Learn when the cheapest time to go to Iceland is and how seasonal changes affect flight prices, accommodation costs, and tour availability. Understanding price patterns across the year helps you plan a trip that fits your budget without sacrificing key experiences.
Iceland is known for dramatic landscapes and a strong travel infrastructure, but costs for lodging, food, transportation, and activities can vary widely by season. Tracking Iceland tour deals and discounts alongside airfare trends can reveal periods when overall travel expenses drop, especially outside peak summer months.
Budget-friendly travel options are more available during lower-demand periods. These include budget self-drive excursions, cheap bus tours, and even longer itineraries, such as a 6-day trip around Iceland’s full Ring Road, which can be more affordable when demand is lower and availability is higher.
Seasonal factors such as weather, daylight hours, and road conditions all play a role in pricing and travel style. Continue reading to explore how each season compares and to decide which time of year offers the best balance of cost, accessibility, and experience for your trip.
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Iceland Insights
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The best time of the year to visit Iceland to save money is during the off-peak season, which ranges from September to May.
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Even though this frame of time is considered off-peak, there are still countless activities to experience and adventures to participate in.
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February and March are the ideal times to get cheaper Iceland flights, yet it can be more expensive for those outside of Europe and North America.
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If you have a reasonable budget, then there is no worst time to visit Iceland — although there are some months that can get more expensive than others.
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There are many ways to save money during your trip to Iceland, like booking a vacation package or combo tour.
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Before your trip to Iceland, read our FAQ to discover more ways you can save money and budget your vacation.
The Cheapest Time of Year in Iceland
Put simply, the cheapest time of year in Iceland is during its off-peak season; this covers September to November and January to May. Visiting Iceland in autumn or spring will be kind to your wallet and allow you to visit popular destinations without them being crowded, which is a win-win!
Due to school holidays, a more temperate climate, and the midnight sun, June to August are the most popular — and thus most expensive — months to visit Iceland. Christmas in Iceland is also pricey because of the country’s reputation as a winter wonderland.
If you are determined to see Iceland under the midnight sun and embrace summer activities while saving money, it is recommended to book a trip for early June. This is because most schools will not have broken up for the year yet, and some airlines, rental companies, and tour operators may not have raised their prices yet.
Perks of Traveling During the Off-Season
Traveling outside of these peak months will save you money on tours, car rentals, souvenirs, and, in some cases, meals and nights out. That is not to say, however, that your experience will suffer.
In many cases, you can actually find a wider range of activities on offer if you plan your trip during the cheaper times. You’ll also find much less competition for spaces on tours and, thus, are likely to have more personalized interactions with your guides.
Furthermore, the natural sites should be much less crowded, particularly if you are traveling to more remote regions such as North Iceland, the Eastfjords, and the Westfjords.
You could even argue that the best time to go to Iceland may also be the cheapest.
- Learn more: 18 Tips on How to Save Money in Iceland
When Is the Cheapest Time to Fly to Iceland?
Travelers from Europe and even North America can find inexpensive flights to Iceland. For travelers from further afield, such as Asia, the Pacific, Africa, and South America, it is not quite so simple. Iceland’s distance from such regions means that flights will usually be expensive, even if they are part of a great deal.
Regardless of where you’re coming from, the cheapest time to go to Iceland is usually February and March. The festive season is over, and the months are cold, dark, icy, and thus less popular. Airlines usually lower their standard seat prices and offer better deals over this time to make the journey to and from the country worthwhile.
April and May are typically less expensive times to fly to Iceland, compared to the summer months. However, you can expect to pay a little more in April and May than in winter. As June, July, and August coincide with the school holidays in the Northern Hemisphere, flights will be much more expensive.
Even though September through November is a part of the quiet season, it’s still a popular time of the year to travel, so you can also expect pricier tickets. As noted, December is a particularly expensive time to visit Iceland due to the seasonal festivities. Flights during this month naturally reflect this.
