If you’re wondering whether April is a good time to visit Iceland, the answer is a resounding yes! April brings the first signs of spring to this Nordic island, and yet it’s still considered the off-season. This means you can enjoy some of Iceland’s best sights and experiences with smaller crowds and a solid sixteen hours of sunlight to the day. But what do you need to know about Iceland in April?
Weather in Iceland in April
In April, you can begin to expect real feelings of spring to start to take over. The days get longer and the temperature gradually begins to increase. Average daytime temperatures in Iceland will be between 40-44°F (4.4 to 6.8°C), and overnight lows can range from 35-39°F ( 1.6-3°C). In general, come April the temperature will stay above freezing, but it can drop below that level sometimes, especially at night.
You’re unlikely to see much snow in April, though it can happen in more western and northern regions as well as in the highlands.
What to Pack
It doesn’t matter what time of year you’re visiting Iceland - one of the biggest questions is always what to wear! To be honest, the packing list doesn’t vary much from season to season in Iceland, as the weather is always quite changeable, and the key is to always pack some useful layers. The basics for packing for your trip to Iceland in April include:
- A warm, waterproof jacket
- Shell layers, like thin fleeces or jumpers
- Warm and water-resistant shoes or boots
- Long pants, including outdoor wear if you’re planning on hiking
- Jeans (fine for general sightseeing)
- Warm socks
- Sunglasses
Things to do in April in Iceland
All the activities available to you in Iceland in March are still great options in April, as the weather won’t have changed too drastically in just a month.
However, April does bring something new and unmissable if you love wildlife - puffin spotting! From early April, millions upon millions of Atlantic puffins nest along coastal areas of Iceland, staying through the summer until August, when their young are capable of caring for themselves. One of the most spectacular places in the world to see puffins is at the Látrabjarg cliffs in the Westfjords region. If you don’t want to venture that far, you can catch boat tours from Reykjavík which take you to outcrops near the harbor where you can see plenty of nesting puffins.
Northern Lights in Iceland in April
If hunting the Northern Lights in Iceland is at the top of your list, April is not to be ruled out for your visit. April is the last month that you’re likely to be able to see this phenomenon, so if it’s really important to you, try to plan your visit as early in the month as possible to avoid disappointment. And remember - it’s never a guarantee that you will actually get to witness the aurora borealis, as it depends on several factors, including weather, which as we’ve established is quite unpredictable in Iceland!
No matter what time of year you plan to visit Iceland, our rental cars provide the perfect way to see the country at your own speed - your adventure begins here!