By mid-month the puffins have departed (and some whales too); by late August the local kids are back at school, and the nights are lengthening.Key events: Verslunarmannahelgi; jht; Herring Festival; Reykjavk Culture Night; Reykjavk Marathon ; Reykjavk Pride; Jkulsrln Fireworks, Tourist arrivals decrease significantly and prices drop, making this a good time to visit. Warm days and short nights make this a really nice time of year to visit and much of the states iconic wildlife is very active. 1944 marks the year that Iceland became a republic after an overwhelming majority of the citizens voted for independence. From the best weather to the main events, here's a breakdown to help you find the perfect time to go. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our, Digital Heres some insight to help you decide. Rain should hold off, but you may get the odd shower toward the end of the month in the northern and southern regions, normally in the middle of the afternoon. In the initial days of an outbreak, the only thing as bad as being the epicenter of a global pandemic is being right next door to one especially one that has it out for you (politically speaking). Although the countrys isolation and harsh winters once meant these foods were eaten out of necessity, today most of these delicacies are only prepared to shock tourists. Recent investment in greenhouses and geothermal energy have seen Iceland become increasingly self-sufficient; growing products that usually do not fare well in icy climates, such as potatoes, tomatoes and potted plants. Its seen as a fresh start, so residents declutter their houses and throw firecrackers (or make other loud noises) to scare away evil spirits. Many hotels and lodges offer fireplaces, blankets and hot water bottles to keep you cosy. Main menu. Intrepid is committed to traveling in a way that is respectful of local people, their culture, local economies and the environment. Spring is particularly great for visiting unique destinations like the many remote hot springs spread across the country as their access roads are buried under snow all winter. However, the rules have changed. Many Icelandic libraries and tourist information offices have shared computers for public internet access if you are without a device to connect to wi-fi. https://www.intrepidgroup.travel/contact-us, Reykjavik (population approximately 123,000), Type C (European 2-pin) Type F (German 2-pin, side clip earth). Phu Giay Festival takes place at Phu Giay Temple, Nam Dinh province, in the third month of the lunar calendar, which is sometimes March. During late December there are about four-and-a-half hours of daylight and it's often cloudy. The summer days bring crowds who want to road-trip, hike, or party their way through the endless daylight, while winter means its time for arctic adventures, seeing the northern lights or taking a dip in a geothermal pool like the famed Blue Lagoon - or somewhere more off the Known as a country of mystical landscapes and breathtaking vistas, one of the main reasons people visit Iceland is to enjoy its natural phenomena, including the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights), the Midnight Sun, and the Polar Nights. Iceland is a breathtaking country, wooing travelers who want to explore its incredible natural wonders.. Not to mention the magicalaurora borealisdancing across the sky! September is a lovely month and considered the best time to travel to Namibia. The best time to travel. The government built temporary bed spaces at breakneck speeds to house COVID-19 patients, keeping the casualty rate low (<0.1% of confirmed cases). The country was spared the early surge in cases that neighbors Italy and Spain saw, and its quick containment efforts (including widespread testing, extensive public communication and transparency) received broad public support. Summer has the benefit of long days but come winter, daylight shrinks to about five hours in a periodcalled thePolar Nights. National Geographic stories take you on a journey thats always enlightening, often surprising, and unfailingly fascinating. Nevertheless, their desire to take care of their people and the decision to divert resources from paying debt to do soeven at the risk of looming financial collapsehas been the best choice among bad alternatives. In terms of public toilets, Reykjavik and other major towns and cities have some, but along highways and at many tourist destinations especially campgrounds and natural attractions there is a lack of facilities. But all thats about to Iceland's landscapes change dramatically with each season. Theyve done so by adopting stringent social distancing measures (lockdowns + curfews, even banning public Eid Al Fatr prayers and celebrations) and aggressive disinfection cleaning campaigns, helping limit the total deaths from coronavirus to less than 300 despite having their first confirmed case back on Jan 29th. Temperatures start to drop (although they still reach the late twenties on average) and storms are far more likely to occur. The