Stay in Reykjavik in March
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March in Reykjavik gains roughly 7 minutes of daylight every day, stretching from about 9.5 hours at the start of the month to over 13 hours by the 31st. No other month gains light at that pace, and you feel the shift across the city. Locals along Laugavegur seem to walk a little faster, and the cafes in Miðborg fill up earlier in the afternoon. Icelanders mark this turning point on March 1 with Bjórdagurinn, Beer Day, celebrating the 1989 repeal of the country's 74-year beer prohibition. Bars across the 101 district stay open late, and the mood tends toward genuine elation.
That said, Reykjavik in March is still winter. Temperatures sit near freezing, and precipitation arrives as an unpredictable mix of rain, sleet, and snow. Wind off the North Atlantic is the constant adversary. A calm, clear morning with views across Faxaflói bay to Snæfellsjökull glacier can become a sideways-sleet squall by lunch. Pack for that volatility, not for the averages.
To be fair, the rough conditions keep crowds thin. Northern lights are still possible through early-to-mid March before the shortening nights close the viewing season, and winter ice-cave tours are in their final weeks. For the right traveler, March in Reykjavik offers uncrowded mornings at Hallgrímskirkja, winter light over the harbour, and accommodation at a fraction of peak-season rates.
Why visit in March
- Aurora viewing in March comes with thinner crowds and less competition for tour spots than the busy months of October and November, and the growing daylight gives you more hours for daytime sightseeing between evening hunts.
- Daylight increases at the fastest rate of any month in Reykjavik. Sunset moves from around 18:30 at the start of March to nearly 20:00 by the end, making after-dinner walks and late-afternoon excursions along the south coast practical.
- Shoulder-season pricing on flights and accommodation is significantly below peak-summer rates, and availability at hotels and on tours is rarely an issue outside DesignMarch week.
- Ice cave season on Vatnajökull glacier closes at the end of March, and late-season visits often mean smaller group sizes as fewer operators run daily trips.
Worth knowing
- Wind chill regularly pushes the felt temperature to -5°C to -10°C (23°F to 14°F), making extended outdoor time physically demanding without serious layering.
- Precipitation falls on more than half the days of March, arriving without much warning as rain, sleet, or wet snow. Outdoor plans need flexible backup options.
- Highland roads and many rural routes remain closed or ice-covered through March, limiting day-trip options beyond the Golden Circle and the south coast.
- Whale watching from Reykjavik's Old Harbour is not yet in reliable season. Sighting rates in March tend to be lower than the April through September window.
Best for
Think twice if
Reykjavik in March sits at the tail end of winter, with daytime temperatures hovering just above freezing and nights that dip below 0°C (32°F) regularly. Rain or snow falls on more than half the days, arriving as drizzle, sleet, or wet snow depending on the hour. North Atlantic wind compounds everything. Sustained gusts turn the marginally above-freezing air into something that bites through inadequate layers within minutes. You might get a bright, still afternoon with views to Mount Esja from the Sæbraut waterfront, and 2 hours later find yourself leaning into horizontal sleet on Bankastræti. The second half of March tends to produce slightly more stable conditions, though April averages only marginally warmer and the true thaw does not arrive until May.
Seasonal caution
- Nighttime temperatures regularly drop below freezing, and strong gusts compound the cold dramatically. Cover all exposed skin when walking into the wind. Frostbite risk is genuine on high-wind days, particularly along the waterfront near Sæbraut.
- Sudden weather changes are common across Iceland in March. A clear morning can become a whiteout blizzard within an hour, particularly on routes outside the capital region. Check vedur.is (Icelandic Met Office) forecasts daily before heading out.
- The freeze-thaw cycle in March leaves patches of black ice on Reykjavik's pavements, especially on steep streets like Skólavörðustígur. Slip injuries peak in this transitional period. Consider attachable ice grippers (broddar) for your boots.
