What is the best time of year to visit Reykjavík?

Question

When I ask for the "best" time of year, I am looking for a reasonable balance of the following criteria, in order of importance:

1. Mild weather. Ideally, warm enough to have coffee outside in a light jacket during the day, cooling down at night.
2. Not too much tourist activity. I'd like to be able to get a table at a restaurant and be surrounded by more locals than visitors.
3. Inexpensive accommodations and flights. I prefer apartment rental to hotel rooms, but will accept data on either.
4. The higher the likelihood of nice aurora sightings, the better!

Is there a time of the year when all of these factors intersect in Iceland?

Answer 1

This article is invaluable for that sort of decision.

The growing season (summer) in Iceland is two months long. The tail ends of the summer are the low points, which means early June and late August. Things begin closing down in September. By Christmas, all sorts of things are closed, all though from time to time the industry tries to bring tourists to Iceland for Christmas. Flying to Iceland around Christmas time isn't cheaper--avoid the major holidays to save money.

I was there for spring break. It was pretty darn cold. There were enough things going to keep busy. The swimming pools are so warm you pretty much can go swimming no matter how cold it is.

You can see the northern lights from September to March.

Answer 2

1. Best weather is during summer time. What I call mild is what is the average summer in Iceland. The long days make it possible to do more in one day. That does stroke with #4 though.

   Also some roads (to the north) close after heavy snowfall around October/November, which makes it harder to get around the country.

2. I estimate the tourist season to end at the end of August/ beginning of September. Then you should be totally safe.

3. Don't know

4. Winter. You need darkness to see auroras so the closer you are to the 21st of December, the more darkness, the higher your chances. Also if you go more north, the higher your chances. And get out of the city Reykjavík, it is way too bright in there.

So if your only reason to go is the auroras, I would say December. But to also enjoy more of Iceland, maybe go for October, and get away from city lights when you're aurora hunting.