Iceland In April: 7 Things To Know Before You Go

Are you traveling to Iceland in April? We’ve got you covered with seven things you should know before beginning your adventures.

This list will include some of the best Iceland tips for April including how to see the Northern Lights, whale watching tips, festivals galore to attend, and even snowboarding! You’re in for a truly magical trip. 

Iceland weather in April includes ample rainy days and lots of wind, but the long, dark days of winter are over and that is certainly a reason to celebrate. The temperature ranges from 0°C to 7°C (32°F to 45°F), so not too bad! In April in Iceland, the snowy days subside and the Ring Road starts to open up for driving.

Whether you’re looking for things to do in Reykjavik in April or are hoping to venture beyond the capital region, the adventures to be had are endless. So lace up your waterproof boots, throw on a raincoat, and see what joy and good times April in Iceland can offer you. 

7 Things To Know Before Visiting Iceland In April

April In Iceland Is The Last Opportunity To Catch The Northern Lights

If you intend to chase the Northern lights in Iceland during April, you might just be in luck. Iceland’s northern lights months run roughly from September to April after which long hours of daylight prevent the lights from being visible. 

The Northern Lights are an unpredictable natural phenomenon. They require very specific conditions to be seen including clear skies which are not guaranteed in a country that experiences approximately 300 days of precipitation a year. 

If you’d prefer to rely on an expert to guide you to the best viewing spots, you’ll want to book a spot on a Northern Lights tour. If you don’t see any lights during your tour, most companies will allow you to rebook another tour at no extra cost. 

If you’d rather chase the lights on your own terms, you can drive your rental car away from the city lights of Reykjavik and track the aurora strength throughout the night. If you’re fortunate enough to glimpse these elusive lights you’re in for a real one in a lifetime treat as the ribbons of green and purple dance across the sky. 

Tips for Viewing the Northern Lights

1. Limited Viewing Window: Chances of seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland in April are lower compared to winter months. April is towards the end of the Northern Lights season in Iceland. However, sightings are still possible, especially in early April.
2. Research Tour Options: There are various types of Northern Lights tours – from bus tours to private jeep tours, and even boat tours. Consider which type suits your preferences and budget.
3. Check Aurora Forecasts: Use aurora forecasting websites or apps to check the likelihood of Northern Lights activity and cloud cover forecasts.
4. Escape Light Pollution: Travel away from city lights to increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. The darker the location, the better.
5. Photography Preparation: If you plan to photograph the Northern Lights, bring a tripod and use a camera with manual settings to adjust for long exposures.
   

Prepare For a Mix Of Weather Including Plenty Of Spring Rains

Temperatures in Iceland in April hover around 40F as the country starts to break out of its winter chill. April falls between the height of the Northern Lights season and the height of the midnight sun which means you’ll experience more normal daylight hours during your visit.

We suggest you come prepared for any type of weather in Iceland in April. Snowfall is limited, while rainfall occupies roughly half the month. 

Be sure to pack waterproof clothing including boots so you can continue to adventure through the jaw-dropping Icelandic landscapes rain or shine.

The First Day Of Summer In Iceland Occurs In April

Yes, you read that right! Though you may be bundled up and getting wind-whipped on a crisp April day, you might just simultaneously be celebrating the first day of summer with a group of locals thankful to be free of the long winter days.

The timing of these celebrations may seem odd, but the holiday was born back when Icelanders followed the Old Norse calendar, a calendar that only recognizes the two seasons of winter and summer with each lasting for six months. 

If you’re Visiting Iceland during April, it will be clear to you that summer has indeed not arrived, but Icelanders have clung to the tradition of celebrating in April anyway. After all, who is going to turn down a public holiday and a chance for festivities?

If you’re looking to join in the festivities, most towns will have parades, games, live music, face painting, and more. This can be a particularly fun holiday for families as the activities tend to cater to children.

Reykjavik Children’s Culture Festival Promotes Youth Involvement In The Arts

The Reykjavik Children’s Culture Festival, a week-long festival in April, celebrates children and art. If you’re traveling to Iceland in April as a family and looking for a way to keep your children entertained and immersed in Icelandic culture, you should join in the festival activities. 

Activities take place all across the city with schools, libraries, museums, concert halls, and more participating. From arts and crafts and puppetry to experimental concerts with audience participation, there’s a wide variety of activities available. 

Though this festival is largely attended by Icelandic children, it’s free for tourists as well and is designed for children age 16 and under. While some activities will include English translations, the beauty of the arts is that there’s often a universal understanding and appreciation that transcends language, which makes interactive group activities accessible to everyone.

The Aldrei Fór Ég Suður Rock Concert Embraces And Celebrates Community

Every year during Easter, good times are had by all at the multi-day Aldrei Fór Ég Suður (I Never Went South) rock music festival in Isafjorður. This is a music festival that promotes community and the pure enjoyment of music. Entrance is free and all acts are welcomed with equal enthusiasm regardless of their level of popularity beyond the Westfjords. 

