Destinations Europe

When is the best time to visit Iceland?

The best time to visit Iceland for cruises and outdoor exploration is between June and August. This period offers the mildest weather, calm seas and beautiful sights. Here’s just a taste of what awaits you when you sail with Cunard.

4 min 23 Mar 2026

Cunard

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Why summer is the best time to visit Iceland

What is the Icelandic weather like in the summer?

What wildlife can you see in the summer in Iceland?

Cunard Shore Experiences in Iceland’s summer

Northern Lights

When will you visit Iceland?

Why summer is the best time to visit Iceland

The cruising season for Iceland is June through to September. Iceland sees milder weather, calmer seas and guarantees of beautiful scenery at every stop. Cunard cruises to Iceland run in mid-summer, through July and August, which we believe is the best time of the year to visit Iceland.

This time of year is peak wildlife season, with opportunities to spot puffins, seals, and go whale-watching against the backdrop of the Icelandic fjords. This time of year offers the best access to the fjords, picturesque waterfalls, and remote ports across the country, which are inaccessible in winter.

The seas are the calmest at this time of year, making it the most comfortable time for cruising. You can look forward to relaxing days and nights at sea, waking up to new destinations and beautiful morning vistas.

A small but culturally rich country, Iceland has nature, wildlife, and stories in abundance just waiting for you to explore.

Grundarfjordur, Iceland

What is the Icelandic weather like in the summer?

Summer temperatures in Iceland peak at around 15°C, the mildest temperatures of the year. It’s pleasant, often dry, and perfect weather for walks and tours. But don’t forget your jacket!

If you’re sailing on board our Queens during June or July, you’ll experience the famous Midnight Sun. This is another fabulous reason to visit Iceland in summer, as the locals see 20-21 hours of daylight, letting you traverse the beautiful Icelandic landscapes with bright skies and photo opportunities at every turn.

Hrisey, Iceland

What wildlife can you see in the summer in Iceland?

As you travel along Iceland’s coast, you can expect to spot wildlife of all shapes and sizes. Seals, foxes, and seabirds are very common, whilst orcas and dolphins are known to make the odd appearance too.

Whale-watching is highly rewarding, with plenty poking their heads above water to say hello. Humpback whales are especially common in Akureyri and Húsavík, but as the whales migrate north for summer, you can often find fin, sperm, or blue whales if you’re looking in the right places.

For bird watchers, puffins are nesting throughout July and August on the routes we sail – so bring your binoculars.

Cunard Shore Experiences in Iceland’s summer

Another reason July, August, and September are the best months to visit Iceland is that major ports and fjords become accessible, including remote areas like Ísafjörður and Seyðisfjörður which are often closed off in other months due to ice.

The long, sunny days make for ideal conditions for wandering to sites such as Hallgrimskirkja or Old Reykjavik, taking incredible photographs, or experiencing one of our hand-picked Shore Experiences in Iceland. If you need some inspiration, see where your Icelandic odyssey could take you.

Waterfalls are flowing, but the trails are dry and easy to walk. You can try out a glacier hike, volcano tour, or experience the Golden Circle – all with our expert guides by your side.

Iceland’s famous Blue Lagoon is another landmark that’s made even better in the mild summer months. Visit the natural geothermal pool and stare out across the local Icelandic landscape as you kick back and relax.

You can browse and book Shore Experiences for your ports of call by logging on to My Cunard, where you can enjoy 10% off if you book before your cruise. Shore Experiences are also available to book on board duing your voyage at your ship’s Shore Experience desk.

Reykjavík, Iceland

Northern Lights

The best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland is in the winter. Unfortunately, cruise lines rarely run during the colder months due to rough seas and limited daylight.

Iceland has plenty on offer for visitors, and many guests find that visiting during the summer gives them greater freedom to explore and discover local culture, away from those hunting for the aurora borealis.

For the best view of the Northern Lights in winter, many guests choose to sail with Cunard through the Norwegian fjords in the autumn or early spring.

Reykjavík, Iceland

When will you visit Iceland?

The best months to visit Iceland are throughout the summer, but when will your visit be? When you’ve found the perfect cruise, you can book your Iceland voyage with ease and start planning your voyage of a lifetime.