13 Epic Reasons to Visit Iceland In March

Are you visiting Iceland in March and looking for things to do? Iceland is a beautiful place to visit. Iceland in the Summer, it offers midnight sunshine, while Iceland in Winter visitors are awed by the snowy landscapes. From the unique animals to the joyous locals and picturesque views – Iceland is, no doubt, a bucket-list-worthy destination and probably the best time to visit Iceland.

For anyone planning to visit Iceland in March, our list of reasons to go should inspire your planning. For those not sure yet, keep reading and prepare to be convinced that the best time to visit Iceland is in March. Iceland in the winter months is so beautiful. March in Iceland is a great time to visit as you may still have an opportunity to catch the Northern lights.

While there are tons of things to do in Iceland throughout the year, the month of March has its own unique itinerary. Even though March is the low season in Iceland, there are an abundance of attractions and experiences to be discovered during this time.

Let’s have a look at the many reasons you should definitely plan a trip to Iceland in March. Here are the top things to do in Iceland in March. It is also a great time to backpack through Iceland.

TIP: A great way to experience Iceland is with a group tour. This is a great Iceland Discovery tour if you want to leave the work and driving to someone else. Check for dates and pricing here.

1. Weather in Iceland in March

The weather in Iceland in March isn’t as cold as you might think. The month of March sees the last of  Iceland’s Winter. As the Iceland March weather starts to warm, you still get to enjoy the wondrous sight of snow and ice. Although it’s not as cold as the dead of winter, you should still pack lots of warm clothes. Iceland weather in March wasn’t as cold as I thought it would be but you will need to be prepared as the weather changes quickly. Iceland March weather can be fairly unpredictable. We experienced sun, rain, high winds, and even snow all within the same afternoon. 

You can still expect snowfalls and rain during March in Iceland, so be prepared, but this is not so bad that it would ruin a trip. The temperatures in Iceland in March is between 28 F and 38 F. You will see that visiting Iceland in March is the perfect time to visit as the Iceland weather in March isn’t as cold as you may think.  Visiting Iceland in March is the ideal time to visit.

The days are also long enough to enjoy, yet not so long that you miss out on seeing the stars. You’ll experience 10 – 13 hours of daylight during March in Iceland. This gives the perfect balance for daylight exploring and night-time views.

Anyone visiting Iceland in March can expect Sunrise to appear at around 8:30 AM and sunset will be at about 6:30 PM. This at least makes for ‘normal’ day hours for those who don’t live near the Arctic Circle.

If you are planning a trip to Iceland and are not sure where to eat no worries. Read our Best Reykjavik Food Tour and try some great local Icelandic food.

2. Affordable Flights, Accommodation, and Car Rental  | March in Iceland

Iceland, as beautiful and serene as it can be, is quite a costly trip. Many who have visited before will tell you that during the peak season, Iceland is an expensive destination. If you are traveling to Iceland on a budget then March is a great time to visit.

Iceland in March is not quite tourist season yet and, because of this, the cost of everything is slightly lower. Flights and accommodation will be more affordable, while tours and activities may cost you a bit less compared to peak season. You’ll also find car rentals to be cheaper in March. This makes traveling to Iceland in March a financially smart option.  Check Airbnb for the best rates and save $45 off your first booking. If you love camping then check out these Iceland campsites.

The only downside is that many accommodation places will close during the low season, as staying open with no guest is too costly for them. For this reason, the accommodation that is available is likely to fill up fast – so booking in advance is crucial.

Not only will costs for your visit to Iceland be lower in March, but you’ll also find substantially fewer crowds wherever you go. Fewer tourists around means more space for you to enjoy the views.

3. Tour the Natural Glacial Caves | Iceland in March

The glacier caves in Iceland are natural caves formed inside glaciers. This makes for a magnificent sight, of course. It also, however, can be a bit dangerous. Since the cave is inside the glacier, the chances of ice melting are high.

For this reason, it is not advised to explore any natural caves without a guide. The caves are also only open to viewing during the Iceland Winter months. Although there are other ice caves that are available throughout the year, they are nowhere near as majestic as the natural glacier caves.

