Iceland is a year-round destination where the elements are in control and when you visit will have a big impact on your experience.
Summers (June, July, August) are mild and pleasant, but always with a chance of rain. At midsummer the sun never truly sets, giving it the nickname of the land of the midnight sun. Average temperatures for June and July around 12 - 15 degree centigrade in Reykjavik.
In winter (Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb), temperatures can fluctuate between about 10°C and -10°C, and heavy rain and snowfall are common. Days are incredibly short, with daylight often only guaranteed between about 11 am and 4 pm in December. However, this is also the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis - the best time is October to March.
Iceland is an ideal country to travel solo, with friendly locals who often have a wonderful sense of humour and a joy of sharing their homeland. On average, an Explore group is made up of a mix of solo travellers, friends and couples, so you are extremely likely to meet and make friends with other solo travellers along the way.
Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page.
Iceland’s main international airport is Keflavík International Airport (KEF), situated 50km outside of the country’s capital city, Reykjavik. This is the arrival point for most international visitors to Iceland. For the majority of our tours, your tour leader will meet you at the airport arrivals, where a free airport transfer is available if you arrive on day 1 of the trip. See the trip page's details to find out more.
Iceland has several domestic airports, but most will make their way around by vehicle as public transport in Iceland is scarce. By travelling in a small group, you’re able to avoid long tiring journeys behind the wheel, leaving the driving to someone else and freeing you up to enjoy the amazing views. You’ll also reduce your carbon footprint compared to flying, or the same number of people taking multiple vehicles for the same journey.
Iceland is unsurprisingly renowned for its seafood. From a hearty fish and chips in downtown Reykjavik to steamy bowls of creamy PLokkfiskur (fish stew), you’ll find no shortage of white fish from the Atlantic. If fish isn’t your thing, lamb is common here and Icelandic dairy products are well worth trying, including Skyr (a thick yoghurt). Rye bread is a popular accompaniment for many meals, especially stews. For something a little unusual, search out an Icelandic hot dog – best served with lots of onions.