can't handle cold weather and limited daylight, then winter (November-April) might not be ideal either. Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons of visiting Iceland during winter:
Pros
- Fewer crowds: Enjoy popular attractions without feeling overwhelmed by tourists.
- Lower prices: Flights, accommodations, and tours are generally cheaper than summer.
- Experience the Northern Lights: Winter offers the best chance to witness this spectacular light show.
- Winter wonderland: Witness Iceland's dramatic landscapes transform into a magical snowy wonderland.
- Unique activities: Go on ice cave tours, try glacier hiking, or soak in geothermal hot springs for extra warmth.
Cons
- Harsh weather: Expect freezing temperatures, strong winds, and frequent snowstorms. This can make exploring outdoors challenging and dangerous.
- Limited daylight: In December, only a few hours of sunlight per day can affect your sightseeing plans.
- Road closures: Due to snow and ice, many roads, especially the scenic highland ones, become impassable, limiting travel options.
- Unpredictability: Be prepared for travel disruptions due to bad weather. Flexibility is key during winter travel in Iceland.
- Not all activities available: Some outdoor activities, such as whale watching or puffin tours, may be limited or unavailable during winter.
Things You Should Do if You Have to Visit Iceland During the Worst Time
If you have to visit Iceland during its worst time, here are some important travel tips & things you should do:
- Embrace the Cozy: Visiting during the worst time, likely winter means embracing the cozy Icelandic vibes. Pack thermals, a warm hat, gloves, and a good waterproof coat. Cozy up in cafes with a mug of hot chocolate and a delicious pastry (they're famous for their cinnamon rolls!), or spend evenings browsing the unique shops in Reykjavik.
- Hunt for the Northern Lights: The long nights of winter are prime aurora borealis viewing time. Download an aurora forecast app and head out on clear nights, away from light pollution, for a chance to witness this spectacular natural phenomenon.
- Explore the Geothermal Delights: Escape the chill at Iceland's numerous geothermal pools and hot springs. The Blue Lagoon is the most famous, but there are plenty of other options, like the Secret Lagoon or Myvatn Nature Baths, each offering a unique experience.
- Delve into Icelandic Culture: Immerse yourself in Icelandic culture by visiting museums and galleries in Reykjavik. The National Museum of Iceland offers a comprehensive look at the country's history and culture, while the Reykjavik Art Museum showcases Icelandic contemporary art. You could also catch a performance or explore the nightlife scene.
- Embrace the Winter Activities: Winter offers unique adventure opportunities! Go on a guided ice cave tour, venturing deep into a glacier and marveling at the icy formations. For the more adventurous, try glacier hiking or snowmobiling across the vast snowy landscapes.
- Go Off the Beaten Path: While some roads may be closed, explore the south coast's black sand beaches like Reynisfjara (beware of sneaker waves!) or the dramatic Seljalandsfoss waterfall, partially frozen in winter. The Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, with its floating icebergs, is a sight to behold year-round.
- Take a Day Trip: Several tour companies offer day trips from Reykjavik to explore nearby natural wonders. Consider a Golden Circle tour that takes you to the Gullfoss waterfall, Thingvellir National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and the Geysir geothermal area, all within a day's reach.
Best Alternative Time to Visit Iceland in 2024
The best alternative time to visit Iceland depends on what you prioritize. If you want to avoid crowds and high prices but still experience some daylight hours and decent weather, then the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) are your best bet. Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons of visiting Iceland during the shoulder seasons:
Pros:
- Fewer crowds: Compared to summer, there are significantly fewer tourists during the shoulder seasons. This means shorter lines at popular attractions and a more peaceful travel experience.
- Pleasant weather: The weather is generally milder than winter, with average highs around 50°F (10°C). Expect a mix of sunshine, rain, and occasional wind.
- Lower prices: Flights, accommodations, and tours are generally cheaper than the peak summer season.
- Still some daylight: Although daylight hours are shorter than in summer, you'll still have plenty of time for sightseeing during the shoulder seasons.
Cons:
- Unpredictable weather: Be prepared for changeable weather conditions, with common rain and wind. It's important to pack for all types of weather.
- Limited daylight: Daylight hours are shorter than summer, especially in the shoulder months closer to winter.
- Not all activities available: Some outdoor activities, like whale watching, may have limited availability depending on the time of year.