Spring Is The Ideal Time To Visit Iceland
Spring in Iceland is a time of transition from winter to summer. As is standard in Iceland, the weather can be quite variable and can change quickly, with temperatures ranging from cool to mild.
In March, the average temperature range is between 41°F (5°C) and 32°F (0°C). By May, the average temperature range increases to between 50°F (10°C) and 41°F (5°C) which makes a difference!
During spring, expect to see some snow and ice in many areas of Iceland, especially at higher elevations where it remains a few degrees cooler. However, as the season progresses, the snow and ice will start to melt and the landscape will become greener and the iconic waterfalls will start to be in full flow.
Spring is a great time to visit Iceland if you enjoy mild weather and fewer crowds than the peak summer tourist season. It’s also a great time to go hiking, as the trails will be less crowded and the scenery is stunning with the snow-capped mountains and the spring flowers starting to bloom.
In addition to this, it’s also a great time to see the Northern Lights, as they are visible in Iceland from September to April.
We would recommend not planning your entire trip around the Northern Lights since witnessing the phenomenon is highly dependent on the absence of cloud cover.
After spending almost a week around The Golden Circle, we found that the days were mostly clear but at night the sky would be overcast with a thick layer of cloud, which made it impossible to actually see the Lights.
What Are Iceland’s Spring Months?
Spring in Iceland typically runs from March to May.
In March, the days start to get longer as the country emerges from the long, dark days of winter. The weather is usually cool and can be quite variable, with temperatures ranging from below freezing to mild.
By May, the weather becomes milder and the landscape starts to turn green as the snow and ice melt, creating some wonderful waterfalls. As mentioned above, Spring is a great time to visit Iceland if you want to enjoy mild weather and fewer crowds than the peak summer tourist season.
Packing For Iceland’s Spring Months
When packing for a trip to Iceland in the spring, it’s important to be prepared for the variable weather it can throw up. We’ve put together a list of items that you may want to consider in your travel packing list:
Warm & Waterproof Clothing
Even though Spring is technically the beginning of the warmer months, the weather can still be quite chilly and wet – be sure to bring warm, waterproof jackets, pants, and (preferably waterproof) boots.
Multiple Layers of Clothing
Layering your clothing can help you stay comfortable in variable weather conditions, particularly because Iceland’s weather can change in an instant. Consider packing lightweight base layers, mid-layers, and outer layers that can be easily put on, or take off as needed.
Hat, Gloves & Scarf
These items can help keep you warm in cooler weather and as they won’t take up too much space, they can be easily packed in your bag if they aren’t needed.
Comfortable walking shoe
Iceland is obviously known for its natural beauty which should be explored in comfort, so you’ll want to bring comfortable shoes or boots that are suitable for walking on uneven terrain.
Sunscreen
Even though the days are still short in the spring, the sun can be quite strong, especially if you’re spending a lot of time outdoors. Be sure to bring sunscreen with a high SPF to protect your skin from sunburn.
Umbrella
An umbrella can be useful for protecting yourself from the rain, which is common in Iceland throughout the year.
Camera & Phone
Just like in Fall, Iceland is known for its stunning landscapes in Spring, so be sure to bring a camera to capture all the beautiful sights you’ll see during your trip.
By packing the above items, you should be well-prepared for your trip to Iceland in the springtime.
Spring Activities in Iceland
Iceland is a beautiful country to visit any time of year, and spring can be a particularly nice time to visit. Here are a few places you might consider visiting during your trip to Iceland in the spring:
Reykjavik
Reykjavik is the capital of Iceland and is known for its vibrant cultural scene, charming streets, and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
Thingvellir National Park
This national park is located just outside of Reykjavik and is a great place to go hiking or exploring. It’s also the site of the ancient Icelandic parliament and has a rich history.
Vatnajökull National Park
Located in the southeast of Iceland, this national park is home to the largest glacier in Europe and is a great place to go hiking or take a scenic drive.
The Blue Lagoon
This iconic geothermal spa is located just outside of Reykjavik and is a popular place to relax and soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters.
Akureyri
Located in the north of Iceland, Akureyri is the largest city outside of the capital and is known for its beautiful location on the coast. It’s a great place to go whale watching or take a scenic drive through the surrounding countryside.
These are just a few of the many places you can visit during your trip to Iceland in the spring. The country has a lot to offer, so you’ll be able to find plenty of other exciting destinations to explore as well.
Our Final Words
Springtime in Iceland is magical. Things are starting to warm up and thaw out. The rivers are flowing and the beautiful waterfalls are gushing!
If you’re traveling Iceland in Fall, or traveling in Summer, feel free to visit our guides from the menu at the top of the page for more travel information!