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Travel Guides — Best Time of the Year for a Self-Drive Tour in Iceland

If you're planning a trip to Iceland, our blog is the perfect place to start.

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Prioritizing Your Safety

Your safety is our top priority. Every tour meets the highest safety standards for your peace of mind.

Expertly Certified Guides

Our guides are fully trained and certified in first aid and safety protocols for your protection.

Unbeatable Offers

Our packages are budget-friendly and packed with fun, ensuring you enjoy every moment.

Best Time of the Year for a Self-Drive Tour in Iceland

Wondering when to plan your self-drive tour in Iceland? The answer depends on what kind of experience you're after. From the midnight sun to the northern lights, Iceland offers something magical in every season. In this guide, we’ll break down the best time to visit Iceland for a self drive, along with what to expect from Iceland’s weather by month.

Spring (April – May): Quiet Roads & Blooming Beauty

Why go?: Fewer tourists, blooming landscapes, and good driving conditions.

Weather: Temperatures range from 0°C to 10°C, with increasing daylight.

Spring is a hidden gem for self-drive tours. Roads are mostly clear of snow, and attractions like waterfalls and black sand beaches are less crowded. It's also the start of puffin season, and you might still catch the northern lights in early April.

Why go?: Full road access, longest daylight hours, and ideal for exploring the entire Ring Road.

Weather: 10°C to 20°C with nearly 24 hours of daylight in June.

Summer is the most popular and arguably the best time to visit Iceland for a self drive. You can drive to nearly every corner of the island, including remote Westfjords and the Highlands. Expect mild weather, lively festivals, and vibrant green landscapes. Just be sure to book early—accommodation and car rentals fill up fast.

Why go?: Changing colours, cooler weather, and the return of the aurora borealis.

Weather: 0°C to 10°C with shorter days and occasional storms.

Autumn is a dramatic time to road trip. Iceland’s scenery turns gold and red, and there’s a strong chance of seeing the northern lights. Most roads are still open, but weather can be unpredictable. If you want fewer crowds and decent access to top sights, autumn strikes a good balance.

Why go: Winter wonderland scenery and the best time for aurora hunting.

Weather: -5°C to 5°C, limited daylight (as little as 4–5 hours in December).

Driving in winter requires caution, but with the right vehicle (4x4 recommended) and support, it’s completely doable. Major routes like the Golden Circle and South Coast are accessible, and the snow-covered landscapes are truly magical. Just check conditions daily and avoid the Highlands.

●April–May: Cool, calm, great for shoulder-season travel.

●June–August: Warmest and driest months, ideal for full-route drives.

●September–October: Crisp, colourful, with good chances of northern lights.

●November–March: Snowy, magical, and great for winter tours (with care).

Whether you’re after summer freedom or winter beauty, there's no bad time for a road trip here—just different experiences.

At GoIcelandTours, we tailor every itinerary based on the Iceland seasons for road trips, offering local advice, car rental, and 24/7 support.

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What Our Customers Are Saying
Hannah B.
March 15, 2025
“An unforgettable experience! The landscapes were beyond beautiful, and the glacier hike was a highlight. The option to see the northern lights was a bonus, and the Blue Lagoon was the perfect way to unwind at the end of the trip.”
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John T.
March 14, 2025
“This tour had it all—breathtaking scenery, adventure, and relaxation. The black sand beaches, the Golden Circle, and Jökulsárlón were unforgettable. The self-drive option made it easy to explore at our own pace. Highly recommend!”
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Emily P.
March 13, 2025
“One of the best vacations we’ve had! The glaciers and Diamond Beach were stunning, and the Golden Circle was perfect to wrap up our trip. We also had the chance to spot the northern lights—what an experience!”
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Michael J.
March 12, 2025
“Such an amazing trip! From the stunning Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls to the serene glacier lagoon, every stop was breathtaking. The optional glacier hike was a fantastic experience. Highly recommend this tour for an unforgettable Iceland adventure.”
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Lisa H.
March 10, 2025
“A truly magical experience! The waterfalls, glaciers, and Diamond Beach were stunning. The optional activities like the glacier hike were incredible. We also got lucky and saw the northern lights. Everything was perfectly organized, and the self-drive was easy!”
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Henry M.
March 15, 2025
“This was a trip of a lifetime! The waterfalls, glaciers, and hot springs were incredible. We especially loved the optional activities, including the glacier hike. The pace was perfect, giving us plenty of time to explore and enjoy the scenery.”
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