Holidays 
Cruises 
Flights 
Hotel Only 
Deals 
Destinations 
Extras
Travel information
Help CentreList
7 nights
Best time to visit Iceland
Chasing the Northern Lights or midnight sun? Here's when to visit Iceland.
If you want to see the stunning Aurora Borealis, AKA the northern lights, then the best time to visit Iceland is between November and January. But that’s not all – from the iconic Blue Lagoon to Gullfoss, a waterfall capable of rivalling Niagara Falls – Iceland’s got so much more up its sleeve. Known as the land of fire and ice thanks to its geological extremes, you can see glaciers, volcanoes, and black sand beaches in just one trip, too. Read on to find out more about what’s on offer, and when you should experience it…
Then, check out our best deals if you want to see it for yourself.
Then, check out our best deals if you want to see it for yourself.
WHEN'S THE WEATHER BEST?
The best time to visit Iceland depends on what you want to do while you’re there. If you prefer a dry climate and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, the summer months are for you. Due to Iceland’s proximity to the Arctic Circle, the midnight sun in July and August provides almost twenty-four hours of daylight. You can indulge your inner photographer in the colourful capital, Reykjavik, venture up into the mountains on the hunt for thundering waterfalls, or check out the Icelandic Horse Festival. Temperatures don’t tend to make it past the early teens even in the summer, but the roads are free of the snow that covers the landscape in the winter months. Tourists flock to Iceland for driving holidays in the summer, drawn by the better weather and the freedom to explore in the almost endless sunlight.
Feeling inspired? Get even more clued up on Iceland
Feeling inspired? Get even more clued up on Iceland
WHEN’S THE BEST TIME TO SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS?
Iceland is one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights due to the country's extra-long nights from November to January. Book with TUI and you’ll get the chance to head out every night of your holiday until you get to see one of nature’s greatest shows. And once you’ve spotted them, for a truly once in a lifetime experience, tunnel into the Langjokull glacier, then warm up with a dip in the Blue Lagoon.
Find out more top things to do in Iceland
Find out more top things to do in Iceland
WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO IN ICELAND?
Iceland really delivers on natural beauty, at any time of the year. Whale watching tours can be booked year round, and the famous Golden Circle tour shows off some of the best of what Iceland has to offer. You can ride horses down the beach, go wild on a snowmobile tour, or even go diving in the UNESCO listed Thingvellir National Park.
Check out all of our TUI Tours and excursions in Iceland
Check out all of our TUI Tours and excursions in Iceland
ADD THESE EVENTS TO YOUR CALENDAR...
Iceland’s Independence Day
When: June
Iceland celebrates Independence Day in June on the birthday of Jón Sigurðsson, the man who led the independence movement. There are parades and speeches across the country, followed by fireworks in the evening. General fun and revelry are on the cards, and if you like a good party, you won’t want to miss this one.
When: June
Iceland celebrates Independence Day in June on the birthday of Jón Sigurðsson, the man who led the independence movement. There are parades and speeches across the country, followed by fireworks in the evening. General fun and revelry are on the cards, and if you like a good party, you won’t want to miss this one.
Reykjavik Pride
When: August
Iceland is well known for being one of the most liberal nations on earth, paving the way on social issues like equal pay and LGBT+ rights. Reykjavik Pride attracts nearly 100,000 guests from around the globe, and has turned into a six day long celebration. Combined with Iceland’s buzzing nightlife scene and the endless sunlight, Pride in Reykjavik is an experience unlike any other.
When: August
Iceland is well known for being one of the most liberal nations on earth, paving the way on social issues like equal pay and LGBT+ rights. Reykjavik Pride attracts nearly 100,000 guests from around the globe, and has turned into a six day long celebration. Combined with Iceland’s buzzing nightlife scene and the endless sunlight, Pride in Reykjavik is an experience unlike any other.
Iceland Airwaves Festival
When: November
The Iceland Airwaves Festival may not be at the top of your list when you’re planning which festivals to attend this year, but this little known musical extravaganza is growing in popularity every year. Performers are a mix of Icelandic and international stars - think Florence and the Machine, Bjork, and Mumford and Sons.
When: November
The Iceland Airwaves Festival may not be at the top of your list when you’re planning which festivals to attend this year, but this little known musical extravaganza is growing in popularity every year. Performers are a mix of Icelandic and international stars - think Florence and the Machine, Bjork, and Mumford and Sons.
Ready to experience a world of extremes?
Browse our Iceland holidays or take a look at our article on the best things to do in Iceland. Then, take a look at what a Golden Circle tour includes.
Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles.
Author: Lizzie Butler
Last updated: 17.12.2018
Browse our Iceland holidays or take a look at our article on the best things to do in Iceland. Then, take a look at what a Golden Circle tour includes.
Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles.
Author: Lizzie Butler
Last updated: 17.12.2018