My tip is to wear layers, lots of layers. Now, this is a tricky one to predict. January is dark and cold but don’t be scared, it’s also stunning! SPRING – March, April, and May. It’s possible to see the Northern Lights in Iceland between September and April and of course, only when it’s dark outside. All rights reserved. It is not necessary to tip in Iceland. Check www.vedur.is religiously. ; Get access to portable global WiFi in over 100 countries with the SkyRoam Solis device. Check, Other Iceland packing list items not to forget. There is no real way to explain this. The photo below paints a good picture of what to expect. Even in the coldest months, you can feel quite warm around the Blue Lagoon with the heat radiating off the 40°C waters. A good jacket is the most important thing, apart from good footwear, that you will pack for your trip to Iceland. September can, for example, be very foggy and when driving over mountains and such it’s quite common for that thick fog to slide in forcing you to slow down a lot. Photographers don’t forget that extra memory card, you are going to need it! If you are not comfortable driving multiple bus tours and private tours are available in April. It’s wet and boggy in Iceland and you can expect a lot of rainy weather so packing a pair of good hiking boots for hikes is crucial for protecting your feet. Hiking shoes are essential for every season in Iceland and a buff goes a long way. It’s the ultimate time of the Midnight Sun. It’s still winter so again the same rules apply for how you should dress. More is more when it comes to layers. The average high temperature is around 14°C or 57 in Fahrenheit. The hours of daylight are also getting shorter but this means more chances to see the Northern Lights so we can’t really complain. I … Iceland – the weather in Winter. If you can't find it please check your spam folder. Winter in Iceland is not as cold as it should be given its latitude but there are certain things you should always keep in mind when thinking what to wear in Iceland: wind and rain (or snow). The spring has a milder breeze and is a great time to visit. It is ruthless and it takes no prisoners. The average temperature is between -3°C (about 27 Fahrenheit) and 2°C (about 35 Fahrenheit). Now you should be packing a t-shirt and maybe even some shorts, but this might depend on where you’re from. An extensive coverage on everything you need to know and pack before you embark upon the amazing journey of the Laugavegur trail. Roads might also start to get slippery, especially the further outside of the capital you go, especially north, east or into the west fjords. Anthropologist, social media guru, Icelandic nature and food enthusiast. Finally, the light jacket can be used. A windbreaker is a good idea and even though it’s not in the photo below, a swimsuit + sunglasses are a must! In Iceland, April marks the beginning of summer…but don’t bust out your shorts and sundresses just yet. The average temperature is between 6.7 °c (about 44 Fahrenheit) and 11.7 °c (about 53 Fahrenheit). Crime is almost nonexistent and there are no areas one must take care to avoid. What is the weather like in April? Iceland in winter is bracing and fresh one minute and the next a wind will whip across an icy plain and hit you with an ice-cold blast for the next half hour. The Beast is untameable. The shortest day in July is about 18 hours of light. Because the climate in Iceland varies by region and by season, it is important to bring a variety of clothes that are suitable for any weather. Iceland experiences so much darkness because it sits so far North, close to the Arctic Circle. Well, there is a good reason for it. We Will be visiting the Snaefellsness peninsula and South coast to Hofn.We hope to only take our carry ons but we will take a full size suitcase if necessary. I would recommend having a scarf or a buff, the winds can bite quickly. The above packing lists are great if you do a range of activities in Scotland. For in town matters make sure you have something warm around your neck. Thanks, Kat. Look at December’s clothing photo for inspiration. In today's vlog I show you how I'm packing for a trip to iceland in April! Aah yes, trying to predict the weather in Iceland - you are just as likely to guess the numbers in the lottery. This isn’t exactly beach weather but very welcome for Icelanders and people who have been here through the winter. I am struggling with trying to figure out what to pack for my husband and I's upcoming trip. Temperatures will be around 5°-10°C (about 40-50 in Fahrenheit) and the daylight is probably going to make sleeping in difficult for those who aren’t used to having sunlight long into the nights and again very early in the morning. For those interested in self-drive tours, driving in January can be a challenge, especially if you aren’t used to driving in snow or on slippery roads. It’s still wintertime in Iceland even though the days are getting longer fast. It’s usually colder the further you go out of the capital. What is the weather like in April? BUT don’t get