Iceland in March - Spring Awakening, Last Aurora & Ski Season

Average temperatures in Reykjavik range from 0 to 4 degrees Celsius (32-39 degrees Fahrenheit) in March. Snow can fall at any time and late-season storms are possible, though less severe and less frequent than February's. March also produces some of the most beautiful clear days of the year, with crisp air and excellent visibility.

The big story is daylight. It increases at a stunning rate -- from about 10 hours at the start to over 13 hours by March 31 (roughly 5 extra minutes per day). The spring equinox falls around March 20. The light quality is exceptional -- low-angle golden light lasting for extended periods, creating ideal photography conditions.

March is your last reliable opportunity to see the northern lights in Iceland until September. Early March still offers 12-14 hours of darkness per night, providing good viewing windows. By late March, the nights have shortened considerably, and the aurora becomes harder to catch. For the best chances, visit in the first two weeks of March and stay up past midnight when skies tend to be darkest. The same rules apply as in midwinter: get away from Reykjavik's light pollution, check the aurora forecast at vedur.is, and be patient. Many visitors find March aurora viewing more comfortable than midwinter because the temperatures are slightly milder and the days are longer, so you are less fatigued when staying up late.

Natural ice caves inside Vatnajokull glacier are typically still accessible in early March, though conditions become less stable as the month progresses and temperatures rise. Tour operators monitor the caves daily and will cancel tours if safety is compromised. If ice caves are a priority for your March trip, book tours in the first half of the month and have a backup plan in case conditions close the caves earlier than expected. The man-made ice tunnel in Langjokull glacier is accessible year-round and makes a reliable alternative if natural caves have closed for the season.

March is peak ski season in Iceland, and the country's best slopes are in the north. Hlidarfjall ski resort near Akureyri is Iceland's largest, with runs suited to all levels and lift passes costing around 6,500 ISK (45 EUR) per day. The smaller Dalvik ski area on the Troll Peninsula offers some of the most dramatic scenery of any ski resort in the world -- you ski with fjord views stretching to the horizon. March conditions are typically excellent: plenty of snow, improving weather, and long enough days to get a full day of skiing. For a unique experience, look into heli-skiing on the Troll Peninsula, where operators fly you to untouched powder on remote peaks. Ski rental is available at both resorts for around 6,000-8,000 ISK per day.

March 1 is Bjordagurinn (Beer Day), celebrating the repeal of Iceland's 74-year beer prohibition on March 1, 1989. Bars across Reykjavik host special events, craft breweries release limited-edition beers, and the atmosphere is festive. Iceland's craft beer scene has exploded, with breweries like Borg, Stedji, and Einstok producing excellent ales. If you are in Reykjavik on March 1, visit bars along Laugavegur and Hverfisgata to join the celebrations.

The Golden Circle and south coast are accessible and beautiful in March. With 10-13 hours of daylight, you can comfortably fit in all the major stops without feeling rushed. Thingvellir National Park may still have snow on the ground, adding drama to the tectonic rift. Strokkur geyser at the Geysir area erupts every 5-10 minutes regardless of season. Gullfoss waterfall can still have impressive ice formations in early March, though they diminish as the month warms. On the south coast, Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss are powerful, and the walk behind Seljalandsfoss (which can be too icy in midwinter) often becomes accessible again in late March. Reynisfjara black sand beach and Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon are stunning year-round.

March is an excellent month for a Snaefellsnes day trip or overnight. The peninsula's dramatic landscapes -- Kirkjufell mountain, the Londrangar basalt cliffs, the fishing villages of Arnarstapi and Hellnar, and Snaefellsjokull glacier -- are beautiful with a mix of snow and emerging ground. With enough daylight to drive the full loop comfortably, you can explore at a relaxed pace. The road to Snaefellsnes (Route 54) is well-maintained but can still be icy in early March, so 4WD remains recommended. Stykkisholmur, the largest town on the peninsula, has charming restaurants and is a good base if you stay overnight.

March is a wonderful month for hot springs. The air is still cold enough to make the contrast between steaming water and chilly air exhilarating, but the improved daylight means you can enjoy outdoor bathing with more natural light. The Blue Lagoon remains a classic (book in advance, from 9,990 ISK / 70 EUR), and Sky Lagoon in Kopavogur offers stunning ocean views. For a more local experience, Reykjavik's municipal pools are where Icelanders socialize year-round -- try Laugardalslaug or the smaller neighborhood pools. The Reykjadalur hot river near Hveragerdi becomes more accessible in late March as trails improve, though ice can still be present.

Glacier walks on Solheimajokull and Vatnajokull operate throughout March, with conditions often very good. The longer daylight makes scheduling easier, and the glacier scenery is dramatic with winter snow still covering the ice. Snowmobiling on Langjokull glacier is also available, with tours departing from the Golden Circle area. March snow conditions on the glacier are typically excellent for snowmobiling. Expect to pay around 12,000 ISK (80 EUR) for a glacier walk and 22,000 ISK (150 EUR) for a snowmobile tour. Book a day or two in advance; these tours are weather-dependent and may be rescheduled if conditions deteriorate.

March offers a unique visual blend of winter and spring. Snow still covers the highlands, but lowlands are showing patches of dark earth. Waterfalls are building in power as the earliest snowmelt begins. The geothermal areas around Geysir, Krafla, and the Reykjanes Peninsula produce dramatic steam plumes, and the Namafjall mudpots near Myvatn bubble year-round.

