Best time to go to Iceland

Iceland’s like a completely different place from one season to the next. Winter’s the best time to catch the Northern Lights and frozen waterfalls, and everything looks extra pretty covered in snow. But there’s a big climate clue in the country’s name. You’ll definitely feel the cold with temperatures dipping into the minuses, and the sun’s only around between 11am and 3pm in December and January.

On the flipside, summer here comes with 24/7 daylight – it’s not called the land of the midnight sun for nothing. The mercury rises to the mid-teens, so it’s prime time for hiking and wildlife spotting, as the whales and orcas are more likely to say hello when the water is calmer and the weather is warmer.

If you’re after a sweet deal, there are fewer tourists in spring and autumn, and the whole landscape is very easy on the eye when it’s covered in wildflowers or orangey browns. Weather during these seasons can be a bit unpredictable, though, so pack wisely.

Passports and Visas

British citizens don’t need a visa to enter Iceland, but must have a valid passport. You can check your passport’s valid for Iceland using our handy tool. For the most up-to-date passport and visa information, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/iceland/entry-requirements.

Don't forget to arrange your travel money and insurance before you go.

Health and safety

You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover you while you’re away. For the latest health and safety information, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/iceland/health.

Further Reading

  • Overview
  • Things To Do

    • Key Facts

    • Capital - Reykjavik
    • Language - Icelandic
    • Timezone - GMT
    • Population - 323,000
    • Currency - ISK:Icelandic Krona
    • Flight Time - 3 hours from Gatwick

    Travel Aware

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    Travel Aware – Staying Safe and Healthy Abroad
    The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and National Travel Health Network and Centre have up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad.

    See gov.uk/travelaware and follow @FCDOtravelGovUK on Twitter and Facebook.com/FCDOtravel – for the latest general FCDO travel advice, including coronavirus travel guidance, security and local laws, and passport and visa information.

    See gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice – for FCDO travel advice about individual destinations.

    Sign up for FCDO travel advice email alerts, so you automatically receive the latest travel advice updates and travel requirements for the destinations you want to know about.

    See Travel Aware page – for travel advice from First Choice.

    See travelhealthpro.org.uk – for current travel health news.

    The advice can change so check regularly for updates.

    Reykjavik