Weather in Iceland in March Travel Guide

Imagine an Iceland trip in March. It's like being in a movie where the scenes keep changing from snowy mountains to green fields. March is a great time when you still feel a bit of winter's chill, but you can also see spring starting to pop up. It's a mix of snowball fights and spotting the first few flowers. Planning a visit in March? Let's dive deeper into the weather in Iceland in March.

Iceland in March at a glance

March brings the transition from winter to spring in Iceland, with longer daylight hours and potential for Northern Lights viewing alongside winter activities.

• Average temperatures range from -28°F to 37°F (2°C to 3°C), with cold winds and possible snow or rain
• Good time to visit for Northern Lights, fewer crowds, and winter activities, though weather can be unpredictable
• Low season means significantly fewer tourists and lower accommodation costs compared to summer months

What is the weather like in Iceland in March?

The weather in Iceland in March holds on to winter. Snow, sleet, and rain can all appear in the same day, especially in the south and along the coast. Roads are generally open, but conditions can be icy and wind makes travel unpredictable.

That said, it’s still a good time for Northern Lights if skies stay clear, and ice cave tours and glacier hikes are in full swing. March offers better daylight than earlier winter months and far fewer crowds than in summer. If you’re prepared for rough weather, it’s a rewarding time to explore the dramatic side of Iceland. This is a great month to plan your Iceland itinerary. 

Average daily temperatures in March

March in Iceland brings a slow shift toward spring, but it’s still mostly winter conditions. Average daytime highs range from 37 to 41°F (3 to 5°C), while nights usually drop to 28 to 32°F (–2 to 0°C).

These temperatures are slightly warmer than January and February but still cold overall. Coastal areas tend to be a bit milder due to the Gulf Stream, while inland regions stay colder.

Sea temperatures sit around 39 to 41°F (4 to 5°C), too chilly for swimming unless it’s in a geothermal pool. You’ll get a big daylight boost this month, from about 10 hours at the beginning to almost 13 by the end, making it easier to explore between snow flurries and bright spells.

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Is March a good time to visit Iceland?

March is a good choice for those who want Iceland’s winter feel but with longer days. The roads are more navigable than in the depths of winter, and many popular tours keep running, including ice cave walks, snowmobiling, and glacier hikes.

You’ll still have a strong chance of seeing the Northern Lights, especially in rural areas. The weather stays cold and changeable, so flexible plans and warm gear are essential. Tourist numbers stay relatively low, which means more space to enjoy hot springs and iconic sights like the Golden Circle without big crowds. For more tips, see our guide to how to plan a trip to Iceland.

• Northern Lights still possible
• Longer daylight for outdoor trips
• Winter tours like ice caves still running
• Fewer tourists than in summer
• Weather can change quickly, so plan ahead

What about the crowd and cost?

March strikes a balance between winter and spring, with far fewer tourists than the peak summer months. Winter activities are still running, and the Northern Lights remain visible, but prices are generally lower than in high season.

Accommodation and tour costs sit between the mail-vacation lows of January and the sharp increases seen from June onward. Brief crowd surges can occur around Easter, especially in Reykjavík and popular day-trip destinations. April and May tend to bring lower prices but also more unpredictable weather. For those looking to experience Iceland’s winter landscapes without summer crowds or Christmas premiums, March is a strong choice.  If you're still deciding, see our guide to the best time to visit Iceland. 

Where to go in Iceland in March

March is a crossover month in Iceland. You still get the dramatic winter scenery, but it’s a little easier to travel. Here are some of the best places to visit in Iceland. 

Reykjavik

Reykjavik gives you the best of both worlds. You can start the day in a museum or gallery and end it in a hot spring or thermal pool. The weather shifts fast, but the city is built for that. March is a good time for food, music, and local events, all in a walkable downtown. 

Golden Circle

The Golden Circle stays dramatic in March. Gullfoss might be partially frozen, Geysir still erupts, and Þingvellir looks stunning under a blanket of snow. Daylight helps stretch the trip into a full-day loop. Tour options are still active, and you won’t run into summer crowds. Just be sure to have a proper vehicle for icy roads.

South Coast

This is one of Iceland’s most photogenic areas in March, and it works well for 5-day Iceland trips focused on the south coast. You’ll see black sand beaches with ice chunks, big waterfalls forming icicles, and glaciers in stable condition for hiking. It’s possible to base yourself in Reykjavik and take day trips here, but staying overnight gives you more time to explore. Ice caves are usually still open, and visibility is better than in midwinter.

What to do in Iceland in March

March gives you the best of both worlds in Iceland. You still get long nights for seeing the Northern Lights, but the days are starting to stretch out again, which means more time to explore. Here are some of the best things to do in Iceland. 

Hunt the Northern Lights

March is one of the last good chances to see the Aurora before summer light takes over. You’ll still get long dark nights, but without the bitter cold of mid-winter. Guided trips by Super Jeep or boat give you access to wide-open landscapes with minimal light pollution. Some hotels offer wake-up calls if the lights appear while you're sleeping. If you’ve never seen them, this is the time to go. See our pick of the best places to see the Northern Lights in Iceland.

Explore caves

This is the tail end of the ice cave season, when the formations are still stable and safe to visit. The crystal-blue caves under Vatnajökull glacier are some of the most photographed in the country, and for good reason. Tours give you helmets, crampons, and a short glacier walk before descending into spaces shaped entirely by ice. It’s otherworldly, and no two seasons look the same.

Soak in the natural hot springs

With snow still on the ground and cool air all around, Iceland’s hot springs feel even better in March. The Blue Lagoon is the most famous, but you’ll find more local experiences in places like the Secret Lagoon or Reykjadalur, where you hike to a warm river in a steamy valley. Some pools stay open late, so you might catch the Northern Lights while you soak. See our pick of the best geothermal pools in Iceland. 
 

Planning your itinerary

Our Iceland itineraries are crafted to help you experience the best of the country, stress-free. Think of them as a starting point—perfect for planning but flexible enough to adjust to your own pace and interests. After all, travel is about freedom, but a little planning goes a long way.

• Iceland itinerary 5 days: A quick trip hitting Iceland’s highlights. Visit Reykjavik and the Golden Circle and take in the stunning scenery of the South Coast.
• Iceland itinerary 10 days: Ten days allows for a more relaxed pace and a chance to see multiple regions, including the East Fjords or Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
• Iceland itinerary 14 days: Two weeks means you can really explore Iceland in depth, including the Beltway and possibly the remote Westfjords.
• Iceland Beltway itinerary: A full circuit of Iceland’s Beltway, typically done in 7-10 days. Expect constantly changing landscapes, from glaciers to fjords to volcanic plains, and the freedom to explore each region as you go.