Year-round climate
Averages from the last 5 years.
| Month | Avg high (°C) | Avg low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 1 | -3 | 166 |
| Feb | 3 | -2 | 162 |
| Mar | 4 | -1 | 146 |
| Apr | 7 | 1 | 118 |
| May | 9 | 4 | 132 |
| Jun | 11 | 7 | 106 |
| Jul | 13 | 9 | 87 |
| Aug | 13 | 9 | 124 |
| Sep | 10 | 6 | 146 |
| Oct | 6 | 2 | 147 |
| Nov | 4 | 0 | 121 |
| Dec | 2 | -3 | 129 |
Holidays and festivals in March
Public holidays
- Maundy Thursday(Skírdagur)25 March 2027
- Good Friday(Föstudagurinn langi)26 March 2027
- Easter Sunday(Páskadagur)28 March 2027
- Easter Monday(Annar í páskum)29 March 2027
Best things to do in March
Northern lights viewing from Grótta lighthouse
natureGrótta lighthouse sits on the Seltjarnarnes peninsula at the westernmost tip of the Reykjavik capital area, away from downtown light pollution. On clear nights, the dark skies over the North Atlantic provide strong aurora conditions. The area also has a small geothermal foot bath open in winter.
March is the last reliable month for aurora viewing before the nights become too short. By late March, true darkness does not arrive until after 22:00, narrowing the window considerably.Booking tipNo booking needed for self-guided viewing. Guided tours from Reykjavik depart nightly and typically offer a rebooking guarantee if no aurora appears.
Ice cave exploration on Vatnajökull
adventureNatural ice caves beneath Europe's largest ice cap reveal blue-ice formations shaped by meltwater and pressure. The caves are roughly 300 km (186 mi) southeast of Reykjavik, typically reached via a multi-day tour or a long day trip from Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.
The ice cave season runs November through March. These are the final departures before spring melt makes the caves unsafe, and late-season groups tend to be noticeably smaller.Booking tipBook at least 2-3 weeks ahead. Late March departures sometimes cancel due to early melt, so choose operators with flexible rebooking policies.
Golden Circle drive in winter conditions
sightseeingThe 300 km (186 mi) Golden Circle loop covers Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall. In March, the lava fields at Þingvellir are still partially snow-covered, and Gullfoss often has ice formations along its canyon walls.
Snow and ice along the route create a stark, dramatic landscape absent in summer. Visitor numbers at each stop are a fraction of July's crowds. You can photograph Strokkur geyser erupting without 200 other tourists in the frame.Booking tipSelf-driving is possible with a 4WD rental. Check road.is before departing each morning for current conditions.
Geothermal pool circuit
relaxationReykjavik operates 7 public geothermal swimming pools. Laugardalslaug in Laugardalur and Vesturbæjarlaug in Vesturbær are two of the most popular, with different atmospheres and their own regular crowds.
The contrast between the freezing March air and the warmth of the outdoor hot pots is at its most intense this time of year. Steam rises off the surface, and on clear nights you can soak while watching for aurora overhead.Booking tipNo booking required at public pools. Weekday mornings before 10:00 are the quietest. Bring your own towel to skip the rental fee.
Snorkeling Silfra fissure at Þingvellir
adventureSilfra fissure in Þingvellir National Park sits on the tectonic boundary between the North American and Eurasian plates. Glacial meltwater filtered through lava rock for decades produces underwater visibility exceeding 100 meters (330 ft). Water temperature holds at 2-4°C (35-39°F) year-round.
March offers the same crystalline visibility as summer with far fewer snorkelers and divers in the water. The cold is identical regardless of month (drysuits are mandatory), so there is no weather penalty for a winter visit.Booking tipBook 1-2 weeks in advance. Operators require a medical questionnaire, and participants need to be comfortable in cold water even inside a drysuit.
Perlan museum and observation deck
culturePerlan, opened in 1991, sits atop Öskjuhlíð hill and houses an indoor ice cave exhibit, a planetarium, and a 360-degree observation deck. The indoor ice tunnel stretches roughly 100 m (330 ft) and is built from real ice harvested from Icelandic glaciers.
