They say if you blink, you'll miss spring in Iceland. This brief period of rebirth only lasts momentarily before the country gets swept up in the long days of summer.
Read on to learn all about Iceland's incredible spring. Once you do, feel free to message us any questions you might have.
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Many call spring in Iceland the "Goldilocks period" where visitors can have it all - Northern Lights AND daylight, warmer temperatures AND snowy mountains, businesses are open AND they are less expensive.
Though the season is brief, anyone who catches Iceland during this time is truly lucky. Here are some top tips for exploring Iceland in April:
As April progresses, the days get longer. At the beginning of the month, the sun rises around 6:45 AM, and sets around 8:20 PM. By the end of the month, the sun rises around 5:00 AM and sets around 10:00 PM, adding over 3 hours of daylight to the day.
Weather in Iceland is predictably unpredictable, so it is important to pack for any circumstance, no matter the month. Check out our Iceland in Spring guide for packing suggestions.
April is characterized by continuously rising temperatures. At the beginning of the month, the average temperature is around 30°F (-1°C), and by the end of the month, the average temperature is around 37°F (3°C).
One of the most exciting parts of visiting Iceland is the nation's propensity to celebrate - anything! Every month has a plethora of festivals and events, and April is no exception. Some of the most popular include:
For a more personalized experience while in Iceland, a local can design a trip for you, factoring in your length of stay, and the top things you want to see/do! With this experience, you'll get personalized insider tips, instead of following the same itinerary as Iceland's 2 million annual tourists.
For more activities, take a look at our Iceland in Spring guide.
If you want to know more about Iceland in April, Gunnar is a local expert and can help you out.
While there are many phenomenal and well-trodden hiking trails in Iceland, a lot of exploring in the country could be considered "off-roading," or, to put it less lightly, "do at your own risk." As tourism grows, this is changing, but it is often less about trails being "open," and more about the safety of those who attempt to wander up mountains in inclement weather. Additionally, the roads leading to trails can be closed and prevent hikers from reaching the summit.
For this reason, it is important to check weather, and road conditions in Iceland in the days leading up to your hike. Some popular and usually safe options for April include:
A local can help factor in weather conditions and pick a suitable hike for the season.
Have more questions about April in Iceland? Here is a list of local Iceland Travel Experts who can help you or you can message us any questions you have. And before your trip, make sure to check out: