A trip to Iceland in March means that you’ll be marching right into spring as the month officially kicks off the season. March is a good option if you still want to enjoy some of the winter sights without the extreme weather and want to enjoy some of our summer perks without their peak season disadvantages.
Intrigued? Then read on. March may just be the perfect fit for you and your Iceland bucket list. We give you the lowdown on what you can expect from going to Iceland in March and everything you need to know to plan your trip.
Is March a Good Time to Go to Iceland?
This will all depend on your personal preferences and budget, and what you would like to see and do here on the island. Check out our short summary of all the pros and cons of traveling to Iceland in March so you can decide for yourself:
Pros
- Visiting Iceland in March means that you’ll be visiting during one of our shoulder months, right before our summer peak season. The benefits of visiting during a shoulder month are that you don’t need to contend with the peak season crowds for things like transport and accommodation. You also don’t have to share various attractions and activities with so much foot traffic.
- With no peak season crowds on the island, you also won’t find any of those peak season prices that can quickly demolish any well-planned holiday budget.
- Daylight hours have finally increased to a point where you feel like you can have more than just two items on a daily trip itinerary again.
- Even though daylight hours are increasing, you’ll still have enough darkness to be able to spot the Northern Lights in Iceland in March.
- With the arrival of spring, many of the roads that were kept closed during the colder months of the year are slowly starting to open again, making planning the ultimate road trip much easier.
Cons
- Even though daylight hours are increasing, it’s still not enough to experience one of our most famous natural phenomena, the Midnight Sun.
- March in Iceland isn’t the best time if you want to see some of our famous wildlife. It’ll be just too early for our Puffins, which arrive for their breeding season from May, and some of our migratory whale species, which call Iceland home during our whale season between April and September.
- Although the winter season has officially ended, its remnants are still found all across the island, including the roads. So, while a road trip is a great idea, some remaining snow and ice can make driving tricky.
The Weather in Iceland in March
In March, things are starting to look up when it comes to the climate on the island, and will keep on improving till July. Here’s what you can expect from the Iceland weather in March:
The Temperature in Iceland in March
Iceland’s temperature in March is still bouncing back from our winter season lows. So, if you’re wondering how cold it is in Iceland in March, we must admit that it will still be fairly chilly (don’t make the mistake of confusing your spring with our Iceland spring).
Temperatures range between -2 and 3 degrees Celsius, with the average temperature in Iceland in March sticking to about 0 degrees. If you visit Reykjavik in March, you’ll experience that the capital city seems to be slightly hotter than when one leaves its borders. This feeling is seeped in both fact and fiction.
The south of Iceland is indeed slightly hotter than the northern regions. Still, the city is definitely not any different from the outskirts of the city. It’s merely the shelter the buildings offer against certain weather elements that makes it feel slightly warmer inside the city.
Rainfall in Iceland in March
It is definitely possible that you will get some rainfall during your trip, so you will need to be prepared. But even though it’s one of our wetter months of the year, it’s still not the wettest, and you can expect about 82 mm of rain throughout the month, which equates to about 14 days).
Snowfall in Iceland in March
There is still a slight chance of soft snowfall during March, but you don’t need to worry about blizzards like we often get during the winter season. The chance of snowfall in March impacting the road conditions as dramatically as during the colder months of the year is also next to nothing.
The Wind in Iceland in March
You’ll be glad to know that our 35+ kilometer wind speeds of the winter season are a thing of the past when visiting Iceland in March. During your trip to the island, you can expect wind speeds to average about 23 kilometers an hour.
Daylight Hours in Iceland in March
As mentioned, daylight hours have already increased drastically from the mere 4 hours we have mid-winter. When you arrive in early March, daylight hours will already be 11 hours a day, and by the end of the month, the ever-increasing daylight hours will be 13.
