GuidesWeatherDaylight Hours in Iceland: A Monthly Breakdown
Sun setting at Seljalandsfoss
Go Car Rental Iceland travel writer Aron Freyr
By Aron FreyrOct 3, 2024 • 6 min read

Daylight Hours in Iceland: A Monthly Breakdown

Iceland is known for its dramatic changes in daylight, thanks to its location just below the Arctic Circle. From the never-ending light of summer to the long, dark winter nights, daylight in Iceland changes a lot throughout the year. Whether you’re planning a trip or just curious about life there, this guide breaks down what to expect each month.

Key Takeaways

  • Daylight in Iceland changes drastically throughout the year, with nearly 24 hours of sunlight in summer and as little as 4 hours in winter.
  • The Midnight Sun occurs from May to July, offering almost constant daylight, while December brings the shortest days with long, dark nights.
  • Northern Lights are best viewed during the darker months, from late September to April, when longer nights allow for better visibility.

Overview of Daylight Hours in Iceland Throughout the Year

Iceland’s daylight hours shift massively with the seasons, and so does its weather. In summer, especially between May and July, you’ll experience the Midnight Sun, where it’s light almost 24 hours a day. During this time, the weather is milder, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F), making it ideal for outdoor adventures like hiking and exploring. On the flip side, winter months (November to January) offer just a few hours of daylight, with temperatures dropping to around 0°C (32°F) or below, often accompanied by snow and strong winds.

Despite the cold, this period is perfect for catching the Northern Lights. The in-between months bring a balance of daylight and cooler, more unpredictable weather, with spring and fall featuring both sunny days and sudden rain showers. This makes layering and preparing for all weather conditions essential when visiting.

So, Does the Sun Set in Iceland?

Yes, the sun does set in Iceland, but how often and how long it stays up depends on the season. During the summer, the sun barely dips below the horizon, so it doesn’t get fully dark. However, in winter, the days are much shorter, with long periods of darkness, especially in December. So, while it gets dark in winter, you’ll experience nearly endless daylight in summer.

Average Daylight Hours per Month

MonthDaylight hours
January4-6
February7-10
March10-13
April13-16
May16-20
JuneClose to 24
JulyClose to 24
August14-17
September11-14
October8-11
November5-7
December4-5

January: Long Nights, Short Days

In January, Iceland’s days are short, with Reykjavik getting about 4 to 6 hours of daylight. The sun doesn’t rise until around 11:00 AM, and it’s already setting by 3:30 PM. Though it sounds dark, this is the perfect time to see the Northern Lights. Locals also embrace the cold and dark with Thorrablot, a winter festival that celebrates traditional food and culture. You’ll find the streets lit up with cozy lights, making the short days feel magical.

View of Vik during winter with the sun setting

February: Gradual Increase in Daylight

By February, the days are getting longer, with about 7 to 10 hours of daylight. The sun starts rising around 9:00 AM and sets at 6:00 PM by the end of the month. This extra daylight is a welcome change for travelers but also for locals. Winter activities like ice caving and snowmobiling are still popular, and the landscapes are still covered in snow. February is a great time to enjoy Iceland’s wintry beauty with just a little more light.

People doing Ice caving in Iceland

March: Spring Equinox and Equal Daylight

March brings more daylight, with about 10 to 13 hours of sunlight by the month’s end. The spring equinox, around mid-March, means equal hours of day and night. The sun rises at 8:00 AM and sets after 7:00 PM by late March. The longer days signal the beginning of spring, and it’s the last good month to catch the Northern Lights before the nights get too short. It’s also a great time for outdoor activities like hiking, as the snow starts to melt.

icelandic landscape in Selfoss during March

April: Noticeably Longer Days

In April, you’ll notice the days getting much longer, with 13 to 16 hours of daylight. The sun rises around 6:00 AM and sets at 9:00 PM by the end of the month. Spring has officially arrived, and the extra daylight means more opportunities to explore Iceland’s stunning landscapes. While some remote areas may still be snow-covered, you’ll see more green returning to the countryside, and wildlife becomes more active.