overconfident in this slightly milder weather. With Arctic Adventures, you’ll be provided with crampons so you don’t need to worry about those. What should I bring and wear? Jeans on the other hand, get cold very easily so they are not recommended if you’re going to be spending much time outdoors. February brings great possibilities for seeing this magical event as well as plenty of other gorgeous snowy sights and winter activities. April is an amazing month to visit Iceland.Not only is it the time when animal younglings are born (overloading the countryside with cuteness), but it’s also the time when we start to see rapid changes in the weather! Basically, in Iceland, you always need to be prepared for everything at all times. The average temperature in Reykjavík is about 0° Celsius or somewhere around 30° Fahrenheit. Dress warm! Average temperature is between 2.2 °c (about 36 Fahrenheit) and 6.8 °c (about 44.2 Fahrenheit). Because of these large fluctuations in weather, it can be difficult to cover all your bases when packing for a trip to Iceland in spring. Average temperature in Reykjavik in January is -0.6 Celsius (30.9F) but the blowing wind … Being ill prepared and not dressed appropriately for the weather can make you very uncomfortable, so be wise. It’s less snowy and a bit rainier. You can skip bringing shorts and t-shirts but that’s about it. Sunglasses are important especially if it snows. So again, yes you guessed it, LAYERS! Lows range from 1-7°C with highs from 3-10°C (a wild swing from about 30°F to 50°F). Average temperature is between 7.9 °C (about 46 Fahrenheit) and 13 °C (about 55.4 Fahrenheit). Iceland weather in April You’ve probably taken a look at a myriad of packing lists for Iceland, and seen many mentions of waterproof clothing. Bearing in mind what we plan to do, I was wondering if people have any suggestions for what clothing we will need. The daylight time shortens quickly during July and by August we start to see fully dark nights again but no worries, August is Iceland’s second warmest month. It can also be a very tricky and unpredictable time to be in Iceland because it’s the end of the Icelandic winter. Ever heard the phrase if you don't like the Icelandic weather just wait 5 minutes? Aah yes, trying to predict the weather in Iceland - you are just as likely to guess the numbers in the lottery. As I’ve mentioned earlier, the climate stays largely the same throughout the year. This means that in wintertime, days and periods of sunlight are short and nights and period of darkness are long. It will likely be more rainy in March compared to January and February, so be sure to pack good waterproofs. Our expert guide Inga goes the do's and don't when packing for an Icelandic trekking adventure. It’s necessary to have something warm but not over the top, a couple of thin layers goes a long way in July – even better than one thick one. The average temperature is between -2 °c (about 28 Fahrenheit) and 3.3°c (about 38 Fahrenheit). May is the month we start seeing Icelanders’ skin again after being covered inside their huge parkas and coats throughout the winter season. However, some months will typically be colder or warmer, wetter or drier than others. South Iceland, West Iceland, East Iceland and North Iceland all offer wonderful puffin watching locations. I will still emphasize that thermals are great and will be sure to keep you warm. The average temperature is between 8.3 °c (about 47 Fahrenheit) and 13.3 °c (about 56 Fahrenheit). June can, however, be windy so you will still need to pack layers so you don’t get cold. Since tourists outnumber residents in the summer, you will see a ton of people walking around in hiking gear. Expect quick changes in weather: this is the month where the weather is the most unpredictable. Plus, with a bit of extra sunlight in the skies, bring a pair of sunglasses too - it can be surprisingly bright when the light hits the snow. April can bring mild weather with sun and nice temperatures around 10° Celsius, but it can also bring a snow storm. Here are some good tips on what to do ... We've sent you an email to confirm your subscription. This is when the swimming pools get busier and you should 100% pack a swimsuit to join in. June is the third warmest month of the year so that’s a good reason to be merry. The Beast is in a good mood and oh the joy that follows. I mean you never know, it might be around 20°C but it could also be 5°C. Average temperatures in Iceland in April range from .4-5.7°C, a chilly 32-42°F, not exactly beach weather. Average temperature is between -1.3 °c (about 29.7 Fahrenheit) and 3.4 °c (about 38 Fahrenheit). USD. HELLO Fall colors! Oct 13, 2018 - No-nonsense winter packing list for Iceland with tips nobody tells you about. This can work great as a layer underneath a warm jacket or parka if the weather gets cold. The locals are extremely friendly and welcoming, and are very used to tourists visiting their country. In February, it starts to get a little less cold, a little less dark and the days start to get a little longer. However, it’s still a great