Travellers to Iceland often question whether inclement weather might impact their plans. The country’s position in the mid-Atlantic means that storms often blow in. Windy and wet conditions can occur at any time of year, while snow and ice are common in winter. Yet that doesn’t have to be a problem, so long as you come to Iceland with realistic expectations. Here, we’re used to coping with changeable conditions and the need to reschedule or rebook when necessary doesn’t faze providers such as Gray Line Iceland. Best of all, we offer a wide variety of day tours, so if you’re on the receiving end of a weather-related disappointment we’ll do our best to find you an alternative. In this article, we’ll explore how this works, and what the impact might be on Iceland tours by weather.
How unpredictable is Icelandic weather and how much should I plan around it?
When it comes to Iceland sightseeing, bad weather doesn’t have to be a deal breaker. In fact, you could argue the Icelandic weather is so changeable that it’s actually predictable. If you expect conditions to change frequently during the day, that’s probably the safest bet. The Icelandic Met Office publishes up-to-date forecasts by region with information about temperatures, precipitation and cloud cover. It’s the best place to look if you’re after an Iceland tour weather guide.
Before embarking on a day tour to a particular part of Iceland, you can check on their website. If the forecast looks disappointing, you’ll get a sense of whether those conditions are likely to be countrywide or region-specific. In those cases, depending on whether it’s deemed safe to go ahead, you might possibly consider checking availability for an alternative tour.
This regional forecasting is especially helpful for tours that are less weather-resilient, such as Northern Lights tours which rely on clear skies as well as that all-important solar activity forecast. Another kind of tour that tends to be affected more than others is whale watching; though this is a year-round activity, boats can’t go to sea if conditions are extreme.
Seasonal factors also come into play. Typically, the summer months are associated with more stable weather. Temperatures tend to be mild and there’s a much lower chance of snow. Nevertheless, you can still experience storms and high winds even in July and August. This alone isn’t a reason to cancel a tour; you could say that seeing Iceland at its most wild is all part of the experience.
What can you do to mitigate the impact of poor weather?
Consider which Gray Line Iceland tours work best during rain, wind or limited visibility
Firstly, if it’s important to you that you aren’t outside for long periods when the weather’s being uncooperative, seek out tours where you’re either indoors or spend part of your day travelling between places. It’s also important to mention that Iceland’s landscapes are so dramatic and breathtaking you might not even notice the weather when you’re outside.
For instance, a Golden Circle tour is a possibility. On this popular sightseeing route, you’ll stop at three different locations. At Thingvellir National Park, the steep sided walls of the Almannagjá Gorge are effective at blocking much of the wind; there’s also a visitor centre in which to seek shelter should you prefer.
The tour also calls in at Geysir Geothermal Area and Gullfoss waterfall. At both these locations you can duck inside to dry off and warm up in the café. There’s also a souvenir shop in the same building, so you can browse for gifts and mementos without having to step outside again.
Consider tours in different parts of the country
Reykjavik’s position means that you can be at the heart of West Iceland’s natural wonders just as quickly as you could be immersing yourself in the breathtaking landforms of the south coast. Use this to your advantage, particularly if you’re booking last minute, as the same weather doesn’t always hit both those regions at once. Either could be considered one of the best Iceland day tours in summer, when it rains or in the cold depths of winter.
For instance, if it’s forecast to be damp and grey in the west, then head instead for the sensationally scenic south shores. There, our tour calls in at the striking pair of waterfalls at Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss. As well, you have the opportunity to watch the dramatic breakers at Reynisfjara beach and admire the glittering icebergs that litter Jokulsarlon Lagoon and nearby Diamond Beach.
Conversely, if the rain clouds are expected to hover persistently in the south, then travel north towards stunning Snæfellsnes. This impressive peninsula is home to some of Iceland’s most extraordinary coastal scenery and also boasts a glacier-topped volcano. Seals and sea birds are also commonly sighted, making this a popular destination for wildlife-lovers.
Embrace being wet
If it’s raining, sleeting, hailing or snowing, you’re likely to be getting wet at some point, so why not go all in? We’re talking, of course, about Iceland’s famous geothermal lagoons, where soaking in the deliciously warm water is a fun activity in any weather. At many of these hot springs and baths you can access the pool before you step outside, so all that’s exposed to the elements is your head – pull on a hat and you’re pretty much weatherproof.
We offer tours to a number of geothermal lagoons and pools, either as standalone activities with transfers or as an add-on to another tour such as the Golden Circle. For example, you might opt for the luxe vibe of Sky Lagoon, the visually delightful Blue Lagoon or the historic Secret Lagoon. Each has their own distinct characteristics and all of them have bucket-loads of charm. If you can’t figure out which one appeals the most, why not book a couple? After all, in many respects, it’s one of the best combinations of Iceland weather and tours and certainly a good way to hedge your bets.