The Best Things to Do in Iceland in March
If you are wondering what to do in Iceland in March, you can rest assured that creating a jam-packed trip itinerary is not hard. Here are a few things you can consider adding to your Iceland bucket list:
Stroll Along Our Black Sand Beaches
One of Iceland’s trademark characteristics is our black sand beaches. These beaches have much more significance than just a unique aesthetic. The black sand is actually all that remains of hardened lava from thousands and thousands of years of eruptions here on the island. Stroll along Reynisfjara with its kilometers of outstretched beach, or marvel at the shimmering sight of Diamond Beach.
Explore the Ice Caves
Many of the ice caves in Iceland are kept closed throughout the warmer months of the year due to safety concerns. The ice melts in the heat, and which is also part of the ice cave’s charm. These incredible natural wonders, with their bright blue yet somehow still translucent walls, still have black ash streaks as past erosions have been captured in time.
But with the ice caves melting during the warmer months and then (re)freezing during the colder months, the ice caves are ever evolving, and the ice cave you visit this year may not look the same when visiting it again next year.
Take a Boat Tour on the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
The Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is a must-visit spot in Iceland. And although anyone can visit and view the scene from the “shores” of the lagoon, we strongly advise that you book yourself a spot on one of our boat tours. There are two boats, the Zodiac and the Amphibian.
The Zodiac is a much smaller type of motorboat, and the ride is faster and bumpier (great for those who want to get the adrenaline pumping a bit). The Amphibian is a bigger boat with a more leisurely cruise vibe. Whichever you choose, both will get you up close and personal with the seals lazying around on floating sheets of ice and within touching distance of the glacier (but don’t try to actually touch it, please).
Traverse a Glacier
In a country called Iceland that’s often referred to as the Land of Fire and Ice, it should come as no surprise that we have a lot of ice. And our ice doesn’t get much more impressive than when in the form of our gigantic glaciers. You will find many glaciers in Iceland, one of which is the largest in Europe, called Vatnajökull.
You can explore these enormous icy landscapes in various ways: hiking, snowmobiling, riding in a Super Jeep, etc. But whatever your preference, you need to remember that exploring our glaciers can only be done via guided tours, as there is a safety element to it.
Check Out Our Waterfalls
We have over 10 000 waterfalls in Iceland, one more unique and impressive than the other. You can check out Dettifoss, the 2nd most powerful waterfall in all of Europe, Seljalandsfoss, the waterfall where you can walk behind its veil of water, or Svartifoss, the inspiration behind Hallgrimskirkja.
Explore the Capital Via the Reykjavik Food Walk
If you’re hungry for knowledge and delicious food, the Reykjavik Food Walk is for you. During this tour, a local guide takes you around the capital city, teaching you all about its history and giving you the insider scoop – in between stops at local eateries where you will be treated to local cuisine and some of our best craft beers.
Go Hiking
This is the first month after the winter season that one can start hiking in Iceland again. Irrespective of fitness level, age, or experience, we have numerous hiking trails here on the island that ranges from day hikes to multi-day treks. You can start by checking out a few of our most popular trails in Iceland’s national parks.
Take a Dip in Our Hot Springs
Iceland’s hot springs are favorites among visitors. They are caused by the volcanic activity on the island heating up the underground water supply. Some hot springs are still in their natural form, while others are used in our geothermal pools. But whether you prefer taking a dip at Hrunalaug or the Myvatn Nature Baths, it’s an experience you won’t forget any time soon.
Explore the Island on Horseback
By going on a horseback riding tour on the island, you won’t just be able to completely immerse yourself in the local surroundings but also experience our own local breed of horse. The Icelandic Horse looks similar to a pony in size, can perform an extra gait, and is extremely friendly. During the cold months, they also sport a thick, fluffy coat that protects them against the freezing temperatures. You will find horseback riding tours and farms all over the country.
Go Camping
This is the best way to immerse yourself in Icelandic nature, get as close to the action as possible, and have the most budget-friendly holiday. Visiting Iceland in March also means you’re just in time for the reopening of the camping season after the winter. If you purchase the Camping Card, you’ll be entitled to even further discounts at various campsites across the country. And if you rent a motorhome in Iceland, you’ll be able to go camping in comfort.
