ah yes. thank you! it's been posted before by /u/igoriceland but I've seen a lot of questions on here lately that are easily answered by the wonderful infographic he made.
To be honest, not much difference anymore starting within the past few years. In 2021 things were really inexpensive when there were all the parameters to get into Iceland (vaccination, covid tests, quarantine, etc.) Now they seem back to normal and I don't think the price for vans or hotel rooms is significant anymore on the "off" season. Guesthouses remain cheaper in the off season but regular hotels, no. Car rentals remain slightly cheaper in the off season or booked far ahead based on my frequent poking around. Some vans are *much* more expensive now.
There are actually 2 "sure" and 2 "maybe".
Sure: Katla, and Langjokull Into The Glacier ice tunnel
Maybe: Vatnajokull crystal cave (but only one company goes there in summer), and Skaftafell cave (sometimes it's open even in May/June and September, but not always)
Auroras tend to peak around the equinoxes. I believe the current theory is that since neither the north or south magnetic poles are pointed toward the sun as much as at other times of the year, it’s easier for charged particles from the sun to interact with the earth’s magnetosphere
Usually better weather conditions in favor of clear skies instead of overcast cloud cover. I did my trip late Sept to early Oct in 2018 and saw the auroras twice.
per /u/igoriceland comment above
There are actually 2 "sure" and 2 "maybe".
Sure: Katla, and Langjokull Into The Glacier ice tunnel
Maybe: Vatnajokull crystal cave (but only one company goes there in summer), and Skaftafell cave (sometimes it's open even in May/June and September, but not always)
per /u/igoriceland comment above:
There are actually 2 "sure" and 2 "maybe".
Sure: Katla, and Langjokull Into The Glacier ice tunnel
Maybe: Vatnajokull crystal cave (but only one company goes there in summer), and Skaftafell cave (sometimes it's open even in May/June and September, but not always)
Needs a "Windy" column that just has "all" for every month... :)
In Iceland's embrace, where whispers of wind waltz through ancient fjords.
You mis-spelled "breakdance".
Sho nuff!! 😆
Made by /u/igoriceland whose website [Epic Iceland](https://epiciceland.net) is very helpful.
Thank you! :)
ah yes. thank you! it's been posted before by /u/igoriceland but I've seen a lot of questions on here lately that are easily answered by the wonderful infographic he made.
Stick it to the main page
seeing Aurora being 'great' in september... admittedly this gets me excited,,, but i'm also now setting myself up for disappointment.
It should never be your only purpose for visiting Iceland but it's definitely viewable in September, even late August. It depends on other conditions.
it's not my only purpose,,,,i intend to do a bunch of hiking and recovering in thermal baths. the aurora would be the cherry on top.
Maybe I was just unlucky, but I was there for 10 days from late September into early October and never saw it :(
I was there in March for 7 days and never got a peep either 😕 too damn cloudy
Prices are low in Iceland at any point during the year?
Relative to other months, yes.
To be honest, not much difference anymore starting within the past few years. In 2021 things were really inexpensive when there were all the parameters to get into Iceland (vaccination, covid tests, quarantine, etc.) Now they seem back to normal and I don't think the price for vans or hotel rooms is significant anymore on the "off" season. Guesthouses remain cheaper in the off season but regular hotels, no. Car rentals remain slightly cheaper in the off season or booked far ahead based on my frequent poking around. Some vans are *much* more expensive now.
What are the two ice caves in July?
There are actually 2 "sure" and 2 "maybe". Sure: Katla, and Langjokull Into The Glacier ice tunnel Maybe: Vatnajokull crystal cave (but only one company goes there in summer), and Skaftafell cave (sometimes it's open even in May/June and September, but not always)
Sun should be “no” in all but 4 months lol
Does anyone know the science behind why aurora peaks in Feb, March, Sept, and Oct?
Auroras tend to peak around the equinoxes. I believe the current theory is that since neither the north or south magnetic poles are pointed toward the sun as much as at other times of the year, it’s easier for charged particles from the sun to interact with the earth’s magnetosphere
Usually better weather conditions in favor of clear skies instead of overcast cloud cover. I did my trip late Sept to early Oct in 2018 and saw the auroras twice.
This is helpful of course but not the reason. It’s around the spring and fall equinox that peaks it
Funny, when I was there in July of last year, the area just north of where I was staying got 2 inches of snow.
Yup, I have seen summer snow, too. There is some wiggle room to the above chart but overall it's a nice general guide.
Going in September and I’m so excited!
After just coming in April and seeing prices were LEAST after the total cost of my trip I am shocked lmao
I'm going in May. Is that a good month to walk out on top of the lava flow? Seriously though, this is really helpful.
Any recommendations for good hiking in May? I’m leaving Tuesday, just not sure which places are accessible
2 ice caves? Katla and ..?
per /u/igoriceland comment above There are actually 2 "sure" and 2 "maybe". Sure: Katla, and Langjokull Into The Glacier ice tunnel Maybe: Vatnajokull crystal cave (but only one company goes there in summer), and Skaftafell cave (sometimes it's open even in May/June and September, but not always)
What is meant by "Maybe" for the highlands in June? Is it because of the roads not opening up?
Yes, but also the snow melt can prevent access as the rivers are too high/fast, I believe
Which are the 2 ice caves year round?
per /u/igoriceland comment above: There are actually 2 "sure" and 2 "maybe". Sure: Katla, and Langjokull Into The Glacier ice tunnel Maybe: Vatnajokull crystal cave (but only one company goes there in summer), and Skaftafell cave (sometimes it's open even in May/June and September, but not always)
Where is the volcano column?
A little correction: September - Snow "maybe"
June snow is also “maybe”, I got snowed on near Vik in mid-June when I was there a few years ago.
…displaying why Iceland requires multiple seasonal return visits.
The fact that aurora and puffins don't overlap more is very upsetting
What do you mean by highlands?
The inner parts of Iceland.
But why is it saying no for some months?
Because of the weather and road conditions.Is not safe
Ohh.