iceland
Iceland has become a tourist destination over the past years due to its incredible natural beauty and quaint and beautiful buildings and towns. I have had the luxury of visiting Iceland in both the summer and the winter and truly loved each experience.
iceland in summer
Pros of Summer
You will get to experience the midnight sun or at least very long days of sunlight. This means you can capitalize on cramming in a ton of things in one day without fighting with the daylight.
It will be the warmest time of year. You may get away with some summer clothes or a light jacket instead of being completely bundled up in winter gear. Remember to always bring layers and water-resistant clothes despite the time of year.
You can drive the whole island Ring Road without fear or bad weather or road closures.
Whale watching is best done in the summer months.
Puffin viewing is best done between May and early August.
More festivals and activities.
Cons of Summer
It is the most popular time to visit so it will be more crowded.
Hotel options may be more limited due to higher crowds and also the hotels may be pricier.
You cannot tour the natural ice caves (open mid-November through early March).
You are not hitting peaking aurora borealis viewing time (which is from mid-September to mid-April).
iceland in winter
Pros of winter
Beautiful winter scenery.
Less crowded.
Less expensive accommodations.
Visiting natural ice caves (open mid-November through early March).
Seeing the aurora borealis (which is from mid-September to mid-April).
Cons of winter
Some activities will not be able to be offered in the winter due to the weather.
Ring Road may be challenging or impassible depending on weather conditions.
You may have to drive in wintery conditions (snow and ice).
Some of the weather is snowy and beautiful and some is just cold and rainy.
Short daylight hours to see a majority of the sights you want to see.
