March gives you winter scenery, ice caves and northern lights with twice the daylight of December. Here is what the weather is really like, what is open and how to plan a March trip.
Something changes in Iceland in March. The snow is still on the mountains and the wind still bites, but the light is suddenly back. Every day is around six and a half minutes longer than the last, and by the end of the month, the sun in Reykjavík does not set until after 8 p.m. Locals start talking about spring while wearing three layers.
March is a good time to visit Iceland if you want winter scenery, ice caves and a solid chance at the northern lights, without the very short days of December and January. You get roughly 10 to 13 hours of daylight, dark nights for aurora hunting and lower prices than summer. The catch is weather. March is still winter in Iceland, and late-season storms can close roads for a day or two at a time.
Is March a good time to visit Iceland?
Yes, March is a good time to visit Iceland for most travelers who want a winter trip. It is one of the best months to combine daylight sightseeing with northern lights, and it is the last full month of the ice cave season. Crowds are lighter than in summer, and you can usually find better rates on hotels and rental cars.
It is a weaker choice if your heart is set on hiking in the highlands, seeing puffins or driving remote mountain roads. Those belong to summer. March asks you to be flexible with your plans and to take the weather seriously, especially if you drive.
March suits you well if you want to:
See the northern lights and still have long, usable days
Visit a natural ice cave before the season ends
Photograph snowy landscapes in low, golden light
Avoid summer prices and crowds at the big sights
Consider another month if you want to:
Hike Landmannalaugar, Þórsmörk or the Laugavegur Trail
See puffins, which usually return to their cliffs in April
Drive the Ring Road with no risk of winter conditions
Early March vs late March
Early March still feels like deep winter, with about 10 hours of daylight, colder nights and the most reliable snow. It is the better half of the month if ice caves and long, dark aurora nights are your priority.
Late March is noticeably brighter, with more than 13 hours of daylight by the end of the month and a better chance of milder days. The aurora is still visible, but you will need to stay up later to catch it. If you want more time for sightseeing and photography, aim for the second half of the month, keeping in mind that Easter can fall in late March and push up prices.
Weather in Iceland in March
The weather in Iceland in March is still wintry, with temperatures hovering around freezing and frequent wind. Based on the Icelandic Met Office's station records, Reykjavík's average March temperature from 1991 to 2020 was 1.2°C (34°F). Daily highs averaged about 4.2°C (40°F), and lows about minus 1.3°C (30°F).
Precipitation is similar to the rest of the winter, at about 81 mm (3.2 in) in Reykjavík in a typical March, falling as a mix of rain, sleet and snow. Sunshine improves dramatically, though. Reykjavík averages about 110 hours of sunshine in March, compared with about 13 hours in December. You can check the long-term records yourself in the Icelandic Met Office's climate data.
March storms and weather warnings
Late-winter storms are the biggest wild card of a March trip. The Icelandic Met Office uses color-coded weather warnings in yellow, orange and red, issued by region, and they are worth taking seriously. A yellow warning often means strong gusts that make driving unpleasant and some viewpoints unsafe, while orange and red warnings can close roads entirely.
Storms usually pass within a day or two. The best defense is a flexible plan, with indoor options and a spare day, so a closed road becomes a change of schedule rather than a ruined trip.
How cold is Iceland in March?
Iceland in March is cold but rarely extreme near the coast. Reykjavík days usually sit a few degrees above freezing, while nights drop just below. North Iceland is colder, with Akureyri averaging about 0°C (32°F) for the month, and the interior stays well below freezing.
As always in Iceland, the wind matters more than the thermometer. A March storm can bring gusts strong enough to close mountain passes and make standing at a waterfall viewpoint miserable. A calm, sunny March day, on the other hand, can feel almost mild in the sun.
Is Iceland still snowy in March?
Yes, Iceland is usually still snowy in March, especially in the north, the Eastfjords and anywhere above a few hundred meters. Around Reykjavík and along the South Coast, snow comes and goes, and a thaw can strip the lowlands bare within days before the next storm covers them again.
For visitors, that means you should plan for snow and ice on roads and paths, but not count on a white landscape everywhere. If you want guaranteed snow, head to the Golden Circle uplands, Snæfellsnes or the north.
