Ingjaldshol church in Vík, south Iceland.
Westman Island in Iceland.

Spring in Iceland

Visiting Iceland in spring is an ideal time to travel and discover all that Iceland has to offer without the crowds and at better prices. Spring in Iceland begins in March and is the time when nature and wildlife slowly come to life after winter and when the whale watching season begins. The days get longer with higher temperatures and more hours of daylight. 

In April, the snow starts to melt away and make room for greenery and brighter colours. Thousands of birds return from winter at warmer latitudes. Spring is the shoulder season with lower prices and fewer tourists compared to the peak season in summer. It is also much easier to book accommodation and rental cars as there is more availability than in summer. The weather is variable, which means that you can have both rainy, windy, and sunny days with moderate temperatures. Restaurants and cafés of the cities open on terraces, and many activities and excursions open again after the winter break.

Things to see and do in spring in Iceland
You are in for a real treat if you are visiting Iceland in spring because there are plenty of things to see and activities you can do. Go river rafting, when the snow from the glaciers have started to melt, and the rivers are at their fullest. Experience the force of Iceland's rivers and see the wonders from another perspective! For wildlife enthusiasts, spring is a great time to come to Iceland as the whale watching season begins and the cute puffins return to shore.

Even if the days get longer and sunnier, you can still see snow-capped mountains in spring. You also have the chance to see the northern lights if you come before mid-April. Have you always dreamt of exploring one of those incredible bluish ice-caves inside of a glacier? Then come here in March. The ice caves in Iceland are accessible between mid-October and throughout March.

May is one of the cheapest months to rent a caravan or camper in Iceland. In May, you can explore almost the entire island before the tourist season begins. However, if you want to venture into the highlands, you have to wait till summer when the mountain roads open again when the snow has melted about mid-June. Head up north to Husavik and go on a whale safari or try your luck with deep-sea fishing. Spring is also a great time to discover Iceland on the back of an Icelandic horse. The spectacular views of mountains, waterfalls, musk-covered lava fields and rivers get so much more enhanced when riding. Experience intense emotions and relax in the middle of nature.

If you are planning to visit Iceland in spring, pack for both winter and spring activities as Iceland offers both during this time of year. And do not forget the sunglasses or the camera!

WHAT DO TO & SEE IN ICELAND IN SPRING

We’ve picked out our 5 favourite unforgettable spring experiences in Iceland.

Stay in a sheep farm in the countryside

The lambing season is underway and you will be able to see the adorable little lambs in the rural areas.

Lambing season in Iceland.

GO RAFTING ON A GLACIER RIVER IN ICELAND IN MAY

This is the perfect way to enjoy Iceland´s extraordinary nature from a different perspective.

Discover now
River rafting in Iceland.

Go for a road trip & hike in South Iceland

Take advantage of the extended daylight hours in spring and explore the south coast by car and on foot before the peak season begins.

Discover now
Vatnajökull national park, South Iceland.

ADMIRE THE CHARMING PUFFINS ON THE WESTMAN ISLANDS

The Westman Islands are home to the world’s largest puffin colony. The puffins arrive in Iceland in April to settle in on the coast to build their nests in rocky cliffs.

Puffin

GO ON A GLACIER ADVENTURE

Snowmobile rides and glacier hikes are still in full swing in spring, with the added benefit of occasional sunny skies. The views are more stunning than ever.

Discover now
Snowmobiling in lceland.

Is spring the best time for you to visit Iceland?

With our infographic, you´ll get an overview of each spring month, the daylight hours, the maximum and minimum temperature, the most popular activities, sights and places to visit.

6 reasons why you should visit Iceland in spring

Lake Tjörnin in Reykjavik, Iceland.

 

ikon sun

Increasing hours of daylight
In March, the daylight hours are about 10 hours per day and about 20 hours by the end of May.

Ikon pig

Spring is the shoulder season
Book accommodation and cars at lower prices, except during Easter.

Ikon car

Late spring is an ideal time to hit the road
More roads are accessible and fewer tourists at the sights. Use road.is for information about the road conditions before you begin your drive.

Ikon egg

Easter festivities
Despite prices increase during the dates of Easter, Iceland is a great place to spend Easter with your family or friends.

Ikon northern lights

Northern lights
Till the mid-April you still have a chance to see northern lights in Iceland. After mid-April there is already too much light in the night.

Ikon waterfalls

Thundering waterfalls
If you want to see the waterfalls in Iceland at their best, go to Iceland in spring when the melting snow and ice bring them fully to life.

Experience spring in Iceland with us

THE WEATHER IN ICELAND IN SPRING

Jökulsárlón, Iceland.

Spring in Iceland is the time when the snow begins to melt away and when nature comes alive after a long dark winter. The days get a little bit warmer and lighter day by day. However, as this is Iceland, it is still quite cold in spring. You will probably experience all different kinds of weather in spring in Iceland: from cold, snowy, rainy, and windy days to sunny and warmer days, depending on what month in spring and what part of Iceland you are going to visit. 

Sources: The Icelandic Meteorological Office: Time and Date ASNorwegian Meteorological Institute