Europe
Iceland
Europe
Iceland
Updated Jan 04, 2025
Overview
Iceland captivates with its otherworldly beauty. Witness the northern lights dance across the sky or soak in natural hot springs. Explore glaciers, waterfalls, and black sand beaches. Reykjavik, the quirky capital, offers world-class cuisine and nightlife. Venture off the beaten path to discover hidden fjords and charming fishing villages. Immerse yourself in local traditions, from storytelling to knitting circles. Don't miss the chance to ride hardy Icelandic horses across lava fields or snorkel between tectonic plates in crystal-clear waters.
Best time to visit. Summer (June-August) offers midnight sun and warmer temperatures, ideal for outdoor activities. Winter (November-March) is best for northern lights viewing and winter sports. Shoulder seasons provide fewer crowds and lower prices, with spring offering wildflowers and autumn showcasing fall colors.
Cities
We don't have any cities for Iceland yet. Use the link below to request a city guide.
Request new city
Country stats
Population
399,189
171st
Land area
39,699 sq. mi.
106th
Highest elevation
6,922 ft
Currency
Icelandic króna
Generally accepted payment methods
Mobile, Card, Cash
Total GDP
$30.570 billion
109th
GDP per capita
$78,836
8th
Year founded
874 CE
Official langauge
Icelandic
English speaking
Widely spoken
European Union
No
Schengen Area
Yes
Human development index
0.959
3rd
Timezone
Greenwich Mean (UTC+0)
Driving side
right
Capital
Reykjavík
Website
Google Maps link
| Month | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 37°F - 28°F | 32°F - 20°F | Cloudy | 10:45 am | 3:45 pm | 13 days 3.0 in | 8 days 7.0 in | 13 mph |
| February | 38°F - 29°F | 33°F - 22°F | Partly Cloudy | 9:30 am | 5:30 pm | 12 days 2.8 in | 7 days 6.0 in | 13 mph |
| March | 41°F - 32°F | 37°F - 26°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:30 am | 7:30 pm | 14 days 3.2 in | 6 days 5.0 in | 16 mph |
| April | 46°F - 36°F | 42°F - 31°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:30 am | 9:00 pm | 12 days 2.3 in | 3 days 2.0 in | 13 mph |
| May | 52°F - 42°F | 49°F - 38°F | Partly Cloudy | 3:45 am | 10:30 pm | 10 days 1.7 in | 1 days 0.2 in | 11 mph |
| June | 57°F - 47°F | 55°F - 44°F | Partly Cloudy | 3:00 am | 11:45 pm | 11 days 2.0 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 11 mph |
| July | 60°F - 50°F | 58°F - 47°F | Partly Cloudy | 3:30 am | 11:30 pm | 11 days 2.2 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 11 mph |
| August | 59°F - 49°F | 57°F - 46°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:00 am | 10:00 pm | 12 days 2.4 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 11 mph |
| September | 54°F - 44°F | 51°F - 40°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:30 am | 8:00 pm | 12 days 2.6 in | 0 days 0.1 in | 13 mph |
| October | 47°F - 38°F | 43°F - 33°F | Cloudy | 8:00 am | 6:15 pm | 14 days 3.4 in | 2 days 1.0 in | 13 mph |
| November | 41°F - 33°F | 36°F - 26°F | Cloudy | 9:45 am | 4:30 pm | 14 days 3.1 in | 5 days 4.0 in | 16 mph |
| December | 38°F - 30°F | 33°F - 22°F | Cloudy | 11:15 am | 3:30 pm | 13 days 3.1 in | 7 days 6.0 in | 16 mph |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | Marks the beginning of the new year. Icelanders celebrate with fireworks and parties. | Expect closures. Plan for festivities. | ||
| Þorri | Mid-January to Mid-February | Ancient Norse month celebration. Icelanders eat traditional foods and honor heritage. | Great time to experience local culture. | ||
| Maundy Thursday | Thursday before Easter | Christian holiday commemorating Last Supper. Part of Easter celebrations in Iceland. | Some closures. Enjoy Easter traditions. | ||
| Good Friday | Friday before Easter | Christian observance of Jesus's crucifixion. Solemn day in Iceland's Easter week. | Expect closures. Plan quiet activities. | ||
