FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ICELAND IN APRIL
Depending on what you want to see and where you want to go, April might be the perfect month for your holiday to Iceland. Read on to find out more with these answers to commonly asked questions about visiting Iceland in April.
How is Iceland in April?
As it is still winter in April, there's lighter traffic for driving, fewer visitors at the famous sites, and more availability of accommodation around the country. The high season (summer months) hasn’t started so there are fewer cars on the road, yet many top sites stay open.
There’s another benefit to visiting Iceland in April. Thanks to the balanced daylight and darkness hours, you’ll be able to combine sightseeing in the daytime with hunting for the northern lights at night. This means you can really maximise each day of your trip and do as much as possible.
What are the best things to do in Iceland in April?
Take your pick from a variety of fun things to do in Iceland in April. Since there are fewer travellers to Iceland at this time, you’ll find that certain tours have better availability, giving you greater flexibility with your itinerary.
Here are 10 of the best things to do in Iceland in April:
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Drive along the Ring Road
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Discover the famous Golden Circle
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Marvel at waterfalls
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Hunt for the northern lights
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Dip in hot springs and poolss
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Venture along the Snæfellsnes peninsula
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See geothermal wonders and volcanoes
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Go horse riding or on a whale watching tour
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Walk along unusual beaches
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Admire glacier lagoons
Cultural events in April
Iceland offers a range of cultural experiences in April.
Travelling as a family? Then don’t miss the Children’s Culture Festival in Reykjavík. Go along to workshops, exhibitions and activities that allow you to learn new skills together.
If you love music then you might want to consider heading to the Westfjords in April. I Never Went South is a music festival that’s held on the Easter weekend in the town of Ísafjörður, where Icelandic musicians perform for free.
Another notable event in April in Iceland is the First Day of Summer. This national holiday dates back to the Viking era, taking place on the first Thursday after April 18th. You may see locals out in parades, waving the Icelandic flag and playing music.
And, although it’s not a cultural event but a sportive one, the AK Extreme snowboarding festival is held every April in Akureyri. You can watch the experts carve down the slopes and catch some live music too.
Good to know: If you’re unsure about what you want to do in Iceland, don’t worry. Our Iceland experts are based in Reykjavík and know the country inside out. They’ll help you see Iceland your way, tailoring your itinerary by adding all the best excursions and experiences to suit you.
What are the best places to visit in Iceland in April?
The best places to visit in Iceland in April include waterfalls, hot springs, geothermal sites, glaciers and more. If you’re coming to chase the northern lights, head to remote locations where there is less light pollution. There are evening tours that can take you there from the capital, Reykjavík.
Here are some of the best places to visit in Iceland in April:
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Visit the village of Vík to see the interesting rock formations of
Dyrhólaey
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Watch icebergs bobbing on the
Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon
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See the “Capital of North Iceland”,
Akureyri
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To keep occupied whilst in the capital, you may want to explore some of these fun indoor attractions too:
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Learn about volcanoes at the Lava Centre
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Try a flight simulation experience with FlyOver Iceland
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Experience earthquakes and visit the planetarium at Perlan
Where you go in Iceland depends on how much time you have to spend. If you are only staying for a few days, your best bet is to explore Reykjavík and the surroundings.
Want to spend a week or longer in Iceland in April? Then you’ll have time to journey around the country in a full circle to reach its many beautiful corners. As well as the southern and western regions, you can explore the east and north of Iceland too.
What is the weather like in Iceland in April?
April is the beginning of spring in Iceland. On average there are highs of 7°C (45°F) and lows of 3°C (37°F). There may be rainy days during your Iceland holiday in April, with an average of 20mm of rainfall.
The weather in Iceland is unpredictable, so prepare for sun, wind and rain if you’re planning a trip for April!
What is the temperature in April in Iceland?
In Reykjavík and Akureyri, the average temperature in April is 5°C (41°F). Generally Iceland experiences highs of 7°C (45°F) and lows of 3°C (37°F) in April.
Does it snow in Iceland in April?
It does snow in Iceland in April, predominantly in the countryside. Rarely does it settle at lower altitudes in April, but nothing is out of the question when it comes to weather in Iceland!
What are the driving conditions in Iceland in April?
A road trip in Iceland in April has its advantages. As it’s not yet summer, there's lighter traffic for driving around the Ring Road. This is one of the great things about exploring Iceland in the shoulder season – fewer visitors!