Daylight hours in Iceland in March
March is when Iceland's daylight grows fastest. On March 1, Reykjavík gets about 10 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 8:37 a.m. and sunset around 6:43 p.m. By March 31, the sun rises around 6:50 a.m. and sets after 8 p.m., giving about 13.4 hours.
That is roughly three extra hours of light over the course of the month. The spring equinox falls around March 20, when day and night are close to equal across the country. After that, Iceland has more daylight than darkness until September.
The extra light changes how you plan. In March, you can comfortably do a full South Coast day, drive to Snæfellsnes and back, or add a stop or two to the Golden Circle without racing the sunset. The low sun also stays golden for hours in the morning and evening, which makes March one of the best months for photography.
Northern lights in Iceland in March
You can see the northern lights in Iceland in March, and it is one of the better months to try. Nights are still dark for many hours, especially in the first half of the month, and the aurora season runs until about mid-April, when the nights become too bright.
There is also a well-known pattern around the equinoxes. Geomagnetic activity has historically tended to be higher around March and September, because of how Earth's magnetic field lines up with the solar wind at those times of year. It does not guarantee a strong display on any given night, but it is one reason aurora hunters rate March highly.
As in any month, clear skies matter more than anything else. The Icelandic Met Office aurora forecast combines a cloud-cover map with an activity scale, so you can see where the gaps in the cloud are likely to be each evening.
Tips for seeing the aurora in March
Late in March, the sky does not get fully dark until around 10 p.m., so plan your aurora hunting for later in the evening than you would in winter. These habits improve your odds:
Try early in your trip, so a cloudy night still leaves you time for another attempt
Get at least 20 to 30 minutes away from Reykjavík's lights
Check the cloud forecast in the afternoon and again before you head out
Stay out until after midnight if activity is forecast
Bring a tripod and spare batteries, because cold drains them fast
Where to see the northern lights in March
You do not need to travel far. On a clear, active night, the aurora is often visible from the Grótta lighthouse at the western tip of Reykjavík, although the city glow washes out fainter displays. A 30 to 45 minute drive opens up much darker skies around Þingvellir, along the Reykjanes coast or on the Hellisheiði plateau.
If you are staying in the countryside, step outside your hotel. Snæfellsnes, the South Coast around Vík and the shore of Jökulsárlón all have very little light pollution. North Iceland is often the best bet of all in March. Inland areas around Mývatn tend to see more clear, cold nights than the stormy southwest, which is why many aurora photographers head north at this time of year.
If you would rather not drive dark, icy roads at night, the Golden Circle plus aurora tour combines a daytime loop of Þingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss with an evening hunt, so the driving is handled from start to finish.
Things to do in Iceland in March
March gives you almost everything winter offers, plus enough daylight to fit it in comfortably. These are the experiences we would prioritize.
Visit an ice cave before the season ends
March is the last full month of the natural ice cave season in Vatnajökull. The caves form inside the glacier each winter and become unsafe as temperatures rise and meltwater increases in spring. Vatnajökull National Park sets the season and oversees cave safety, and the specific caves open to visitors change from week to week.
If an ice cave is on your list, book early in your trip and keep a backup day. Conditions can close caves at short notice, and once the season ends, you will have to wait until the next winter.
See Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach
Jökulsárlón, the glacier lagoon at the foot of Breiðamerkurjökull, is spectacular in March. Icebergs calved from the glacier drift slowly toward the sea, and in winter the lagoon edges often freeze around them. Across the road, chunks of ice wash up on the black sand of Diamond Beach, glowing in the low sun.
The lagoon is about five hours' drive from Reykjavík, so it works best as part of a two-day trip or combined with an ice cave or glacier hike. Seals often rest on the ice floes and swim at the lagoon's mouth, so keep an eye on the water.
Go glacier hiking
Glacier hiking runs year-round on the outlet glaciers of Vatnajökull and Mýrdalsjökull, but March is a particularly good month. The surface is often firm and covered in fresh snow, and there is enough daylight to combine a hike with Jökulsárlón or the South Coast waterfalls. Tours provide crampons, ice axes and helmets, and certified guides choose the route based on that day's conditions.
See the Golden Circle in late winter
The Golden Circle is a strong choice in March. Þingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss are all open year-round, and the frozen edges at Gullfoss and the steam rising off Strokkur look especially dramatic in the cold. With 10 or more hours of daylight, you have time to add stops such as Kerið crater or a soak at one of the region's geothermal pools.