Winter views from the observation deck include snow-covered peaks across Faxaflói bay, and the low sun angle creates long afternoon shadows across the cityscape. The indoor exhibits provide a solid alternative on the inevitable bad-weather days.Booking tipTickets are available online or at the door. Weekday afternoons tend to be quieter than weekends.
Harpa Concert Hall events
cultureReykjavik's waterfront concert hall features a glass facade by artist Ólafur Elíasson that shifts color with the weather and light. The building hosts concerts, opera, and cultural events year-round, and March typically includes performances by the Iceland Symphony Orchestra.
The cultural calendar in March tends to be fuller than the quieter January-February period, and DesignMarch installations sometimes extend into Harpa's public spaces. The dramatic March weather creates constantly shifting light through the geometric glass panels.Booking tipCheck the Harpa events calendar online and book popular concerts a week or more in advance. The lobby and ground floor are free to enter.
What to eat in March
On menus now
Kjötsúpa
Traditional Icelandic lamb soup made with root vegetables, particularly carrots and rutabaga. March is still firmly within the season for this warming staple, and you will find it on most lunch menus across Miðborg. Versions vary by kitchen, but the broth tends to be rich and slightly sweet from the slow-cooked root vegetables.
Hákarl
Fermented Greenland shark, traditionally consumed during the Þorrablót midwinter festival in January and February. Restaurants and stalls around Grandi Mathöll still feature it through March. The ammonia smell is intense. Worth trying once, ideally paired with a warming shot of Brennivín.
Plokkfiskur
A comforting mashed-fish stew built on salt cod, potatoes, onions, and béchamel. Peak comfort food in the cold months. Several traditional restaurants in Vesturbær serve well-regarded versions that vary slightly from kitchen to kitchen.
Rúgbrauð
Dense, dark Icelandic rye bread traditionally slow-baked underground using geothermal heat over 24 hours. The result is a moist, slightly sweet loaf that appears alongside lamb soup and smoked lamb on most traditional lunch menus through the winter months.
What to drink
Brennivín
Iceland's signature caraway-flavored schnapps, sometimes called Black Death by locals with dark humor. Consumption peaks during the winter months, and the spirit flows freely on Beer Day. Traditionally paired with hákarl and other Þorrablót-era foods.
In markets
Harðfiskur
Wind-dried fish, typically haddock or cod, torn into strips and eaten with butter as a high-protein snack. The tradition connects to centuries of Icelandic food preservation. You will find it at Kolaportið flea market and in most grocery stores across the city.
Regular events in March
Bjórdagurinn (Beer Day)Free
Annual celebration marking the end of Iceland's decades-long beer prohibition. Bars and breweries across Reykjavik host special events, tastings, and late-night openings. Some Icelandic craft breweries release seasonal beers tied to the occasion.
March 1DesignMarch
Iceland's largest annual design festival, organized by the Iceland Design Centre. The event spans architecture, fashion, product design, and food design with exhibitions, open studios, and talks across dozens of venues in central Reykjavik.
Mid-March (typically 4-5 days, dates vary by year)International Women's Day eventsFree
Iceland has a strong feminist tradition dating to the 1975 women's strike when 90% of Icelandic women walked off the job. March 8 events in Reykjavik typically include rallies at Austurvöllur square, lectures, and cultural programming across the city.
March 8Best places this March
Hallgrímskirkja
landmarkReykjavik's landmark church, completed in 1986, rises 74.5 meters (244 ft) above the city. The tower observation deck provides 360-degree views that in March include snow-capped mountains across the bay. On clear days you can see Snæfellsjökull glacier roughly 120 km (75 mi) to the northwest. The basalt-column-inspired facade looks particularly striking when dusted with snow.
MiðborgNational Museum of Iceland (Þjóðminjasafn Íslands)
museumFounded in 1863, the museum covers Icelandic history from the settlement era through modern times. The permanent exhibition spans 1,200 years of artifacts, ecclesiastical art, and DNA-analysis exhibits tracing the Icelandic gene pool. March is an ideal month to spend a full afternoon here, particularly when outdoor conditions deteriorate.