Other Ways to Save Money in Iceland
There are plenty of other ways to save money outside of choosing the best time to visit Iceland. Some are as simple as eating in; others are tricks known only to locals, such as how to track the best happy hours of Reykjavik’s bars.
Of course, you can also save money by tailoring your holiday to a lower budget. Traveling the Ring Road can get pricey, so if you don’t leave Reykjavik, you’ll save on tours and car rentals. If you’re only planning to take a few trips further out, you’ll find cheap bus tours a great alternative.
However, if you plan to see the whole country, you can do so by renting a car and making your own plans rather than purchasing multiple excursions. There is a range of budget self-drive tours, which allow you to drive around the country in a cheap rental car with budget accommodations along the way.
If you want the holiday of a lifetime, booking a vacation package or combo tour is a great way to shave down prices without missing out on a second of adventure.
Top Iceland Vacation Packages
Not only are vacation packages one way of saving money, but they also eliminate the hassle of planning your trip. Booking everything together is more affordable than arranging each part separately, and some of the best Iceland travel packages to consider include:
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Amazing 5-Day Northern Lights Winter Vacation Package in Iceland with Ice Caving & the Blue Lagoon — On this five-day package, you'll soak in the Blue Lagoon, discover stunning ice caves, and have a chance to see the mesmerizing northern lights.
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7-Day Northern Lights Self-Drive Tour of South Iceland, the Golden Circle & Snaefellsnes Peninsula — Experience Iceland's top locations and scenic landscapes in a single week with this comprehensive tour package.
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6-Day Northern Lights Adventure Package in Iceland with Ice Caving — Across the six-day adventure package, you'll traverse the South Coast, Golden Circle, and other iconic routes and locations.
What To Do During an Icelandic Winter
While Icelandic winters may be cold, there's no shortage of adventures to be had. If you're visiting during this time of year to avoid the crowds and save money, here's a look at just some of what you could enjoy.
Top Northern Lights Tours
Coming between September and April provides guests with the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the northern lights; with summer travelers having no such luck.
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The Northern Lights Bus Tour from Reykjavik — After leaving Reykjavik, you'll have the opportunity to gaze upon the majesty of the aurora borealis on this exciting bus tour.
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The Northern Lights Tour from Reykjavik — During this affordable northern lights tour, your guide and driver will transport you to ideal viewing locations.
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Northern Lights Tour With Free Photos & Refreshments — Venture out into the Icelandic countryside on a cozy tour bus in search of the northern lights with this comfortable adventure.
Great Ice Cave Tours
In some of the most off-peak months, November, February, and March, you’ll have an opportunity to marvel at the ice caves of the Vatnajokull Glacier, which are only open and safe to visit in winter.
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The Crystal Blue Ice Cave Tour in Vatnajokull Glacier - Starting from Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon — On this unforgettable tour, your guide will take you across stunning Icelandic landscapes to a mesmerizing blue ice cave.
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Into the Glacier Ice Cave Tour with Hraunfossar Waterfalls & Transfer from Reykjavik — After leaving Reykjavik in a comfortable coach, you'll explore incredible man-made ice tunnels for a memorable experience.
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The Katla Ice Cave Tour — Discover the beauty of glacial blue ice caves and intricate formations during this hassle-free adventure.
Visiting Iceland in Spring and Fall
On the edges of the winter season, you can still enjoy a wealth of summer tours. For instance, those traveling to Iceland to see its incredible migratory wildlife, such as on whale-watching tours, can easily do so in September. During this time, you can engage in a wide variety of other activities as well.
Top Hiking Experiences
Hiking tours often run until October and are a fantastic way to experience nature. There are a multitude of hiking adventures across Iceland, meaning there's no shortage of treks to experience!
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Scenic 5-Day Hiking Tour from Landmannalaugar to Thorsmork with Transfer from Reykjavik — Across five days, you'll hike across the iconic Laugavegur Trail and experience some of Iceland's most stunning landscapes.
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Guided Afternoon or Evening Hike Tour to the Reykjanes Volcano Area — Discover a newly formed lava field from a recent eruption on this exciting guided tour.
