Iceland

Planning ahead? See typical weather for your travel dates.

Iceland has a subarctic oceanic climate: cool summers (10 to 15C) with nearly 24-hour daylight in June, and cold, dark winters ideal for viewing the northern lights. Weather can change quickly year-round. Best time to visit: June to August for long daylight and easier road access, or September to March for the northern lights.

Reykjavik is compact and walkable. Beyond the capital, a rental car or guided coach tour along the Ring Road is the standard way to see the country's natural sites, since public transport outside the city is limited.

Good 4G coverage in Reykjavik and along major routes, with some gaps in remote highland areas. Free Wi-Fi is standard in hotels and cafes.

Iceland uses the Icelandic Krona. Cards, including contactless, are accepted almost everywhere; cash is rarely needed.

Iceland is known for hand-knitted lopapeysa sweaters, volcanic stone jewelry, and locally made skincare. Most shops in Reykjavik stay open daily; hours can be shorter outside the capital.

Iceland applies a standard VAT rate of 24% on most goods, with an 11% reduced rate on certain items. Visitors can claim a refund on purchases over 12,000 ISK from a single store on the same day, processed at the airport on departure.