Good Time to Visit

Weather

Iceland enjoys mild summers (May-August) with nearly 24 hours of daylight, and very cold winters (November-March). The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, appears from the end of August, although is best seen in the winter months. The weather can be very changeable throughout the year. Snow is not as common as the name of the country would seem to suggest.

Visitors are advised to bring lightweight clothing during the summer months, with extra woollens for walking and the cooler evenings. Heavier clothing is recommended for the rest of the year, and waterproofs are advisable all year round.

For a more detailed look at the Icelandic weather, see Climate in Iceland.

Festivals

Summertime is the busiest for events, often held out-of-doors. Reykjavik hosts the annual Cultural Night in August, which features outdoor concerts, performances, fireworks and fairs going on until the wee hours. Bars, restaurants, shops and galleries also stay open late. Other notable events include the gluttonous Beer Day on 1 March, which marks the day the 75-year-long prohibition of beer was lifted in 1989; the annual National Day in June, celebrating the country's independence in 1944; the International Viking Festival, held in Hafnarflordur (also in June); Sjomannadagurinn (June), which pays tribute to the country's seafaring past; and Sumardagurinn fyrsti, in April, which celebrates the first day of summer.

Public Holidays

The following table shows the public holidays celebrated in Iceland: