Iceland in April: Cheaper Rates, Warmer Weather
The joke about Iceland is that it 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 steps out to enjoy the outdoors. Therefore, if you are visiting Iceland in April, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to activities and destinations. You can plan a road trip that will take you past stunning scenery, go whale-watching and horseback-riding, take a dip in a natural hot spring and enjoy Reykjavik’s culture and art scene.
Iceland Weather in April
The average temperature in Iceland in April can range anywhere between 1°C to 7°C, which makes it the first month of the year above the freezing point. April is also the time when there is a visible change in the country’s landscape. The land has a brownish hue, with snow still covering mountaintops. At the same time, the countryside is carpeted with grasses and the first flowers begin to bloom. Snowfall is not uncommon during early April. However, it does not last very long. This month also sees moderate amounts of rainfall. Most importantly, April gets anywhere between 13 to 16 hours of daylight, allowing you to pack more into your itinerary.
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
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 3 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 9 | 6 | 5 | 4 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | -3 | -2 | -2 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 2 | 0 | -1 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 37.4 | 35.6 | 35.6 | 41 | 48.2 | 51.8 | 55.4 | 55.4 | 48.2 | 42.8 | 41 | 39.2 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 26.6 | 28.4 | 28.4 | 32 | 37.4 | 44.6 | 48.2 | 46.4 | 41 | 35.6 | 32 | 30.2 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 50 | 40 | 40 | 20 | 40 | 20 | 20 | 30 | 40 | 30 | 30 | 40 |
Why Visit Iceland in April
There are lots of things to do in Iceland in April. Below, we have listed a few reasons why visiting the country during this month is such a good idea.
- Long days: Say goodbye to short, dark, wintry days. There is plenty of daylight in Iceland in April to properly explore its natural landmarks and hike through scenic trails.
- Cool deals: Though the tourist count starts rising in April, this month is still far away from the peak season, which means you can get nice deals on hotels and airfare.
- Fewer people: With summer tourist crowds yet to pour in, you can enjoy top-rated destinations all by yourself.
- Festive time: Iceland in April is packed with events and celebrations. These include the First Day of Summer (celebrated on the last Thursday of April). A little premature, perhaps? Well, the Icelanders love it! There is also the Eve Fanfest, dedicated to EVE online games; the Reykjavík Children’s Culture Festival; Aldrei Fór Ég Suður music festival (this is held in the Westfjords) and AK Extreme, a four-day festival that combines snowboarding and music.
- Discover the Golden Circle: With the snow melting sufficiently by April, you can enjoy a relaxed drive through the Golden Circle and visit some of the country’s most famous destinations. Although you can drive on your own if you wish to, it is best to explore its attractions as part of a tour.
- Hiking trails: Many of Iceland’s iconic hiking trails open by April since the weather is no longer a barrier.
Where to go and what to do
Still wondering what are the best things to do in Iceland in April? There are some lovely hiking trails close to Reykjavik, like those around the sub-glacial mound of Keilir in the Reykjanes Peninsula as well as in Esja, both of which are accessible in April.
This is also a great time to indulge in some wildlife and go puffin-spotting. Latrabjarg in the Westfjords, the country’s westernmost part, has a large puffin population and you can see these adorable birds in their nesting season. You can also head to Akureyri for an exciting whale-watching tour. Humpback whales, minke whales, and harbor porpoises are among the species you are most likely to encounter, while killer whales, too, make an occasional appearance.
Iceland’s capital city is in a celebratory mood during this time of year, in anticipation of the upcoming warm weather and long days. There are lots of lovely things to do in Reykjavik in April. Walk along the city’s scenic coastal pathways, visit the Grasagardur Botanical Gardens at the beginning of the flowering season, keep an eye out for Lóa or the golden plover (a bird that heralds the arrival of spring in Iceland) and taste your way through the city’s superb culinary culture during food tours.
Most of the country’s glaciers are great for hiking and ice-climbing. You can sign up for a hike to the famous Solheimajokull Glacier if you wish to. Speaking of glaciers, a tunnel has been carved into the Langjokull Glacier, which you can explore at any time of year. This excursion to a human-made ice cave is both visually dramatic and a great learning experience.
Journeying through the vast stretches of Iceland in April is an exceptional experience as you get to witness practically all the seasons of this enchanting land as winter recedes and summer is on the horizon. If you are having trouble deciding how many days to spend in the country, check out our travel guide on how long to stay in Iceland. Ideally, a week-long trip would be enough to see all the important highlights. If you are strapped for time, a short 3-day trip could provide you with a quick look at the country. Our travel experts in Iceland can help you craft the right personalized tour of the country if you wish to.
Look for further if you are planning to visit Iceland in April.
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