Suðurgata areaIcelandic Phallological Museum (Hið íslenzka reðasafn)
museumFounded in 1997, this museum in central Reykjavik houses over 280 specimens from 93 species of animals. It is one of the most distinctive small museums anywhere in the Nordic countries, and it tends to generate conversation for days after a visit. A reliable bad-weather option in March.
MiðborgTjörnin (City Pond)
natureReykjavik's central lake often remains partially frozen through March, with resident waterfowl clustering on the unfrozen edges. The walking path around the pond connects Ráðhúsið (City Hall) on the north side to residential streets along the southern shore. On calm days, the surface reflects the surrounding rooftops and the church tower above.
MiðborgHöfði House
historic siteBuilt in 1909, this white waterfront building hosted the 1986 Reykjavik Summit between Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev. The interior is not open to the public, but the exterior and surrounding grounds offer views toward Mount Esja. The building photographs well against March's heavy, shifting skies.
BorgartúnGrandi Mathöll
food hallA food hall in the converted former fish-packing district of Grandi, near the Old Harbour. Multiple vendors serve Icelandic and international dishes under one roof. In March, this is a practical lunch stop when the weather makes walking between separate restaurants less appealing.
GrandiLaugardalslaug
geothermal poolReykjavik's largest geothermal pool complex in the Laugardalur valley features a 50 m outdoor pool, multiple hot pots at temperatures ranging from 38°C to 44°C (100°F to 111°F), a steam room, and waterslides. Locals treat the pool as a social space. Early-morning regulars have been coming to the same hot pot for decades, and the conversations there cross generations.
LaugardalurKolaportið Flea Market
marketReykjavik's only flea market operates on weekends inside a large warehouse near the Old Harbour. Vendors sell secondhand clothing, books, vintage items, and traditional Icelandic specialties. The indoor setting makes it a reliable weekend activity regardless of weather conditions.
MiðborgSólfar (Sun Voyager)
public artJón Gunnar Árnason's stainless-steel sculpture on the Sæbraut waterfront resembles a Viking ship skeleton facing north toward Mount Esja. In March, the low afternoon sun catches the steel at angles that produce strong reflections. The waterfront promenade here connects to walking routes toward Seltjarnarnes.
Miðborg
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Insider tips
The hot pots at Vesturbæjarlaug draw a more local crowd than Laugardalslaug. Morning regulars treat the hot pot as an open-air parliament where neighborhood gossip and national politics receive equal airtime. Arrive before 08:00 on a weekday to experience the ritual.
Reykjavik's tap water comes directly from glacial aquifers and ranks among the cleanest municipal supplies in the world. Buying bottled water is a waste. Fill a reusable bottle from any tap, including bathroom sinks in restaurants.
For northern lights, skip the guided bus tours and check the Icelandic Met Office aurora forecast at vedur.is. The difference in light pollution between the downtown waterfront and the Seltjarnarnes peninsula is dramatic, and you avoid the multi-hour bus ride that many tour operators run to fill time.
Nearly every business in Reykjavik accepts contactless card payment, including market stalls at Kolaportið. The Icelandic króna fluctuates enough that the exchange rate can shift noticeably within your trip. Paying by card avoids the currency conversion fee that cash withdrawal incurs.
If Beer Day falls on a weekday, many locals celebrate the following weekend instead. The bars between Laugavegur and Bankastræti in the 101 district tend to be the center of activity, and some craft breweries release limited beers available only that week.
Avoid these mistakes
- Dressing for the thermometer and ignoring wind chill. The listed high might read near freezing, but sustained North Atlantic gusts make it feel far colder. Visitors who dress for the temperature alone spend most of their time ducking into cafes to recover.
- Planning a Ring Road road trip in March. Route 1 is technically open year-round, but conditions in northern and eastern Iceland can be dangerous. Road closures happen on short notice, and rescue operations in remote areas take hours. Stick to the Golden Circle and south coast.
- Assuming the Blue Lagoon is near central Reykjavik. It sits roughly 50 km (31 mi) from the city center near Keflavík airport, and it requires advance booking. Many visitors discover it has been sold out for weeks only when they try to book.