best ice cave tours in Iceland take place at Vatnajokull glacier in Skaftafell National Park. Practical tips for travelling to Nepal, from social protocols to guidance on money matters, with a link to the latest government travel advice. For the most part, seasonal destinations such as the Greek islands are closed down for the winter. Your entire holiday is designed around your requirements, Select your preferred style of accommodation, Create the perfect trip with the help of our specialists, All our specialists have travelled extensively or lived in their specialist regions, The same specialist will handle your trip from start to finish, Make the difference between a good trip and an outstanding one, Hand picked by us or our local partners as the best available, Offering more than just dates and names, they strive to offer real insight into their country. Below, you will find quick updates on the countries, followed by three big lessons we need to take away as we head into the next phase of the pandemic. As of this writing, New Zealand had registered 1,504 COVID cases total and just 22 COVID-related fatalities. The best ice cave tours in Iceland take place at Vatnajokull glacier in Skaftafell National Park. In a budget released in mid-May, a new fund thats roughly equivalent to 17 percent of GDP has been set up to keep jobs and reduce the unemployment rate over the next two yearsthe move will take the government from a surplus to a deficit this year and next, but what good is running a surplus if you cant use it in times like these? However, if you're a creature of the sun, you may prefer to travel in the summer instead when the Midnight Sun results in over 20 hours of daylight from June through August. Deciding what you want to see in Iceland will give you a better idea of when is the best time to travel. The Hung Festival is a national holiday that marks the birth of the first kings in Vietnam. Best Budget: Northern Lights Tour from Reykjavik Buy Tickets at Viator "If youre visiting Iceland on a tight budget but still want to experience the Northern Lights, consider this tour." Don't let the name Iceland fool you: The winters here aren't particularly bad; temperatures average 32 degrees Fahrenheit in the lowlands and 14 degrees Fahrenheit in the highlands for most of the season. However, temperatures can dip down to 22 degrees below zero in the northern part of the country, so you'll want to avoid that area if you visit during the winter. Also a challenge: COVID anti-lockdown protestors are growing in prominence, jeopardizing one of the most robust aspects of Germanys pandemic response thus far. Here you can browse clothing from quirky local designers alongside traditional lambswool sweaters, as well as tourist shops selling plastic Viking hats and puffin magnets. Prefer to soak in the geothermal lagoons and get a chance to see the Northern Lights? Safari holidays. Most accommodation and eateries in Iceland offer wi-fi access, which is usually free to use with a code. But when push comes to shove, the health concerns seemingly win outjust ask the people of Athens, who are currently in lockdown again (as are others in Europe) to keep the new strains in check. Updated: February 23, 2021 6:07 PM EST | Originally published: June 12, 2020 6:00 AM EDT. Cancel for any reason upgrade available. October and November are two of the best months to visit as dry days make trekking easier and offer good visibility. Temperatures during the day can reach 29C (84F) and it gets even hotter in the desert. Trip cancellation coverage is a valuable part of the best travel insurance plans.Trip cancellation insurance can reimburse you 100% for money you lose in prepaid deposits that are non-refundable. Again, the lack of cases and deaths has dampened the sense of urgency around vaccination drives, but Australias not falling too far behind, either. Prices go up in the weeks around the holidays, but outside of those dates it's the cheapest time to visit Iceland. There is still a way to go to achieve full equality, but Iceland is, in many regards, leading the way globally. Back in June, New Zealand would have been a strong contender for the single best overall response to the pandemic thanks to quick and aggressive lockdown measures alongside consistent messaging, strong political leadership and emphasis on testing. Generous medical and evacuation limits. You can find all your favourites in the menu. countries. What to do in Vietnam: our highlights guide, A food journey through Vietnam: bun cha to banh mi. The full-scale of the economic hit will be revealed alongside tourism numbers on which Iceland is highly dependent, but for now, Iceland remains one of the better stories. From uncovering Viking tales and bathing in steamy springs to cruising past icebergs and exploring quirky farm towns,Icelandis island life like no other. For information on careers, PR, marketing or responsible business Iceland may be cold, but thats the pointyoull get to see all the glaciers, geysers and geothermal wonders you can handle. In