Drive or tour the South Coast
The South Coast is at its most photogenic in March, when snow still clings to the cliffs above Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, but the days are long enough to reach Vík and come back without rushing. Reynisfjara's black sand beach is dangerous in any season, and March storms can send powerful sneaker waves far up the sand. Stay well back from the waterline and never turn your back to the sea.
Explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Snæfellsnes is about two hours from Reykjavík, and March is a good time to see it with snow on its mountains and enough daylight to cover the whole peninsula. Kirkjufell, the lava fields around Snæfellsjökull and the sea cliffs at Arnarstapi make a full day. A day trip to Snæfellsnes is the easiest way to see it without worrying about icy roads.
Go whale watching from Reykjavík
Whale watching runs year-round from Reykjavík's Old Harbour, and March sightings in Faxaflói Bay typically include humpback and minke whales, plus white-beaked dolphins and harbor porpoises. Seas can be rough, and tours are canceled when conditions are unsafe, so give yourself some flexibility. Book whale watching from Reykjavík's harbor early in your trip to leave time for a rebooking if the weather turns.
Puffins are a different story. They spend the winter at sea and usually return to Iceland's cliffs in April, so March boat trips are about whales and coastline rather than seabirds.
Explore the Reykjanes Peninsula
The Reykjanes Peninsula sits between Reykjavík and Keflavík Airport, which makes it an easy half day at the start or end of a trip. Its landscape is raw and volcanic, with steaming geothermal areas like Gunnuhver, sea cliffs at Valahnúkur and the Bridge Between Continents, a footbridge over a fissure in the rift between the North American and Eurasian plates.
The peninsula has seen repeated eruptions near Grindavík since 2021, and access to some areas changes with the volcanic activity. Check current safety information before you go, and never walk onto fresh lava or into closed zones, however calm things look. On a clear March evening, the dark lava fields away from Reykjavík's lights are also a good place to watch for the aurora.
Ski or ride a snowmobile
Iceland is not known as a ski destination, but March is often the best month for it. Bláfjöll, about 30 minutes from Reykjavík, and Hlíðarfjall above Akureyri run lifts when snow and wind allow. Snowmobile tours on Langjökull and Mýrdalsjökull also operate through late winter, with clear spring days giving long views over the ice cap.
Ride Icelandic horses
Icelandic horses spend the winter outdoors with thick, shaggy coats, and many stables near Reykjavík and in the countryside offer rides through late winter. The breed is small but sturdy, and it has a smooth extra gait called the tölt that makes riding over rough ground surprisingly comfortable. Short rides suit beginners, and a snowy lava field is a memorable setting for your first one.
Soak in hot springs and lagoons
March is a good month for geothermal water, because the air is still cold enough to make the steam dramatic, and the longer days let you enjoy the views. Reykjavík's neighborhood pools are the local choice, while the lagoons offer more polish. A trip to Sky Lagoon with hotel transfers is an easy evening option, with an infinity edge that looks out over the sea.
Spend a day in Reykjavík
Reykjavík is at its best in March, when the streets are lively again after winter and the light lasts into the evening. Walk up Skólavörðustígur to Hallgrímskirkja, ride the elevator to the top of its tower for a view over the colorful rooftops, then wander down to the Old Harbour for fish soup. Harpa's glass facade catches the low March sun beautifully in the late afternoon.
The city's museums and thermal pools fill any stormy day. Sundhöllin, the 1937 Art Deco pool near Hallgrímskirkja, and Vesturbæjarlaug in the west of town are local favorites. A guided walk through old Reykjavík is a good first-morning plan, because a local guide fills in the history behind the streets and buildings you pass.
Events and holidays in Iceland in March
March has a few dates worth knowing about, though it is quieter for festivals than summer or December.
Beer Day on March 1
Beer was banned in Iceland for most of the 20th century, and the prohibition ended on March 1, 1989. Icelanders mark the date as Beer Day (Bjórdagurinn), and many bars in Reykjavík run specials or events. It is a good excuse to try the country's craft breweries, which have grown quickly since the ban ended.
The spring equinox and the Imagine Peace Tower
Around the spring equinox, the Imagine Peace Tower on Viðey island is lit again for about a week. Reykjavík City lists the lighting from March 20 to 27, and you can see the column of light from much of the city's waterfront on clear evenings.
