20-12-2023
Ice climbing, glacier hiking and watching the spectacular Northern Lights dance across the sky are just some of the many incredible activities you can enjoy when visiting Iceland in March. This subarctic island is a true winter wonderland during March, with a whole range of amazing things to do and snow-covered landscapes to see.
If you’re thinking of traveling to Iceland in March, our complete travel guide will help you learn all you need to know to have a fantastic Iceland March vacation.
Wondering whether to visit Iceland in March? Here are some of the pros and cons of traveling to Iceland in March to help you make up your mind:
When visiting Iceland in March, you’ll be able to benefit from the cheaper prices and smaller crowds that come with this off-peak travel month. Fewer tourists means you can enjoy Iceland’s amazing landscapes without the crowds and take advantage of the off-season prices, too.
What’s the best thing about Iceland in March? It has to be the Northern Lights! Yes, March is during the Northern Lights season in Iceland, which lasts from September to April, meaning you’ll have an amazing opportunity to spot these dancing lights during your vacation.
Whales return to Iceland in March, so you’ll have a wonderful chance to spot the majestic humpbacks swimming around the island, especially if you choose to go on a guided whale watching tour.
Want to get out and about during your vacation and experience some Icelandic favorite winter sports? You can do just that, as March is prime time for snow sports and activities in Iceland, including snowshoeing, snowmobiling, snowboarding, skiing, glacier hiking and ice cave exploring.
Days start to get longer in March, with daylight hours lasting for around 10 hours at the start of March and extending to 13 hours at the end of the month.
March is still technically winter in Iceland, meaning the weather may be less than optimal. With cold temperatures and potential rain and snow, visiting Iceland in March can be a lovely winter wonderland vacation, but you need to be prepared for the chilly weather.
Some roads may be inaccessible in March, as certain Icelandic roads are closed during winter time due to severe weather and unsafe road conditions. For example, the wild Icelandic Highlands in the interior of the island are unreachable during the entire winter season.
Although you can spot the Northern Lights during March in Iceland, you won’t be able to see the Midnight Sun, as this beautiful natural phenomenon is only visible during the summer months.
Typical Iceland weather in March is cold, as this is still the winter season, although temperatures do start to rise as March progresses. You can expect less rainfall than during the rest of the winter season and more sunny days, too.
Be aware that Iceland’s weather is famously changeable, no matter what month you visit, so just make sure to be prepared to experience every season in a day! Wrap up warm in waterproof layers, and you’ll be equipped to handle whatever the weather decides to do during your vacation.
Regarding the temperature in Iceland in March, you can expect average lows of around -2ºC (28ºF) and average highs of around 3ºC (37ºF). Iceland can also sometimes experience strong winds, which can cause the temperature to feel lower.
In the Icelandic capital, you can expect temperatures of between -2ºC (28ºF) and 2ºC (35ºF). Reykjavík weather in March is chilly for sure, so you’ll definitely need to pack your layers.
Looking for some inspiration for what to do when spending March in Iceland? Here are some of our favorite activities to enjoy and places to see:
Go on a guided Iceland Northern Lights tour to experience your very own aurora adventure;
Take a bath in Iceland’s famous hot springs, such as Hvammsvik Natural Hot Springs;
Explore the stunning Golden Circle in Iceland, which includes Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall and Kerid Crater;
Enjoy some winter sports, such as skiing, snowboarding, ice climbing, glacier hiking or taking a snowmobile tour;
Take a brisk walk along Iceland’s black sand beaches, such as the famous Reynsfjara black sand beach near the picturesque fishing village of Vik;
Tour the scenic South Coast of Iceland;
Discover Icelandic history and culture in the museums of Reykjavík, including the Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft, and the historic churches across Iceland, including the epic Hallgrimskirkja in the capital;
Meet some Icelandic Horses and go for a horseback ride in the Icelandic countryside;
Be wowed by some of the amazing waterfalls around Iceland, including Svartifoss, and/or the country’s volcanoes and volcanic craters.
