Reykjavik in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Reykjavik

4°C (39°F) High Temp

-2°C (29°F) Low Temp

81mm (3.2 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Peak Northern Lights season - March has 11-12 hours of darkness with optimal Aurora activity, especially after the spring equinox when geomagnetic activity increases
Winter activities still fully operational - Ice caves remain accessible until late March, and highland F-roads open for Super Jeep tours before the spring thaw makes them impassable
Significantly fewer tourists than December-February - Hotel rates drop 20-30% after Valentine's week, and popular attractions like this destination have 40% shorter wait times
Extended daylight returns - Days lengthen from 10 to 13.5 hours during March, giving you actual daylight for sightseeing while maintaining Northern Lights viewing windows

Considerations

Highly unpredictable weather - March sits between winter and spring, bringing sudden temperature swings from -8°C to +8°C (18°F to 46°F) within 24 hours, making activity planning challenging
Slushy, muddy conditions - Snow melts and refreezes daily, creating treacherous walking conditions and limiting highland access as winter roads close but summer routes remain impassable
Shoulder season closures - Some highland attractions close for maintenance, and reduced ferry schedules to Westman Islands run only 3 times weekly instead of daily

Best Activities in March

Northern Lights Photography Tours

March offers the perfect balance of darkness and clear skies for Aurora hunting. With 11+ hours of darkness and improving weather patterns after winter storms, visibility rates reach 70% on clear nights. The spring equinox brings increased geomagnetic activity, often producing more intense displays than earlier winter months.

Booking Tip: Book 3-5 days ahead to allow flexibility for weather. Tours typically cost ISK 8,000-12,000 per person. Look for operators offering free rebooking if clouds prevent viewing. Many tours now include professional photography guidance and heated transportation.

Ice Cave Expeditions

March is the final month for accessing natural ice caves before spring melt makes them unsafe. Vatnajökull glacier caves remain stable with impressive blue ice formations. Crystal caves are at their most spectacular after winter compression, and access roads are still maintained for tour vehicles.

Booking Tip: Book 7-14 days ahead as March is last-chance season. Full-day tours cost ISK 25,000-35,000 including glacier walks. Choose operators with certified glacier guides and proper safety equipment. Tours often combine with South Coast sightseeing.

Golden Circle Super Jeep Tours

March weather creates dramatic conditions at Geysir, Gullfoss, and Þingvellir. Waterfalls are at peak flow from snowmelt, and geothermal areas contrast beautifully with surrounding snow. Super Jeeps can access highland viewpoints still closed to regular vehicles, offering exclusive perspectives before summer crowds arrive.

Booking Tip: Super Jeep tours cost ISK 18,000-28,000 versus ISK 8,000-12,000 for regular bus tours. Book 5-7 days ahead. Highland extensions add 2-3 hours and showcase terrain impossible to see in summer. Weather-dependent, with excellent backup indoor options.

Reykjanes Peninsula Geothermal Tours

March is ideal for exploring the newly active volcanic areas near Fagradalsfjall. Recent volcanic activity has created new geothermal features, and winter access roads remain open while avoiding summer's extreme crowds. The contrast between snow-covered lava fields and steaming vents creates unique photo opportunities.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours cost ISK 12,000-18,000. Book 2-3 days ahead as weather can affect access. Tours include this destination visits at reduced March rates. Look for small group options (8-12 people) for better access to newer volcanic sites.

Whale Watching from Reykjavik Harbor

March marks the return of orcas and humpback whales to Faxaflói Bay as herring populations increase. Success rates reach 80% for whale sightings, higher than winter months. Smaller tour boats operate with better wildlife viewing angles, and dramatic March weather creates spectacular sea conditions for photography.

Booking Tip: 3-hour tours cost ISK 8,000-12,000. Book day-of based on weather conditions - operators offer free rescheduling for rough seas. Dress warmly as sea temperatures are 2-3°C (36-37°F). Many tours provide thermal suits and hot chocolate.

Indoor Cultural Experiences

March's variable weather makes indoor attractions essential. Harpa Concert Hall hosts the Reykjavik Arts Festival, Banjul features special Viking exhibitions, and local geothermal pools provide authentic relaxation. Food tours showcase traditional winter preservation methods and spring ingredients appearing in local cuisine.

Booking Tip: Museum passes cost ISK 4,000-6,000 for multiple venues. Food tours run ISK 15,000-22,000 for 3-4 hour experiences. Book cultural tours 2-3 days ahead. Many venues offer March-specific exhibitions featuring Northern arts and traditional crafts.

March Events & Festivals

Mid March

Reykjavik Arts Festival (Listahátíð)

Biennial contemporary arts festival featuring international and Icelandic artists across multiple venues including Harpa, National Gallery, and unconventional spaces. Features experimental music, visual arts, and performance pieces specifically curated for Iceland's unique cultural landscape.

March 1st

Beer Day (Bjórdagurinn)

March 1st celebration commemorating the end of beer prohibition in Iceland (1989). Local breweries offer special releases, bars host traditional Icelandic beer tastings, and many restaurants feature beer-paired traditional meals. Street celebrations occur despite cold weather.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof insulated boots with aggressive tread - ice and slush create hazardous walking conditions throughout the city, and you'll encounter terrain from city sidewalks to glacier paths

Layered clothing system - temperatures swing 16°C (30°F) daily, so pack thermal base layers, insulating mid-layers, and windproof outer shells you can add/remove quickly

Waterproof gloves and backup pair - March's wet snow soaks through regular gloves, and you'll need dexterity for phone cameras during Northern Lights tours

Neck gaiter or balaclava - Arctic winds make exposed skin dangerous during outdoor activities, especially on boats or glacier walks

Headlamp with red filter - essential for Northern Lights photography and navigating in 11+ hours of daily darkness, red light preserves night vision

Waterproof camera protection - March brings frequent snow/rain showers that can damage electronics during outdoor photography sessions

Thermal underwear (merino wool preferred) - synthetic materials become uncomfortable during indoor/outdoor temperature transitions common in March

Sunglasses - snow glare with UV index of 2 can still cause snow blindness during bright March days, especially around glaciers

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains batteries 40-50% faster, critical for navigation and emergency communication

Microspikes or ice cleats - attach to any shoes for walking on icy sidewalks and trails, essential for safety around waterfalls and geothermal areas

Insider Knowledge

Download the Vedur.is weather app and Aurora forecast apps - locals check these hourly in March to plan activities around rapidly changing conditions and optimize Northern Lights viewing

Visit geothermal pools between 7-9am - locals use this time before work, avoiding tourist crowds and enjoying authentic Icelandic social culture while discussing weather and daily plans

Book accommodations with flexible cancellation until late February - March weather can disrupt flights and activities, and experienced travelers maintain booking flexibility until the last moment

Rent a car with studded tires if driving outside Reykjavik - required by law until April 15th, and essential for accessing South Coast attractions safely during March's variable road conditions

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how quickly weather changes - tourists dress for morning conditions and get caught unprepared when temperatures drop 10°C (18°F) by afternoon or sudden snowstorms develop

Booking too many outdoor activities consecutively - March weather can cancel multiple days of tours, so spread glacier walks, Northern Lights tours, and whale watching across your entire stay

Wearing cotton clothing - cotton kills in Iceland's wet March conditions, as it retains moisture and loses insulation properties when damp from snow or rain