Easter in 2027
Easter moves each year. In 2027, it falls on March 28, which brings Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Monday holidays at the end of the month. Expect some shops and museums to close or shorten hours, and book accommodation early, because Icelanders travel around the country over the Easter break. Giant chocolate Easter eggs, each with a printed proverb inside, fill every supermarket in the weeks before.
Driving in Iceland in March
Driving in Iceland in March is possible but should be treated as winter driving. Roads can be icy in the morning and slushy in the afternoon, storms can close passes, and conditions in the north and east are often worse than in the south. Rent a 4x4, and make sure the car has proper winter tires.
Check the official road conditions map at umferdin.is every morning before you set off. It shows closures, ice and wind speeds on each section of road in real time.
Weather warnings are just as important. SafeTravel.is shows current alerts and lets you file a travel plan with ICE-SAR, Iceland's search and rescue association. If a yellow or orange warning covers your route, change the plan or wait it out.
Winter driving tips for March
A few habits make March driving far safer:
Start the day by checking umferdin.is and the weather warnings on SafeTravel.is
Keep at least half a tank of fuel, because stations are far apart outside the southwest
Slow down well before bridges, which are often single lane and icy
Never stop on the road to take photos, even if it looks empty
Leave plenty of distance behind other cars, because braking on ice takes far longer
Hold the car door with both hands when you open it in strong wind
Can you drive the Ring Road in March?
You can drive the Ring Road in March, but it carries real risk. The longer days help, but stretches in the north and east, such as Möðrudalsöræfi and the passes around the Eastfjords, regularly see snow, ice and closures. Allow at least ten days so a storm does not wreck your schedule, and be prepared to wait a day for a pass to reopen.
If you want to see the whole country in March without driving it yourself, a guided Ring Road expedition lets experienced drivers handle the conditions while you watch the landscape go by.
North Iceland in March
North Iceland is a different world in March. Snow is more reliable, the air is colder and drier, and the skies around Akureyri and Mývatn are often clearer than in the southwest. It is the best part of the country for a true winter experience late in the season.
Getting there is the main decision. Akureyri is about a five-hour drive from Reykjavík on the Ring Road, over mountain passes such as Holtavörðuheiði and Öxnadalsheiði that can close in storms. Domestic flights take about 45 minutes and avoid the passes entirely, which makes them a sensible choice in March if you are short on time.
Once you are there, Goðafoss is partly frozen and framed by snow, the Mývatn Nature Baths offer a quieter alternative to the Blue Lagoon, and the steaming vents at Hverir look surreal against white hills. Akureyri's ski area at Hlíðarfjall sits just above town, and the long March evenings make it easy to fit in an aurora hunt after a day outdoors.
Crowds and prices in Iceland in March
March is shoulder season, which usually means fewer visitors than summer and more choice on hotels, rental cars and tours. The busiest sights, such as Gullfoss and Seljalandsfoss, still see tour buses, but you will rarely face the summer lines at viewpoints or the fight for parking at Reynisfjara.
Prices tend to climb around Easter and on weekends with popular events, so check whether your dates overlap. Iceland is never cheap, but booking accommodation a few months ahead, eating some meals from supermarkets and choosing public pools over premium lagoons on some days will stretch a March budget a long way.
Where to stay in March
For a short trip, Reykjavík is the most practical base. Most day tours depart from the city, you have the best choice of restaurants, and you can easily reach the Golden Circle, Snæfellsnes and the Reykjanes Peninsula. The downside is light pollution, which means driving out or joining a tour for the aurora.
For a South Coast trip, spread your nights out. Staying near Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur breaks up the drive to Jökulsárlón, and a night near Höfn or Skaftafell puts you close to the ice caves and glacier hikes. Countryside hotels also make aurora hunting easy, because you can check the sky from the parking lot rather than driving dark roads.
Iceland in February vs March vs April
February, March and April are often compared, and each has a clear identity. February is full winter, with about 7 to 10 hours of daylight, reliable snow and dark aurora nights. April is early spring, with long days, melting snow and the return of puffins, but the northern lights season ends by about mid-month.
March sits in the middle. It still has winter scenery, ice caves and dark nights, but with far more daylight than February. If you want one month that covers both winter experiences and comfortable sightseeing days, March is the strongest choice of the three.