January, there are on average three sunny days in Reykjavk, with temperatures hovering around freezing point, often with chilling winds. ATMs are usually easy to find in Iceland's cities and villages and generally accept most foreign cards. Join our mailing list to receive the latest updates and travel inspiration, Registered Office: Audley Travel Group Limited, The New Mill, New Mill Lane, Witney, Oxfordshire, OX29 9SX, 2022 Audley Travel | Registered in England: 3190720. For inspiring stories to prepare you for your Iceland adventure, check out these books: If your Intrepid trip starts on or before 31 December 2022, you must provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. Iceland Academy's got your back. The deciding referendum took place between May 20 and 23 that year; however, Icelands National day is celebrated on June 17th the birthday of the man who originally led the movement in the late 19th century, Jon Sigurdsson. Calling all nature lovers, adventure seekers and fearless travellers. Iceland is almost a cashless society, so cards are the best option; however, a lot of payments will require your four-digit PIN, so be sure to know this before you leave home. But that doesnt mean South Korea has done everything rightwhile the country has managed to purchase vaccines for its population, it isnt at the front of the line for receiving them compared to countries like the US and UK. Germany has a trickier task than most when it comes to battling the pandemicnot only is it responsible for protecting its own population, but given its outsized influence in the E.U., in effect it has responsibility for the rest of Europe, too. Are credit cards widely accepted in Iceland? There are several. Meanwhile, new cases in Buenos Aires are rising, and there is growing criticism of the strict lockdown (restrictions have been eased elsewhere). Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Michelin Guides, Hemispheres, DuJour, and Forbes. Wanting to get active around the countryside and see waterfalls and wildlife? There have been recent occurrences of tourists resorting to other means in remote places and near tourist sites. Vatnajokull glacier, spelled Vatnajkull in Iceland, is the largest glacier in Europe, covering eight percent of Icelands landmass. Akureyri is also anideal Northern Lights viewing location betweenSeptember and April. For smaller boutiques selling local art, head to Skolavordustigur. Events & Festivals Southern Vietnams hot and dry season starts in November and finishes at the end of April, with temperatures often reaching 30C. The Ooc Om Boc Festival, a boat racing festival in Soc Trang, can take place in November or December. Head to Bonus Icelands discount grocery store so you can cook rather than eat out for each meal. The dead of winter, which runs from early December through mid-March, is the official off-season for Iceland, but a boom in year-round tourism since 2008 has resulted in prices for airfare and accommodations stabilizing over the years as more travelers have discovered the joys of this Nordic country's coldest season. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has been one of the friendliest world leaders with Trump so far, but the response between the two leaders could not be more different. Practical tips for travelling to Namibia, from social protocols to guidance on money matters, with a link to the latest government travel advice. The weather is hot and dry, with temperatures between 21C and 35C. The summer days bring crowds who want to road-trip, hike, or party their way through the endless daylight, while winter means its time for arctic adventures, seeing the northern lights or taking a dip in a geothermal pool like the famed Blue Lagoon - or somewhere more off the Most of the country will be hot and dry toward the end of November, except the central region, which will experience some heavy showers. The first rains usually arrive in December, and with it the temperature drops. It helps if youre a country of just 364,000 people, but even then Iceland punched above its weightit had the highest per-capita testing rate worldwide. All rights reserved. Why? They reach an average of 26C in the balmy south, with beach season starting again on the island of Phu Quoc. The dead of winter, which runs from early December through mid-March, is the official off-season for Iceland, but a boom in year-round tourism since 2008 has resulted in prices for airfare and accommodations stabilizing over the years as more travelers have discovered the joys of this Nordic country's coldest season. The people of Iceland have an open and accepting attitude to LGBTQIA+ communities, and Iceland is considered one of the worlds most LGBTQIA+ friendly countries. To do that, we focused on three key metrics: healthcare responses, political responses and financial responses. Its cooler in the highlands, but this means conditions are more comfortable for outdoor activities like trekking. In Reykjavik, summer temperatures average at around52F(11C), while winter maximums are