By Gemma Tedaldi | Published: 5th January 2024 | Updated: 14th December 2024
Thinking about planning a trip to Iceland but not sure, is Iceland worth visiting? Well after an adventure-filled 5 days in Iceland, and another 7 days in Iceland exploring the Ring Road, we can categorically say that Iceland is definitely worth visiting.
Planning Your Trip? Use our favourite travel resources below:
Accommodation: We recommend Booking.com
Rental Car: We recommend Rentalcars.com
Flights: We recommend Kiwi.com
Tours: We recommend Get Your Guide & Viator
Currency Conversion: We recommend Wise
Travel Insurance: World Nomads
Is Iceland worth visiting?
Iceland is very much worth visiting, be it in the summer for the midnight sun, the winter for the northern lights, or just simply to visit this incredible country and all the wonderful sights and landscapes it holds. We’ve visited a couple of times now, and can honestly say that both trips to Iceland only wanted us to visit more.
Is Iceland worth visiting – Month by Month
Is Iceland worth visiting in January?
Start the year with a chance to witness the spectacular Northern Lights dance across the winter sky. It’s also a great time for snowmobiling, ice caving, and enjoying winter sports assuming the snow hangs about.
Weather in Iceland in January:
January in Iceland is on average the coldest month of the year, with temperatures around -3°C to 2°C / 27°F – 35°F, and more often than not a good dusting of snow everywhere. You will only have roughly 4 to 7 hours worth of daylight this month as well, making it a great month to see the Northern Lights.
Festivals in Iceland in January:
Þorrablót – From mid-January through to mid-February – Ancient Viking midwinter tradition, full of eating traditional Viking foods, (think boiled sheep’s head and fermented shark), all washed down with an Icelandic spirit called ‘black death’.
Is Iceland worth visiting in February?
Weather in Iceland in February:
The weather in Iceland in February is on average -3°C to 3°C / 26°F to 34°F, and with more daylight hours, (between 7-10). February is however one of the most unpredictable months for weather in Iceland, (although Iceland isn’t exactly known for having predictable weather!), so expect any and all weather.
Festivals in Iceland in February:
Winter Lights Festival – mid to late February – The clue is in the name, a festival all dedicated to energy and light with ice skating and choir performances.
Reykjavik Food and Fun Festival – late February to early March – Gourmet food festival showcasing restaurants throughout Reykjavik, with special discounted menus.
Is Iceland worth visiting in March?
Explore the famous Golden Circle, which includes the stunning Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir geothermal area, and Þingvellir National Park. March is also a good time for snowshoeing and exploring ice caves.
Weather in Iceland in March:
Iceland in March is fairly similar to February in terms of temperature, averaging -2°C to 3.3°C / 28°F to 38°F, by the daylight hours are beginning to increase, between 10 and 13 hours.
Festivals in Iceland in March:
Beer Day – 1st March – Technically an unofficial holiday, but celebrated since Iceland’s 1989 legalisation of beer with over 2.2% alcohol content.
Is Iceland worth visiting in April?
Our second trip to Iceland was in April, and it was perfect. Not only because of the weather finally being above 0°C, but because it is considered an off-season month in Iceland, so very quiet everywhere still.
Weather in Iceland in April:
April in Iceland is the first month with average temperatures over 0°C, (1°C to 7°C / 34°F to 45°F), and with a further increase in hours of daylight, around 13 hours at the start of the month to 16 hours of daylight by the end.
Festivals in Iceland in April:
Easter celebrations – late March to April – holidays on Easter Sunday and Easter Monday, with traditional lamb roasts, chocolate eggs and family get-togethers.
First Day of Summer – third Thursday in April – Ancient Iceland calendars claim that this day is the first day of summer, with modern-day Iceland celebrating with parades and street entertainment.
Is Iceland worth visiting in May?
Embark on a glacier hike on Sólheimajökull or Vatnajökull, enjoying the breathtaking ice formations and panoramic views. May is also a great time for birdwatching, with various bird species, such as Puffins and Golden Plovers returning to Iceland.
Weather in Iceland in May:
The weather really begins warming up in May in Iceland, averaging from 4°C to 10°C / 40°F to 50°F, with the daylight hours starting at 16 and ending at 20 hours by the end of the month.
Festivals in Iceland in May:
Reykjavik Arts Festival – Late May to Early June – Concerts, operas and dance performances across the capital, with a focus on design, literature and innovation.
Is Iceland worth visiting in June?
How does hot spring bathing at midnight under the midnight sun, visiting waterfalls and iconic landscapes throughout the night and early morning sound? That is exactly what you can expect from visiting Iceland in June.