Photography tips for Iceland in March
March may be the best month of the year for photographers in Iceland. The sun stays low all day, so you get long stretches of soft, golden light rather than a short window at sunrise and sunset. Snow on the mountains adds contrast, and the aurora is still active at night.
Snow can fool your camera's meter into making scenes look gray, so add a little exposure compensation or check your histogram. A polarizing filter helps cut glare on ice and water, and lens cloths are essential, because spray from waterfalls and blowing snow will hit your lens constantly. For the aurora, a wide lens, a sturdy tripod and exposures of a few seconds at a high ISO are a good starting point.
What to wear in Iceland in March
Pack for winter. March temperatures are close to freezing, and wind chill makes them feel colder, so you need layers you can add and remove as you move between a warm car and an exposed viewpoint.
A waterproof, windproof shell jacket with a hood
A warm insulating mid-layer, such as fleece or a down jacket
Thermal base layers in merino wool or synthetic fabric
Waterproof pants
Insulated, waterproof boots with good grip
Microspikes or ice cleats for icy paths
A warm hat, gloves and a neck gaiter
Sunglasses, because snow glare on bright March days is intense
A swimsuit for pools and lagoons
Skip cotton for outdoor days. Jeans and cotton hoodies soak up water from snow and spray and take hours to dry. They are fine for evenings in Reykjavík.
How to plan a March trip to Iceland
March works well for trips of five days to two weeks. With five to seven days, base yourself in Reykjavík and add one or two nights on the South Coast to reach Jökulsárlón and the ice caves. With ten days or more, you can consider the Ring Road, as long as you keep buffer days for weather.
Here is a sample one-week plan that balances daylight sightseeing with aurora nights:
Arrive and settle into Reykjavík, with an evening soak in a pool or lagoon
Spend the second day on the Golden Circle, with an aurora attempt that night
Drive the South Coast to Vík on day three and stay nearby
Visit Jökulsárlón and an ice cave on day four, then sleep near Höfn or Skaftafell
Return west on day five with a glacier hike on the way
Give day six to Snæfellsnes or whale watching from Reykjavík
Keep day seven as a buffer for weather before your flight
Frequently asked questions
Should I visit Iceland in March?
Yes, if you want a winter trip with the northern lights, ice caves and snowy scenery, plus 10 to 13 hours of daylight. March is less suitable if you want to hike in the highlands, see puffins or avoid winter driving conditions entirely.
How cold is Iceland in March?
Reykjavík averages about 1.2°C (34°F) in March, with typical highs around 4°C (40°F) and lows around minus 1°C (30°F). The north and the interior are colder. Wind often makes it feel several degrees colder than the reading.
Can you see the northern lights in Iceland in March?
Yes. Nights are still dark enough for the aurora throughout March, and geomagnetic activity has historically tended to be higher around the equinox. You still need clear skies, so plan several nights and check the Icelandic Met Office cloud forecast.
Is Iceland still snowy in March?
Usually, yes. Snow is common in the north, the Eastfjords and at higher elevations, while Reykjavík and the South Coast swing between snow cover and thaw. Expect icy roads and paths, especially in the morning.
What should I pack for Iceland in March?
Pack winter layers: thermal base layers, a warm mid-layer, a waterproof shell and waterproof pants. Add insulated boots, microspikes, a hat, gloves, sunglasses and a swimsuit for the geothermal pools.
Can you see puffins in Iceland in March?
No. Puffins spend the winter at sea and usually return to Iceland's cliffs in April, with the main viewing season running from May to August. In March, boat trips focus on whales instead.
Are the roads open in Iceland in March?
The Ring Road and main routes are normally open in March, but storms can close sections, especially mountain passes in the north and east. Highland F-roads stay closed until summer. Check umferdin.is and SafeTravel.is every day before driving.
Is March a cheap time to visit Iceland?
March is generally cheaper than summer, with more availability on hotels, rental cars and tours. Prices rise around Easter, which falls on March 28 in 2027, so book early if your trip overlaps the holiday.
Plan your March trip
March is the month when winter Iceland and long days finally overlap. Keep your plans flexible, check the weather every morning and give yourself a few nights for the aurora. If there is one thing to book early, make it the ice cave. A Vatnajökull ice cave day trip is only possible in the cold months, and March is your last full chance of the season.