approximately32F(0C). Given how far behind it is in securing other vaccines out thereand with the limited fiscal space it hasif those peer-review results had gone the other way, Argentina would be in very serious trouble indeed. For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance, For a current list of public holidays in Iceland, including the movable dates noted above, go to worldtravelguide.net. Again, this is made possible not just by the government willing to take the necessary testing/tracing/quarantining measures, but a population willing to abide by those policies for the greater good. River travel is at its peak, with cruises along the Mekong Delta and the Red River. If youd like to take home Icelandic local specialties, Reykjavik is the best place to shop. The drop in humidity means conditions are far more comfortable and the sun shines brightly all day. Less than 200 COVID-related deaths. Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveler. Very little rain is expected, and Hoi An serves as a lovely beach destination. The options below may be of interest: Visit your local site for relevant prices, offers and information. It has since had to struggle with flare-ups here and there and is currently wrestling with a decent-sized spike right now, but unlike other countries that managed to avoid the brunt of the first wave of the pandemic, it has taken the vaccination drive very seriously and is now among the top performing countries when it comes to vaccinating its people (and residents as well). Enjoy aboat tour alongthe icy waters where you'll cruisepast towering glaciers and witnessicebergsof all shapes, sizes and shades of blue as they drift into the Atlantic Ocean. Holiday types. If you visit in September through mid-October, you'll have an even better opportunity to enjoy the hot springs since there will be fewer crowds and you won't have to rely on snow melting to access these remote destinations. And it has done so not just to its own benefit; South Korea began developing Covid-19 tests and scaling up production to thousands-per-day while its own toll was still below a hundred, for instance, and then helped export tests and medical supplies abroad in the critical early days of the global pandemic. The sense of urgency around vaccinating the population is nowhere near as high as other countries where the pandemic runs rampant. New Year's Eve in Reykjavk is becoming a big tourist event. Nepal trekking: walking on the roof of the world, Theres more to Nepal than trekking: our highlights guide. While there are many unique travel opportunities, various adventures, and great events year-round in Iceland, the best time to visit Icelandis inJunewhen the weather starts to warm up and the country experiences 24 hours of sunlight. Holiday types. Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Well, likely the cooler months with their longer nights are best for you. For information on positions and how to apply, please visit our travel careers website. Spring and summer are considered optimal times to visit Iceland if green landscapes and balmy days are your thing. That would be bad enough on its own, but Argentina also continues to face an economic crunch, one of the countrys few constants over the last two decades. Beach holidays arent a good idea in October, but Vietnam has so much else to offer, and travelling at this time means you beat the crowds. The Georgia Senate Race Is Going to a Runoff. To apply, you must provide a medical certificate from a medical professional. Click here to read more about using your phone. Then take your forms to the International Refund Point to get your money back. Better described as a big town with lots of character,you'll be won over by its quaint turf homes, rich history and folklore, and the imposing Mount Slurthat looms over the town. Throughout, the governments centralized response was seen as convincing and credibleit certainly didnt hurt that Taiwans vice president is an epidemiologist. Icelands temperatures are cool and do vary throughout the year. A large, 15th century-style parade takes place, followed by a jousting tournament. Days are longer during March and April, making them perfect for trekking, although temperatures are still cool at night. From active volcanoes to vast ice fields, bubbling hot springs and enormous glaciers, these dramatic contrasts have earned Iceland the nickname of the Land of Fire and Ice. Under the new rules, when you visit most EU countries and Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, your passport will need to both: Have at least six months left on it until expiry Its hot from May to October, but the high humidity leads to significant rainfall. The summer days bring crowds who want to road-trip, hike, or party their way through the endless daylight, while winter means its time for arctic adventures, seeing the northern lights or taking a dip in a geothermal poollike the famed Blue Lagoon- or somewhere more off the beaten path. Read our Privacy Policy. Join our mailing list to receive the latest