If you’re planning a trip to Iceland in March, you’re in for a real treat. This time of year brings a unique blend of winter and spring weather, creating a magical and unforgettable experience.
From seeing the Northern Lights to exploring the country’s stunning landscapes, there’s plenty to see and do in Iceland in March.
So… here’s all you need to know about visiting Iceland at the end of (or during) winter.
Weather in Iceland in March
March is technically still winter in Iceland, but it’s also the month when spring starts to arrive. You can expect to see a mix of snow, rain, and sunshine during your visit, with temperatures ranging from -2°C to 4°C (28°F to 39°F).
It’s important to pack warm and waterproof clothing, as the weather can change quickly and unpredictably, but more on this later!
We visited Iceland in the beginning of March and the temperatures were always around 0°C (32°F). However, Icelandic 0°C is not the same as the rest-of-the-world 0°C. The wind here is ruthless, so you definitely need to be dressed twice as warm.
Is March a good time to visit Iceland?
Absolutely! March is an ideal time to visit Iceland, as it offers a unique blend of winter and spring activities. The tourist crowds are also much smaller than in the summer months, which means you can enjoy a more peaceful and authentic Icelandic experience.
We chose to visit Iceland in March because we wanted to see the Northern lights, and we also wanted to stay somewhat on a budget. Iceland is very expensive, but during winter time it’s more bearable in terms of accommodation costs and car rental – there are just less tourists overall.
How many hours of daylight are there in Iceland in March?
In March, Iceland experiences an average of 11 hours of daylight per day. The sun usually comes out around 8AM and sets at 7PM.
This means that you’ll have enough time to explore the country’s stunning landscapes and take part in outdoor activities. It’s also worth noting that the daylight hours increase rapidly towards the end of March, providing even more opportunities for adventure.
Keep in mind that in the summer months you can enjoy a much longer day, meaning you can explore even more. We spent a full week here, so the not very long day didn’t bother us.
Can you see the Northern Lights in Iceland in March?
Yes! March is one of the best months to see the Northern Lights in Iceland. The long nights and clear skies make it the perfect time to hunt for the elusive aurora borealis.
There are many guided tours available that will take you on a “hunt” to see the lights – you can find them on Get Your Guide.
We didn’t take a dedicated Northern Lights tour, but we managed to see them twice during our short trip! Keep in mind that they usually come during the later hours at night (around midnight), so you need to stay awake to see them.
Make sure to save this website (Vedur.is), which tracks the activity of the Northern Lights and it tells when and where they will be visible.
Driving in Iceland in March
Driving in Iceland can be challenging in any season, but especially in winter. In March, you’ll need to be prepared for icy and snowy roads, as well as sudden changes in weather conditions.
Whichever guide I read, it recommended renting a 4×4 vehicle with studded tires and to be cautious when driving on the country’s winding and narrow roads.
Personally, we could’ve survived with a normal car as well, since we didn’t go off road, so my recommendation is to first create your route and then decide whether it’s worth paying so much more for a 4×4. Because I believe this decision made the price 2-3 times higher.
We did, however, have a bit of a tricky situation. One of the days was so windy that we could barely walk – the wind was even moving the cars. So we had to drive through this wind which kept pushing the car to one side, so we had to adjust the steering wheel constantly.
Don’t be alarmed by this. The roads are very safe, so nothing happened, but it’s something you need to be prepared for. The driver needs to be experienced for sure!
Pro Tip: Keep checking the website road.is while on the road and even before setting off – it gives you information about the road conditions and even if the road is closed, which often happens in winter. All roads are watched with cameras so the information is constantly updated, and the map is color-coded, so you know precisely what to expect (whether it’s icy, slippery, snowy etc.) You can even see the number of cars that crossed each road in the last hour and the last 24 hours, as well as how strong the wind is in each spot! This was the website we used the most during our trip, so I recommend you do the same.
Renting a car in Iceland in March
We rented our car directly at the airport from the cheapest car dealer we could find – Blue Car Rental. We were quite happy with the experience so I can recommend them.
I strongly advise you to get the extra weaver/insurance which saves you from paying any fees if something was to happen to the car. We didn’t think anything would happen, but we still paid for the weaver and THANK GOD. A small rock made a crack on our windscreen on the second day of our trip.. All thanks to a truck that was passing by and was picking up rocks with its tires. The weaver saved us a few hundred euros in the end.
What to wear in Iceland in March
Packing the right clothing is crucial for any trip to Iceland, but especially in March. Be sure to bring warm and waterproof clothing, including a good quality jacket, gloves, hat, and boots. Layering is key, as the weather can change quickly throughout the day.
We wore one layer of thermal clothing (leggings and a blouse), and then one layer of a warm, waterproof and windproof pants, and a fleece on top. Then we had some really warm winter jackets on that were also waterproof. Do not forget a hat and a pair of gloves.
If you can get your hands on some crampons – they’ll definitely come in handy. March is the end of winter in Iceland, but it’s still very icy in a lot of the places.
Best things to do in Iceland in March
There are plenty of activities to enjoy in Iceland in March, from outdoor adventures to cultural experiences. The country is not huge, but it still has quite a bit to offer, and it’s important to decide whether you want to and have the time to do a full circle around the island, or visit specific regions, such as the South Coast – one of the most travelled places here, or the Northern part, where you can find the Diamond Circle for example.
Here are some of the best things to do in this month.
Go on a glacier day trip
Iceland is home to some of the most beautiful and unique glaciers in the world, such as Vatnajökull, Langjökull, and Sólheimajökull. And March is the perfect time to go on a glacier tour, and actually the last winter month when you can visit an ice cave before the ice starts melting.
A glacier tour allows you to get up close and personal with these icy wonders, exploring ice caves, crevasses, and breathtaking landscapes.
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We went on this exact glacier day trip to Skaftafell and it was one of the most memorable experiences of our whole trip. We got to hike on a glacier thanks to the crampon spikes we were provided – it was so interesting to hear the ice crack beneath you and be able to walk pretty much anywhere.
During the hike, we also went into a natural ice cave which was formed between two glaciers. Ice caves are incredibly interesting and I strongly recommend you to book a tour which includes visiting one or two.
Overall, visiting Iceland in March goes hand in hand with doing a glacier hike. You can thank me later!
| You may also be curious to read about spending a day in Isafjord. |
Take a whale watching tour to see the majestic creatures of the sea
March is a great time to go whale watching in Iceland, as it’s the start of the whale watching season. Many species of whales can be spotted during this time, including humpback whales, minke whales, and orcas.
There are several whale watching tours available, and they are a fantastic way to get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures. Of course, seeing a whale isn’t guaranteed – just like with the Northern Lights, but if you are lucky, it’s said to be an unforgettable experience.
During our trip in March we didn’t get to go on a whale watching tour because we didn’t have enough time, but it’s definitely on our list for the future.
Here’s a whale watching cruise that has some really good reviews – check out their availability and pricing.
Take a dip in a hot spring
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You can obviously do this at any point during the year, but there’s something special about visiting the hot springs in winter. The cold air on your face and the hot water on your body… it’s a magical combination!
We went to the Blue Lagoon, for which you need to book a ticket online in advance with a time slot for entering. Once you go in, you can stay for as long as you like, which is the best thing!
There are other, less popular and less expensive hot springs in Iceland, such as Mývatn Nature Baths in the North and Sky Lagoon next to Reykjavik.
In conclusion, Iceland in March is a magical and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re looking to see the Northern Lights, explore the country’s stunning landscapes, or enjoy outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone.
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