Skútustaðir, Iceland, during April

May: Approaching the Midnight Sun

May is when Iceland’s long days really kick in, with 16 to 20 hours of daylight. By the end of the month, the sun is up by 4:00 AM and doesn’t set until 11:00 PM. This is a great time for adventurers, as you can spend hours hiking, exploring, or driving through the countryside with no worries about running out of daylight. The warmer weather and long days make May the start of the peak travel season, with events like the Reykjavik Arts Festival bringing the city to life.

Skogafoss at sunset

June: The Midnight Sun

June is all about the Midnight Sun. You’ll experience nearly 24 hours of daylight, especially around the summer solstice. In northern areas like Akureyri, the sun barely sets, creating a surreal twilight even during the night. In Reykjavik, the sun rises around 3:00 AM and sets just after midnight. This is the perfect time for midnight hikes or simply enjoying the outdoors at all hours. The summer solstice celebrations, like Jónsmessa, bring everyone together to celebrate the longest day of the year.

A harbor in Reykjavik during the Midnight sun

July: Full Days of Light

July continues with nearly 24 hours of daylight. Even when the sun dips below the horizon, it never gets fully dark. This constant daylight means endless opportunities for outdoor activities like glacier tours, horseback riding, and camping. If you’re a photographer, the unique light during these extended “golden hours” offers incredible photo opportunities. Locals are used to the long days, and most places have blackout curtains to help with sleep.

   Hiker woman in yellow jacket standing on volcanic mountain and midnight sun from Blahnjukur trail in Icelandic highlands Licenciadas  Guardar na Biblioteca  Pré-visualizar Cortar  Encontrar Semelhantes   N.º de ficheiro:  532735324 Hiker woman in yellow jacket standing on volcanic mountain and midnight sun from Blahnjukur trail in Icelandic highlands

August: Gradual Decline in Daylight

In August, the days are still long but start to shorten a bit, with 14 to 17 hours of daylight. By late August, the sun rises around 5:30 AM and sets around 9:30 PM. The weather is still mild, making this a great time to visit if you want to avoid the peak tourist crowds but still enjoy long days. By the end of the month, there’s a chance you might catch the first Northern Lights of the season as the nights begin to return.

Tourists near Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Iceland

September: The Autumn Equinox

September is the month when the nights start catching up with the days again. You’ll get about 11 to 14 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 6:30 AM and sunset at 8:00 PM by month’s end. The autumn equinox brings equal hours of daylight and darkness. This is a fantastic time to visit if you want to see Iceland’s beautiful fall colors, and the darker evenings mean the return of the Northern Lights season.

Cottage in Iceland in september during sunset by myvatn lake

October: Shorter Days, More Darkness

By October, daylight hours drop to around 8 to 11 hours. The sun rises around 8:00 AM and sets by 5:30 PM. The shorter days mean more opportunities to catch the Northern Lights, and you’ll notice the landscape shifting to winter mode, especially in the mountains. October is also a great time to visit for a quieter experience as the tourist crowds have thinned out. The Reykjavik International Film Festival brings a fun cultural vibe to the city as well.

Father and son bluberry picking in Iceland

November: Increasing Darkness

In November, daylight decreases further, with Reykjavik experiencing 5 to 7 hours of sunlight. The sun rises around 9:30 AM and sets at 4:30 PM. The long nights make this prime time for Northern Lights viewing, and many travelers come to Iceland specifically for this. Snow becomes more common, and the country prepares for the winter season. Despite the dark days, the festive spirit begins to build as Icelanders prepare for the holiday season.

Northern lights at Thingvellir

December: The Darkest Month

December is the darkest time of the year in Iceland, with only 4 to 5 hours of daylight. The sun rises around 11:30 AM and sets by 3:30 PM. While this might sound intense, the winter solstice and Christmas lights bring warmth and coziness to the long nights. December is a magical time in Iceland, with plenty of holiday celebrations. Plus, the Northern Lights often make a strong appearance, adding to the beauty of the dark sky.

Milky way and volcanic mountain over fjord at night, Iceland

Daylight Hours Variations by Region

The different regions of Iceland present different patterns when it comes to daylight. Here's a breakdown so you know what to expect depending on where you're going.

South Iceland

In the south, including Reykjavik and the Golden Circle, daylight hours change a lot with the seasons. From May to July, the south enjoys nearly 24 hours of daylight, with the sun briefly dipping below the horizon but never fully setting. In winter, from November to January, days are much shorter, with only about 4 to 6 hours of daylight. The sun rises around 11:00 AM and sets by 3:30 PM. Spring and fall bring more balanced daylight, with longer days and cooler but milder weather in April and September.

