Luxury Iceland Vacation
The best time to travel to Iceland
Iceland is a year-round destination, with the summer months being the most popular time to travel. However, the winter months are also sought-after for chasing the Northern Lights. Daylight in Iceland varies widely depending on the time of year; due to the midnight sun, in the summer the sun barely sets, and in the winter, it only rises for a few hours a day. No matter which part of the year you choose to travel to Iceland, you won’t be disappointed. Check out our month-to-month guide to help you plan for the best time to travel to Iceland.
Travel to Iceland: The Land of Fire and Ice
Welcome to the land of extremes – absolute serenity, extreme weather, and breathtaking landscapes that remind us that we’re mere mortals in the palm of nature.
Some of the travel destinations on this itinerary are popular favorites, and other travel destinations we hope to take you to in Iceland, are well-kept secrets that will make your trip an envy to anyone who doesn’t join you!
Reykjavik, Husafell, Selfoss, Keflavik, puffin colonies, glaciers, ice caves, active volcanos, dormant volcanoes, waterfalls, blue lagoons, hot springs and the spellbinding Aurora Borealis… With boundless serenity your soul will soar, and the mind will wander everywhere you look!
Some destinations are accessible with any kind of car, and some require a 4×4. Some are directly off the Ring Road, while others require a worthwhile detour.
A well-planned itinerary by xplor.earth will be customized so you can travel at your pace, with customized activities to experience Iceland in first class style.
Month-by-month guide to traveling in Iceland
Activities and attraction closed for the winter weather will slowly start to reopen, consider it the calm season getting ready for the rush of the peak season.
With long days and 24 hours of daylight, you'll have plenty of time to explore and enjoy activities. However, even during peak summer, Iceland's weather can be unpredictable, with rain and strong winds possible.
Be sure to pack rain gear and a sleep mask to help you rest when the sun is still up at 10 PM.
The autumn equinox occurs late Sept., making it the best time to see the Northern Lights.
Oct. brings constant weather changes, with snow, sunshine and thunderous clouds. Be prepared for any kind of weather Iceland throws at you.
For those seeking high adventure, winter is the time to go ice caving and glacier hiking. Don't worry about visiting Iceland in the winter; just pack your thermal gear and enjoy the best of what the country has to offer.
9 days itinerary to Iceland
Want to change the number of days, add or swap out activities, no problem! Our travel experts will customize your itinerary keeping your interests in mind.
Day One: Arrive in Reykjavik, drive to the Golden Circle and The Highlands and hike in Pingvellir National Parks. Go snorkeling in the Silfra Gorge fixture!
Day Two: Hike in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve and Pearl of the Central Highlands and end the drive at Seljalandsfoss
Day Three: Continue the drive south towards Vik where you can go snowmobiling or ice caving on the Myrdalsjokull glacier and go for a geothermal bath.
Day Four: Drive towards the Eastern fjords where you can get on a boat tour on the Jokulsarlon glacial lake and ice cave trekking.
Day Five: Stop by Dettifoss, Europe’s mightiest waterfall! You can also go hiking en route and go whale watching.
Day Six: Chase waterfalls as you drive towards Lake Myvatn area with its nature baths and mud pools.
Day Seven: Drive northwest past Akureyri with multiple photo stops at volcanic formations.
Day Eight: Head south to Barnafoss as you catch more waterfalls and spectacular scenery. Return to Reykjavik.
Day Nine: Departure
Travel inspiration to start planning your Iceland vacation
Witnessing the iconic Northern lights is one of the most beautiful natural phenomena and iconic to Iceland.. Read More
People, food and culture of Iceland
Located in the middle of the North Atlantic and one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world, Iceland was originally settled by emigrants from Scandinavia and the British Isles in the 10th century. Due to the country’s geographical location, it was mostly outside the influence of contemporary culture in Europe and America, until the late 19th century. Today, Icelandic people are very open to the world and are progressive, creative and self-reliant. Reykjavik, the capital, is a vibrant city with a hyperactive food and night scene. Icelanders are famous revellers. One of the perks of being surrounded by water is the abundance of delicious seafood. Hardfiskur is a popular delicacy and snack that is often had with Icelandic butter. A great dish to devour in the cold is the Plokkfiskur or fish stew. This rich and filling fish stew features white fish, such as cod mixed in a milk-based roux sauce and vegetables. Finally, there is Brennivin, the national liquor of Iceland that is made from fermented grain or potato mash. Literally translating into “Burning Wine”, this drink is not for the faint-hearted!
Languages spoken in Iceland:
Icelandic, English
Fun Fact on Iceland
Iceland is the most gender-equal country in the world today, with the least pay disparity between the sexes!
One reason you should go to Iceland
Whether it is hiking in the midnight sun or witnessing the Northern lights from your glass igloos, the Icelandic experience is always going to be one of a kind!
FAQs on visiting Iceland
The chance to see the Northern Lights in Iceland is between August to mid-April, as the daylight during midwinter lasts for only about 4-5 hours. More hours of darkness and more solar activity, increases your chances of seeing the Aurora Borealis.
For the best experience, we recommend spending 7-8 days in Iceland. This will give you enough time to explore the main attractions and activities, while still allowing for some off-the-beaten-track exploration. If you have more time, consider extending your stay to 12-14 days to really get the most out of your trip. From whale watching to glacier hikes, there’s no shortage of things to do in Iceland. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey!
The Blue Lagoon in Iceland is a famous natural hot spring and spa that draws travelers from all around the world. It is a UNESCO Global Geopark situated on volcanic terrain, with its unique milky-blue water, dreamy atmosphere, and mineral-rich water, you will be dreaming of its beauty and relaxation long after your visit.
The best time to visit the Blue Lagoon is during the winter months of November to February. Whilst the Blue Lagoon in Iceland is open year-round, visiting during winter months allows you to enjoy the therapeutic comfort of the warm water even more in contrast to the frigid temperature outdoors.
Tourists are drawn to Iceland during the summer, making June and August the most popular times to visit the Blue Lagoon. However, if you visit during the summer, you can enjoy temperatures as high as 77°F in July and August and 54°F in June.
Yes, reservations are highly recommended for visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland. Reservations can be made online or through your travel planner. If you’re planning on visiting the Blue Lagoon during the summer, you may need to wait in long lines, but speak to our travel planners for the best way to get around Iceland.
