Iceland in March: Top 5 Best Things to do, Weather, and Holidays

Here is a comprehensive list of the best things to do and the essential information to know for tourists who plan to visit Iceland in March.

With its usually-calmed weather, March is one of the most gorgeous months to explore Iceland’s wonders. Even the iconic Northern Lights remain as dazzling as during the previous months.

Visitors will also see a clear difference from day to day throughout March because the time of daylight starts to grow very rapidly.

Locals tend to spend more time outside in March because it begins showing clear indicators of spring.

March also sees the celebration of authentic culinary traditions such as the Food and Fun Festival, where visitors can partake of various Icelandic cuisines.

Skiing is also a popular activity, especially in Dalvik, Siglufjordur, and Akureyri, which are also popular for their impressive Whale Watching tours.

Another prominent feature of Iceland in March is the Icelandic Design March, an annual festival showcasing the locals’ creativity.

Planning to visit on some other time? Here’re our Iceland guides by months:

Iceland in March: Top 5 Best Things to do, Weather, and Holidays

Weather in Iceland in March

Iceland’s weather in March typically stands at somewhere around 0 degrees Celsius. The average high is around 3.3 degrees Celsius while the typical low is -2.2 degrees Celsius.

Make sure to bring waterproof jackets because March can be a little rainy. That’s in contrast in the northern part where snow becomes the dominant occurrence. Do consider these factors when packing your things.

Daylight in Iceland in March

Daylight shows some clear change between the 1st of March and the 31st of March, with each day passing with almost 10 minutes of light.

This means that while the first days of March have 10 hours of light, the last days of the month have about 13 hours!

Northern Lights in Iceland in March

Visitors who arrive in Iceland in March will get the chance to see the Northern Lights in the dark night sky while seemingly dancing in multicolored waves.

Locals believe that the auroras are more spectacular at the beginning and at the end of the season. March, therefore, qualifies to that, making it an excellent month for witnessing this surreal phenomenon. But since the hour of daylight has gotten longer, visitors would have to stay up a bit longer too.

What to Pack for Iceland in March?

Visitors still need to prepare intensively and bring all the Iceland essentials though the weather is generally warmer in March. Among these are hiking boots, warm socks, a hat, and wool underwear.

You can complement this with gloves, scarf, down coat, backpack, reusable water bottle, sunglasses, lip balm, sunscreen, and bathing suits. These are essentials one has to bring, especially when planning to try Iceland’s adventurous activities.

Things to do in Iceland in March

Here are some of the best things to do in Iceland in March.

Hit the Road towards Varied Explorations

ring road Iceland — Moyan Brenn from Italy / CC BY

Just like January and February, March remains an offseason, making it an ideal time for those chasing less touristy destinations.

You can take this as an opportunity to hit the Ring Road and explore some of the country’s most iconic tourist destinations. It will make you feel like you’re having Iceland’s wonders all by yourself.

Try Skiing

Both locals and tourists frequent Iceland’s northern region to participate in skiing, which is a major activity during the month.

It features great powdery snows and better slopes. Known for its spectacular Hlidarfjall hills, Akureyri is one of the towns fit for skiing. It’s a must-visit escape from the hustles and bustles of the urban setting.

FIND HOTEL DEALS: Best hotels in Iceland

Stroll around Reykjavik

Laugavegur Street Reykjavík — via Wikimedia Commons|Steven Lek

With its endless quirky places and streets and colorful scenes, Reykjavik earned the title, “hipster’s paradise.” There are also Instagram-friendly shops and stores where visitors can pose for posterity.

Strolling around the city will lead visitors to a deeper understanding not only of the rich culture and history of Iceland but also its people’s creativity.

Don’t miss walking along the Laugavegur Street that runs across Skolavordustigur and parallel to Hverfisgata. Among the attractions to see here are the Sunvoyager Sculpture, Solfraid, and the magnificent Hallgrimskirkja Church.

FIND HOTEL DEALS: Best hotels in Iceland

View the Northern Lights

March is one of the best months to witness the full grandeur of the Northern Lights. Lucky spectators can get the chance of Aurora Borealis as it dances in mixed pink, red, and purple colors, casting a magical show. Visitors can always ask forecasts from hostels and the local authorities to get the right timing.

FIND HOTEL DEALS: Best hotels in Iceland

Watch Whales in their Natural Habitats

During the coldest months of Iceland, the giant whale’s troop to the tropics, but they return to the surrounding seas in March.

That gives visitors a higher chance of witnessing these grand creatures with their gentle and charismatic features. It only takes less than an hour of a boat ride from Reykjavik for tourists to witness the whales.

Among the common species are Humpback whales and Minke whales. Visitors can see more species when they travel further north, especially in the towns of Dalvik, Akureyri, and Husavik.

FIND HOTEL DEALS: Best hotels in Iceland

Iceland’s Festivals and Events in March

Get a glimpse of Icelandic’s rich culture and traditions by partaking in the following festivals and activities.

National Beer Day

Drinks in Iceland — Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay

The 1st of March in 1989 saw the official legalization of beer in Iceland after it was banned for many decades. It’s the best time to get drinks at local bars and restaurants because they are sold at way cheaper prices.

Enjoy drinking authentic Icelandic ale while having meaningful conversations with the locals and learning from their stories.

Food and Fun

The Food and Fun festival happens annually in Reykjavik, featuring authentic Icelandic cuisines. During this period, local chefs of the city’s best restaurants prepare dishes with their freshest and best quality ingredients. This is the best time to splurge on food in Iceland!

Bolludagur – Springidagur – Oskudagur

Bolludagur, Springidagur, and Oskudagur are all part of the Food Coma Festival Trifecta, which start on varying dates. Some celebrations take place by the end of February or during the first week of March. Regardless, don’t miss trying the iconic bolla, a popular delicacy in Iceland. They are commonly sold in bakeries and shops during this time of the year.

So those are the essential information and best things to do visitors can consider while planning their itinerary to Iceland in March. Consider the tips provided for a more meaningful and fun-filled experience.

Iceland in March: Top 5 Best Things to do, Weather, and Holidays