Iceland is a country known for its stunning natural beauty. Many tourists flock to the country to experience its unique landscapes and culture. While the country is beautiful all year round, April is a particularly special time to visit.

One of the main reasons why April is a great time to visit Iceland is that it marks the start of spring. After a long, dark winter, the country begins to come to life as the snow melts and the days get longer. While you shouldn’t plan on green and flowers, the stark beauty of the landscape truly shines. This is a great time to visit if you want to experience Iceland’s natural beauty in a different light.

Another reason Iceland in April is so special is that it is the time of year when you can witness the Northern Lights. While the Northern Lights can be seen throughout the winter months, April is one of the last chances to witness this natural phenomenon before the summer months arrive.

Weather and Climate

The weather in Iceland in April is unpredictable. On our recent visit, it was incredibly windy and rainy one day and sunny and mild the next. You need to prepare as though it will be very cold.

In April, Iceland experiences mild temperatures with an average high of 7°C (45°F) and an average low of 0°C (32°F). However, temperatures can vary greatly depending on the location and altitude. Coastal areas tend to be milder, while the highlands are colder.

Daylight Hours and Northern Lights

Iceland experiences long daylight hours in April, with an average of 15 hours per day. This makes it a great time to explore the country’s natural wonders and landscapes. Our visit was light until 10:30 in the middle of April. But it still gets dark, allowing some Northern lights to show up!

Travel Essentials

If you prepare for cold and rainy weather, you will be in great shape for Iceland in April. Don’t prepare for Spring Break as you might in the United States; pull out your winter wear.

What to Pack

When traveling to Iceland in April, it’s important to pack for the unpredictable weather. The average temperature in April ranges from 0°C to 7°C, and it’s not uncommon to experience snow, rain, and sunshine all in one day. Therefore, it’s recommended to bring warm and waterproof clothing. This includes a waterproof jacket, pants, and boots. Layers are also essential, as the temperature can change quickly. Don’t forget to pack gloves, a hat, and a scarf to keep you warm during outdoor activities.

We packed for a trip that included Belgium, the Netherlands, and Iceland. Plus, we packed in a carry-on for the 10-day trip. We each had a warm, rain-resistant coat, sweatshirts, and regular shoes. While we didn’t do extreme hiking, we did short hikes and were well protected from the elements.

Transportation Options

Iceland has a well-developed transportation system, and there are several options for getting around. We have been to Iceland several times and prefer renting a car.

However, driving conditions can be challenging, especially during winter months. If you’re uncomfortable driving, bus tours are available that take you to popular tourist destinations. Another option is to take a domestic flight to reach more remote areas of the country.

Accommodation Tips

Iceland offers plenty of accommodation options, from hotels to guesthouses and hostels, something for every budget. We booked the cabin we stayed in a week before our trip. April is not a busy season; you can find vacancies and excellent prices almost everywhere.

Events and Festivities

April is a great time to visit Iceland, as it marks the beginning of spring and the start of many exciting events and festivities. Here are some of the most popular ones:

First Day of Summer

The first Thursday after April 18th is Iceland’s First Day of Summer. This holiday marks the end of the long, dark winter and the beginning of the warmer, brighter months.

The day is celebrated with parades, outdoor concerts, and other festivities. Many Icelanders also take advantage of the longer days to go hiking, fishing, or camping.

Food and Music Festivals

April is also a month of food and music festivals in Iceland. The Reykjavik Food and Fun Festival is a popular event that brings together some of the country’s best chefs to create unique and innovative dishes using local ingredients. The festival also features live music and other entertainment.

Another festival worth checking out is the Blues Festival in the northern town of Akureyri. This event attracts blues musicians worldwide and is a great opportunity to experience Iceland’s vibrant music scene.

Outdoor Activities

As the snow melts, you will have easier access to the island. While parts of the north are still snow-covered, much of the southern part is starting to turn green. We found plenty to do to keep us busy.

Whale Watching

April is a great time to go whale-watching in Iceland. As the winter ice melts, the waters around Iceland become a feeding ground for various species of whales, including humpbacks, orcas, and minke whales. Several tour companies offer whale-watching tours from Reykjavik and other coastal towns. These tours usually last 3-4 hours and allow seeing these magnificent creatures up close.

Glacier Tours

Glacier tours are another popular activity in Iceland in April. With the warming weather, explore the glaciers before they start melting. Several tour operators offer guided glacier hikes and ice-climbing tours on glaciers, like Sólheimajökull and Vatnajökull. These tours usually take around 4-6 hours and provide a unique opportunity to explore the stunning natural beauty of Iceland’s glaciers.

Driving around Snæfellsnes

We chose to drive the ring around the Snæfellsnes peninsula this April. Most of the things we planned to do were accessible and weren’t covered in snow.

Snæfellsnes is often known as “Little Iceland” because of the vast array of landscapes in one tiny part of the country.

While we did have some fog and wind, we could drive the entire ring in one day with stops every 15-20 minutes.

Indoor Activities

Iceland is renowned for its stunning outdoor scenery, including glaciers, waterfalls, geysers, and volcanoes. However, the country also offers plenty of indoor activities that can be enjoyed, especially during the colder months or on days when the unpredictable Icelandic weather doesn’t cooperate. Here are some things you can do indoors in Iceland:

Visit Museums and Galleries

• The National Museum of Iceland in Reykjavik is a great place to learn about Iceland’s history, from the settlement to the modern era.
• Reykjavik Art Museum: Enjoy contemporary art by Icelandic and international artists.
• The Settlement Exhibition: Discover the archaeological remains of a Viking longhouse.
• Perlan Museum: Explore the Wonders of Iceland exhibition, including a real indoor ice cave and the Northern Lights planetarium show.

Experience Iceland in a new way at Fly Over Iceland

This immersive experience in Reykjavik makes visitors feel like they are flying over the most beautiful sites in Iceland.

The show lasts for 30 minutes and includes some folklore of Iceland that will entertain the littlest guests to the oldest. After learning about Iceland, you buckle yourself into a row of seats and “fly” over Iceland.

It isn’t very intense, so even those who get easily sick on rides will find this comfortable and fun.

It was the highlight of Reykjavik for us!

Go Shopping

Explore Reykjavik’s main shopping street, Laugavegur, which is home to a variety of boutiques, souvenir shops, and designer stores.

Visit Kringlan or Smáralind, the largest shopping malls in Iceland, for a mix of Icelandic and international brands.

Are You Ready To Plan Your Trip to Iceland?

Iceland in April is a very special time. The stark beauty of the land combined with 15 hours of daylight allows for a lot of exploring!