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Iceland really has just two seasons — winter and winter-lite. The weather in Iceland in April can be best described as a transition between winter and Icelandic spring or simply winter-lite. Though Iceland’s weather in April is still cold, days are long, and the whole country finally starts stepping out to enjoy the outdoors. Therefore, if you are off to an Iceland trip in April, you will be spoiled for choice regarding activities and destinations. You can plan a road trip to take you past stunning scenery, go whale-watching and horseback-riding, dip in a natural hot spring, and enjoy Reykjavik’s culture and art scene.

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Iceland Weather in April

Icelandic church in Vik, South Iceland.
Embark on a sightseeing tour of Vik as a part of your Iceland trip in June, taking advantage of the above-freezing level temperatures that make leisure walking comfortable and all the more enjoyable.  

The average temperature in Iceland in April can range from 1°C (34°F) to 5°C (41°F), making it the first month of the year above the freezing point. The country bids farewell to long winter nights, with up to 15 hours of sunshine, which means you can pack more activities and destinations into your itinerary.

There is a visible change in the country’s landscape. The land has a brownish hue, snow still covering mountaintops, and the countryside is carpeted with grasses. The first flowers begin to bloom by the end of the month.

Snowfall is not uncommon during early April, but it is usually brief. The country also sees moderate amounts of rainfall, so packing rain gear and warm layers is a wise idea.

For a more in-depth seasonal overview, check out our travel guide on the best time to visit Iceland.

Weather in Iceland in April - Rainfall and Temperatures

MarAprMay
Avg Daily (°C)258
Avg Nightly (°C)-114
Avg Daily (°F)364147
Avg Nightly (°F)313440
Avg Rainfall (mm)403632

Why Visit Iceland in April

Hallgrimskirkja church and Reykjavik cityscape in Iceland aerial view.
Take a day tour of Iceland's otherwise bustling capital city, Reykjavik, without a heavy tourist crowd during June.
Traveler hiking in Icelandic summer landscape
As some of the restricted roads open up in April, you can head to some of the most scenic yet remote regions of Iceland to immerse yourself in the country's natural beauty.

There are lots of things to do in Iceland in April. Below are a few reasons why a trip to Iceland in April is such a good idea.

  • Transition season perks: With summer tourist crowds yet to descend into the country, you can enjoy the top tourist attractions, such as Godafoss and the Golden Circle route, at a leisurely pace. You can also grab plenty of good deals on flights and accommodations throughout the month.
  • Festive time: In April, Iceland is packed with events and celebrations. These include the First Day of Summer (celebrated on the first Thursday after April 18). Then there are Eve Fanfest and Reykjavik Children’s Culture Festival held in Reykjavik; Aldrei Fór Ég Suður music festival held in the Westfjords; and AK Extreme, a four-day festival that combines snowboarding and music of Akureyri.
  • Outdoor adventures: As Iceland bids farewell to its freezing cold temperature, some tourist attractions, such as boat tours in Jokulsarlon and Icelandic horseback riding, start reopening. Short hiking trails in places such as Myvatn are also accessible. Longer daylight hours offer enough time to enjoy outdoor activities and sightseeing tours, while the nights give you the Northern Lights views.

Where to go and what to do

A 4x4 vehicle at the coast of an Icelandic beach.
Although by the time it is April in Iceland, road conditions see a significant improvement, be sure to only drive a 4x4 vehicle to be on the safe side since the weather is still highly unpredictable in Iceland during the month.

Iceland’s capital city is in a celebratory mood during April, anticipating warmer and longer days ahead. There are lots of lovely things to do in Reykjavik in April. Walk along the city’s scenic coastal pathways, soak in the Blue Lagoon hot spring, and keep an eye out for Lóa or the golden plover (a bird that heralds the arrival of spring in Iceland) around late April.

While most of the Icelandic Highlands is inaccessible until late June, to witness similar terrain with rolling hills and craters, drive to Borgarfjordur renting a 4x4 vehicle, which reopens in April. There are also some lovely hiking trails close to Reykjavik, like those around the subglacial mound of Keilir in the Reykjanes Peninsula and in Esja, both of which are accessible in April.

Most of the country’s glaciers are great for hiking all year round. You can sign up for a hike to the famous Solheimajokull Glacier during April when there is not too much of a queue to partake in this activity. Head to the Westfjords region to witness the Northern Lights while the skies are still as dark as in winter.

Need Help Planning Your May Trip to Iceland?

As winter recedes and summer is on the horizon, journeying through the vast stretches of Iceland in April is an exceptional experience as you witness practically all the seasons of this enchanting land.

Fill out our customized Iceland trip form and let our local experts help curate your dream itinerary. For more ideas and inspiration, check out our Iceland guide.

Our related travel guide articles:
Iceland in March
Iceland in May

Published by Lucas Toft, updated on December 1, 2023

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