Iceland is a Nordic nation that homes several active volcanoes. One of the best months to visit the country is March, when you not only get to experience snow but also enjoy the Northern Lights. The month is the time when the nation witnesses various food traditions like the Food and Fun Festival. This is the time when natives go skiing in Akureyri, Siglufjordur, and Dalvik in the North. This is one of the least busy times that allow you to enjoy the scenic beauty without the crowd.
Iceland Weather in March
Temperature:
The temperature of Iceland in March is around 0oC. The average low temperature is -2.2oC and high temperature is 3.3oC. There are possibilities of rain. However, the farther you go into the North, the rain switches to snow. Do not forget to check the Iceland weather when planning your trip to this North Atlantic country. The temperatures of Iceland are mitigated by the Gulf Stream, which brings relatively warm water up from the lower latitudes.
Daylight Hours in March:
March brings in a remarkable change in the daylight conditions. Between March 1st and the 31st, every day the daylight extends by 10 minutes. This implies that at the beginning of the month you have only 10 hours of daylight, by the end of the month it increases to about 13 hours.
Precipitation:
The average rainfall in the capital city Reykjavik is approximately 82mm in March. This precipitation could be rain or snow. It is therefore recommended to carry lots of layers and waterproof shoes so you can enjoy the weather variations in the country.
Best Self Drive Activities in Iceland in March
Pros of Visiting Iceland in March
March witnesses a low season in Iceland. You can enjoy the abundance of attractions in the country. This is the perfect time to witness the Northern Lights with multi-colored waves in the night sky. During this month the auroras are stronger at the beginning of the month. This is the ideal month to go whale-watching in Husavik, on Iceland’s northern shores. March is the perfect time to visit the Nordic nation if you are seeking moderate temperatures, less crowd, snowy landscapes, and queues. Another major reason to visit the country in March is the low travel costs. Enjoy the best of both sides – the winter beauty with the summer adventures.
Cons of Visiting Iceland in March
Visiting Iceland in March can result in facing some rough weather conditions. Although the roads are not completely iced, there is a risk when it comes to driving through the country during this season. Since the weather takes a warmer turn, you can spot patches of ice on the road, making it difficult to drive for those who are not navigating through such conditions. Therefore, consider renting a 4×4 vehicle for the terrains that may get rough.
Your To-Do List for Iceland in March
While there are ample of things to do in Iceland, March has its distinctive itinerary. Despite being an off-season, you can enjoy several tourist attractions and experiences. You can get indulged in Icelandic culture and engage with the locals. This makes March an ideal time to see and do everything that Iceland has to offer. Here is a list of things you can do in this season:
Go for Road Trip
This month is a great time to explore the south coast of Iceland by road. Drive the full Ring Road of Iceland and explore the Eastfjords, and far North. Or take a shorter trip and go to Snaefellsnes Peninsula, the Golden Circle or the South Coast. Since it is a low season, you can use this time for taking a road trip along the Ring Road. This road circles the entire country, and driving on this road will allow you to explore the best of Iceland’s landscapes and views. However, you should look out for icy spots on the roads. Make sure you use a decent vehicle to do the trip in and plan for emergencies.
Take a Walk around Reykjavik
The capital city of Reykjavik is host to unique places and streets, colorful scenes, and the most amazing shops and stores. The main street is Laugavegur and is parallel to Hverfisgata. Take a stroll down these lanes if you do not plan to visit other places. You can also walk to the big church Hallgrimskirkja. The month makes everything outdoors appear beautiful.
Whale Watching in Iceland
March is a beautiful time to be in Iceland if you plan to go for whale-watching. The best place to catch sight of the largest mammal is in Husavik, which is situated on Iceland’s northern shores. You can catch the sight of Humpback Whale, one of the notorious whales. You can also sight some dolphins and even porpoise. You can also consider taking a whale watching tour from Reykjavik harbor downtown in only 45 minutes.
Glacier Tour
Hiking the glacier is something not all destinations offer and is unique to Iceland. With special shoes and a wise guide, consider hiking the largest glacier in Europe, Vatnajokull. Many glacier hiking tours start from Skaftafell Nature Reserve in the Southwest of Iceland. This glacier hike is a paradise for hikers and a necessary destination for those who want to explore the Nordic scenery and nature.