- Skipping the geothermal pools because they seem like a tourist activity. The pools are where Reykjavik's daily social life happens. Bypassing them means missing the most distinctive cultural experience the city offers.
Practical tips for March
Book northern lights tours and ice cave excursions at least 2-3 weeks ahead, especially for the first half of March when the aurora window is still wide. DesignMarch in mid-March fills boutique hotels in the 101 district quickly, so confirm accommodation early if your dates overlap. Most museums and shops keep shorter winter hours through March, typically closing by 17:00, though restaurants in Miðborg stay open until 22:00 or later. The Flybus shuttle from Keflavík airport to BSÍ bus terminal in central Reykjavik runs on a schedule aligned with flight arrivals, but pre-booking online is simpler than queuing at the airport counter. Reykjavik's LGBTQ+ friendliness scores 9.5 out of 10 (sourced from TTDI's editorial rubric), and the compact city means all nightlife and cultural venues cluster within walking distance in the 101 district. Tipping is not customary in Iceland. Service charges are included in all listed prices, and leaving an additional tip can sometimes confuse staff. For families, Reykjavik scores 8.5 out of 10 for family friendliness (see the TTDI Family-Friendliness Index), and the pool-oriented culture means children of all ages find entertainment even on the worst weather days.
FAQ
Is March a good time to visit Reykjavik?
March is a fair time to visit, not great but not bad either. The weather is cold and windy, with frequent precipitation that cycles between rain, sleet, and snow. The main draws are the rapidly increasing daylight, the tail end of northern lights season, and shoulder-season pricing below the summer peak. If you tolerate cold well and prioritize aurora viewing and thinner crowds over comfortable outdoor conditions, March works. If you want long hiking days and mild temperatures, wait for June or July.
Can you see the northern lights in Reykjavik in March?
Yes, through early-to-mid March. The aurora viewing window narrows as nights shorten, and by late March true darkness does not arrive until after 22:00. For the best odds, visit in the first two weeks of the month and head out to the Seltjarnarnes peninsula or beyond the city center to escape light pollution. Cloud cover, not daylight, is typically the biggest obstacle in early March. Check vedur.is for the daily aurora forecast.
What should I wear in Reykjavik in March?
Full winter gear with a focus on wind protection. Layering matters because indoor spaces in Reykjavik are well heated, but the outdoor wind chill can make conditions feel much colder than the thermometer reads. A windproof, waterproof outer shell is non-negotiable. Add merino wool base layers, an insulated mid-layer, waterproof boots with traction for icy pavements, a wool hat, and wind-resistant gloves. Bring a swimsuit for the geothermal pools.
Is Reykjavik crowded in March?
No. March falls in the shoulder season, and visitor numbers are a small fraction of the summer peak. You will rarely encounter queues at Hallgrímskirkja, the National Museum, or other major sites. Most restaurants in Miðborg do not need advance reservations. The exceptions are Beer Day, when downtown bars fill up, and the Blue Lagoon near Keflavík, which books out weeks ahead regardless of season.
Can I drive the Golden Circle in March?
Yes. The Golden Circle roads are paved and maintained year-round, and the route is accessible in a 4WD rental. Conditions can change quickly, though, and icy patches are common in the morning before the pavement warms. Check road.is each morning before departing, drive cautiously on curves, and carry a charged phone with the 112 Iceland emergency app installed.
Things to Do in Reykjavik in March
Free cancellation Reykjavik Food Walk - Local Foodie Adventure in Iceland
City tour: 3 hours, free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Iceland South Coast Full Day Small-Group Tour from Reykjavik
Day trip: 10 hours, free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Small-Group Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon with Ticket & Kerid Crater
Day trip: 11 hours, free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Golden Circle Classic Day Tour from Reykjavik
Day trip: 6.5 hours, free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Golden Circle with Kerid Volcanic Crater Day Tour from Reykjavik
Day trip: 8.5 hours, free cancellation.
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Free cancellation South Coast Day Tour Black Sand Beach & Waterfalls from Reykjavik
Day trip: 10 hours, free cancellation.
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