Reykjavik in April

April weather, activities, events & insider tips

April Weather in Reykjavik

7°C (44°F) High Temp

1°C (33°F) Low Temp

58 mm (2.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Extended daylight hours - 15 hours of daylight by late April (sunrise 6:30am, sunset 9:30pm) perfect for sightseeing without crowds
Lupine wildflower season begins - countryside transforms with purple blooms, ideal for Golden Circle photography
Easter holiday brings unique traditions like 'Páskaegg' (Easter eggs with riddles) and detective novel obsession throughout the city
Shoulder season pricing - accommodation costs 30-40% less than summer peak, with tours averaging ISK 8,000-12,000 versus ISK 15,000+ in June-August

Considerations

Unpredictable weather shifts - can experience all four seasons in one day, requiring constant clothing adjustments
Highland roads still closed - F-roads won't open until May/June, limiting access to interior attractions like Landmannalaugar
Raw, windy conditions - average wind speeds of 25-35 km/h (15-22 mph) make temperatures feel 5-8°C (9-14°F) colder than actual readings

Best Activities in April

Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa Visits

April's cool air temperature creates the perfect contrast with 37-39°C (98-102°F) geothermal waters. The silica mud masks feel incredible in crisp air, and you'll avoid summer's overwhelming crowds. Steam rises dramatically in cooler weather, creating mystical photo opportunities impossible in warmer months.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 weeks ahead for best time slots. Premium packages (ISK 15,000-25,000) include private changing areas essential in April's unpredictable weather. Choose 11am-2pm slots for best lighting and fewer tour groups. Reference booking widget for current availability and packages.

Northern Lights Photography Tours

Early April still offers Northern Lights opportunities, especially during the new moon period (April 1-7, 2025). Longer nights than May combined with clearer spring skies create optimal viewing conditions. Tours run 8pm-1am when aurora activity peaks between 10pm-midnight.

Booking Tip: Book flexible tours that offer free rebooking for cloudy nights. Prices range ISK 12,000-18,000 for group tours. Small group options (ISK 25,000-35,000) provide better positioning and photography instruction. Check current tour options in booking section below.

Golden Circle Day Tours

April offers the Golden Circle without summer's tour bus traffic. Geysir erupts every 8-10 minutes in cooler weather (more frequent than summer), and Gullfoss waterfall runs at peak spring melt volume. Thingvellir's continental drift is most visible with April's clear air and dramatic lighting.

Booking Tip: Choose small group tours (12-16 people) over large buses for better stops and timing. Tours run ISK 10,000-16,000 and include pickup from central Reykjavik. Book 7-10 days ahead for premium operators with geologist guides. Current options available in booking widget.

Westman Islands Puffin Colony Tours

Late April marks the return of Atlantic puffins to Westman Islands after winter at sea. Early season means smaller crowds and more active birds establishing nesting sites. Boat tours offer close encounters as puffins are less skittish before peak breeding season in May-June.

Booking Tip: Weather-dependent tours require flexible scheduling. Day trips from Reykjavik cost ISK 25,000-35,000 including flights and boat transfers. Book with operators offering weather guarantees and free rescheduling. Best viewing times are 10am-3pm when birds are most active.

Reykjanes Peninsula Volcano Hiking

April's stable weather makes volcanic landscapes accessible before summer crowds arrive. Recent volcanic activity areas like Fagradalsfjall offer moonscape hiking with minimal vegetation. Cool temperatures are perfect for moderate hiking without overheating, and clear air provides impressive lava field photography.

Booking Tip: Self-guided hiking is popular, but guided geological tours (ISK 15,000-22,000) provide expert volcanic interpretation. Wear microspikes for icy patches common until mid-April. Check current volcanic activity and access roads before booking through tour operators listed in booking section.

Whale Watching from Reykjavik Harbor

April marks the return of minke and humpback whales to Faxaflói Bay after winter migration. Calmer spring seas offer better viewing conditions than March, with success rates around 85-90%. White-beaked dolphins are particularly active in April's nutrient-rich waters from spring upwelling.

Booking Tip: Choose larger vessels for April's potentially rough seas. Tours run 2.5-3 hours and cost ISK 8,000-12,000 for adults. Morning departures (9am-10am) often have calmer conditions. Warm suits provided but bring additional layers. See current departure times in booking widget below.

April Events & Festivals

April 18-21, 2025

Reykjavik Easter Festival

Four-day cultural celebration featuring concerts at Harpa Concert Hall, art exhibitions, and traditional Icelandic detective novel reading marathon. Locals consume more crime fiction during Easter weekend than any other time of year.

April 24, 2025

First Day of Summer Festival

Traditional Icelandic celebration marking winter's end with parades, street festivals, and gift-giving. Children receive summer gifts, and the city erupts in spontaneous celebrations despite often still-winter weather.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots - essential for wet volcanic terrain and icy patches remaining from winter

Layering system: thermal base layer, fleece mid-layer, waterproof shell - temperature swings of 10-15°C (18-27°F) in single days

Windproof hat that covers ears - average wind speeds of 25-35 km/h (15-22 mph) create significant wind chill

Waterproof gloves plus warm liner gloves - rain and wind make fingers numb quickly during outdoor activities

Waterproof daypack cover - sudden rain showers protect cameras and electronics during hiking

Sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV reflection off remaining snow patches and bright spring light

Quick-dry pants and avoid jeans - wet denim stays cold and uncomfortable in Iceland's damp climate

Swimwear for geothermal pools - essential for this destination, Sky Lagoon, and municipal pools

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains batteries 40% faster than normal

Cash (Icelandic króna) - some rural areas and small vendors don't accept cards despite Iceland's cashless reputation

Insider Knowledge

Download the 'Vedur.is' weather app used by locals - provides hyperlocal forecasts essential for day planning in April's variable conditions

Visit municipal pools early morning (7-9am) when locals swim laps - avoid tourist crowds and experience authentic Icelandic culture for just ISK 950

Stock up on groceries at Bonus supermarket (purple pig logo) - can save 50-60% versus hotel restaurants, crucial with ISK 2,500-4,000 dinner prices

Book accommodation with kitchen access - eating out every meal costs ISK 15,000-20,000 daily per person in April's tourist-focused pricing

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating wind chill - tourists dress for temperature readings but feel 5-8°C (9-14°F) colder due to constant wind

Booking Highland F-road tours - these mountain roads remain closed until May/June, leading to disappointing cancellations

Expecting consistent weather - April requires multiple backup indoor plans as conditions change hourly throughout the day