Iceland in April - Spring Arrives, Puffins & Waterfalls

April is when Iceland's daylight hours increase at their fastest rate. At the start of the month you get roughly 14 hours of light, and by April 30 that stretches to about 17 hours. This rapid shift is dramatic -- you gain around 6 minutes of daylight every single day. The extended light gives you long, productive days for sightseeing without the midnight sun disorientation of summer.

Temperatures typically range from 2 to 6 degrees Celsius in Reykjavik and the south coast, though the north and east can be a few degrees colder. Snow still falls in April, especially at higher elevations and in the north. Wind chill is a constant factor -- a calm 5-degree day feels pleasant, but 5 degrees with a 40 km/h wind feels bitterly cold. April averages about 12-14 rainy days, though rain in Iceland is often intermittent rather than all-day downpours.

April is when Iceland's waterfalls reach some of their most impressive flow rates. As highland snow melts and feeds into rivers, waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, Gullfoss, and Dettifoss swell to thundering volumes. The combination of high water flow and lingering ice and snow around the falls creates dramatic contrasts that make for stunning photography. Seljalandsfoss is particularly spectacular when the meltwater is at full force -- the path behind the falls may still be closed due to ice, but the frontal view is incredible.

Atlantic puffins begin arriving at their Icelandic nesting colonies in late April. The earliest arrivals typically appear at the Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar), Latrabjarg cliffs in the Westfjords, and Dyrholaey near Vik. Sightings in April are not guaranteed -- the birds are just returning from months at sea and numbers build through May. If you visit in the last week of April, you have a reasonable chance of seeing puffins, especially on boat tours around the Westman Islands. For guaranteed large colonies, plan for May or June instead.

Geothermal bathing is exceptional in April. The cool air temperatures make hot pools feel even more luxurious, and you avoid the summer crowds at popular spots. The Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon are open year-round and less busy than in summer. For a more authentic experience, try the Reykjadalur hot river near Hveragerdi -- the 45-minute hike to the warm river is manageable in April, though the trail may be muddy from snowmelt. Municipal swimming pools across Iceland, heated by geothermal water, are a local tradition and cost only 1,000-1,200 ISK (about 7-8 USD).

Easter is a significant holiday in Iceland, and when it falls in April, locals enjoy a long weekend from Thursday through Monday. Icelanders celebrate with giant chocolate Easter eggs filled with candy and a proverb printed on paper inside -- a uniquely Icelandic tradition. Shops and services may have reduced hours over the holiday weekend, so stock up on groceries and fuel beforehand. Reykjavik's bakeries produce special Easter treats, and many families head to countryside cottages, creating a festive but quiet atmosphere in the capital.

The Golden Circle -- Thingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall -- is fully accessible in April and far less crowded than in summer. The south coast route from Reykjavik to Vik, passing Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, and Reynisfjara black sand beach, is another excellent April drive. Road conditions on Route 1 are generally good, though you may encounter wet or icy patches, especially in early April. A standard 2WD rental car is usually sufficient for these routes, but check road.is before heading out.

April offers unique photography opportunities as the landscape shifts between winter and spring. Snow-capped mountains contrast with green lowland meadows, waterfalls are framed by melting ice, and the low-angle spring light creates long golden hours. The Snaefellsnes Peninsula is particularly photogenic, with Kirkjufell mountain often still wearing a snow cap while the coastline turns green.

The Reykjanes Peninsula near Keflavik Airport is another excellent April destination. The volcanic landscapes, hot springs, coastal cliffs, and the Bridge Between Continents are all accessible. If volcanic activity is ongoing at Sundhnukagigar, you may witness an active eruption -- check the Icelandic Met Office for current status.

April is a month of transition. In the south, lowland fields turn green while mountains retain their snow cover -- creating striking two-tone panoramas. The Snaefellsnes Peninsula offers dramatic coastal views with glacier-topped Snaefellsjokull as a backdrop. Bird life is returning in force: besides puffins, you will see Arctic terns, oystercatchers, and golden plovers -- considered the herald of spring in Iceland. Seal colonies at Vatnsnes Peninsula and Jokulsarlon are active, with seals often hauled out on beaches and ice floes.

