Iceland in April: Weather, Daylight Hours, and Things to Do

April marks a transition from winter to summer, meaning you’ll get to enjoy some of the benefits of both. It’s an excellent time to travel off-peak and see the country changing from snowy blankets to blooming flowers.

Below you’ll find the best places to visit and things to do in Iceland in April. We’ve also added a handy weather and packing guide to help you prepare for this trip.

The one-word answer is: yes! The longer answer is this whole blog, where we share with you just what makes April in Iceland so special.

As a quick summary, Iceland is a country that is worth seeing in all its splendor, winter and summer alike. Visit at this time of year, and you might get the best of both worlds. All dependent on the weather, of course!

But April is a very changeable month, so you might experience it all in one day anyway.

It might still snow at higher altitudes, but flowers start to bring color to the lava fields and mossy landscape. With a good balance of daylight and darkness, it’s a great month to maximize your trip. Go on thrilling adventures during the day and spend your nights chasing the Northern Lights.

As the conditions start to get better post-winter, it’s also a great time to visit Iceland on a road trip. With fewer visitors ahead of summer, you may have many attractions entirely to yourself, with less traffic on the roads.

And these are just some of the reasons why visiting Iceland in April is a good idea. Keep reading for more.

April marks the transition from winter to spring in Iceland. While conditions can still be unpredictable, temperatures begin to rise, and travel becomes easier than in the winter months.

Here’s what you need to know about Iceland's weather in April:

Although April weather can be unpredictable, being well prepared lets you make the most of Iceland’s sights with fewer crowds.

Read more about Iceland’s weather and climate in our travel guide

One of the biggest changes travelers notice when visiting Iceland in April is the rapid increase in daylight. You’ll notice there’s even a big change between the beginning and the end of the month. Generally, you can expect an average of 15 hours of daylight

Daylight hours in Iceland in April vary depending on the time of the month:

As the month goes on, longer days make it easier to plan full itineraries, with more time for sightseeing and travel between destinations.

Although the Northern Lights season is winding down in April, there are still chances to spot them. This is especially true in the first half of the month.

To witness this heavenly show, you need a dark, cloudless sky and the right solar conditions. You’re not really in control of the sun’s particles or the weather. So, come when Iceland has longer nights to put all the chances on your side.

Visit Iceland between October and March for the longest nights of the year. The earlier or later in the season you come, the more balance you’ll have in terms of daylight hours.

As the Northern Lights are reliant on nature, we can’t promise you’ll see them during your time in Iceland. But it’s definitely worth putting them on your bucket list!

What can you get up to if you visit in April? Iceland is a jaw-dropping country overflowing with natural gems to explore, with so many unique activities for you to try.

Here are some of our favorite things to do in Iceland in April!

April is a fantastic time to visit Iceland’s waterfalls. This is when snowmelt increases water flow while lingering ice still clings to the cliffs. Popular sights like Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, and Gullfoss are especially impressive. And on sunny days, you may spot rainbows forming in the mist.

After a day of sightseeing, warming up in geothermal waters is a must. You can soak in famous spots like the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon. Or seek out quieter options such as Earth Lagoon Mývatn or natural hot springs in the countryside.

Iceland’s geothermal areas are active year-round, and April’s cooler temperatures make walking around them comfortable. Visit Geysir and Strokkur in the Golden Circle, or explore steaming landscapes at places like Hverir near Lake Mývatn.

Spring still offers opportunities to experience Iceland’s icy side. You can join guided glacier hikes on Sólheimajökull or Vatnajökull. And when conditions are right, seasonal ice caves in Iceland remain accessible in early April.

April is an excellent time to see Iceland’s glaciers and ice lagoons before the summer crowds arrive. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and nearby Diamond Beach are highlights. Here, icebergs drift slowly toward the sea and sparkle along the black sand shore.

With improved road conditions, April is a good month for road trips. Driving Iceland’s Ring Road lets you see major highlights like waterfalls, glaciers, and volcanic landscapes. Aside from that, you’d get to stop at quieter villages, scenic viewpoints, and lesser-known natural attractions.

