I hope your not sick of me talking about why you should visit Iceland yet comes here I am today with another list for you! One question I often get asked is when is the best time of the year to visit Iceland? Of course summer is much warmer and brighter than winter so I often recommend that. But you know Iceland is pretty amazing in the winter too so I think its time I did it justice and argued for the colder season!
I know what your thinking, Iceland, in the winter, ummm that sounds cold and miserable! This may sound crazy but Iceland is really not as cold as it sounds. Don’t get me wrong, right now I am freezing my bum off, but the temperature rarely goes below zero (Fahrenheit) so don’t write it off just yet. So hear me out and read these 5 reasons why visiting Iceland in the winter is worth braving the cold!
1. Avoid the crowds
It seems like everyone is visiting Iceland these days, and with so many people heading this way that means one thing, crowds. Opt for visiting Iceland during the winter months and have a front row seat to the geyser erupting, walk downtown Reykjavik and actual be able to take in all the sights and get close enough to all those stunning waterfalls and feel the spray of the water on your face.
2. The perfect “golden hour” lighting
With only 4 hours of daylight during the winter months the sun never fully rises here in Iceland. The benefit of this, perfect lighting for all those pictures you will most definitely be taking. Just be sure to get out and take full advantage of those few precious hours of daylight, even if it is cold outside you won’t be disappointed!
3. The Northern Lights
Is seeing the Northern Lights high on your bucket list? Book a trip to Iceland during the winter months and finally cross the Northern Lights off your list! For your best chance to view the northern lights head this way November-March and keep your fingers crossed for clear skies.
4. Icelandic Christmas
Reykjavik is a beautiful city all year long but Christmas time is when it really shines. To all my fellow Christmas lovers out there take note, a trip to Reykjavik in December is a must. Send a letter to Santa, admire the Christmas lights twinkling all over town, and don’t forget to go on a search for the Christmas elves popping up everywhere. Any country that has 13 Santas knows how to celebrate Christmas right!
5. Snow, lots of snow
Iceland is always beautiful, but Iceland covered in snow, it takes things to another level. Snow covered waterfalls around every corner, sunsets that reflect pink onto the snow, trees sparkling with snow covered branches, the list could go on. One thing is for certain, when snow covers Iceland it creates a scene fit for a fairytale.
Sometimes braving the colder temperatures is worth it, and visiting Iceland in the winter is definitely one of those times!If you don’t mind the cold and are interested in winter activities and chasing the Northern Lights I highly recommend a winter trip to Iceland! So who is ready to bust out the winter gear and head over to Iceland?
Question of the Day?
Do you like traveling during the off season? Would you be up for visiting Iceland in the winter?
*This post was originally featured on Ink and Adventure
