For travelers planning a late winter/early spring vacation, March is a great month to visit Iceland. Average temperatures are relatively quite low, but you’ve still got the Northern Lights, snowy landscapes, and plenty of things to do. Iceland in March means savings on everything from car rental to accommodation. We’re still technically in Iceland’s winter, which means off-season prices and discounts on basic tourist necessities. If you’re preparing a trip to Iceland in March, you’ll need to know not only the weather and how much snowfall to expect, but average temperatures, what to pack, and more practical advice like winter driving tips and things to do during your visit. We’ve compiled some useful info to get you starting for your Iceland trip in March. Here’s Iceland’s weather in March and other helpful advice and things to know.

Iceland's March weather is a transition from winter to spring. Semi-frozen Gullfoss waterfall

 

Average Temperature in Iceland in March 

Iceland’s weather in March is still quite cold even though it’s the beginning of the thaw into spring. We’re still experiencing what’s considered Iceland’s winter. Average high temperatures only reach about 38 ºF (3.3 ºC). Brrrr!!! And lows can give you a bit of frostbite if you don’t dress correctly and with the right amount and combination of layers. The mercury reading on the thermometer dips down to 28 ºF (-2.2 ºC). Not exactly bikini weather. A nice long soak in a geothermally-heated hot spring sounds pretty appealing right now, doesn’t it? Blue Lagoon, here we come!

Average High Temperature in Iceland in March: 38 ºF (3.3 ºC)
Average Low Temperature in Iceland in March: 28 ºF (-2.2 ºC)

Iceland’s March Precipitation and Snowfall

Because March is still considered winter in Iceland, you’ve got quite a bit of snow and ice on the ground. In fact, the snowy season in Iceland continues through April, when temperatures finally leave the freezing range. And due to the high amount of precipitation (March is one of the wettest months in Iceland), much of what you’ll encounter is freezing rain, sleet, snow, and even hail. You’ll need to make sure that you dress warmly and pack well for Iceland in March. The average rainfall in Reykjavik is 3.2 inches (8.2 cm) during the month of March. How much snowfall you encounter depends largely upon where you go. The South Coast, for example, is the warmest, wettest place on the whole island.

Average Rainfall in Iceland in March: 3.2 inches (8.2 cm)

Iceland's weather in March is cold, so you will still find snow on the ground on Vik's beaches

 

What to Wear in Iceland in March – A Packing List 

There are some basic rules for dressing in Iceland in March and the winter. Follow the four-layer rule, and you can’t go wrong.

First Layer of What to Wear in Iceland 

Your base layer needs to wick moisture from the skin (to keep you dry) and trap body heat (to keep you warm). Merino wool is the perfect choice for your base layer as it absorbs perspiration and water. Invest in a good pair of thermal underwear, wool socks, a wool hat, and other items.

Second Layer of What to Wear in Iceland

Your middle layer should also retain body heat and absorb moisture and perspiration. You can select another layer of natural fibers like merino wool or use warm, synthetic materials like fleece.

Third Layer of What to Wear in Iceland

The third layer for dressing in Iceland is your insulating layer. This layer’s sole purpose is to keep in as much warmth as possible. Parkas and jackets with goose down or other types of insulation are useful as your third layer on our Iceland packing list.

Fourth Layer of What to Wear in Iceland

Our final, outer layer is the shell layer. This layer needs to protect you from wind and water by keeping them out. Your shell layer should consist of a high-quality rain jacket and windbreaker, waterproof boots, etc.

Things to Do in Iceland in March – The Northern Lights and Glacier Hikes

March weather in Iceland means you can still take part in plenty of winter weather activities like glacier hikes in Vatnajökull National Park, Langjökull, and other hotspots. One of the biggest tourism draws in Iceland are the country’s spectacular Northern Lights. The month of March is a great time for viewing the Northern Lights in Iceland because of clear conditions on cold nights. Just make sure you get out of major urban areas in order to have the best view and check the aurora forecast beforehand. You can go it alone or sign up for a Northern Lights excursion with a local tour operator.

Iceland's weather in March make the Northern Lights a popular thing to do

 

Iceland’s Weather in March

March is a great month to visit Iceland. If you’re driving in Iceland in March and plan on taking a road trip, it’s important to know what to expect weather wise. Planning for the island’s unusual climate and knowing what to put on your Iceland packing list can go a long way in enjoying your trip. Have a great time and let us know if you spot the Northern Lights.

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