Weather in Iceland in June:
On average June is the warmest month of the year in Iceland with temperatures of 9°C to 15°C / 48°F to 59°F. It also has some of the longest daylight hours, (nearly the full day!), from 20 to 21 hours of daylight by the end of the month.
Festivals in Iceland in June:
Sjomannadagur – 1st weekend in June – this Festival of the Sea pays tribute to anyone who is making their living from and by the sea, so lots of seafood is on offer as well as rowing races and fisherman rescues.
Viking Festival – mid-June – Hafnarfjordur outside of Reykjavik plays host to modern-day Vikings from across the world, for a weekend of traditional crafts, period costumes and festivities.
Icelandic Independence Day – 17th June – Morning ceremonies and colourful parades including traditional dancing.
Summer Solstice – 21st June – The longest day of the year and peak of the Midnight Sun is celebrated with people gathering to watch the sun dip and rise above the horizon.
Is Iceland worth visiting in July?
Early July is when most of the Highland roads are reopened after being closed for the winter, so you can access Landmannalauger or Thorsmork Valley for hiking. July is also a great time to visit the Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar) and witness the annual puffin festival. Take a boat tour to see these charming birds up close, along with stunning volcanic landscapes and sea cliffs.
Weather in Iceland in July:
On average July is the hottest month in Iceland, with temperatures around 10°C to 15°C / 50°F to 59°F, (although it has reached 30°C / 86°F in recent years). The daylight hours start to decrease again this month, but there are still roughly 18 hours of daylight each day.
Is Iceland worth visiting in August?
Autumn starts to hit Iceland in August, with foliage turning colour and mushroom and berry picking being high on everyone’s lists, (blueberries, strawberries and crowberries all grow wild in Iceland).
Weather in Iceland in August:
August in Iceland means the temperatures are around 8°C to 13°C / 46°F to 55°F, and although this is warmer than most of the year, expect the wind to cool the temperature down further, (Iceland is windy after all!). The daylight hours also start reducing again this month from 18 to 14 hours of sunlight.
Festivals in Iceland in August:
Verslunnarmannahelgi – 1st weekend in August – A three-day holiday where Icelanders head from the city out to the rural areas to listen to live bands and party.
Menningarnott – 3rd weekend in August – Reykjavik Culture Night transforms Reykjavik into free exhibitions, poetry readings and street concerts, finishing off with fireworks over the city pond.
Reykjavik Jazz Festival – Late August – Jazz and blues showcased in local venues and clubs throughout Reykjavik.
Is Iceland worth visiting in September?
September is one of the low season months in Iceland, so accommodation costs are reduced and fewer tourists around. It is also one of the first months that the Northern Lights begin to be visible again, making it a great month to visit Iceland.
in Iceland in September:
Autumn in Iceland, (which falls from the end of August through to the end of October), has average temperatures around 5°C to 10°C / 41°F to 50°F, and can be quite wet and windy. The daylight hours continue to fall from 14 down to 11 hours at the end of September.
Festivals in Iceland in September:
Sheep and Horse Round-Up – Early September – Rettir, a traditional Icelandic tradition of bringing the sheep and horses back from the highlands, with celebrations in the local communities.
Reykjavik International Film Festival – Late September to Early October – 10 days of the best of world cinema and workshops.
Is Iceland worth visiting in October?
Take a dip in the geothermal pools and enjoy a relaxing soak, such as the iconic Blue Lagoon. It’s a wonderful way to unwind and enjoy Iceland’s geothermal treasures.
Weather in Iceland in October:
October averages around 2°C to 7°C / 36°F to 44°F and 11 to 8 hours of daylight. It is known for being the month with the most heavy rainfall, but this is often short-lived – as the Icelanders say, if you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes!
Festivals in Iceland in October:
Imagine Peace Tower – Early October to Early December – Since 2007 the Imagine Peace light beam has been shone from Videy Island, in memory of John Lennon.
Is Iceland worth visiting in November?
Venture into the ice caves of Vatnajökull Glacier, where you can witness the ethereal blue ice formations. November is also a good time for horseback riding and exploring the lava fields.
Weather in Iceland in November:
November in Iceland brings another unpredictable weather month, with higher chances of snow and ice on the roads, especially if you venture out of the capital. Average temperatures of around -1°C to 3°C / 30°F to 38°F, and daylight dropping further from 8 to 5 hours by the end of the month.
Festivals in Iceland in November:
Iceland Airwaves Music Festival – Early November – A five-day music festival full of both Icelandic and international musicians.
Is Iceland worth visiting in December?
Celebrate the holiday season in Reykjavik, where you can enjoy festive markets, ice skating, and Christmas lights. You can also go on a thrilling snowmobile tour in the Icelandic highlands.
