Iceland in April. It is summer already?
The month of April comes to Iceland with many awaited events. Some significant events are the Easter celebration and the First Day of Summer.
Then, the growing daylight and all the cultural events. Once we gain more light here in Iceland, we want to spend more time in nature with the family.
April is bringing the summer to Iceland, and even if the temperatures are not so friendly, it is warmer, and the weather is calmer.
It is the start of the shoulder season. Even though some activities like ice cave exploration and northern lights hunting have become unavailable, many other exciting activities are available in April.
And it is the best time for travelling because it is less touristy and you find more hotel availability.
This year, there are some beautiful cultural events during April that you can attend if you want to join the Icelanders in their celebrations.
Weather in Iceland in April
April in Iceland marks a transition from the icy grip of winter to the awakening of spring, creating a weather tableau as unpredictable as it is enchanting. As the days grow longer, April showcases a fascinating mix of weather patterns.
While snow still blankets some areas, especially in the north and highlands, temperatures gradually rise, and the landscapes begin to thaw, revealing bursts of vibrant greenery.
Visitors can expect a medley of weather conditions, from crisp sunny days that beckon exploration to sudden snow flurries and brisk winds that add an element of drama to the scenery.
It’s a month where packing layers is essential, allowing travellers to adapt to the erratic Icelandic weather and embrace the awe-inspiring beauty of this Nordic island.
How to dress for Iceland in April
Exploring Iceland in April demands a wardrobe strategy that embraces versatility and weather readiness. As you prepare for your journey, prioritize adaptable clothing choices that cater to the island’s erratic climate.
A sturdy, waterproof jacket is a reliable shield against the sporadic rain and winds that characterize this time of year. Layering becomes your ally—think thermal base layers for warmth, followed by insulating mid-layers like fleece or wool.
Essential accessories include waterproof boots, thermal socks, gloves, a scarf, and a hat to keep you cosy while exploring the stunning Icelandic landscapes. Flexibility is critical; pack smartly to accommodate the unpredictable weather shifts you might encounter.
Easter Monday- Annar í páskum
Easter Monday is the last day of the Easter celebration, and people enjoy their time with family and eating the leftovers from the Easter dinner.
In Iceland, Easter means time spent with family and travelling. Do not hesitate to travel to Iceland during Easter. It is less touristy and expensive than in the high season. And the weather is slightly better than in the past months.
The first day of Summer- Sumardagurinn fyrsti
The first day of summer in Iceland is a public holiday when people have a day off to celebrate the beginning of the summer. Sumardagurinn fyrsti is celebrated every year on the first Thursday after the 18th of April; that’s why it doesn’t have a fixed date.
The celebration of this day links to the old Icelandic calendar, where a year has six months of short days and six months of long nightless days. The first summer day marks the beginning of the month Harpa in the old Icelandic calendar.
On this day, Icelanders fly the country’s flag in their backyards, marking the celebration of the summer and the long days that are coming. Also, parades and entertaining events are organised all over Iceland.
Now let’s talk about what activities are available starting in April and what you can see in Iceland during this period.
April is the last month Aurora borealis can be visible in the sky because of the growing daylight and the coming midnight sun that will take over the night sky. Depending on the sun’s activity and cloud coverage, there is a chance to see the Northern Lights until the middle of April.
But remember that seeing the Northern Lights in April is a rarity, depending on the solar activity. Do not make the Northern Lights your main reason for visiting Iceland during April.
The temperatures are rising, and the ice caves at Vatnajökull glacier have become dangerous to explore. However, some ice caves are available for exploration all year.
One ice cave is the Katla ice cave in South Iceland. It is located in the Kötlujökull glacier, part of the Mýrdalsjökull glacier.
And the other one is the ice cave at Langjökull Glacier. The ice cave at Langjökull is artificial, so there has been an entire process of carving into the glacier and forming the tunnel.
Local authorities opened the ice cave to the public in 2015, and the tunnel inside the glacier is 550m long and goes 30 meters into the glacier.
These are excellent options if you want to explore some ice caves.
Whale watching is an all-year activity, but it is available only in certain places in Iceland during winter. During summer, there are many places where you can go whale watching, including Reykjavik.
Once the summer season is coming, the marine life in the Atlantic Ocean returns around Iceland for breeding. The summer season for whale watching started this year on the 1st of April.
Check this blog to find the best places to see whales in Iceland.
Puffin watching is a popular summer activity. Puffins are coming to Iceland once the temperatures are warmer. In some parts of Iceland, puffins are coming earlier.
This year, people spotted some puffins in Borgarfjörður Eystri at the beginning of April. Until the end of the month, more puffins will come to different places in Iceland for the breeding season.
Check this blog to find the best places to see puffins in Iceland.
There is no right time for a geothermal bath. And it is a must-do in Iceland. Check our blog for the best places to relax like a true Viking.
Also, book your ticket now if you plan to come to Iceland in April.
There are many activities you can enjoy doing in Iceland during April. Some of them are ATV tours, glacier hiking, museum visits, snowmobile tours, dog-sledging, helicopter tours, lava cave exploring, zipline and many more.
Find all those activities on our website.
April is the best time for sightseeing, and places are less touristy, so that you can enjoy them yourself.