Iceland’s volcanic terrain is unlike anywhere else in the world. You can walk through lava fields near the Reykjanes Peninsula and explore volcanic craters. For a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, you can even descend into the dormant Þríhnúkagígur volcano on a guided tour.

And there’s much more to choose from, depending on your interests. You could enjoy seaside walks, visit museums in Reykjavík, bathe in natural hot springs, or go snowmobiling on a glacier.

There are a few cultural experiences you might want to join in on during your vacation in Iceland in April.

Iceland’s cultural life in April revolves around the First Day of Summer, known in Icelandic as sumardagurinn fyrsti. It takes place on the first Thursday after April 18 and is celebrated nationwide.

It’s rooted in a Viking tradition and once marked the start of longer summer days, when the calendar was different. Today, it’s somewhat comparable to the spring equinox. Locals typically have the day off work, and you may see parades, flags waving, and musicians performing in the streets.

To highlight that it’s not quite summer yet, the AK Extreme snowboarding festival also takes place every April. This event is held in North Iceland and brings together riders and spectators for snowboarding competitions and winter sports celebrations.

If you enjoy live music, consider adding the Westfjords to your April itinerary. The I Never Went South music festival is held over Easter weekend in the region’s main town, Ísafjörður. It features a mix of Icelandic artists in an intimate, local setting.

Traveling in April to Iceland with kids? The Children’s Culture Festival in Reykjavík is a fun way to entertain younger visitors. The festival usually includes exhibitions, performances, and hands-on activities designed for a wide range of ages.

Where you go during your April visit depends on how much time you have.

In town for a few days? Stay in Reykjavík in April and take day tours to top destinations, such as the Golden Circle. If you have 1 or 2 weeks to spend, then drive the Ring Road on an epic road trip. Or have a private driver-guide take you on an unforgettable tour. The choice is yours!

These are the places we recommend you add to your itinerary in Iceland in April:

Location: North-west peninsula of Iceland

The Westfjords are a must-see for anyone hoping to travel off the beaten path in Iceland. The roads into this region are difficult to manage or completely closed in winter. So, April is when the Westfjords are finally accessible for the summer months.

Why visit? Travel here for outstanding, untouched landscapes, miles and miles of dramatic sea cliffs, red sand beaches, and wildlife encounters.

Don’t miss: A visit to the tallest waterfall in the region, Dynjandi, the main town, Ísafjörður, and to the Arctic Fox Center. You could also drive part (or all!) of the Westfjords Way. It’s a touring route that’ll take you to some of the best spots on the peninsula.

Location: East Iceland

East Iceland is often overlooked since it’s located on the other side of the country from Reykjavík. But it’s worth the detour around the Ring Road.

Why visit? Travel east, and you’ll encounter a variety of backdrops, each more stunning than the last. Admire the largest forest in Iceland, the serene landscape of the eastern fjords, and the vast Vatnajökull National Park.

Don’t miss: Going on a boat tour on the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, eating the local langoustine in Höfn, and spotting wild reindeer.

Location: West Iceland

Borgarfjörður is a great place to add to your itinerary if you’re traveling north from Reykjavík to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. It stretches from the Borgarfjörður fjord to Húsafell, the most inland farm settlement in the region.

Why visit? To experience the Highlands of Iceland without traveling too far into that region. In fact, the roads into the Highlands don’t usually open until late June. So in April, it’ll give you a taste of the rugged landscape, with hot springs, craters, and rolling mountains.

Don’t miss: Wandering around Reykholt village, admiring the power of the Deildartunguhver hot spring, and seeing the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls.

Location: South-west Iceland

When you fly to Iceland, you’ll probably stay at least one night in Reykjavík. You could then set off on an adventure around the country. Or base yourself here to explore the capital of Iceland in more depth.

Why visit? For a taste of Iceland, if you don’t have time to discover more of the country. Staying in Reykjavík doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the stunning countryside either. From here, day tours can take you to the South Coast, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, around the Golden Circle, and more.

Don’t miss: Checking out a local Icelandic town or village festival and trying the local food at top restaurants. You can also go for a dip in geothermal spas such as the Sky Lagoon or Blue Lagoon.