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Best Time to Visit Iceland from India

Best Months/Seasons to Visit Iceland

Different seasons come with different opportunities, so determining the best season to visit becomes a mind-boggling task. The list given below will help you determine the best time to visit Iceland:

Month Average Temperature Description
April to May (Spring Season) 1 to 7 degrees Celsius Springtime in Iceland is marked by melting snow, budding flora, and milder weather. Ideal for budget travellers, with fewer crowds and cheaper accommodations.

Popular events during this time: First Day of Summer (Sumardagurinn fyrsti) (late April) and Reykjavík Arts Festival (May).
June to August (Summer Season) 10 to 15 degrees Celsius The warmest season with long daylight hours, including the Midnight Sun. Perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, whale watching, and exploring highlands.

Popular events during this time: Secret Solstice Festival (June) and Reykjavík Pride (August).
September to October (Autumn Season) 4 to 10 degrees Celsius Autumn brings cooler weather and vibrant foliage. It is an excellent time for fewer crowds, Northern Lights viewing starts, and the weather is still relatively mild.

Popular events during this time: Reykjavík International Film Festival (September) and Iceland Airwaves (October/November).
November to March (Winter Season) -1 to 3 degrees Celsius Cold and snowy, with short daylight hours. Best for experiencing the Northern Lights, ice caves, and winter sports.

Popular events during this time: Winter Lights Festival (February), Christmas and New Year Celebrations (December), and Þorrablót (January/February).

Here are some of the key details you should know about this season when planning for a trip to Iceland:

Weather Mild with occasional rain and cold spells
Temperature 1°C to 7°C
Season Moderate
Season for Localities First Day of Summer (Sumardagurinn fyrsti), Reykjavík Children's Culture Festival, Seafarer’s Day (early June)
Key Highlights
  • Witness the last of the Northern Lights
  • Hike to Thorsmork and Skógafoss Waterfall
  • Explore blooming lupin fields

Here are some of the key details you should know about this season when planning for a trip to Iceland:

Weather Warmest with long days and frequent sunshine
Temperature 10°C to 15°C
Season Peak
Season for Localities Secret Solstice Festival (June), Reykjavík Pride (August)
Key Highlights
  • Experience the Midnight Sun
  • Enjoy whale watching and glacier tours
  • Attend music and cultural festivals

Here are some of the key details you should know about this season when planning for a trip to Iceland:

Weather Cool with a mix of sunny and rainy days
Temperature 4°C to 10°C
Season Moderate
Season for Localities Reykjavík International Film Festival (September), Iceland Airwaves (October/November), Réttir (autumn sheep round-up)
Key Highlights
  • View the Northern Lights
  • Enjoy the fall foliage
  • Attend the Reykjavík International Film Festival

Here are some of the key details you should know about this season when planning for a trip to Iceland:

Weather Cold and snowy with long nights
Temperature -1°C to 3°C
Season Off
Season for Localities Winter Lights Festival (February), Christmas and New Year Celebrations (December), Þorrablót (January/February)
Key Highlights
  • Tour around the Northern Lights
  • Explore the Ice caves
  • Enjoy traditional festivals and winter sports

When to Avoid Visiting Iceland?

Months to Avoid Reason
November to March (Winter Season)
  • Expect heavy snowfall, icy roads, and frequent storms that can lead to travel disruptions. Limited daylight (4-5 hours) makes sightseeing difficult, making many remote areas inaccessible.
  • While the Northern Lights are visible, harsh winter conditions may not be ideal for those unaccustomed to extreme cold.

Seasonal Travel Costs of Visiting Iceland from India

Travelling to Iceland from India can vary significantly in cost depending on the season. Here’s a breakdown of average travel costs for each season:

Season Average Flight Cost Average Hotel Cost per Night Description
Spring (April-May) ₹50,000 to ₹75,000 ₹12,000 to ₹18,000 Spring offers moderate travel costs with fewer crowds and milder weather, making it a good time for budget-conscious travellers.
Summer (June-August) ₹70,000 to ₹1,10,000 ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 Summer is the peak travel season with the highest prices due to the Midnight Sun and favourable weather for outdoor activities. 
Autumn (September-October)  ₹55,000 to ₹85,000 ₹14,000 to ₹20,000 Autumn sees a decrease in travel costs compared to summer. Fewer tourists make it easier to find accommodations and experience Iceland's culture and festivals.
Winter (November-March)  ₹45,000 to ₹70,000 ₹10,000 to ₹16,000 Winter offers the lowest travel costs due to harsh weather conditions and limited daylight hours. 

Things to Know Before Visiting Iceland

Tips for Travelling in Iceland

What Phrases Should You Know Before Travelling to Iceland?

Learning the Icelandic language is not mandatory before planning a trip to Iceland from India. Most residents of Iceland understand English. However, knowing the basics of a new language is always profitable.

The Icelandic language belongs to the West Germanic language family and shares similarities with Norwegian and Faroese. Icelandic originates from the ancient Nordic language, whose western split developed into Norwegian and Icelandic. Some basic words and phrases include:

English Icelandic
Hello Halló / Hæ
Thank You Takk / Takk fyrir / Þakka þér
My name is Ég heiti
Excuse me Afsakið / Fyrirgefðu
You are welcome Verði þér að góðu
Nice to meet you Gaman að kynnast þér
How are you? Hvernig hefur þú það?
How much does it cost? Hversu mikið kostar þetta?
It was delicious Hann var gómsætur
The receipt, please Kvittunina, takk 
Goodbye Bless / Sjáumst
Yes / No Já / Nei
I don't understand Ég skil ekki
Where is...? Hvar er...?
Help! Hjálp!
Can you speak English? Geturðu talað ensku?
Good morning Góðan daginn
Good night Góða nótt
How much is this? Hvað kostar þetta?
Do you have a menu in English? Eruð þið með matseðil á ensku?
0 Núll
1 Einn
2 Tveir
3 Þrír
4 Fjórir
5 Fimm
6 Sex
7 Sjö
8 Átta
9 Níu
10 Tíu

 

Please note that complicated long words are combinations of shorter words that make sense. Reykjavík, for example, is comprised of 'reykja,' meaning smoke, and 'vik,' meaning bay. Try listening to the word pronunciations before trying them.

Now that you know the best time to visit Iceland, waste no more time and schedule your trip. However, make sure you purchase travel insurance policies for medical emergencies, flight cancellations, and or luggage displacement. Iceland never fails to impress its tourists; however, try to be aware of the unpredictable weather changes while travelling in this beautiful country.

FAQs about Best Time to Visit Iceland