April is shoulder season -- expect to pay roughly 30-40 percent less than July. A basic compact rental car costs around 8,000-12,000 ISK per day (55-85 USD). Mid-range Reykjavik hotels range from 15,000-30,000 ISK per night. Flights from Europe average 100-200 euros round-trip, and from North America 350-500 USD. Booking one to two months ahead is usually sufficient, though Easter weekend requires earlier planning. The Blue Lagoon should be booked at least two weeks ahead.

Route 1 and major roads are generally clear, but conditions vary between the south and north coasts. Northern routes may still have snow and ice on mountain passes like Oxnadalur. Highland F-roads are closed until late June. A 2WD car is sufficient for main roads; 4WD is recommended for the Westfjords or northern back roads. Always take the optional insurance. Check our driving guide and road.is every morning.

Early April offers a slim window for northern lights viewing. The first week or two of the month still has dark enough nights for faint displays, especially if you head to rural areas away from Reykjavik's light pollution. By mid-April, the nights are too bright. Do not plan an April trip specifically for the aurora -- treat any sighting as a bonus rather than an expectation. The SkyRoad app provides real-time aurora forecasts and cloud cover maps to maximize your chances.

Day 1: Arrive & Reykjanes Peninsula. Land at Keflavik, pick up your rental car, and explore the Reykjanes Peninsula -- Bridge Between Continents, Gunnuhver hot springs, Reykjanesviti lighthouse. Check in to Reykjavik and end the day at Sky Lagoon or a local geothermal pool.

Day 2: Golden Circle. Drive the Golden Circle: Thingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area (watch Strokkur erupt every 5-8 minutes), and Gullfoss waterfall at peak spring flow. Optional stops include the Kerid volcanic crater and Fridheimar tomato farm.

Day 3: South Coast Waterfalls. Drive east along the south coast. Stop at Seljalandsfoss (walk behind the falls if the path is open), Skogafoss (climb the 527 steps for the top view), Reynisfjara black sand beach, and the basalt columns at Vik.

Day 4: Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Drive north to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Visit Kirkjufell mountain, the black church at Budir, Arnarstapi sea cliffs, and Djupalonssandur pebble beach. Return to Reykjavik in the evening.

Day 5: Reykjavik & Departure. Explore Reykjavik -- National Museum, Harpa concert hall, Laugavegur shops. Soak in a geothermal pool (Vesturbaejarlaug or Sundhollin). Squeeze in the Blue Lagoon on the way to the airport if time allows.

• Long daylight hours -- 14-17 hours of light for sightseeing
• Shoulder-season pricing -- 30-40% cheaper than summer
• Fewer crowds -- popular sites are manageable
• Peak waterfall flow -- snowmelt creates dramatic falls
• First puffin arrivals -- early chance to see them in late April
• Easter celebrations -- unique Icelandic holiday traditions

• Unpredictable weather -- snow, rain, and wind are all possible
• Highland roads closed -- no access to the interior or F-roads
• Northern lights fading -- only faint chances in early April
• Ice caves closed -- season ends by late March
• Some roads still icy -- especially in the north and on passes
• Limited services -- some rural guesthouses still closed for winter

April is an excellent shoulder-season choice. You get 14-17 hours of daylight, lower prices than summer, fewer crowds, and waterfalls at impressive flow rates. The first puffins arrive in late April. The trade-offs are unpredictable weather and closed Highland roads, but for most visitors these are minor compared to the advantages.

Early April offers a slim chance on clear, dark nights -- but only in the first week or two. By mid-April, nights are too bright. If the northern lights are a priority, visit between September and March instead.

Expect 2-6 degrees Celsius with wind chill making it feel colder. April weather is notoriously changeable -- sunshine, rain, sleet, and wind can all occur within hours. Snow is still possible in the north and at higher elevations. Pack waterproof layers, a warm fleece, and a windproof outer shell.

The first puffins arrive in late April, but sightings are not guaranteed until May. The Westman Islands and Latrabjarg are the earliest sites. For reliable large colonies, visit from mid-May through July. A Westman Islands boat tour in the last week of April gives you the best chance.

No. All F-roads are closed in April due to snow and fragile thawing ground. They typically open between mid-June and early July. Stick to Route 1 and coastal roads, and check road.is for the latest status. Driving on a closed road is illegal and carries heavy fines.