Weather in Iceland in December:
December in Iceland averages around 4 to 5 hours of daylight, (perfect for seeing the Northern Lights like we did on our first trip to Iceland), and with average temperatures of -3°C to 2°C / 27°F to 36°F. This month is also known for having the most snowfall, across the country, (although the December we visited it was unusually warm with very little snow).
Festivals in Iceland in December:
Christmas and New Year – Traditional festivities with markets, traditional food, festive dinners and tales of the Yuletide lads.
Best things to do in Iceland
We’ve also compiled a list of the best things to do in Iceland, that you just have to experience whilst visiting, so bobble hats and walking boots at the ready!
1 – Gaze at the Northern Lights
This is probably the first thing on many visitors lists, but you have to be extremely lucky to catch these beautiful lights. Be prepared for standing around in cold dark fields looking skyward! But believe me, it is very much worth it.
Lots of hotels offer Northern Light tours if you are staying the centre of Reykjavik, but we opted for a Northern Light tour like this one as if you don’t see the lights on the first try they will take you out again the next night that is good as well.
2 – Walkthrough Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park
This national park is pure Icelandic charm. Snow-dusted mountains all around, waterfalls running through the middle and the famed tectonic rift where Europe and America meet. Get away from the crowds and walk where your eyes lead you! The easiest way to see the National Park is via a tour like this one, which we took on our first trip to Iceland, and would highly recommend.
3 – Relax in the Blue Lagoon
There are many outdoor naturally heated lagoons you can visit in Iceland but the Blue Lagoon is luxurious. Put on a silica mud mask, grab a drink and swim your way through bliss. At night it makes it even more magical, even if you can’t see the telltale blue water.
Be sure to book your Blue Lagoon ticket here! Or if you want to see the new lagoon opened in Downtown Reykjavik, then book tickets for the Sky Lagoon here.
4 – Climb Hallgrimskirja Cathedral
The view from the top is incredible, you can see over the colourful roofs of Reykjavik and beyond to the snow-peaked mountains. Also, the cathedral itself is pretty impressive.
5 – Visit as many waterfalls as possible
Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss and Gullfoss have to be seen to be believed. Nothing beats the crashing sound of water hurtling over metres of stone to a misty abyss below. Walk alongside Gullfoss and gaze down, climb up the side of Skógafoss for a high vantage point and walk behind Seljalandsfoss for another view altogether. This was one of my favourite ones to do out of the top 10 things to do in Iceland.
Be sure to check out our guide on the best waterfalls in Iceland if you are visiting.
6 – Reynisfjara Beach
A black sand beach where you won’t find anyone sunbathing! Crashing waves and unique rock formations make this beach a must-visit in any weather. We visited Reynisfjara the first time as part of a tour along the south coast of Iceland, which we would highly recommend.
7 – Visit Harpa Concert Hall
Inside and out the beautiful architecture that imitates the Northern Lights at night. You can easily spend an hour or two wandering around this building in awe.
8 – Walk alongside Sólheimajökulsvegur glacier
The eerie quiet on a misty morning along with the occasional creak and crack from this vast amount of ice is not to be missed. Unfortunately the tour we did is no more, but this one to Katla Ice Cave is very similar!
9 – Explore Reykjavik street art
It may not be well known but street art in Reykjavik is big. Whilst wandering through the town centre make sure to go down the odd road here or there, you are almost guaranteed to bump into some amazing artwork.
And last but not at all least…
10 – Eat hot dogs
With crispy fried onion, mustard, tomato and gravy sauces, these delicious hot dogs are a must for anyone visiting Iceland!
Where to stay in Iceland
During our time here, we stayed in CenterHotel, Arnarhvoll which we would highly recommend, due to the incredible rooftop restaurant (where we had the most amazing, freshly caught Cod risotto) and it’s within close vicinity of the Harpa Concert Hall. We have also stayed in two HI Hostels in the city centre, which were equally as great with tonnes of accommodation options.
Check the various options out here at Booking.com and here at Hostelworld.
Is Iceland worth visiting? Best things to do in Iceland FAQs
How to get to Iceland
The most convenient way to get to Iceland is via plane, with an international airport at Keflavík, (in the south west of Iceland), and in Akureyri in the north. The only other way to get to Iceland is via ferry from Denmark.
How to get around Iceland
If you are planning on just staying in Reykjavík then you can get around on foot or via tours out to nearby locations along the west and south coasts, however, if you plan on staying further afield or travelling with your own itinerary then the best way to get around Iceland is with a vehicle.
We can highly recommend hiring a car or campervan through Rentalcars.com.
What is the downside of Iceland?