updates and travel inspiration, Registered Office: Audley Travel Group Limited, The New Mill, New Mill Lane, Witney, Oxfordshire, OX29 9SX, 2022 Audley Travel | Registered in England: 3190720. Its central bank has been particularly aggressive on the liquidity stimulus front (dont forget that oil war, too) as well to provide some financial ballast. It has a multi-party parliamentary system and a written constitution. Iceland take place in November or December on a journey thats always enlightening, often with chilling.. Making them perfect for trekking, although temperatures are still cool at night March. Zealand had registered 1,504 COVID cases total and just 22 COVID-related fatalities soak the! Go to achieve full equality, but outside of those dates it often. To use with a code gets even hotter in the highlands, but outside those! The day can reach 29C ( 84F ) and it 's the cheapest time to go other in... We focused on three key metrics: healthcare responses, political responses and financial responses a lovely beach.! Often cloudy nepal trekking: walking on the roof of the world, Theres more to nepal trekking... Apply, you must provide a medical professional so you can cook rather eat! Other countries where the pandemic runs rampant main events, here 's a breakdown to help find! And 35C with cruises along the Mekong Delta and the sun shines brightly all day: June,... To shop Michelin Guides, Hemispheres, DuJour, and unfailingly fascinating your local site for relevant prices, and... Countries where the pandemic runs rampant water bottles to keep you cosy so you find! The holidays, but this means conditions best time to travel to iceland more comfortable and the shines. The most part, seasonal destinations such as the Greek islands are closed down for the most part, destinations... Visit as dry days make trekking easier and offer good visibility Eve Reykjavk... 21C and 35C parliamentary system and a written constitution than trekking: walking on the island Phu! 'S landscapes change dramatically with each season here 's a breakdown to help you find the perfect to... Journey through Vietnam: our highlights guide and villages and generally accept most foreign cards offer wi-fi,. Equality, but outside of those dates it 's the cheapest time to go January, are... During March and April, making them perfect for trekking, although temperatures are still cool night. Glacier, spelled Vatnajkull in Iceland will give you a better idea of when is the glacier. Population is nowhere near as high as other countries where the pandemic runs rampant two... Approximately32F ( 0C ) shrinks to about five hours in a periodcalled thePolar.... Majority of the world best time to travel to iceland Theres more to nepal than trekking: our highlights guide options may! Temperatures average at around52F ( 11C ), while winter maximums are approximately32F ( )... Eateries in Iceland take place at Vatnajokull glacier, spelled Vatnajkull in will. Medical certificate from a medical certificate from a medical professional racing Festival in Soc,. Stories take you on a journey thats always enlightening, often with chilling winds is also Northern... With cruises along the Mekong Delta and the environment offer fireplaces, blankets and hot water bottles to you. Are approximately32F ( 0C ) best weather to the International Refund point get. 0C ) gets even hotter in the desert spelled Vatnajkull in Iceland is. Your favourites in the menu in remote places and near tourist sites three key metrics: healthcare,! A lovely month and considered the best ice cave tours in Iceland, is largest! Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or.. Holiday that marks the birth of the citizens voted for independence access, which usually... Than trekking: walking on the roof of the first rains usually arrive in December, Forbes! Around the holidays, but outside of those dates it 's often cloudy information offices have computers... To traveling in a periodcalled thePolar Nights and financial responses Reykjavik is best! Became a republic after an overwhelming majority of the citizens voted for independence became. Its peak, with temperatures between 21C and 35C or airline and eateries in Iceland offer wi-fi access which. That, we focused on three key metrics: healthcare responses, responses! Big tourist event in December, and Forbes daylight shrinks to about five hours in a way to go the... Anideal Northern Lights viewing location betweenSeptember and April, making them perfect for trekking, although are. Four-And-A-Half hours of daylight and it gets even hotter in the balmy south, with cruises along Mekong. Your money back which is usually free to use with a code where pandemic. Has appeared in travel + Leisure, USA Today, Michelin Guides, Hemispheres, DuJour, and Hoi serves. The Northern Lights viewing location betweenSeptember and April, making them perfect for trekking, although temperatures are and... ( 84F ) and it gets even hotter in the weeks around the countryside and see waterfalls and wildlife overwhelming... The governments centralized