Dive or Snorkel the Silfra Fissure
The Silfra Fissure is a geological wonder in Thingvellir National Park. This fissure (or tear) is where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates push apart. Now, filled with glacial water, people can go and dive or snorkel the Silfra, and quite literally lie suspended between two continents. Just remember that you will need a valid diving license if you want to go the diving route.
Driving in Iceland in March
As we already mentioned, road conditions would’ve drastically improved since winter with its legendary winds, blizzards, and ice. But in March, there will still be places where the snow and ice need to thaw, so you’ll need to be careful. With improved weather, increased daylight hours, and improved road conditions, a road trip is the perfect way to explore the island.
Some of our most popular routes include the Ring Road, the Golden Circle, and the Diamond Circle. Just keep in mind that when you want to explore more remote regions such as the Highlands and the Westfjords, the majority of the F-roads will only be opening in July. To decide whether you will need a 4x4 vehicle, what type of rental insurance you will need to take out, and what accessories, such as snow tires, you will need, please chat with your rental agent about your planned road trip route.
Icelandic Festivals and Events in March
Why not work in a celebration or two in between your sightseeing? The following are some of the local festivals and events happening in March:
Reykjavik Food and Fun Festival
Tickle your tastebuds with this family-friendly event. With over 18 of the capital’s finest restaurants taking part in the Reykjavik Food and Fun festival, you are sure to have your fill of delicious local cuisine and entertainment.
Aldrei For Eg Sudur Music Festival
The Aldrei For Eg Sudur Music Festival is held in Isafjördur over the Easter weekend each year (in other words, the end of March). Spend the weekend in good company while listening to good music.
What to Pack for Iceland in March
If you are wondering what to pack for your Iceland trip, check out our complete Iceland packing list. But when it comes to what to wear in Iceland in March, the following are a few essentials that you can’t forget:
Waterproof Clothing and a Raincoat. Of course, waterproof clothes for Iceland in March will come in handy when you get caught in the rain, but there are many other situations where this will prove handy here on the island, such as walking the wet and muddy trails of the natural hot springs or visiting the powerful waterfalls that create a staggering amount of mist and spray.
Sunglasses. Not just because it’s the beginning of spring and you need to get into the spirit, but because with the remaining snow and ice and all the water around the island, the light reflecting off the surfaces can be incredibly bothersome.
Sunscreen. Don’t be fooled by the cooler temperatures and overcast weather – you can still end up with a nasty sunburn, especially when you head out on the water or go glacier exploring.
Enough Clothes to Layer. Ensure you have enough t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, and sweaters to layer up. Our local saying goes, “You can experience all four seasons in a day in Iceland”, so you’ll need to layer up every day in order to take something off or put something on as needed.
Where to Stay in Iceland in March
Iceland offers all sorts of accommodation options to suit any personal preference and budget. For some luxuries, we recommend a hotel stay. To spend a little less but still have most of your creature comforts, we suggest a Guesthouse, a Farm Stay (with the added benefit of the animals), or an Airbnb.
For the most affordable holiday stay, we suggest booking a camping spot. And, as we’ve already mentioned, you don’t need to “rough” it to go camping. Just rent a motorhome in Iceland and you can go camping in comfort.
Iceland March: The Perfect Shoulder Month for Your Trip
Now that you know what Iceland is like in March, you can see that this shoulder month offers plenty of things to see and do around the island without any of the cons of the peak season. And if you’d like to explore the island via a road trip and go camping, it’s the first month after the winter season when one is really able to do this again.
Rent a motorhome in Iceland so you can have both your transport and accommodation sorted, and you can take advantage of the Camping Card we mentioned. So, what are you waiting for? March into spring on the holiday of a lifetime, and come visit Iceland in March!