The downside of visiting Iceland is that you will always want to be coming back year after year! No but seriously, Iceland is a fantastic country to visit throughout the year and we can’t see any downsides of visiting unless you don’t like colder weather.
Should you visit Iceland in the shoulder seasons?
100% yes! We have visited Iceland in both December and April and although we loved our trip in December, the shoulder season trip around the Ring Road in April was so much nicer due to fewer tourists.
Is Iceland safe?
Iceland is a very safe country to visit, even if there is an ongoing volcanic eruption happening, (of which there seems to be rather a lot over the last few years!). We have never felt unsafe anywhere in the country on our visits as the Icelanders are some of the most friendly people we have ever met.
How many days should you spend in Iceland?
You should plan to spend at least a week in Iceland if you can, that way you have the chance to drive the Ring Road if you fancy it, or stick to Reykjavík and take numerous day trips out to nearby locations along the south coast and west coast.
Is Iceland worth visiting for four days or less?
Honestly, no. You can probably get away with 4 days or less if you just plan to stick to Reykjavík and do one day tour out, but you really need at least 5 days to not feel rushed and get a feel for this wonderful country.
Is Iceland too touristy?
Iceland can be touristy in certain places and at certain times of year, (winter is one of the busiest times with people visiting to witness the Northern Lights), but if you venture off the main tourist path away from Reykjavík and the south coast of Iceland, then you are more than likely to be some of the only tourists in the area. During our drive of the Ring Road, other than in Akureyri in the very north, and Siglufjördur in the east, we were often some of the only tourists staying in the locations we visited.
Can anyone enjoy Iceland or is it just for adventurous types?
Iceland is a country for everyone to enjoy, not just the adventurous types. Don’t get me wrong, getting out and exploring the incredible landscapes was a big part of our trips as we had never witnessed anything like it before, but Iceland is much more than just adventure. Iceland is also an up-and-coming foodie destination, with some of the most delicious fish and lamb dishes we have ever had, and of course, with all that hot water, Iceland is a great place for hopping between hot springs and luxury spas.
Do I need cash in Iceland?
You won’t need to carry cash on you in Iceland as most places accept card payments, but if you plan on driving anywhere out of the main tourist trail then it is always better to be prepared with cash in case you need some for parking, or you find a quaint village cafe serving the most delicious looking cake and they only take cash, (this can happen, especially on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula!).
Can I use public transport in Iceland?
If you plan on just staying in Reykjavík and possibly doing a few guided day tours out to nearby locations, then yes you just use public transport. If you plan to go anywhere a bit further, or venture out on your own without a dedicated tour then we would recommend that you hire a car instead or relying on public transport. It is only buses that serve as public transport in Iceland and these are few and far between out of the main towns and cities.
Driving in Iceland
Driving in Iceland is much like other countries, just be prepared for any road conditions that you may come across such as snow, ice and gravel, single-lane bridges and tunnels, (any vehicle that arrives at the bridge or tunnel entrance first gets right of way), and keep up to date with weather warnings and road closures on the RUV Iceland website before you set off.
What language do they speak in Iceland?
Icelandic is the main language spoken in Iceland, but English and other Scandic languages are also spoken.
Is there anything fun to do in Iceland?
100% yes! Iceland is full of fun and exciting things to do, from exploring stunning natural wonders such as the geothermal hot springs, geysers or the powerful waterfalls that fill the landscape, to witnessing the mesmerizing Northern Lights or Midnight Sun, hiking across glaciers, and even going whale or puffin watching in the surrounding waters.
Is Iceland very expensive to visit?
It can be, but there are ways to reduce your costs during your time in Iceland. Check out our post 6 Ways to Have an Affordable Trip to Iceland for the best tips and tricks to make Iceland less expensive to visit.
Iceland Tours
Conclusion: Is Iceland worth visiting? Best things to do in Iceland
So is Iceland worth visiting? 100% yes, and not just the one time either! From the well-known to the not-so-well-known and everything in between, our best things to do in Iceland are a great starting point for a trip to Iceland.
Make sure you check out our other blog posts on Iceland about all the other places/things you should check out while visiting this beautiful country.
All Our Iceland Content
Here are a few other articles you may find useful for planning your trip:
📍 Is Reykjavik Worth Visiting?
📍 Why Is Iceland So Expensive: How To Have An Affordable Iceland Trip
📍 The Perfect 1 Week Iceland Ring Road Itinerary
Gemma Tedaldi
Gemma is the owner and author of The Travelling Tedaldi, a travel blog helping travellers to discover the best road trips and travel itineraries throughout the UK and Europe. When she isn’t writing about her favourite travel destinations, she can often be found out exploring local hikes or planning future trips.