time to visit if you’re planning to see the Northern Lights. If you plan to drive to these parts of the country, we definitely recommend an AWD or 4×4 vehicle. This means the first signs of spring, the first blossoms, and eventually, at the end of the month, the celebration of Iceland’s National First Day of Summer. A Vest. 15th April - Spend the day looking around Reykjavik. I will in this section refer to the Icelandic weather as The Beast. It’s not too dark during the day, but the nights are dark enough to see the Northern Lights. Travelling to Iceland in spring is a wonderful experience. The grass will start to get greener, the plants will start to grow and Icelanders will start to come out from their hibernation. Asher & Lyric. can easily be spotted. It’s funny how many Icelandic weather types there are that the English language just can’t explain! Now your wardrobe will start to look a little less like you’re about to climb Mt. Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world. Iceland. One item you might want to prioritise in March however is rain gear. Iceland has a huge and world-famous puffin habitat, the Látrabjarg bird cliffs. Iceland. Wool is great for winter in Iceland, it has gotten us through ice ages so you can count on it to get you through your winter travels in Iceland. The absolute best way to see and experience Iceland is by car. Euros and USD are not generally accepted on the island – you’ll need to pay in local currency. While the temperatures in Iceland may not seem all that low, the cold in Iceland is harder to deal with due to wind, sleet, and snow. The average temperature is between 0 °C (about 32 Fahrenheit) and 5.7 °F (about 42 Fahrenheit). What Wear In Iceland In Summer (April, May, June, July & September) Summer in Iceland starts from mid-April to the end of October. The weather in March is just plain cold. July is the month you can expect Iceland’s highest temperatures. It’s quite likely to snow and rain, the streets are usually coated with snowdrift and it can get pretty windy. April is an exciting time to travel to Iceland. August is my favorite time of year to go camping and during this month it starts to get dark and cozy again. I might be starting to sound like a broken record but.... LAYERS! Now we will start seeing signs of summer. Here we go over the weather for each month in Iceland, what to expect and what to wear? Iceland is epic any time of year, but in this article we’ll give you the basics on what to expect as you plan to visit Iceland in April. It’s better to wear more and be able to take it off than it is to be shaking with cold and not having anything to put on. The best days in December are when it’s super cold, the ground is covered with crisp snow and every house is decorated with Christmas lights. I. celand is commonly referred to as the “land of fire and ice” for its hot and cold dualities: glaciers sit right next to active volcanoes!. It makes a great base for exploring the rest of Iceland, and it is worth a few days visit. The weather in Iceland is one of Icelander's favorite topics and the reason is very valid. Here you might have a little more use for your raincoat and since it’s starting to get dark at night, pack a warmer overcoat for the evenings and night time. The daylight time drops quickly across the month by about 6,5 minutes a day. In April, Iceland experiences between 13 and 16 hours of daylight, which is a significant change from the 20 hours of darkness during the winter months. There is something we like to call Páskahret, which basically means ‘Easter cold spell’ with heavy snow or rain which usually lands suddenly and by surprise! So that means you’ll need to wrap up extra warm. You’ll want to wear insulated boots, thick socks, hats, scarves, coats, thermals, etc. This greatly affects what to wear in Iceland. Save. It often seems as if the weather in Iceland has a very beastly temper. Prices will be higher, reservations will need to be made earlier, and you’ll need to plan for a little more competition for views and resources at times. Your travels are also most likely only going to be along the coast so it’s likely going to be quite windy. And then some layers on top of your layers and then some more layers. Layers are the key! This is one of the coziest months and with the right dressing outdoor activities will be a breeze. You may want a vest as another layer to keep your core warm instead of too many shirts or an extra sweater or jacket. I’d advise the same trousers, tops and shoes combos as mentioned above for January. You pretty much have to be prepared for everything. Go for wool, thermals, thick sweaters, keep your head, feet, neck, and hands warm. October brings the most stunning sunrises and sunsets. Everest. However, the nights are not as bright as in May and the summer months, which means that there's still a chance to see the dancing Northern Lights. Wearing the right types of clothing can make a huge difference in the activities you can do outside (and in Iceland, that is a lot). The country boasts a varied climate and landscapes with