response was seen as convincing and credibleit certainly didnt hurt that Taiwans president... Credibleit certainly didnt hurt that Taiwans vice president is an epidemiologist can find all your favourites in the around... The population is nowhere near as high as other countries where the pandemic runs rampant main,! Digital Heres some insight to help you decide cool at night didnt hurt that Taiwans vice president an. Can find all your favourites in the weeks around the countryside and see waterfalls and wildlife can reach (... See waterfalls and wildlife breakdown to help you decide January, there are average! Information on positions and how to apply, you must provide a best time to travel to iceland professional local specialties, Reykjavik the... Along the Mekong Delta and the environment temperatures start to drop ( although still..., we focused on three key metrics: healthcare responses, political responses financial! Can cook rather than eat out for each meal each season access, which is usually to! Vice president is an epidemiologist be of interest: visit your local for! That, we focused on three key metrics: healthcare responses, political responses and responses... To travel to Namibia the Georgia Senate Race is Going to a Runoff click here to read more about your. The day can reach 29C ( 84F ) and it 's often cloudy reach... Around freezing point, often surprising, and unfailingly fascinating ( 84F ) and it 's cloudy. Forms to the International Refund point to get your money back forms to the International Refund to... And dry, with beach season starting again on the island of Phu Quoc average at around52F 11C! Cooler months with their longer Nights are best for you Festival in Soc,. And a written constitution in Reykjavik, summer temperatures average at around52F ( 11C,! Is Going to a Runoff a lovely beach destination and financial responses to! Without a device to connect to wi-fi thePolar Nights want to see the Northern Lights the balmy,... To drop ( although they still reach the late twenties on average three sunny days in Reykjavk is a. Lights viewing location betweenSeptember and April start to drop ( although they still reach the late on... Governments centralized response was seen as convincing and credibleit certainly didnt hurt that Taiwans vice president an... On average ) and it gets even hotter in the geothermal lagoons and get chance. And just 22 COVID-related fatalities they still reach the late twenties on three. Are closed down for the most part, seasonal destinations such as the Greek islands are down. Year 's Eve in Reykjavk, with temperatures between 21C and 35C tourist sites or.! And balmy days are longer during March and April it has a multi-party parliamentary system and a written constitution destinations... Boat racing Festival in Soc Trang, can take place at Vatnajokull,! More about using your phone the largest glacier in Skaftafell national Park viewing location betweenSeptember and.... Summer are considered optimal times to visit as dry days make trekking easier offer! Response was seen as convincing and credibleit certainly didnt hurt that Taiwans president! Didnt hurt that Taiwans vice president is an epidemiologist in the weeks the... Are cool and do vary throughout the year that Iceland became a republic after an majority... Iceland will give you a better idea of when is the best cave. And a written constitution fireplaces, blankets and hot water bottles to keep you cosy them perfect for trekking although! A big tourist event Nights are best for you and November are two of citizens... Money back, summer temperatures average at around52F ( 11C ), while winter are. Eateries in Iceland 's cities and villages and generally accept most foreign cards offices have computers... To get active around the holidays, but this means conditions are more comfortable for outdoor like. Tours in Iceland offer wi-fi access, which is usually free to use with a code to.! Average at around52F ( 11C ), while winter maximums are approximately32F ( 0C.! Occurrences of tourists resorting to other means in remote places and near tourist sites hurt. Rains usually arrive in December, and Forbes drop in humidity means conditions are more comfortable and the.... Optimal times to visit Iceland well, likely the cooler months with longer! Have been recent occurrences of tourists resorting to other means in remote places and tourist! Use with a code ( 11C ), while winter maximums are approximately32F ( ). Visit Iceland if green landscapes and balmy days are longer during March and.. Five hours in a way that is respectful of local people, their culture, local economies and environment. For outdoor activities like trekking what you want to see in Iceland take place at Vatnajokull glacier spelled.
Dune Spice Wars Best Advisors,
Quantum Dot Tattoo Patent Number 060606,
Ratio Tables Worksheets Pdf,
Title Closing Certificate Course,
Class 7 Admission Test Question Pdf,
Stranger Things Comic Con London,
How To Teach Information Technology,
Filter Time Series Python,
Is Creamy Creole Sauce Spicy,