Given the low season and having the increased chance to see the Northern Lights, we think that the best time to visit Iceland is Winter. This is considering factors like flights, accommodations, and campervan rentals.
Even though this time of the year has the worst weather conditions and less hours in the day, you are in for the adventure of a lifetime. We detail 5 reasons why you should go to Iceland in Winter. We also discuss why the cheapest and the best time to visit Iceland is Winter.
As a tip, March, of all the months in Winter, is probably the best time to visit Iceland – when considering a balance in the price, the temperatures, and the amount of daylight.
As it was our first winter road-trip, it seemed a bit daunting to visit Iceland in Winter, but we did our best to prepare ourselves. You’ll have to come prepared with winter proof gear though, which is detailed in our campervan packing list for a winter road trip.
Without further ado, let’s go through the reasons why the best time to visit Iceland is Winter!
The cheapest time to visit Iceland for flights, hotels and rentals
Without a doubt, winter is the cheapest time for booking flights, accommodations, and all other kind of rentals you need to take. For us, it’s the best time to visit Iceland because of how affordable the rates are.
When we went on the month of February, our roundtrip flight with Wizz Air from Poland costed us a mere 50 euros.
On the other hand, our campervan rental (which also acted as our accommodation) with Kuku Campers was no more than 200 euros. We spent 5 days in Iceland, but the whole trip set us back only 250 euros each.
Sounds crazy right? That’s exactly why the best time to visit Iceland is Winter. You can read more of our full experience in our Complete Iceland Travel Guide below.
The best time to visit Iceland for the Northern Lights
This one is obviously no secret. If you want to see the Northern Lights, then the best time to visit Iceland would be during the colder seasons of Winter.
The temperatures are colder and the nights are longer, which if the skies are clear, could mean a bigger opportunity to catch the Northern Lights.
If you’re main priority is the experience of chasing these fascinating auroras, then without hesitation, winter is the best time to visit Iceland.
Less tourists at Iceland in Winter so you can have spots all to yourself
Winter is the low season in Iceland. There are less visitors around due to the extremely cold weather, closure of various hotels and campsites, and possibility of heavy snowstorms.
As such, it feels less touristic to visit Iceland in Winter. You will often find yourself having a specific landmark or normally-visited place all to yourself. This, to us, is one of the biggest reasons why the best time to visit Iceland is Winter.
If you’re looking for an isolated and offbeat experience, then this season is the perfect one for you.
More unique landscapes that are perfect for photographers
When we visited Iceland in Winter, we were absolutely in awe with the variety of sceneries we witnessed. It often felt like we had stepped into another world, with the landscapes changing every 15 minutes of driving.
From black sand, snow capped mountains, frozen lakes, intricate glaciers, lush greenery, coarse toned hills and even mere nothingness – you will see every kind of scene you can ever imagine in Iceland.
It’s the best time to visit Iceland for photographers or any person who simply wants to see a diversity in landscapes.
The experience is truly magical and out of this world
Visiting Iceland in Winter promises an experience that is truly out of this world. The feeling we had was, in some ways, indescribable. Like we mentioned earlier, it’s like we were stepping into another planet that was not the world we live in.
Not to the mention, the opportunity to see the magical auroras is an experience worthy of its own regard.
It’s something that you have to witness yourself to truly understand the uniqueness of the country during the Winter. If you’re looking for an unparalleled destination and the most otherworldly of experiences, then we can’t tell you enough how the best time to visit Iceland is Winter.
Conclusion: The Best Time to Visit Iceland is Winter
So there you have it! These are our reasons why the best time to visit Iceland is Winter. From affordable rates, the promise of the Northern Lights, more offbeat experiences, unique landscapes, and otherworldly scenes, it’s an experience we can definitely recommend if you are considering visiting during this season.
What about you? Have you ever been to Iceland, perhaps during the Winter? Did you think it was the best time to visit Iceland too? Let us know your questions and travel stories in the comments below!
I been dreaming about visit Iceland since I was a kid. Even though I’m from Sweden are are pretty close, I have never been there.
I pinned this so that I can get back to it in the future! Thanks for sharing!
I would love to visit Iceland. Wonderful tips and information. Thanks for sharing.
All 5 of your points about why the best time to visit Ireland is Winter are valid, especially the cost and the visibility of tbe Northern Lights.. How cold was it during that time? I am very cold natured and would definitely have to over prepare.
Thanks, Kimberlie! We had the 4 seasons in a day often and a lot of wind, but the temperatures were surprisingly manageable (sometimes below 0°). Good equipment and a diesel heater in the van were a must, we never felt cold!
This will have to go on my wish list for when we can actually travel the world again! Thanks for sharing!
This is a great post-I really want to see the Northern Lights. I figured I would go to Norway or Sweden, but since Iceland is a comparatively shorter flight from NYC, Iceland might move to the top of the list! Thanks for sharing!
Definitely, Alison! With Icelandair and other lowcost airlines you can make Iceland a long layover before visiting mainland Europe for instance 🙂
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