Weather

It's not for nothing that Shlomo Artzi sang about the storm raging in Iceland... The weather is unstable and can surprise at any moment. Peak tourist season is between June and August, when the average daytime temperature is 13 degrees Celsius. These months are ideal for traveling in Iceland because the days are very long and the roads inland are open. Warm ocean currents arriving in summer from the Atlantic Ocean ensure pleasant temperatures, yet Iceland's weather is very fickle. Even a day that starts with a pleasant, sunny morning can turn rainy and windy. There is a famous Icelandic saying: "If you don't like the weather, wait a minute, it will change soon"...

 

Midnight Sun

Photo courtesy of  Dogsledding.is ©

 

Sunrise and sunset times in Iceland vary depending on the seasons: In January, the sun rises in Reykjavik at 11:20 AM and sets just 4 hours later. In June, on the other hand, the sun rises as early as 3:20 AM and sets just before midnight. The long days allow travelers to explore for many hours without worrying about early darkness.

Northern Lights

The brave who choose to travel during the winter months may get to witness the breathtaking natural phenomenon of the Northern Lights, Aurora. This phenomenon, also known as the Polar Lights, originates from the poles and creates stunning, varied colors across the sky.

 

Northern Lights

Photo courtesy of  Dogsledding.is ©

The Northern Lights phenomenon can be observed between September and April, on clear, cold, and dry nights. In order to see the lights, one needs to be far away from illuminated settlements, so it is advisable to seek out dark towns outside the major cities (Reykjavik or Akureyri). You can do this on your own or join guided tours, which mostly depart from Reykjavik.

♦  Book a Northern Lights viewing tour (via Viator):

Photo courtesy of  Dogsledding.is ©

♦ Car rental from the reliable and convenient Booking website: Booking.com

 

More articles:
Travel destinations in Iceland
Attractions in Iceland