sulfur beds, hot springs, lava fields, geysers, waterfalls, and canyons, which can make planning what to wear in Iceland a bit challenging.. We can tell you approximately what to expect but the best way to prepare, is to expect all kinds of weather. It is a country that can only be enjoyed and experienced outdoors. This is the time of year where you might need to start thinking more carefully about driving in unusual circumstances. Keep in mind though this is just an average and Icelandic weather does play around going up and down a lot. The average temperature is between 3.6 °c (about 38.5 Fahrenheit) and 9°c (about 48.9 Fahrenheit). Thermal under layers, wool, and wind and waterproofs. The light reached its maximum level in June but you will still have plenty of light in July. The average temperature is between -3°c (about 27 Fahrenheit) and 2°c (about 35 Fahrenheit). This is usually the last month that we see some serious sun so don’t forget to bring light clothing, sunscreen, and sunglasses just in case the weather gods are in a good mood. The daylight will be bright when you wake up and the sunset after dinnertime so this is the perfect month for a full day of exploring before heading out to explore the Northern Lights in the evening. I have seen it all in August: snow, sun, rain and strong winds but, thankfully the most common weather is quite good. If you go any time other than the height of summer, chances are good that you will experience freezing temperatures, especially if you head to the highlands, so something warm that keeps out moisture is essential. Oh wow! Although you’ll have to wait until around midnight for it to get dark enough to see them,  compared to December to January when you can see them at 9 pm. The weather in Iceland is nowhere as severe as most people think, but there is a caveat! April is probably one of the most unpredictable months. Now we start to see a drop in temperature and increase in rain but like with anything else when it comes to Icelandic weather this varies. October is a little tricky as you are somewhere in between the wet and the cold months. This is a great time to visit: the crowds get smaller, the weather isn’t too cold and if you are lucky, like we were in 2016, you might get weeks of sun and nice weather. April is the month when the puffins begin to return to Iceland after spending the winter out on the ocean. What should I bring and wear? Flowers like cherry blossoms and bluebells are blossoming and young wildlife (including baby animals!) For anyone who is feeling nervous about this I would always recommend joining a tour where an experienced driver will take care of the whole thing and you can just sit back, relax and enjoy the Icelandic nature show. When the (little) light hits the snowy ground and the light reflects it can be pretty hard on your eyes. The spring in Iceland is usually warmer than the winter but it is still cold, the average temperature during the spring is around 3°C (37,4°F), but with the wind it feels colder. December brings days of about 4 or 5 hours of sunlight with beautiful sunsets on offer. Before I dive into my clothing recommendations for each month of the year, I’m going to begin with some tips on what to wear for some of Iceland’s most popular tours and activities, because let’s face it, that’s what’s so special about a trip to Iceland! The wind is high in March and the temperature is about 0-5° Celsius. So overall pretty warm and pretty dry. Now on to March, the last whole month of Northern Lights and decent snow but the weather can be very changeable. Warm things should fill your suitcase and again layers are key! We will be in Iceland from April 27th - May 4th which I understand is part of the shoulder months and therefore very unpredictable. It is light for about 7 hours, between 10 am and 5 pm, providing plenty of time to explore and enjoy the awesomeness of Iceland. It’s officially summer in Iceland or at least, what we call summer. Regardless of what time of year it is, wearing layers is always the best advice. Rain clothes, boots, warm thermals and a warm sweater. Although the temperature starts to increase in March, don’t expect it to be warm. The weather is wetter so rainproof clothing is very helpful. So basically, love and enjoy when The Beast behaves. 14th April - Lie in & then whale watching with Elding. It holds the promise of northern lights, puffins, reindeer, longer days, and outdoor exploration. Say that Iceland is by car t need to prepare for snow,,! In English, rain, what to wear in iceland in april roads and wind gear will be in.. Of spring, with summer starting later in June but you will need. Buff, the climate stays largely the same rules apply for how you should 100 % pack a to... The time of year it is a great time to visit Iceland as the Beast can still into! Radiating off the 40°C waters they are quick to change its mind to portable global in... Similar dress code for Iceland with tips nobody tells you about Laugavegur Trail to update road safety information which. 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