You can easily find glacier cave tours in Iceland in March, as it’s not yet too warm to go. Being the last month of Winter, March brings the last chance to tour the fantastic Ice Caves. After that, it’s not safe to tour the caves since they are at risk of collapsing.

4. Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Iceland in March

Just like the ice caves, March in Iceland is the last chance to see the Northern Lights before Summer starts, taking away that magical opportunity. March in Iceland has the perfect amount of dark hours to be able to see these wondrous natural lights. Here are some tips for photographing the aurora.

The lights are best seen on extremely dark nights, though. So aim for a dark night with as little moonlight as possible. Also, try and make it a clear night, as any cloud cover will ruin your chances of viewing the aurora.

As Spring approaches, heavy snow clouds become less frequent, increasing the chances of clear skies and a chance to view the aurora. The March Equinox also provides higher solar activity, making aurora displays more imminent.

READ NEXT: HOW TO GET TO ICELAND

5. The Food and Fun Festival in Reykjavik | Iceland in March

If you visit Iceland in March you will be able to attend the Food and Fun Festival that is held every year in Reykjavík, during the first weekend in March. The festival is a culinary circus. Reykjavík’s best restaurants host some of the most well-known chefs from both sides of the Atlantic.

For one weekend these chefs will work in the restaurants and create delectable menus with Iceland’s freshest ingredients. It’s a festival for your taste buds and one that is surely worth the visit.

Started in 2002, in an attempt to boost Iceland’s tourism in the quieter months of Winter, the festival has now become an annual event. International chefs are invited to participate and get a great insight into the fresh and tasty ingredients that can be found in Iceland. It’s the perfect reason to head to Reykjavik in March.  Make sure to also check out the Reykjavik Food Tour.  Make sure to try Kopar Restaurant.

6. Celebrate Beer Day with the Locals | Iceland in March

Every year, on the 1st of March, Iceland locals celebrate Beer Day or Bjordagur. This is to honor the day that beer became legal again in Iceland, after 74 years of prohibition.

Iceland in March may seem too cold to properly enjoy an ice-cold beer, but after such a long period of not being allowed to drink the stuff, Icelanders fully enjoyed the first day it was brought back to their shores.

Now, every year, locals commemorate the day, although not as vigorously as they did the first time. However, with beer sprees in bars and pubs across Iceland, it’s very easy for visitors to join in on the celebration.

If you are planning a trip to Iceland then you must plan a Golden Circle Tour. Read about the Best Golden Circle Tour in Iceland.

7. Enjoy Watching the Whales | Iceland in March

Visiting Iceland in March is, in actual fact, a brilliant time to be in Iceland if whale watching is on your itinerary. While whales are visible all year long, the whale-watching season in Iceland officially starts in March. The best place to catch sight of one of these massive beauties is in Húsavík, which is on Iceland’s northern shores.

Visiting Iceland in March you’re most likely to catch sight of the notorious Humpback Whale. If you’re really lucky, though, you may even see one of the more elusive Blue Whales. There is also the chance to see a few dolphins, and even a porpoise or two.

8. Ring Road Driving in Iceland | Visiting Iceland in March

Iceland’s famous Ring Road is an attraction to most visitors. The road circles the entire country, and driving it will expose to you to the best of Iceland’s landscapes and views. The Iceland weather in March can be a bit finicky so always check the forecast before driving out as the weather can change by the minute.

Usually, it’s not advisable to drive Ring Road during Winter. In March, though, there are more days in which you’ll see clear, safe days than in other Winter months. The rain, wind and icy conditions can make the more tricky spots even harder to navigate. Thankfully, though, the weather in Iceland in March conditions are more likely to allow for a safe and enjoyable road trip.

You would still need to check the weather report, as the drive will take you a few days to fully complete. Make sure you have a decent vehicle to do the trip in and plan for emergencies.

9. Glacier Hiking in Iceland | Iceland in March

You truly haven’t experienced anything like glacier hiking in Iceland in March. Hiking up a glacier is not something many destinations offer, but it’s quite an experience in Iceland. In fact, the largest glacier in Europe, Vatnajökull, can be found in Iceland.