The trick to Aldrei Fór Ég Suður is getting there. Roughly five and a half hours from downtown Reykjavik, Isafjorður enjoys smaller tourist crowds all year round thanks to its more remote location.

Outside of the capital however, April driving in Iceland can be tricky with snow often making it difficult or near impossible to make it to Isafjorður. As a result, this festival is heavily attended by locals. 

Epic Snowboarding, Music, And Parties Await You At AK Extreme

If you’re looking for things to do in Iceland in April, head up to Akureyri, the capital of the north, for some wild, often precarious displays of snowboarding talent.

AK Extreme is a four-day snowboarding festival featuring professional snowboarders competing for the AK title in a series of events taking place on Mt Hlíðarfjall and downtown in the heart of Akureyri.

A narrow, man-made ramp down the face of stacked shipping containers helps create one of the most thrilling events of the festival, the Big Jump. 

Locals come out in droves to witness the sometimes terrifying but always exciting contests. The party doesn’t end with the snowboarding, however. If you head to the Green Hat, you’ll find DJs and bands ready to bring out your best dance moves well into the night. 

You Could Spot Whales And Puffins As Early As April In Iceland

Despite being on the very early end of the whale watching season, if you’re visiting Iceland in April with the intention of embarking on a whale watching tour, you’ll certainly get the opportunity. 

Whether you’d prefer to stick to the waters off of Reykjavik, The Snaefellsnes Peninsula, or to Husavik, the whale-watching capital of Iceland, there are plenty of excellent tour options you can choose from.

During your tours, you’re most likely to spot Minke whales, Humpback whales, Orcas, White-beaked dolphins, and Harbour Porpoises. 

Most tour companies offer a few different tour options. Some will take you out under the midnight sun, some involve beautiful traditional, wooden sailing ships, and others include both whale watching and trips to Puffin Island. 

If you’re on the search for puffins you’ll find an abundance of these quirky and adorable orange-beaked birds on the Látrabjarg cliffs in the Westfjords and on Vestmannaeyjar, an island off of mainland Iceland and home to the world’s largest puffin colony.

Iceland in April Weather Tips

Traveling to Iceland in April can be a magical experience, offering unique landscapes and activities. However, the end-of-winter weather in Iceland is unpredictable and can be challenging, requiring visitors to be well-prepared. I have visited multiple times in April! Here are my tips!

General Iceland Weather in April:

• Iceland Temperature: Iceland temperatures in April ranges from 0°C to 7°C (32°F to 45°F), so wear layers that you can easily add or remove
• Expect Variable Weather: April in Iceland is a transitional month, so weather can be unpredictable. Be prepared for a mix of rain, snow, and occasional sunny days.
• Average Snowfall: : Snow is less common in April, but it can still occur, particularly in northern regions and higher elevations.
• Average Rainfall: April is one of the drier months in Iceland, but rainfall is still frequent. The average rainfall in April ranges from 40mm to 50mm.

Reykjavík Weather in April:

• Temperature: In April, temperatures in Reykjavik typically range from 0°C to 7°C (32°F to 45°F), with the possibility of slightly warmer days.
• Driving in and Around Reykjavik: Main roads in and around the city are usually clear of snow, but it’s still wise to check road conditions if you plan to venture outside the city, especially into more rural areas.
• Average Snowfall: Snow is less frequent in Reykjavik in April compared to the winter months.
• Average Rainfall: Expect a mix of rain and drizzle on several days. On average, Reykjavik gets around 50mm to 60mm of rain over the month.

Weather Tips

• Windproof and Waterproof Gear: Bring a windproof and waterproof jacket, as April weather in Iceland can be windy and wet.
• Swimwear for Hot Springs: Don’t forget to add your swimsuit to your Iceland packing list for April for hot springs or geothermal pools, a must-do in Iceland.
• Winter Road Conditions: Some roads, especially in rural areas, may still have winter conditions. Check road conditions if you’re driving.
• Daylight Hours: Enjoy longer daylight hours (up to 13-16 hours), perfect for sightseeing.
• Despite the cold, the sun can be strong, especially when reflecting off snow. Sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended
• Be Flexible with Travel Plans: Have alternative plans due to potential weather changes.

We’re thrilled you’ve chosen to plan a trip to Iceland in April. With slightly smaller tourist crowds and weather that’s beginning to warm, it can be an ideal time to visit the land of fire and ice. 

Whether you’re hiking in Iceland in April or are immersing yourself in Icelandic culture at one of the many April festivals, there’s something for everyone and you’re sure to be entertained and inspired during your trip. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions as you begin planning your trip and deciding which things to see in Iceland in April.