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Volcano Hike & Sightseeing Tour in the Reykjanes Peninsula Starting from Reykjavik — On this tour, you'll explore the Reykjanes Peninsula and all of the unique landmarks and geographic formations it has to offer.
River Rafting Excursions
Want to experience Iceland's beautiful rivers up close? Several exciting river rafting adventures start in May, so they make an exciting addition to a spring visit to Iceland.
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Exciting 3-Hour River Rafting Tour in North Iceland — Raft across the Vestari Jokulsa River and through its rapids on this exciting North Iceland experience.
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Action-Packed 6-Hour Whitewater River Rafting Tour in North Iceland — On this thrilling trip, you'll venture out to the East Jokulsa River and raft its whitewater rapids.
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Small Group 7-Hour Rafting Tour on the Hvita River with Transfer from Reykjavik — This family-friendly rafting excursion takes you along the Hvita River in the stunning Icelandic countryside.
Is There a Worst Time to Visit Iceland?
For those with a reasonable budget, there is no worst time to visit Iceland. Each month has its own magic, whether you want to indulge in the festivities of December, the culture and music festivals of June and July, or the beginning of the northern lights season in September.
Those with tighter purse strings, however, will find that there are times when prices for a range of services and goods will be much higher than the rest of the year. As mentioned earlier, Christmas tends to be one of the most expensive times to visit Iceland, which can be challenging for those traveling on a budget.
The festive season in Iceland includes several public holidays—December 24th, 25th, 26th, and 31st, as well as January 1st. During these dates, some services and tours may operate on limited schedules or charge higher rates due to holiday staffing.
Another period where travel costs tend to rise is the summer high season—June through August—when most visitors arrive during the Northern Hemisphere’s holiday months. Demand for car rentals, tours, and accommodations peaks during this time, which is often reflected in higher prices and limited availability.
Long daylight hours and generally mild weather make summer a popular time to travel, but they also contribute to busier roads and fully booked services, especially in well-known regions. Planning ahead becomes more important during these months, as last-minute options can be limited even outside major towns.
While the prices of shops, restaurants, and bars will usually stay consistent throughout summer, if you're a customer of Guide to Iceland, you can get exclusive offers and discounts by using the VIP Club.
- Learn more: Public Holidays in Iceland
FAQ's About the Cheapest Time to Visit Iceland
These are the most frequently asked questions about the most budget-friendly time to plan a visit to Iceland.
What Currency Does Iceland Use?
Iceland uses the Icelandic krona (ISK). The official currency symbolized as "kr." or "ISK" is the only legal tender in Iceland.
How Can You Budget Your Trip to Iceland?
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Consider Budget-Friendly Accommodations – Consider hostels, guesthouses, or camping for more affordable lodging.
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Cook Your Own Meals – Save significantly by shopping at local grocery stores instead of dining out.
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Rent a Car With Friends – Splitting the cost of a car rental and fuel helps cut down transportation expenses.
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Plan and Book in Advance – Tours, activities, and accommodations are cheaper when booked early.
What Shouldn't You Buy in Iceland?
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Bottled Water – Tap water in Iceland is pure and delicious; bring a reusable bottle instead.
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Alcohol from Bars or Restaurants – Because of Iceland's taxes on alcohol, it's much cheaper to buy duty-free at the airport or from state-run Vinbudin stores.
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Everyday Toiletries and Over-the-Counter Meds – Bring your own, as these can sometimes be pricier.
No Matter How Much Money You Spend, Visiting Iceland Will Always Be a Rich Experience
While a holiday to Iceland is no doubt an investment, it needn't be a bank-busting one for the savvy traveler. Visiting Iceland in its off-peak season, when you can catch the cheapest flights, allows visitors of all budgets to immerse themselves in the spectacular land of ice and fire.
What do you think the best time to go to Iceland is? Did you find any ways to save money on flights to Iceland? How cheap did you find off-peak travel in Iceland? Let us know in the comment section below!