With special shoes and a knowledgeable guide, you can safely set off to hike the glaciers. You’ll find the most common hike going from Reykjavík to Sólheimajökull. You’ll pass breathtaking views such as Iceland’s waterfalls – which very well may be frozen in March – and the volcano, Eyjafjallajökull, which managed to stop all air traffic due to its ash in 2010.

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10. See the Golden Circle in Iceland in March

The perfect activity for anyone who wants to visit Iceland in March. The Golden Circle is a circular road stretching 190 miles in length. It starts and ends in Reykjavík. You can do the Golden Circle with a guide, who will ensure you make all the important pit stops and will keep you on the right track.  Make sure to check out the best Golden Circle Tour in Iceland in March.

Alternatively, you can rent a car and take the trip self-guided. Some of the not-to-be-missed stops are:

• Þingvellir National Park – a unique nature reserve that shouldn’t be missed during an Icelandic trip. The entrance to the park is free and the opening hours for March are 9 AM to 6 PM.
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• Stori-Geysir – this dormant Great Geysir is a point of interest for most visitors to Iceland, and is available easily from the Golden Circle road.
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• Gullfoss – this waterfall is a splendid scene no matter the time of year. Although it can get extremely cold and windy during the winter months, March is right in the middle of chilly and warm
• Kerið Lake Crater – one of the only attractions along the Golden Circle with an entrance fee, this volcanic crater is an interesting landmark along the road.

11. Visit a Black Sand Beach | Iceland in March

Another beautiful sight in Iceland is the black sand beach. Formed from a dormant volcano’s cooled-down lava, the black sand beach is unlike many other beaches found across the globe.

The beach provides a unique spot for tourists to view. As well as the sand, there are also basalt columns, which look like they have been hand-carved, but are in actual fact natural creations.

Along with the sand, you can view fantastic volcanic rock formations and wonderful views of the somewhat rough ocean. Puffins live and nest on these beaches, although usually they are only seen from early April to mid-September.

12. Swim in the Blue Lagoon in Iceland in March

The Blue Lagoon is famous for its beauty and warm, mineral-rich water, which is known to be great for your skin. The lagoon has different options available, from a simple lagoon swim to a full spa treatment with mud masks and other natural beauty enhancing treatments.

The Lagoon is man-made in a lava field and uses the area’s geothermal powers to create the magical atmosphere. The water is an average of 99–102 °F, making it the perfect place to be when the weather is a bit too chilly.

Even though March in Iceland has fewer tourists, the Blue Lagoon is still a popular place to be. It is always best to book ahead of time if you plan on visiting the Lagoon.

While swimming in the Lagoon is the main attraction, you are also able to buy skin and beauty products, made from the natural ingredients found in and near the lagoon. So you can take some Iceland home with you.

Make sure to hike to Reykjadalur Hot Springs in Iceland.

13. Seek out the Solheimasandur Plane Wreck | March in Iceland

The Solheimasandur was a United States Navy DC plane that ran out of fuel while flying over Iceland and crash-landed on the southwest of the country. Luckily, all passengers survived, but the plane was never moved.

Now, it makes for an interesting landmark and fabulous photo opportunity. To get to the wreck, you’ll have to park your car on the main road and walk the short distance across the sand, as vehicles are no longer allowed to drive right up to the plane.

Once at the wreck, though, you can explore it inside and out. Take some awesome snaps of the scenery, and if you’re up for it, walk a bit further to the ocean and enjoy that view as well.

Are You Convinced to Visit Iceland in March?

As you can see, March in Iceland is a great time to visit. If you’re looking for moderate temperatures, snowy landscapes, fewer crowds, and queues, that’s what you’ll find in Iceland in March.

In addition to a lower cost trip, and the long list of things to do in Iceland in March, you’ll be able to appreciate the best of both sides of the country – the Winter beauty with the Summery excitement.

With the country’s magical feel and its abundance of natural beauty, this is a trip you’ll remember for years to come. We’re sure that this has you convinced to travel to Iceland in March as it is the best time to visit Iceland. Have a safe trip!

Read more about Iceland:

• Guide to Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland
• 12 Reasons to Visit Iceland in March
• Best Golden Circle Tour Iceland
• Best Reykjavik Food Tour