| Easter Sunday | First Sunday after first full moon following March equinox | Christian celebration of Jesus's resurrection. Icelanders gather for family meals. | Family-oriented day. Limited services. | ||
| Easter Monday | Day after Easter Sunday | Public holiday extending Easter weekend. Relaxed day for Icelanders to recover. | Some closures. Good for leisure activities. | ||
| First Day of Summer | First Thursday after April 18 | Ancient Norse calendar celebration welcoming summer. Parades and outdoor activities. | Festive atmosphere. Join local celebrations. | ||
| Labor Day | May 1 | International Workers' Day. Icelanders celebrate workers' rights with parades. | Expect some closures. Watch local parades. | ||
| Ascension Day | 40 days after Easter | Christian holiday marking Jesus's ascension. Public holiday in Iceland. | Some closures. Plan outdoor activities. | ||
| Whit Sunday | 7 weeks after Easter | Christian Pentecost celebration. Icelanders attend church and enjoy family time. | Family-oriented day. Plan accordingly. | ||
| Whit Monday | Day after Whit Sunday | Public holiday extending Pentecost weekend. Relaxed day for Icelanders. | Some closures. Good for leisure activities. | ||
| Independence Day | June 17 | Celebrates Iceland's independence from Denmark. Parades and festivities nationwide. | Join celebrations. Expect some closures. | ||
| Commerce Day | First Monday in August | Public holiday honoring merchants. Icelanders enjoy long weekend with outdoor activities. | Popular travel time. Book accommodations early. | ||
| Christmas Eve | December 24 | Main Christmas celebration in Iceland. Families gather for festive meals and gifts. | Avoid travel. Most businesses closed. | ||
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Continuation of Christmas celebrations. Quiet day for family gatherings in Iceland. | Avoid travel. Most places closed. | ||
| Second Day of Christmas | December 26 | Extended Christmas holiday. Icelanders continue celebrations with family and friends. | Limited services. Plan for quiet day. | ||
| New Year's Eve | December 31 | Massive celebration in Iceland. Bonfires, fireworks, and parties across the country. | Join festivities. Book accommodations early. |
1 | Respect Iceland's pristine nature. Stay on marked trails, don't disturb wildlife, and leave no trace. Icelanders take environmental protection seriously, so follow local guidelines. |
2 | Learn basic Icelandic phrases like 'Góðan daginn' (good day) and 'Takk' (thank you). While most Icelanders speak English, they appreciate tourists who make an effort. |
3 | Don't underestimate Iceland's weather. It can change rapidly, so pack layers and waterproof gear. Check road conditions and weather forecasts regularly, especially when traveling outside urban areas. |
4 | Tipping isn't customary in Iceland. Service charges are usually included in bills. If you receive exceptional service, a small tip is appreciated but not expected. |
5 | Respect pool etiquette. Shower thoroughly without a swimsuit before entering public pools or hot springs. This is strictly enforced and considered crucial for hygiene. |
6 | Don't attempt to pet or feed Icelandic horses. While they're friendly, they're also working animals and part of a carefully maintained breed. Admire from a distance. |
7 | Be prepared for high prices. Iceland is expensive, especially for food and alcohol. Consider buying duty-free alcohol at the airport if you plan to drink during your stay. |
8 | Respect the northern lights. If you're lucky enough to see them, enjoy quietly. Loud noises or bright lights can disrupt others' experiences and local wildlife. |
KumquatTime is precious. Get the most out of every moment traveling.
Not another booking platform.
categories
© 2024 Porter Software, LLC