Have you ever wondered what April in Iceland is like?
It’s the time of year when the country is slowly waking up from winter, stretching its arms and breathing in the cool crisp air as sunlight peeks through the blinds.
The mood is lighter in April in Iceland as summer draws near.
Nature starts to come alive with puffins nesting, daylight hours increase, and the Northern Lights bid a final farewell.
In this post, I’ll be answering your questions about weather, sightseeing, driving, festivals, and more for your adventure in April in Iceland.
Let’s get into it!
Table of Contents:
- Is April a Good Time to Visit Iceland?
- Iceland April Daylight Hours
- April in Iceland: Northern Lights
- April in Iceland: Weather
- What To Wear in Iceland in April
- Sightseeing Availability
- Driving in April in Iceland
- April Festivals + Events
- Things To Do in Iceland in April
- Iceland Guidebooks + Maps
Is April a Good Time to Visit Iceland?
April in Iceland is a great time to experience the snow-kissed beauty of winter while enjoying slightly warmer weather and longer hours for sightseeing. There are also numerous festivals and events happening throughout the month.
Let me share a few reasons why I think April is a good time to visit Iceland.
Puffins: At the very end of April in Iceland, the puffins start arriving to mate and nest. A couple of great viewing spots include Dyrhólaey and Ingólfshöfði Nature Reserve. While peak season is May-August, you might just be able to spot some of these adorable creatures if you’re arriving late in the month!
More daylight hours: More daylight hours are always very exciting because this means more time in which to explore. Iceland has numerous iconic attractions and with extended daylight hours, you can make the most of your trip by ticking off more places off your bucket list!
Off-peak season: April is still considered shoulder season, and with that, comes a few perks.
There aren’t that many crowds at this time. Prices on accommodation, tours, and rentals tend to be a little bit cheaper, making April a great time to travel to Iceland.
Northern Lights: If you want to catch the northern lights in April, I assume that you’re someone that lives for the rush of doing things at the last minute, aren’t you? 😉 It’s still possible to see them at the beginning of April, although it’s not ideal due to the extended daylight hours.
Accessibility: As the snow starts melting, areas that were previously a no-go in the middle of winter, like the Westfjörds, become accessible in April. But remember, the weather conditions are temperamental and if you’re planning a trip, remember that driving can be a challenge.
Iceland April Daylight Hours
So, let’s talk about the number of daylight hours you’re getting in April in Iceland.
There’s a lot to see in Iceland and you’ll want to make the most of the time you have. Knowing how much daylight you have is key to effectively planning your days.
At the beginning of April, you’re looking at around 13 hours of daylight, but by the end of the month, it’s up to about 16 hours.
So, it’s getting a lot brighter with lots of daylight hours for exploring!
April in Iceland: Northern Lights
If you’re hoping to see the aurora, April in Iceland is the very tail end of the Northern Lights season.
The last opportunity to catch them is around the mid-April mark. Anything past that, it’s not getting dark enough into the evening to see the aurora.
I recommend taking a Northern Lights tour because the guides know the exact spots that will maximize your chances of viewing them.
Keep reading, I’ll get to awesome tour suggestions in a bit… 😉
If you’d prefer to venture out on your own, I dedicated a whole blog post on how to see the Northern Lights and the best spots to view them below.👇
➡️ READ: How To See The Northern Lights In Iceland: Best Viewing Spots, When To Go And MORE
April in Iceland: Weather
If you’re living in the northern hemisphere, April is usually considered a spring month.
But in Iceland, things are a little different.
I like to say that Iceland basically has two seasons: Winter and winter-lite. April in Iceland feels like the latter! 😂
I often get asked, is there snow in Iceland in April?
Yes, snowfall is possible.
You can expect wind, rain, sun, and possibly snow, so be prepared for all types of weather.
The average rainfall will be 72.2mm (2.9 in.), less than what we experienced since January.
The snow may be starting to melt, and you may even see some green grass and flowers blooming, but you never really know.
The landscapes might still be mostly brown with snow-capped mountains, but they’re still absolutely stunning!
Temperature In Iceland In April
You can still expect there to be a chill in the air, but it is starting to warm up slightly.
The average temperature in Iceland in April is between 1 degree Celsius (34 degrees Fahrenheit) and 6 degrees Celsius.