Wear the right kind of clothing
Good preparation is really important in a place like Iceland. Equipped with the right gear, you’ll be able to enjoy being outside during your Gray Line Iceland tours even if conditions are especially challenging. Make sure the outer layer that you bring is windproof as well as waterproof; this will keep you both warm and dry no matter what the weather throws at you.
Be sure to look after your extremities: wear good quality boots and thick socks that can cope not only with the terrain but also keep your feet as warm and dry as the rest of you. In winter – and when it feels like winter even though it’s spring or autumn – you’ll be glad of thermal base layers, a hat, gloves and scarf.
In the shoulder seasons and in summer, you might find a much greater variation in temperatures and conditions as the day progresses. In these cases, it’s a good idea to layer up. Bring items that can easily be added or removed as conditions dictate, as well as a day pack in which to store discarded items while you’re not on the bus.
Consider a private tour
When working out the best tours in Iceland in any weather, sometimes it’s good to have more say. In some instances, opting to book a private rather than a group tour can be invaluable. It’s a strategy that gives you more control over an itinerary – a real bonus if the weather is patchy – and ensures that you have a say in what you include or leave out. For example, this can be useful on a Northern Lights tour where often you’ll be outside for several hours.
If it’s a very cold night and you’re satisfied with what you’ve already seen, there’s nothing (or rather no one) to stop you calling it a night and returning to where you’re staying. Of course, on a group Northern Lights tour, you can sit on the bus for a bit if you need to warm up, or walk around with a mug of hot chocolate.
Stay indoors for these Iceland rainy day tours
If it’s raining or blowing a gale outside, you don’t have to be out in it of course. In Reykjavik, there are a number of indoor attractions that you can book with us – and they centre on the extraordinary aspects of the Icelandic countryside that you’d be focused on outdoors. Better still, on a visit to such places, you’ll get a better understanding of the processes that have shaped the landscape and made Iceland what it is today.
One example of Reykjavik day tours that are weather proof is the Icelandic LAVA Show activity. This unique visitor attraction brings the most compelling aspect of a volcanic eruption within a few metres of your seat in the auditorium. Under strictly controlled conditions, molten rock is poured and cooled while your presenter explores the geology and characteristics of the lava flow that you’re witnessing.
Equally captivating is the excellent Perlan museum, another shoe-in for what to do in Iceland when it rains. Housed in a striking building making use of the space provided by redundant water tanks, the exhibits inside explain the key facets of the Icelandic landscape. Here, you can walk through an artificial (but highly realistic) ice cave as well as learn about the country’s volcanoes, glaciers and coastline in an interactive and fun way.
Conveniently located within a short walk of the Old Harbour, FlyOver Iceland offers another chance to experience Icelandic scenery without setting foot in the countryside – ideal for days when virtual journeys are likely to be more enjoyable. Suspended from your seat in front of a 20 metre high screen, Iceland’s natural wonders completely fill your field of vision. This incredible motion ride enables you to get a feel for a diverse array of landscapes, from its coastal fjords to its mountain glaciers.
Build in some flexibility when planning your itinerary
Sometimes, even the most carefully planned trips hit a road bump. When you’re working out your schedule for Iceland, it’s sensible to build in a bit of a buffer so that if the weather causes delays or postponements you don’t have to miss out on what you were most looking forward to.
It’s easiest to do this in summer, when the weather tends to be better and in any case, long hours of daylight mean you have plenty of sightseeing time at your disposal. Ensuring you capitalise on the daylight in December or January takes a little more thought, but Gray Line’s experts are pros when it comes to organising day tours that put you in the right place while the sun’s still up.
Having realistic expectations is vital, however. No reputable tour operator is going to sanction a tour going ahead in weather that could jeopardise the safety of guides and participants. If the country’s hit by high winds or white-out blizzards, do as the locals do and hunker down until the storm passes. In accordance with our terms and conditions, where we have to cancel or change a tour, you will usually be offered a new date or a new tour or a full refund.
When choosing a tour, savvy travellers know that iceland tours can sometimes be impacted by weather. For peace of mind, most of Gray Line Iceland’s tours come with a free cancellation option; typically you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance and get a full refund. But remember conditions change frequently in Iceland and good weather is often just around the corner.
If you book with Gray Line Iceland, you can be confident that you’ll end up doing something memorable, no matter what conditions are like. As we’ve demonstrated, we have an extensive range of tours, so there’s sure to be something that will appeal. We understand that weather-related issues can occur and do our utmost to find a suitable alternative if your first choice tour isn’t available because of the weather.