There's a lot to consider before taking a trip to Iceland!

How is the weather?

Here is the rundown on Iceland's climate and seasons. Weather/Climate Information Despite its name, Iceland enjoys a temperate climate. Winters are mild, with an average January temperature in Reykjavik of 31°F, similar to New York City. Outdoor activities carry on as usual during this time with the Northern Lights' possible sightings' bonus. Spring arrives in April with temperatures in the high 30s and low 40s Fahrenheit. Summers can warm to anywhere between the mid-50s to high 70s. Temperatures usually drop down to the 40s in the fall as the sunlight hours decrease during the day. Iceland does not necessarily have a "rainy" or "dry" season but experiences volatile weather year-round, so be sure to be prepared for both rain and sunshine on their trip. If you are traveling during cold months, layers will be crucial. 

Festivals Here are a few of Iceland's most popular festivals and events: 

• January: Dark Music Days, WOW Reykjavik International Games
• February: Reykjavik Winter Lights Festival, Rekjavik Blues Festival, Rainbow Reykjavik, Art in Light, Annual Icelandic Beer Festival 
• March: Food and Fun, Design March, Stockfish Film Festival, Designtalk, Sonar Reykjavik, Iceland Winter Games, Aldrei For Eg Sudur
• April: Eve-Online Fanfest, AK-Extreme, Reykjavik Children's Culture Festival, Iceland Writer's Retreat, Fossavatn Ski Marathon
• May: Vaka Folk Arts Festival
• June: Midnight Sun Run, Festival of the Sea, Viking Festival, Secret Solstice Music Festival, Iceland National Holiday, Mt Esja Ultra, Blue Lagoon Challenge, Arctic Open, WOW Cyclothon, The Color Run, Reykjavik Arts Festival
• July: Lunga, Eistnaflug, Bræðslan, Folk Music Festival in Siglufjordur, Music Festival Reykholt, Medievaldays at Gasir, Laugavegur Ultra Marathon, Kexport, Thorvaldsdalur Terrain Run, The National Icelandic Horse Competition
• August: Pjóðhátíð Í Eyjum, Reykjavik Pride, Reykjavik Culture Night, Bank Holiday Weekend, Innipukinn Music Festival, Reykjavik Marathon, Fireworks at Jokulsarlon, Swampsoccer
• September: Reykjavik International Film Festival, Reykjavik Literary Festival, Reykjavik Jazz Festival, Iceland Noir
• October: Lighting of Imagine Peace Tower, The Moorland Festival, cycle Music and Art Festival 
• November: Iceland Airwaves, Everybody's Spectacular 
• December: Christmas, New Year's Eve, Centenary of Icelandic Independence and Sovereignty

How many people live there?

Iceland's population as of 2018 is estimated to be about 337,780.

How many hours of daylight are there?

From mid-May to mid-August, the sun only dips below the horizon for about three hours per day, and there is effectively daylight for the entire 24-hour day. In the middle of winter, there are only about five hours of adequate daylight.

When should I travel?

Iceland is beautiful year-round and has exquisite offerings in every season. The primary season begins in mid-May and lasts through early September, when the daylight hours are the longest. Starting in July, most interior and highland routes are open, so this is an excellent time to travel if you are interested in exploring these. 

Off-season travel in winter, spring, and late autumn when the daylight hours are short can also be extraordinary.

Should I drive? ( We have driven in a lot of countries on both sides of the road. If you don’t mind the long distances and rural. Roads. I say go for it. Otherwise, I

recommend some of the great small group vacations if you are not on their local cruise ship tour )

Suppose you feel comfortable, yes! Renting a car is a much more convenient option than relying on the bus system. Most of Route no. 1, which encircles Iceland, is paved except for a gravel bit between Lake Myvatn and Egilsstaðir in the North East. Many more minor roads are also gravel but relatively easy to navigate at a cautious pace. There are many narrow roads in the countryside and "blind hills," which can be a challenge for novice drivers, but if you are familiar with the road rules before you set out, you are unlikely to have too many problems driving. For more in-depth information on Iceland's roads, visit the Icelandic Public Roads Administration website: http://www.road.is.

What are the taxes like?

There is a 7% VAT (value-added tax) on nearly all groceries, CDs, books, newspapers, magazines, and restaurant and hotel services. For most other goods and services, the VAT is 25.5%. Sales tax is always included in the sticker prices. A refund of VAT is available to all visitors in Iceland. The refund will reduce up to 15% of the retail price, as long as Iceland's departure is within three months of purchase. The purchase amount must be no less than ISK 4000 (VAT included) per store. All goods (except woolens) must be declared at customs before check-in. At Keflavik airport, this only applies to tax-free forms whose refund value exceeds ISK 5000.

Do they speak English?

The official language of Iceland is Icelandic. However, most Icelanders speak excellent English! Most Icelanders speak several other languages as well, including Danish, German, Spanish, and French.

What is the tipping policy?

Your restaurant bill will probably already include a service charge. If it does, there is no need to tip. If it doesn't, a 10% gratuity is acceptable. Tipping is not compulsory in Iceland, but it is appreciated.

What kind of money is used there?

Icelandic money is called króna (plural krónur) and is abbreviated ISK or KR. While you can pull out cash at ATMs, which are generally pretty easy to find, Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost universally in Iceland. Most people there pay for everything with plastic rather than cash, including small items such as candy or gum (plus, it's a great way to rack up rewards points on your cards!). Iceland uses the chip-and-pin (EMV) system, so if you don't have a chip in your card, you may want to request one from your bank before travel as the "swipe and sign" cards will not work.

What kind of adapters do I need?

Like other Northern European countries, Iceland's electrical standards are 50Hz, 240 volts, so that North American electrical devices will require an adapter and converters. The sockets are two-pin, so any devices from the UK will also need adapters.

Is there Internet access?

WiFi connectivity may vary based on where you are in the country or your accommodations, but generally speaking, you can expect internet access in Iceland.

Can I drink the tap water?

Yes! The fresh water in Iceland is clean; you can even drink the water straight from the Silfra fissure! The hot water may smell a little eggy, but that's because it comes from geothermal hot springs, which have a Sulphur smell. Don't worry; it won't make you smell, and it's completely harmless.

Will my cell phone work?

The short answer is "probably." Iceland uses the GSM network, which both AT&T and T-Mobile use. You can check https://willmyphonework.net/ if you are uncertain how yours will do in Iceland. Be sure to either opt into an International Plan or use an Icelandic SIM card to avoid racking up roaming charges once you've arrived!

Do I need my passport?

Yes!

What if I need medical help?

For life-threatening emergencies, please call 1-1-2. For non-threatening illnesses or injuries or illnesses, you can call 1770 to speak with a nurse or get to the nearest clinic's location. All major towns offer urgent care for minor illnesses and injuries, and many clinics set aside a few hours in the afternoon for walk-in patients.

How do I make sure I see the Northern Lights?

Unfortunately, seeing the Northern Lights on a trip to Iceland is never a guarantee. There are, however, a few ways to maximize your chances of seeing them, which you can find here.

Is Iceland safe?

Iceland is among the safest countries in the world! The crime rate is extremely low, and medical care is excellent; however, caution should be taken when traveling due to natural hazards caused by weather and nature.

'I'm a picky eater; should I bring my food?

If you don't think you'll be interested in the local delicacies of whale, puffin, fermented shark, or sheep's head and testicles, never fear! There are still many great seafood and lamb dishes that do not require adventurous eating from guests. If you are incredibly picky, there are plenty of grocery stores around to choose from.

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