Best Time to Visit Iceland
Month-by-month climate guide for planning a trip to Iceland.
Iceland does not have a month that clearly fits our sunny profiles at a country-wide average. Its warmest and driest window is around July (11.5°C / 52.7°F) and June (52 mm / 2 in rainfall) — usually the practical travel choice. The drier half of the year covers February–August, while the wetter half runs through September–January. Country-wide monthly temperatures range from 0.5°C / 32.9°F in January to 11.5°C / 52.7°F in July, and monthly rainfall from 52 mm / 2 in (June) to 102 mm / 4 in (October). Iceland's climate is broadly seasonal. These are national area-weighted averages from long-term climate normals — regional variation within Iceland can be substantial, especially for large or geographically diverse countries. Below, every month is classified against our five weather profiles so you can match your travel window to your preferred weather.
Recommended months
| Month | Temp | Rain | Feels like |
|---|---|---|---|
| July | 11.5°C52.7°F | 55 mm2.2″ | — |
| June | 9.5°C49.1°F | 52 mm2″ | — |
| August | 11°C51.8°F | 72 mm2.8″ | — |
No month in Iceland fits our sunny profiles at a country-wide average. The three above are the driest-and-warmest fallback.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Iceland?
Iceland doesn't have a month that clearly matches our sunny profiles at a national average. The practical travel window centres on June (driest, ~52 mm / 2 in) and July (warmest, 11.5°C / 52.7°F). Regional variation within Iceland can be significant — city and subdivision pages give a more localised view.
When is the rainy season in Iceland?
The rainy season in Iceland runs through September–January, when monthly rainfall exceeds the national annual median of about 84 mm / 3.3 in. The wettest single month is October, averaging 102 mm / 4 in.
What is the dry season in Iceland?
The drier half of the year in Iceland covers February–August, when monthly rainfall stays at or below the annual median of about 84 mm / 3.3 in. The driest single month is June with about 52 mm / 2 in.
What months should I avoid visiting Iceland?
The least comfortable months for travel in Iceland — based on our climate data — are January, February, March, October, November, December. These are Iceland's wettest or coolest months. Rainfall peaks at 102 mm / 4 in in October, and temperatures bottom out at 0.5°C / 32.9°F in January.
Is there a shoulder season in Iceland?
Shoulder-season months in Iceland — moderate weather, lower rainfall than the wet season — include January, February, March, April, May, September, October, November, December. These are typically the quietest and cheapest months for travel, and often deliver decent weather without the peak-season crowd.