South Iceland’s weather can change quickly, so be prepared for sunshine one minute and rain the next.

The Icelandic Ring Road in South Iceland

North Iceland

In the north, including Akureyri and areas closer to the Arctic Circle, daylight varies even more. During summer, especially in June and July, the Midnight Sun means 24 hours of daylight, with no real darkness at night. In winter, from November to January, the days are much shorter, with only 3 to 4 hours of daylight in December and January.

The north is colder and gets more snow in the winter, making it perfect for winter sports and spotting the Northern Lights. As spring and fall roll in, the days get longer again, but snow can stick around until late April.

Neskaupstadur in the fjord of North Iceland

East Iceland

East Iceland has daylight patterns similar to the rest of the country, but the weather here can be a little different because of its location. In summer, from May to July, you’ll get almost 24 hours of daylight, perfect for exploring the beautiful fjords in constant light. Winter, especially in December, only has 4 to 5 hours of daylight, so days are much shorter.

The east is a bit drier than other parts of Iceland, but you can still expect some rain and snow in the colder months. Spring and fall bring longer days and milder temperatures, especially starting in April.

Lake and mountains in East Iceland

West Iceland

West Iceland, which includes the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, has long summer days where the sun barely sets in June and July. You’ll have nearly constant daylight, making it a great time to explore the dramatic coastlines and volcanic areas. Winter days are much shorter, with only 4 to 5 hours of daylight in December, and the weather can be windy and snowy. Spring and fall are times of change, with daylight hours growing in April and September.

The weather can shift quickly, but the longer days make it a good time for outdoor activities without the summer crowds.

Houses and lanscape in northwest Iceland

Central Highlands

The Central Highlands are remote and wild, with daylight that shifts dramatically between seasons. In summer, you’ll have almost 24 hours of daylight, perfect for exploring glaciers, volcanoes, and hot springs under the Midnight Sun. In winter, there are only a few hours of daylight, and the weather is tough, with lots of snow and freezing temperatures.

Most of the highlands are closed off during the winter due to the snow, but as the days get longer in spring, it becomes possible to visit again by late April. The cooler temperatures in spring and fall are balanced by more daylight, making it easier to explore.

Red volcano crater with moody sky in the central highlands on summer at Iceland

Conclusion

Iceland’s daylight hours change drastically throughout the year, shaping the way people live and travel. Whether you’re there for the endless summer days or the long winter nights, there’s always something special about the light (or lack of it) in Iceland. From the Midnight Sun to the Northern Lights, every season offers something unique. Understanding these changes will help you plan your trip and enjoy everything Iceland has to offer, no matter when you visit.

Frequently Asked Questions About Icelan's Daylight Hours

What month has the longest days in Iceland?

June has the longest days in Iceland, thanks to the Midnight Sun. Around the summer solstice, which occurs in late June, you’ll experience nearly 24 hours of daylight. In northern regions like Akureyri, the sun never fully sets, and even in the south, it’s light almost all day and night.

What month has the shortest days in Iceland?

December has the shortest days in Iceland, especially around the winter solstice. In Reykjavik, there are only about 4 to 5 hours of daylight. The sun rises late, around 11:30 AM, and sets early, around 3:30 PM. This makes it the prime time to catch the Northern Lights due to the long, dark nights.

Can you see the Northern Lights during the summer?

No, it’s not possible to see the Northern Lights during the summer in Iceland. The Midnight Sun keeps the sky too bright, even at night, making it impossible for the lights to be visible. The best time to see the Northern Lights is from late September to April, when the nights are longer and darker.

How do people sleep during the Midnight Sun?

During the summer months, when daylight lasts almost 24 hours, many locals and visitors use blackout curtains or sleep masks to block out the light. Hotels and guesthouses here are well-prepared for this, providing ways to make rooms dark enough for a good night’s sleep despite the constant daylight.

Does it get dark in Iceland?

Yes, it does, but it depends on the time of year. In the summer months, especially from May to July, Iceland experiences the Midnight Sun, meaning it stays light nearly 24 hours a day, so it doesn’t really get dark. In winter, though, the days are much shorter, and you’ll experience long periods of darkness, particularly in December and January.