Birdlife begins to return -- migratory geese and plovers start appearing, though puffins will not arrive until late April. Icelandic horses are at their shaggy winter best, and seal colonies along the north coast are active. The combination of snow-capped mountains, emerging ground, and dramatic light makes March one of the most photogenic months.

March is shoulder season. Round-trip flights from Europe cost 100-200 EUR, and from North America 300-500 USD. Hotels in Reykjavik average 15,000-25,000 ISK (100-170 EUR) per night. Rental cars cost 8,000-14,000 ISK (55-95 EUR) per day for a 4WD. Booking 2-4 weeks ahead is generally fine, though ice cave tours (early March) and northern lights tours should be reserved in advance. Late March sees Easter holiday demand in some years. More savings tips in our budget guide.

Day 1: Arrive, Beer Day, and Aurora. Drive from Keflavik to Reykjavik. If arriving March 1, join Beer Day celebrations on Laugavegur. Otherwise, explore Hallgrimskirkja, Harpa, and the Old Harbor. Soak at a municipal pool. Evening aurora hunt if skies are clear -- the first two weeks of March still offer good chances.

Day 2: Golden Circle. Full-day route through Thingvellir National Park, Strokkur geyser, and Gullfoss waterfall (still partially iced in early March). With 11+ hours of daylight, detour to Kerid volcanic crater or Fontana geothermal baths. Return for dinner at one of Reykjavik's excellent seafood restaurants.

Day 3: South Coast. Drive to Seljalandsfoss (walk behind if ice-free), Skogafoss, Reynisfjara black sand beach, and onward to Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach. In early March, combine with a pre-booked ice cave tour. Overnight near Vik or Skaftafell. March daylight lets you see everything without rushing.

Day 4: Glacier Walk or Ski Day. Option A: Morning glacier walk on Solheimajokull or Vatnajokull, then return to Reykjavik. Option B: Fly to Akureyri (45 min, from 8,000 ISK) for a day of skiing at Hlidarfjall -- Iceland's best resort with fjord views.

Day 5: Snaefellsnes or Blue Lagoon, Then Depart. Option A: Half-day Snaefellsnes trip to Kirkjufell, Arnarstapi, and Budir black church. Option B: Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon before your flight. Option C: Reykjanes Peninsula volcanic landscape near the airport.

• Excellent daylight -- 10-13 hours gives you ample time for sightseeing and driving
• Last northern lights -- catch the aurora before it disappears until September
• Ice caves still possible -- early March offers the last window for natural glacier caves
• Peak ski season -- best snow conditions at Iceland's northern ski resorts
• Shoulder-season prices -- 30-50% cheaper than summer for flights, hotels, and cars
• Beer Day celebration -- a fun, uniquely Icelandic cultural event on March 1
• Beautiful photography light -- low sun angle creates extended golden hours
• Manageable crowds -- far fewer tourists than summer, more than deep winter

• Still wintry conditions -- snow, ice, and cold temperatures are the norm
• Northern lights fade -- by late March, nights are too short for reliable aurora viewing
• Ice caves closing -- natural caves become unstable and may close mid-month
• Highland roads closed -- F-roads remain off-limits until late June
• Variable road conditions -- icy mornings and occasional storms still affect driving
• No puffins yet -- puffins do not arrive until late April

March is one of the best shoulder-season months in Iceland. You get the best of both worlds: winter experiences like northern lights and ice caves (in early March) plus the improving conditions of spring with 10-13 hours of daylight. Ski season is in full swing, prices are well below summer rates, and crowds are manageable. The weather is still cold and wintry, so pack accordingly, but March offers an excellent balance of experiences, daylight, and value that is hard to find in any other month.

Yes, particularly in the first half of March. Early March still has 12-14 hours of darkness per night, which is plenty for aurora viewing. By late March, the rapidly lengthening days reduce your window significantly, and sightings become less reliable. If northern lights are a primary goal, visit in the first two weeks of March and plan to stay up past midnight. After March, the aurora becomes effectively invisible until September due to the bright nights of the Icelandic spring and summer.

Natural ice caves inside Vatnajokull glacier are generally accessible through early to mid-March. As temperatures warm toward the end of the month, the caves become less stable and tours are cancelled for safety. The exact closing date varies each year depending on weather conditions. If ice caves are a priority, visit in the first half of March and book your tour in advance. The man-made ice tunnel in Langjokull glacier is open year-round and offers a reliable alternative.

Bjordagurinn (Beer Day) on March 1 celebrates the end of Iceland's 74-year prohibition on beer. Strong beer (above 2.25% alcohol) was banned from 1915 until March 1, 1989, even as wine and spirits were legalized decades earlier. Today, Icelanders mark the anniversary with bar crawls, craft beer tastings, brewery events, and late-night celebrations. If you are in Reykjavik on March 1, head to bars along Laugavegur and Hverfisgata to join the party. Iceland's craft beer scene is thriving, with excellent breweries producing everything from traditional lagers to creative ales with local ingredients like arctic thyme and birch.

March offers shoulder-season pricing that represents excellent value. Round-trip flights from Europe cost 100-200 EUR, and from North America 300-500 USD. Hotels in Reykjavik average 15,000-25,000 ISK (100-170 EUR) per night. A 4WD rental car costs 8,000-14,000 ISK (55-95 EUR) per day. Tour prices are at winter rates. A well-planned 5-day trip for two people, including flights, accommodation, car rental, and key activities, can come in at 30-50% less than the same trip in July. See our budget guide for detailed planning help.