Is it a good time to go to Iceland in March? To put it simply – yes! Iceland is a great destination at any given time of the year.
From an array of volcanoes to awesome glaciers, Iceland is home to some of Europe’s most breathtaking natural landscapes. Because of the co-existence of these natural wonders, the country has affectionately been labeled the Land of Ice and Fire.
During the warmer months, you can go swimming, camping, and chase the midnight sun. But during March, you are welcomed into a winter wonderland with its own unique itinerary.
When it comes to the weather, you can expect the temperature during March to range between 0°C and 4°C. It’s recommended to bring thermals, rain jackets, and other waterproof clothing along too because March tends to see frequent rainfall.
However, that is by no means an excuse to stay in bed. There is an array of both indoor and outdoor activities to keep you busy throughout your stay.
In this article, we’ll be discussing all the best places to go and things to do when spending March in Iceland.
Weather In Iceland In March
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March is one of the last of Iceland’s winter months, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it gets warmer.
The temperature in Iceland in March ranges from a low of -2.2°C to a high of 3.3°C.
Although it may not be as cold as the dead of winter, the weather is still relatively unpredictable. You can experience rain, sunshine, strong winds, and snow within a span of just a few days – and sometimes all on the same day.
Generally speaking, most of the snow can only be found in the mountains. Most of Iceland’s precipitation during this time comes in the form of rainfall – an amount of approximately 82mm during March.
Best Day Trips When Visiting Iceland In March
With springtime approaching, there are more and more activities to do outside. The days are getting noticeably longer, and the winter landscape is definitely getting ready to shed its icy skin.
Although it’s not as cold as the heart of winter, you can still expect all the glory of ice and snow. Rest assured, the winter activities – such as skiing and ice-caving – are still available and in full swing.
Not to mention, it’s still a great time to head out to see the Northern Lights at night.
With an exciting new adventure around every corner, it can be slightly overwhelming to pick and choose which to include.
Luckily for you, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best day trips and winter attractions in Iceland.
1. Ice Caves
Drawing visitors from all across the world, the electric blue ice caves are only open for a few months of the year. Luckily, March is one of them.
Situated in Vatnajökull Glacier, this attraction is open during the winter months. So if you’re planning on visiting Iceland in March, you’re just in time.
These tours cover the ice. If you’re more interested in fire, check out our post on volcanoes in Iceland.
2. Whale Watching
Whale watching is an activity that can be enjoyed at any time of the year. However, March sees the beginning of the whales’ migration from their summer breeding grounds back to the Icelandic waters.
Humpback and minke whales are often the most common types to view. But on a good day, you may be able to spot orcas, as well as blue, sperm, beaked, and pilot whales too. If you’d prefer seeing them at their peak, try visiting Iceland in June.
3. Horseback Riding
A popular activity regardless of the season, horseback riding is easily a favorite amongst locals and tourists.
The famous Icelandic horse is known for its skill in dressage, playfulness and intelligence. It’s also commended for its strength and resilience, particularly in difficult weather conditions.
This makes them great companions for a guided tour across the gorgeous natural landscapes at any time of the year.
4. See The Northern Lights
Whether you plan on going by bus or by boat, it’s definitely worth braving the cold to see this gorgeous natural phenomenon.
For many tourists planning a trip to Iceland, seeing the Northern Lights is at the top of the itinerary. Iceland is known for its long days, so there isn’t always enough nighttime darkness for this activity to be possible. It’s a seasonal activity for sure.
But for those who’d like to travel to Iceland in March, you’re in luck. As long as the sky is dark enough with no cloud cover, it’s the perfect time to go hunting for the Northern Lights. You can check the aurora forecast beforehand for the best time to go.
Where To Stay In Iceland In March
So you have plenty of reasons to visit Iceland in March. You’ve bought a few extra pairs of socks and mapped out all the highlights of your trip – what now?
You book your accommodation of course! While it may not be the busiest time of the year, it’s always a good idea to book in advance. Especially when you’re not familiar with all the options available to you.
We know how daunting it can be to be faced with an abundance of great options. So we’ve gone ahead and compiled a list of the many accommodation types and what to expect from them.
1. Hotels
Hotels are without a doubt some of the more luxurious forms of accommodation. With facilities to suit your every need, from room service to breakfast in bed, you have more time to relax and explore.
Besides, who would say no to having someone else make their bed? Check out the best luxury hotels in Iceland here.
2. Self-Catering
If you’re looking for a home-away-from-home, self-catering accommodation is probably your best option. It offers as much privacy, freedom, and flexibility as you need and provides great value for your money.
3. Resorts
With their all-inclusive facilities, resorts are a step in-between hotels and self-catering. They cater to many of your needs on their premises – from shopping to food and entertainment – while still giving you the privacy and flexibility you need.
4. Guesthouses
One of the highlights of staying in a guesthouse is the personalization that goes into the service delivery. There are fewer guests than a hotel, meaning hosts will generally be more caring and pay special attention to your specific needs.
Wrapping Up Iceland In March
If you’re a winter baby looking to make the most of what Iceland has to offer, March is definitely the month for you.
From hassle-free hotel stays to simple self-catering, there’s an accommodation type for every preference and any budget. And the wide range of activities makes the Land of Ice and Fire a destination fit for any time of the year.