Since the weather is changeable in Iceland, it is important to come prepared for winter driving. Make yourself aware of road safety precautions before you travel. For example you must drive slowly in cold weather to avoid unseen ice, and turn your headlights on, day and night.
During your trip check weather and road conditions regularly. For your peace of mind, our team is on hand 24/7 should you need to get in touch at any point.
When you book a self-drive tour with Nordic Visitor, your car rental comes with collision damage waiver, unlimited in-car Wi-Fi, and a hand-marked map of your route. You also get two named drivers on the insurance policy so you can share the driving with a travel companion.
What to pack for a trip to Iceland in April?
Iceland is famous for its ever-changing weather, so we advise that you be as prepared as possible. Since April falls at the end of winter, we recommend bringing warm layers to be ready for the cooler temperatures. That way you can enjoy the natural beauty of the country regardless of the weather.
Here is a list of packing essentials for your Iceland trip in April:
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An insulated and waterproof jacket
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Fleece jumpers
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Lightweight wool underlayers
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Waterproof or winter trousers
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Gloves
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Scarves
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Warm hat
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Thermal underwear and socks
As well as these essentials, be sure to bring good sturdy walking or hiking boots depending on what activities you may want to enjoy. Also, if you’re keen to experience the famous Blue Lagoon, remember to pack your swimwear and sandals.
What to wear in Iceland in April?
Icelanders have a saying: “There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.”
In April you can expect cold weather. For that reason, you should dress with warm layers to be ready for anything. That way you can enjoy the beautiful sights without worrying about the temperatures and conditions.
Make sure to be dressed with an insulated winter jacket and warm under layers, as well as good sturdy boots.
What are the daylight hours in Iceland in April?
The hours of daylight in Iceland vary significantly from the beginning to the end of April. You can expect between 13 and 14 hours of daylight in the first few days in April, and 17 hours at the end of the month.
On 1 April in Reykjavík, the sun rises at approximately 6:44 AM and sets at around 8:20 PM. In Akureyri the sun rises at 6:25 AM, and sets at 8:08 PM.
By the end of April, there are more daylight hours in Iceland. In Reykjavík the sunrise takes place at about 4:58 AM and sunset at 9:53 PM. In Akureyri the sunrise occurs at around 4:30 AM and sunset at 9:50 PM.
Can I see the northern lights in Iceland in April?
Yes, it is possible to see the northern lights in April. In order to spot the colours of the aurora borealis, you need a clear dark sky. In winter the nights are longer and darker than in summer. That’s why the best time to visit Iceland for northern lights tours is between October and April.
Due to the unpredictable nature of the northern lights, we unfortunately cannot promise you will see them on our tours. But the aurora is a natural marvel that continues to inspire awe and delight, and is definitely worth putting on your Iceland travel wish list.
How to tour Iceland in April?
There are various ways to travel on your Iceland tour in April. Depending on your personal tastes and requirements, you could either go for a guided or self-guided vacation.
Road trips in April
For a self-guided journey through Iceland, you could opt for a road trip adventure. There are many self-drive tour routes to choose from in April. For shorter stays we recommend driving the Golden Circle in South Iceland or exploring the Snæfellsnes peninsula in the West.
If you have a week or more to spend in Iceland, drive around the Ring Road for a full loop of the country. This way you can visit virtually all the stunning corners of Iceland in one trip!
Multi-day tours in April
Another way to see Iceland on an independent tour is to base yourself in one or two locations, such as Reykjavík and Akureyri. You can then explore Iceland’s highlights on day trips.
A multi-day tour of Iceland is a great way to combine solo travel with guided excursions. You can fill your itinerary with as many tour-led activities as you wish!
Privately guided tours in April
On the other hand, you might prefer to be accompanied by a local expert throughout your Iceland experience. If so we recommend opting for a privately guided tour to have your own personal guide show you the best attractions. This is one of the most exclusive ways to see Iceland.
Small group tours in April
Or you could discover Iceland with like-minded visitors as part of a small group tour. You’ll get to meet people from around the world and learn from the expertise of a local guide, who will show you the most beautiful and fascinating parts of Iceland.
Our small group tours of Iceland in April take you to various locations in the country. You could visit the popular south coast or travel around the Ring Road for an in-depth tour.
Good to know: Whichever of these travel styles you choose, you’ll get all the signature Nordic Visitor benefits. These include access to our 24/7 helpline, a detailed personal itinerary, helpful travel guide and daily breakfast.
Nordic Visitor will book all your accommodation, and you can add extra nights and activities to your itinerary too.
Scroll down to learn more about Nordic Visitor’s services.