So, it’s not your typical spring, remember – winter-lite! 😉
What To Wear in Iceland in April
If one thing’s for sure, it’s that April weather in Iceland is definitely unpredictable.
The number one recommendation I always have when wondering what to wear in Iceland in April is to pack layers.
This way, you can easily add or remove layers based on the rapidly changing weather. Because yes, in Iceland it can easily feel like you can experience all four seasons in just one day!
As you can still expect wind, rain, and snow, these layers need to be waterproof and windproof, especially the outer shell.
Need help deciding what to pack for April in Iceland? Check out my Ultimate Iceland Packing Guide!
In it, you’ll find essential weather information for all the seasons, packing tips, and checklists to make planning your trip effortless. I’ve even included what to pack for the kids!
Download my FREE Packing Guide below 👇
Outer layer: This would include a wind and waterproof jacket, and lightweight hiking pants that are also comfortable. A hat or headband will help keep you warm, especially when the wind picks up.
One of my favorite things is my touchscreen gloves. Whether I’m referring to my maps, recording content, or taking photographs, these gloves allow me to use my electronic devices without having to remove them.
If you must choose between a scarf or a buff, opt for the latter because it’s more compact and packs away easily if you don’t need it.
Layers: Be sure to bring thermal base layers, several long-sleeved tops and sweaters, and comfy stretchy leggings! I also love all things wool because there’s nothing quite like it to trap in heat! If you’ve been looking for the perfect sweater, you need to check out the original Icelandic Lopapeysa. It’ll be the best sweater you’ve ever owned, trust me!
➡️ READ: Icelandic Lopapeysa: Your Guide to Buying Authentic Icelandic Wool Sweaters
Footwear: I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to bring good quality hiking shoes that are waterproof and comfortable. We’ve all been there, walking in uncomfortable shoes that cause blisters can really put a damper on your day!
Iceland has a huge pool culture and if you’ve added the hot springs to your itinerary, pack a pair of flip-flops.
Bottom line: You have to be prepared for all seasons. If you want a more in-depth look at what to pack for April in Iceland, I highly suggest referring to my spring packing list blog below for more details👇
➡️ READ: Iceland Spring Packing List: Pack Like A Pro In April + May
Sightseeing Availability
It can be tricky knowing which areas are accessible for sightseeing, especially when the seasons change. This is what you can expect in April in Iceland regarding accessibility to some of the most popular sights
Reykjavík, Golden Circle, South Iceland, and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula: In terms of sightseeing, these areas are easily accessible in April. They are some of the most popular routes in Iceland and the roads are well-maintained so you can easily venture out and enjoy all the attractions.
East Iceland, Westfjörds, and the north part of the Ring Road: You’re going to want to exercise a bit more caution with these areas, especially the Westfjörds.
I traveled to the Westfjörds in April, but it was challenging, to say the least! You may encounter some pretty terrible weather and a ton of snow, especially on the mountain passes. For this reason, I still always suggest a 4W drive in the winter, including April. But more on that in a bit.
We also had difficulty accessing certain things like restaurants because they were still closed for the winter season.
Highlands, Þórsmörk, Landmannalaugar, and surrounding areas: These areas are completely off-limits in April. It’s generally colder, with more snow, and too dangerous to access them this time of year.
Driving in April in Iceland
The weather in April in Iceland is very unpredictable.
On the one hand, the roads could be very slippery, and snowy and storms could lead to road closures.
On the other hand, the snow could already be melting and you could experience nice weather and the roads are fine.
It makes me think of the famous Forrest Gump quote, … “You never know what you’re gonna get”. 😅
It’s always a good idea to be prepared for difficult driving conditions.
Now, the decision on whether you should rent a 2WD or a 4WD in April will depend on where you plan on going. If you’re sticking to the popular routes where the roads are maintained, you could probably get away with a 2W drive. Personally, I suggest a 4WD for April.
I made a video on this topic that I’m sure you’ll find helpful, so make sure to check that out below👇
Pro tip: Always check the road conditions before heading out for the day because it can really have a huge impact on your travel plans. Check the local website road.is where you’ll find out information about traffic, road closures, and road conditions.
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April Festivals + Events
A few fun events are happening during April in Iceland, on everything from culture to sports.
Some of these dates might change from year to year, so if you’re planning a visit, make sure to double-check the dates for these events for the year you’re coming to see if they line up.
