Considering taking a trip to Iceland in April? Read on to find out everything you need to know — from the weather in Iceland in April, to the activities you can enjoy on this unspoiled island.
Here we share intel on some of the unique adventures you can enjoy in Iceland in April — including the Northern Lights — along with info about the weather in Iceland in April.
April is a sweet spot for visiting Iceland. One major advantage is the smaller crowds, which makes the experience all the more intimate.
The majority of tourist destinations are open with smaller queues, leaving you with more time to explore.
Visiting in April also means you'll be able to witness unforgettable wildlife sights like puffins and whales.
In additiion, the Northern Lights are still very much observable at this time.
Bonus point: April is one of the cheapest months to visit Iceland, with more affordable accommodation prices.
Not sure where you want to go? Discover more cool destinations to visit in April.
Despite its perks, visiting Iceland in April has some drawbacks.
One primary concern is the unpredictable weather. Afternoons may be sunny and warm, mornings might be rainy, and nights can be chilly.
There's even a chance of unexpected storms that could compel you to change your itinerary.
As temperatures are less likely to dip below freezing in April, another disadvantage is the potential lack of opportunity to enjoy extreme winter adventures.
So, if ice trekking or glacier climbing are high on your list, you might be better off visiting Iceland in January or February.
For more inspiration, browse our customisable Iceland itineraries.
Vatnajokull, Iceland © Shutterstock
Before you embark on your journey to the land of glaciers and geysers, it's crucial to wise up on the ever-changing weather in Iceland in April.
April is the first month of the year that sees the average temperature sit regularly above the freezing point.
During April, the average temperature stays between 34°F and 45°F (1-1.5 °C).
As the month progresses, the days grow longer and sunnier with increased daytime hours.
Undecided about April? Read our guide to the best time to visit Iceland.
In comparison with the preceding winter months, snowfall in April is sporadic and less frequent.
That said, don't be lulled into a false sense of security. Even in April, roads can be snowy and slippery, especially in remote areas. In addition, road closures as a result of storms aren't unheard of.
All that considered, it's wise to check road conditions and weather updates before setting off.
Even if you're comfortable handling snowy and slippery roads, opting for a 4x4 with studded winter tyres is highly recommended.
Akureyri, Iceland © Shutterstock
While there are tonnes of incredible things to do in Iceland, here's a breakdown of the best things to do in April.
April is a fantastic time to experience the mesmerizing phenomenon of the Northern Lights in Iceland — AKA the Aurora Borealis.
As the sky is still dark enough during the night, this spectacle of dancing, vibrant colours can be observed with remarkable clarity.
The magic begins when the sun goes down. As the sky turns pitch black, it's illuminated by hues of green, purple, pink, red, and blue.
As a bonus, Iceland's relatively mild weather in April make Northern lights gazing all the more comfortable.
While cloud cover might be unpredictable in April, with patience and luck, catching a glimpse of the spectacle is often possible.
To increase your chance of seeing them, use resources like the Icelandic Meteorological Office website, where information is updated in real-time.
Overall, remember that sightings can never be guaranteed as the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and depend on weather conditions and solar activity.
Nonetheless, the anticipation and the excitement of the hunt make the experience well worth pursuing.
The weather in Iceland in April offers opportunities to see the Northern Lights before the season ends @ Shutterstock
Dolphin and whale watching is a popular and rewarding activity to enjoy in Iceland in April in Iceland. This is when the season starts to get into full swing.
Get lucky, and you could see 20+ species of whales and dolphins — including mink whales, humpback whales, and harbor porpoises — around the coast.
2-4 hour whale-watching tours can be booked from Reykjavik and Akureyri, with options to travel on a traditional oak boat or RIB speed boat.
As a bonus, if no whales are sighted during your trip, you can usually join the next available tour free of charge.
If you're also interested in bird-watching, don't miss out on the puffin-watching tours that operate from late April to early May.
Tip: remember to wrap up warm — it gets chilly at sea, even in April.
Humpback whale, Iceland @ Shutterstock
Exploring the South Coast and the Golden Circle is an absolute must-do when visiting Iceland in April.
The South Coast provides a contrasting variety of natural attractions — from Reynisfjara black sand beach, to the mighty Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls.
Hiking through the glacier at Skaftafell, and witnessing the majesty of Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, are also unforgettable experiences.
The Golden Circle's major attractions — including the iconic Þingvellir National Park, the stunning Gullfoss waterfall, and the Geysir geothermal area in Haukadalur — also become more accessible in April.
As April arrives in Iceland, winter retreats, taking with it the ethereal dance of the northern lights. This means April is your last chance to see them.
Given that viewing the Northern Lights is the prime reason many people visit Iceland, here's a run-down of some of the best places to see them.
As a general rule, to see the lights in their full glory, you need to avoid light pooluation. Even driving a short distance out of town could significantly improve your chances.
Northern Lights in Jokulsarlon @ Diana Jarvis
Observing the Northern Lights is dependent on weather conditions, with clear, dark skies a prerequisite.
This means — ideally — no cloud cover, no rain, and (obviously) no daylight.
Whether or not you'll see the aurora comes down to a mix of solar activity — which causes the lights — and the weather, which can hinder or help visibility.
Even if solar activity is high, a cloudy or rainy sky will prevent you from seeing the lights. Also note that if the weather looks unfavourable, Northern Lights tour operators might cancel.
This means it's wise to have a backup plan, especially as the weather in Iceland in April is notorious for being changeable. As the saying goes, "If you don't like the weather in Iceland, just wait 5 minutes".
Above all, stay hopeful! You never know when the sky might clear and present you with an aurora display you'll remember for the rest of your life.
Our tailor-made trip service will enable you to enjoy Iceland in April, whatever the weather, without the hassle of planning.
All our itineraries are created by local Iceland travel experts and can be tailored to your specific needs and interests.
Browse all our Iceland itineraries.
Siglufjordur Harbour at dawn, Iceland
Read on to discover the answers to common questions as you plan your trip to Iceland.
Yes — April is a good time to visit Iceland. This month allows you to experience the lingering winter along with the coming of spring.
April means fewer tourists, lower costs, and a good chance of seeing the last of the Northern Lights. Just remember the weather in Iceland in April can be unpredictable.
The best things to see in Iceland in April include the awe-inspiring Northern Lights, and breathtaking waterfalls, geysers (like Strokkur in the Geysir geothermal area), glacier lagoons, and Thingvellir National Park.
Also, you have a good chance of spotting dolphins and whales in April.
When going to Iceland in April, be ruled by the fact that the weather is changeable. Here's a handy list of what to bring.
Thinking of visiting Iceland? You'll find inspiration in our customisable Iceland itineraries, or contact our local experts to kick-start your perfect trip.
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written by
Olga Sitnitsa
updated 15.12.2023
