We take you through some of the reasons that visiting Iceland in April is a great idea, from the weather, what to do, and average temperatures you can expect from your time here.

Wooden sign in Iceland.

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 per day. But what do you need to know about Iceland in April?

Weather and Temperatures in Iceland in April

In April, it typically feels like spring is starting to take over. The days get longer, and the temperature gradually begins to increase. It’s always good to check the forecast daily, as the wind in Iceland can mean the weather is extremely changeable. On average, these are the types of temperatures you’ll find in Iceland during April.

Iceland Temperatures in April

In general, come April, the temperature will stay above freezing, but it can drop below that level sometimes, especially at night.

  • Reykjavík & South Iceland: 33.8°F (1°C) - 44.4°F (6.9°C), with averages sitting around 38.7°F (3.7°C).
  • Outside of Reykjavík: Tends to be more extreme in areas like the north, 31.5°F (–0.3°C) - 43.9°F (6.6°C).

Rain and Wind in Iceland in April

  • Precipitation: Levels of precipitation generally lie between 25.9 and 59 mm (1 to 2.3 inches) in the whole month. 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.
  • Wind: Iceland’s famous wind can blow year-round. In April and in other months, the coastal areas will always experience stronger winds of up to 20 km/h (13 mph). 

Daylight Hours in Iceland in April

As the middle of the spring season approaches, April begins to see more and more daylight hours after the dark depths of winter. The start of April provides the capital with around 13 hours of sunlight, with a sunrise around 6:45 and sunset at 20:20. As the end of the month draws in, this stretches to around 16 hours of sunlight, with a 5:00 sunrise and 22:00 sunset. Clouds may obscure much of the direct sunlight, but you might be lucky to get a few hours of real sun during the day!

Woman sitting on a rock overlooking Eldhraun lava field in Iceland.

What 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.

Group of puffins on a cliff in Iceland.

Puffin Watching Near Reykjavík

April brings something new and unmissable if you love wildlife  - puffin spotting! Towards the middle and end of 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. 

Hike on Iceland’s Glaciers

There are still opportunities to embark on daring glacier hikes and even snowmobiling on Iceland’s ice giants in April. This is a great way to get up close and personal to glaciers, a thrilling experience for those a little more adventurous. And with the gradual melting of glaciers and ice caps, this should be on your bucket list!

Celebrate the First Day of Summer

Traditionally, according to the Norse calendar, the first day of summer is celebrated on the first Thursday after the 18th of April. You’ll find locals marking the occasion with outdoor markets, parades, and other events around the community. 

Aldrei For Eg Sudur Festival

For something truly unique, do some research into Aldrei For Eg Sudur. This festival is held over Easter weekend in the remote Westfjords in the town of Ísafjörður. Totally free to attend, you can find a range of Icelandic and international artists here, from rock to metal, hip-hop to brass bands. If you’re keen to explore the Westfjords as the weather improves in Iceland in April, this is a great occasion.

Northern lights in Iceland over a body of water.

What Should I Pack for Iceland in April?

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

Can You See The Northern Lights 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!

Is April a Good Time to See Whales in Iceland?

April actually marks the start of the summer season for migratory whales returning to the shores of Iceland to feed. While this is early in the whale-watching season, there are a number of tours in Reykjavík and Akureyri that take eager visitors out on boat trips to spot these magnificent giants. 

So, Is April a Good Time to Go to Iceland?

Absolutely! If you’re not bothered by the slightly cooler temperatures compared to the middle of summer, April is a great time during the shoulder season to visit Iceland. Flights and tour prices are generally lower than in June and July, while a lot of the activities and wildlife opportunities are still available. 

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!

 

 

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