Easter
The most important Icelandic holiday in April to keep in mind is Easter. Now, this holiday either falls over March or April, so again, please keep this in mind before you travel.
Icelanders take Easter very seriously – they get a few days off work before the holiday and extend the break until the Monday after Easter.
Just a heads up, lots of places might have limited hours or be closed during this time.
Icelanders love candy, and for Easter, they go crazy with chocolates!
It’s the best kind of crazy. 😄
They’ll sell huge chocolate eggs, and inside of that egg, there are even more chocolates and treats. I swear, the eggs are about the size of your head!
You can, however, buy them in a range of sizes from huge, down to miniature size and they’re often given out as gifts.
You can be sure of one thing, there will always be chocolates during Easter!
Aldrei Fór Ég Suður
A festival that happens around the Easter season is called Aldrei fór ég suður, which means, “I never went south.”
This is a really big, fun music celebration that happens in Ísafjörður in the Westfjörds.
The festival’s name comes from a song by Bubbi Morthens, who apparently “never went south” to Reykjavík; and each year local musicians perform at this festival.
The festival is free and what’s interesting is that each band has the same amount of time to play and there’s no sound check before the time.
It’s a really fun experience!
AK Extreme
This is a great event to check out for anyone who’s into winter snow sports.
AK Extreme is a snowboarding event that happens in Akureyri, north Iceland. It draws massive crowds and you’ll have people competing locally or from abroad.
This event usually spans over 3 days and there are also music festivals that coincide with it.
Children’s Culture Festival
This festival is all about children and focuses on exposing the youth to various art forms through workshops and performances.
You can expect to see theater, art, puppetry, dance, music, and more, all aimed to spark creativity.
Check it out, especially if you’re traveling with kids!
➡️ READ: Plan The Ultimate Iceland Family Holiday: 8 Tips To Help You Travel Better With Kids
Things To Do In Iceland In April
If you’re wondering what to do in Iceland in April, you’ve got plenty of options! With the changing season and increase in daylight hours, there are lots of breathtaking sights to explore.
Areas that were closed during winter, are now starting to open as the weather improves. And this is also the last chance you’ll get to experience some of those activities that are only available over the winter.
Glacier Hike: An incredible way to explore Icelandic nature is with a glacier hike! Drive by Eyjafjallajökull glacier, and then visit Sólheimajökull glacier tongue that extends from one of Iceland’s largest glaciers. Basic hiking gear and safety equipment are provided.
Tour: South Coast & Glacier Hiking
Puffins: At the very end of April in Iceland, the Puffins start arriving. They come back to land to nest and have their babies and it’s a really cool thing to see, even if you don’t consider yourself to be a bird whisperer! Check out this video if you’d like to find out more about these sweet Icelandic creatures.👇
Northern Lights: If you want to catch the aurora, make sure that your Northern Lights tour is booked as early in the month as possible to avoid disappointment. This really is the last time you’ll be able to see them until winter rolls around again!
➡️ Take A Tour: DT 10 Northern Lights
Snowmobiling: If you’ve ever wanted to go snowmobiling on a glacier, this is your chance. Hold on to your woolen hat!
➡️ Take A Tour: Pearl Tour – Golden Circle Super Jeep Tour & Snowmobiling
Geothermal pools: Pool culture is HUGE in Iceland! Take a soak in one of the country’s relaxing geothermal pools or spas – there’s at least one in every town. It’s the perfect way to end a day of adventuring! A word to the wise -if you’re interested in experiencing the geothermal pools but not up for the crowds, then check out this post I did on Blue Lagoon alternatives:
➡️ READ MORE: Top 10 Blue Lagoon Alternatives: Hot Springs, Pools, and Spas That Are Just as Breathtaking
Waterfalls: Iceland is estimated to have over 10,000 waterfalls, so you absolutely cannot leave without visiting at least one of them! Check out some of my top favorite waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, and Goðafoss. Trust me you won’t be disappointed!
➡️ Take A Tour: Silver Circle Small Group Day Tour | Canyon Baths, Waterfalls & Sagas
Iceland Guidebooks + Maps
Planning a trip to Iceland can feel overwhelming, especially with the language barrier, wild weather, and the hurdles of reaching remote locations.
An overseas holiday to Iceland may feel completely out of your comfort zone.
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Happy Planning,
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