Weather & daylight
What to expect when you land in March.
Daylight
10–13 hours (rapid increase, gaining ~5 min/day)
Temperature
0 to 4°C (32–39°F)
Wind & storms
Late-season storms possible but less severe than February
Precipitation
Snow still possible; late-season storms less frequent
The honest picture
Why March works
- Excellent daylight — 10–13 hours gives ample time for sightseeing and driving
- Last northern lights — catch the aurora before it disappears until September
- Ice caves still possible in early March
- Peak ski season — best snow conditions at Iceland's northern resorts
- Shoulder-season prices — 30–50% cheaper than summer
- Beer Day (March 1) — a fun, uniquely Icelandic cultural event
What to know before you go
- Still wintry conditions — snow, ice, and cold temperatures are the norm
- Northern lights fade — by late March nights are too short for reliable aurora
- Ice caves closing — natural caves become unstable and may close mid-month
- Highland F-roads closed — no access until late June
- Variable road conditions — icy mornings and occasional storms still occur
- No puffins yet — they do not arrive until late April
What to do in March
The best activities for this time of year, from locals.
Last Northern Lights of the Season
March is your last reliable opportunity for aurora until September. Early March still offers 12–14 hours of darkness per night. By late March nights have shortened considerably. Visit in the first two weeks of March and stay up past midnight for the best chances. The slightly milder temperatures make standing outside more comfortable.
Ice Caves (Early March)
Natural ice caves inside Vatnajökull are typically still accessible in early March, though conditions become less stable as the month progresses. Book tours in the first half of the month. The man-made ice tunnel in Langjökull glacier is accessible year-round as a reliable alternative if natural caves have closed.
Skiing in North Iceland
March is peak ski season in Iceland. Hlíðarfjall ski resort near Akureyri is Iceland's largest, with lift passes around 6,500 ISK (45 EUR) per day. The smaller Dalvík ski area on the Troll Peninsula offers fjord views from the slopes. Ski rental is available at both resorts for around 6,000–8,000 ISK per day.
Golden Circle & South Coast
With 10–13 hours of daylight, you can comfortably fit in all the major stops. Þingvellir may still have snow, Strokkur erupts regardless of season, and Gullfoss can still have ice formations in early March. On the south coast, the walk behind Seljalandsfoss often becomes accessible again in late March.
Snaefellsnes Peninsula
March is excellent for Snaefellsnes with enough daylight to drive the full loop. Kirkjufell mountain, Lóndrangar basalt cliffs, Arnarstapi, and Snæfellsjökull glacier are beautiful with a mix of snow and emerging ground. Route 54 is well-maintained but can be icy in early March — 4WD recommended.
Glacier Walks & Snowmobiling
Glacier walks on Sólheimajökull and Vatnajökull operate throughout March with the longer daylight making scheduling easier. Snowmobiling on Langjökull glacier offers excellent March conditions. Glacier walk from 12,000 ISK (80 EUR), snowmobile tours from 22,000 ISK (150 EUR). Book 1–2 days ahead.
Events & festivals
What's happening across Iceland in March.
Bjórdagurinn (Beer Day)
March 1
March 1 celebrates the repeal of Iceland's 74-year beer prohibition in 1989. Bars across Reykjavik host special events, craft breweries release limited-edition beers, and the atmosphere is festive. Visit bars along Laugavegur and Hverfisgata. Iceland's craft beer scene features excellent breweries including Borg, Steðji, and Einstök.
Spring Equinox
Around March 20
Around March 20, daylight and darkness are roughly equal. The rapid increase in daylight through March is dramatic — you gain about 5 extra minutes per day. The exceptional low-angle golden light lasting for extended periods creates ideal photography conditions.
Practical tips
Key things to know before you travel in March.
Prioritize early March if ice caves or northern lights are your main goals
Ski at Hlíðarfjall near Akureyri — Iceland's best resort, peak conditions in March
4WD with winter tires remains recommended, particularly beyond the south coast
Highland F-roads are closed — they will not open until late June
If visiting for Beer Day (March 1), book Reykjavik accommodation in advance
Late March can see Easter holiday demand — check dates and book accordingly
Check road.is daily — icy mornings and occasional late-season storms still occur
The spring equinox around March 20 produces exceptional golden photography light