Iceland Tours & Vacations

The best time to visit Iceland is during the summer from June through August. During these months, you can experience nearly 24 hours of daylight, known as the midnight sun, and warmer temperatures averaging approximately 55°F.

The summer weather is more pleasant for exploring Iceland’s natural wonders like glaciers, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes. This also makes summer, specifically July and August, the most popular time for travelers. If you would prefer even cooler weather, fewer crowds, and the chance to see the Northern Lights, then September through March are excellent options.

Fall brings beautiful autumn foliage, and winter offers opportunities to see the Northern Lights, go glacier hiking, and visit ice caves. While winter days are very short, Iceland is a great destination no matter when you visit.

Iceland is incredibly popular, so be flexible with your dates if possible and book well in advance for your preferred month. With creative trip planning and our guide on the best time to visit Iceland, you will find the country irresistible any time of year.

With its vast landscapes and natural wonders, there are many incredible places to explore on tours of Iceland. Some of the best places to visit in Iceland include:

• Reykjavik: Iceland’s colorful capital city is full of cultural museums and fine dining restaurants, and is a gateway to the country’s natural wonders.
• Golden Circle: The classic route near Reykjavik, the Golden Circle, is an adventure paradise home to the Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir geothermal area, and Þingvellir National Park.
• Vatnajokull National Park: Home to Iceland’s largest glacier, scenic hiking trails, and sights like the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, this national park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and viewing the country’s remarkable natural landscapes.

Iceland offers an array of amazing activities and experiences, from glacial adventures to wild and marine life viewing. Here are some of the top things to do in Iceland:

• Explore the Golden Circle, national parks, and more dramatic landscapes
• Witness the Northern Lights, nature’s dazzling display of colors dancing across the night sky
• Visit ice caves and explore their crystalline caverns that form each winter
• Enjoy glacier hiking trips to stunning viewpoints
• Sit back and relax in the warmth of hot springs like the Blue Lagoon or remote geothermal springs around the island
• Connect with Iceland’s heritage on cultural tours of traditional towns and villages
• Spot whales, dolphins, and porpoises off Iceland’s coast

Filled with incredible natural sights and landscapes to swoon over on trips to Iceland, the island is a treasure trove of must-see highlights.

Some of the top things to see in Iceland include:

• Northern Lights
• Blue Lagoon
• Gullfoss Waterfall
• Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
• Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Iceland is known for its stunning and diverse natural landscapes, from sloping lava fields to towering glaciers. Volcano tours take visitors to see lava flows, craters, mountains, and volcanic black sand beaches, while glacier tours let you cross the ice and enter ice caves formed in the winter. Finally, Iceland is one of the best places to view the Northern Lights. You can explore the dramatic scenery, chase waterfalls, or see the Northern Lights on Iceland tour packages.

The best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland is from late September through March. This is when there are full dark skies for optimal aurora viewing.

Within these months around the equinoxes, there tends to be more solar activity which leads to more frequent Northern Light displays. However, sightings are still not guaranteed as seeing the Northern Lights depends on clear skies and solar activity.

To maximize your chances of viewing the Northern Lights, we recommend staying for at least 4 days in areas away from city light pollution. Some of the best places in Iceland to see the magical glow of the Aurora Borealis on a luxury tour are the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Vatnajokull National Park, and the Westfjords region.

The Golden Circle is one of the most popular tourist routes in Iceland. It is a 190-mile loop with three main stops, including Þingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gullfoss Waterfall.

Þingvellir National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that marks the junction between two tectonic plates and was the site of Iceland's first parliament. Geysir geothermal area features bubbling mud pots and the geyser Strokkur which erupts every five to 10 minutes. Gullfoss Waterfall is a stunning double cascade waterfall plunging 32 meters into a canyon.

Driving the route only takes about six to eight hours, making it easy to fit the Golden Circle's natural wonders into a single day trip from Reykjavik for the perfect taste of the magnificent landscape, whether on a senior tour or honeymoon in Iceland.

Combining a stay in the capital city with tours of the country’s breathtaking landscapes, the best Iceland itinerary will leave you with lifelong memories. Discover the culture and admire the natural beauty as you customize any of our top Iceland itineraries below to your liking:

• Experience the best of Iceland, from Reykjavik to Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Vatnsnes, and Kerlingafjoll on our Untamed Iceland: Signature Tour in 8 Days.
• Embrace the natural beauty of Iceland with our Highlights of Iceland Tour in a Week: Ring Road, Golden Circle & Blue Glaciers that takes you from the capital along the famous tourist route to see the dramatic landscapes and chase waterfalls.

For travelers braving the winter chill for the best opportunities to see the Northern Lights, our Touching the Northern Lights: A Winter Tour of Iceland takes you from the capital city to Jokulsarlon to view the Aurora Borealis.

Explore more information in our frequently asked questions about planning a trip to Iceland and inspiration in our Iceland travel guide.