When to Go & Travel Tips
Iceland’s weather changes fast in every season, and daylight swings from almost endless in June to just a few hours in December. Seasons, driving, safety and entry rules are here.
When to go
June to August
Long, bright days, with near-constant light around the June solstice. The busiest and most expensive season, and the only time the highland F-roads are usually open.
September and October
Fewer crowds, autumn colour, and the return of dark skies for the northern lights. Weather becomes more changeable.
November to March
Short days and winter driving conditions, but the best chance of the northern lights and snowy landscapes. Small-group tours are a good alternative to driving yourself.
April and May
Lengthening days and quieter roads before the summer rush. Puffins start to return to the cliffs in late spring.
Getting there and entry
- International flights land at Keflavík International Airport, about 45 minutes from Reykjavík by car or airport bus. Several Canadian cities have non-stop flights, some only in summer.
- Iceland is in the Schengen Area but not the EU. Canadians do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days in any 180 days in the Schengen Area, and the EU Entry/Exit System registers you at the border. ETIAS is not in operation yet.
- Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the date you plan to leave the Schengen Area.
Driving and camper vans
- Traffic keeps to the right, and headlights must be on at all times. A Canadian licence is accepted for visits, and the Government of Canada recommends carrying an International Driving Permit.
- Driving off marked roads and tracks is strictly forbidden. The highland F-roads need a four-wheel-drive vehicle, usually open only from about late June to September, and are closed to camper vans.
- Spending the night in a camper van or caravan outside an organized campsite is illegal without the landowner’s permission.
- Check road conditions at road.is and safety advice at safetravel.is before and during your trip.
Staying safe outdoors
- Sneaker waves at Reynisfjara and other black-sand beaches have killed visitors. Stay well back from the water.
- The Reykjanes Peninsula, near Grindavík and the Blue Lagoon, has had repeated volcanic eruptions since 2023. Follow local advice, as access can change at short notice.
- Glacier walks and ice caves need a qualified guide and proper equipment. Hot springs can be dangerously hot.
Practical notes
- The currency is the Icelandic króna (ISK). Cards are accepted almost everywhere.
- Pack waterproof layers, a warm hat and sturdy shoes in every season.
- Dial 112 for emergencies.
Entry rules and advisories change. Before you book and again before you fly, check travel.gc.ca.
Iceland planning questions
When can you see the northern lights in Iceland?
They need dark, clear skies, so the season runs roughly from September to April. Sightings are never guaranteed, because cloud cover and solar activity vary. Staying a few nights outside Reykjavík improves your chances.
Can you snorkel at Silfra without diving experience?
Yes. Guided drysuit snorkelling tours don’t need a certification, but you should be comfortable swimming, and operators set their own age, size and health requirements. Diving at Silfra requires a drysuit certification and recent drysuit experience.
Can you camp anywhere in a camper van in Iceland?
No. Overnight stays in camper vans and caravans must be at organized campsites unless the landowner has given permission. Camper vans also cannot use the highland F-roads, which need a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
How many days do you need in Iceland?
Four or five nights cover Reykjavík, the Golden Circle and the south coast. A week or so reaches the glacier lagoon, and ten or more nights let you drive the whole Ring Road without rushing.
Do Canadians need a visa for Iceland?
Not for a holiday of up to 90 days in any 180 in the Schengen Area. You will be registered in the EU Entry/Exit System at the border. ETIAS is not in operation yet. Check travel.gc.ca before you book and again before you fly.
Let’s plan your Iceland trip
Tell me when you’d like to go, how long you have, and whether you’d rather drive yourself, travel by camper van or join small-group tours. I’ll plan the route and book the stays, car and flights.
The initial 30-minute consultation is complimentary. The professional research fee is $50 per traveller aged 2 or older, paid before research begins.