When visiting Iceland in March, you’ll need to bring warm clothing to keep you cozy and protected from the winter chill. Here’s our packing list for Iceland in March to help you when filling your suitcase:
Winter parka coat – It goes without saying that you’ll need a warm winter coat to wrap yourself up in during March. We recommend bringing a good-quality thick winter parka, preferably made of a waterproof and windproof material for maximum protection.
Hat, gloves and scarf – Bring a hat that covers your ears to keep yourself as warm as possible during March in Iceland. You’ll also need gloves and a scarf when going out and about in this cold season.
Sturdy walking shoes – For those visitors planning to go hiking during their Iceland March vacation, you’ll need some proper hiking shoes. As it can rain during March in Iceland, the best walking shoes you can bring for your vacation are waterproof ones.
Thermal layers, including sweaters – Layering your clothes is essential for keeping warm in Iceland during March, with sweaters as a top layer underneath your winter coat. Try to bring thermal base layers if possible to protect yourself from the winter chill.
Bathing suit and flip-flops – Yes, we recommend packing a bathing suit and flip-flops for your Iceland March trip, even though it’s winter season. Although you definitely won’t be able to swim in the sea during March, you can choose to take a dip in the island’s steaming geothermal pools, which is the perfect way to warm up after a day out in the cold!
Thick winter pajamas – As the winter evenings can be chilly in Iceland during March, you’ll need some thick pajamas to keep you toasty and warm throughout the night. Bring some slippers and/or fluffy socks to keep your feet comfortable, too!
Renting a car in Iceland gives you the ultimate freedom to roam across this incredible country to wherever your heart desires, soaking in all the gorgeous geological and cultural highlights in your own time. So, what do you need to know if you’re planning on driving in Iceland in March? Here are some important points to keep in mind.
When driving in Iceland in March, you’ll need to make sure you have snow tires and also check whether any of your planned routes include roads that require 4x4 vehicles. Your rental agent should be able to help you make sure that you have all the proper equipment and accessories you’ll need for a safe and fun road trip in Iceland in March.
Certain roads won’t be accessible during March in Iceland, including the Icelandic F-roads, as these Highland routes are only open during the summer season. Other roads may also be closed depending on weather conditions, although the main Ring Road in Iceland is usually open all year round.
If you’d like to go camping in March in Iceland, we definitely recommend renting a campervan in Iceland, as it’ll surely be too cold to be pitching a tent during the Icelandic winter!
The best tip we can give you for your Iceland camping vacation is to purchase a Camping Card, which provides you with access to over 30 campsites across the country for a total cost of €179 for a family of 2 adults with up to 4 children. Given that a campsite generally charges around €10 per person per night, purchasing this card is a sure way to save money during your trip.
Some campsites you might like to check out during your March Iceland vacation are:
Check out our top travel tips for visiting Iceland in March to help yourself have the best vacation experience possible:
Keep an eye on road and weather conditions – As roads may sometimes be closed during March in Iceland, it’s best to check out the current road conditions in Iceland before setting out on your trip. We also recommend keeping an eye on the latest weather forecast in Iceland for the area you plan to visit, so you can avoid any potential storms or adverse weather conditions.
Make sure your outer layers are waterproof and bring extra clothes on your day trip – This is a must for any outdoor exploring or adventuring you plan to do. You’ll be thankful you brought those extra socks if you end up stepping in a puddle or getting caught in a rainfall! You can even walk behind some waterfalls in Iceland, which is an amazing and unmissable experience, but you’ll need to make sure you’re wearing waterproof outer layers so you don’t get soaked!
Use the Northern Lights forecast – If seeing the Northern Lights is on your bucket list, you’ll be best checking the Iceland Northern Lights forecast to see on which day and at which time you’ll have the highest probability to spot the spectacular aurorae for yourself.
Who’s feeling inspired to visit Iceland this March? Let’s make your dream winter vacation a reality by starting to plan your trip, including finding an affordable and reliable car in Iceland to take you all around this incredible island. We look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful country soon!