Learn all about what to expect when traveling in Iceland during March. Road conditions, what to wear/pack, what makes it worth it to visit during that month, some tips on driving in that time, top activities, and events that happen annually during that month.
Also, I want to say thank you to some people who recently left reviews for the podcast durng the month of March of 2023.
Reviews of the All Things Iceland Podcast
We are planning a trip to Iceland this June. Jewell’s Podcast has been a tremendous wealth of information on Iceland, what to do in Iceland and what to expect. I am embarrassed I have not reviewed it before as I have even listening to all the episodes and the information is pertinent and fun!
Such a great resource for trip planning. And really interesting to learn more about the culture too!
Weather During March In Iceland
March is still considered winter in Iceland, so you can expect cold temperatures with an average temperature of 0°C (32°F) but the range is often -2°C (around 28 Fahrenheit) and 3.3°C (around 38 Fahrenheit. In previous years it has also the wettest month of the year, so it’s important to pack waterproof clothing.
Day Light Hours in March
During March, Iceland experiences around 12 hours of daylight. The days are getting longer, and the sun rises around 7:30 AM and sets around 6 PM. Here are the hours you can expect from the beginning of the month vs the end.
March 1st – 10 hours and 9 minutes
March 16th – 11 hours and 47 minutes
March 31st – 13 hours and 25 minutes
Road Conditions & Driving in Iceland During March
Road conditions in Iceland can be unpredictable, especially during winter. It’s important to check the weather and road conditions before setting out on a road trip.
While you don’t have to rent a four-wheel drive vehicle, some people do so because you have more control over the car due the roads potentially being slippery and icy. Additionally, rental car companies here keep the nail tires on cars during March, so that helps provide extra traction on slippery roads.
While there way more daylight during this time of the year than other winter months, they are still limited, so it’s important to plan your driving routes accordingly.
If you decide to drive by yourself don’t forget to check the official websites road.is and safetravel.is before heading out to see if there are any weather warnings or road closures that might impact your trip.
Drive Yourself Around Iceland on a Discount
Go Car Rental Iceland is a local Icelandic car rental company that has great customer service, a large variety of cars and very competitive prices. Use my code Iceland10 to save 10% off the entire cost of your rental car.
I personally use them for when I go on adventures, and I’m so glad to hear that many of my listeners and subscribers are also having a great experience with them. I mentioned in a previous episode that one of my listeners switched to Go Car Rental Iceland from one of the internationally known rental car companies here and she saved $400! That was for a rental during the summer when prices can sometimes double due to demand.
What to Wear in Iceland During March
Because this is a wintery month that can still be quite cold, make sure you bring a parka and necessary layers. Make sure to grab my free Iceland Packing Checklist. There is a separate list in it for winter and for summer.
You can expect possible snow weather warnings, icy conditions (so bring your micro spikes), windy conditions (which is normal all year here), and of course some precipitations. We do have days where it is sunny and bright, but the cold is still present, so dressing accordingly will keep you warm and dry.
It’s important to dress in layers and bring warm, waterproof clothing. You should also pack sturdy hiking boots with good traction, as there may still be snow and ice on the ground.
Why You Should Visit Iceland in March
March is a great time to visit Iceland if you’re looking to avoid the crowds of the peak tourist season. Plus, with the snow and ice, Iceland’s stunning landscapes become even more breathtaking.
You can also catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights, which are still visible during this time. We’ve had spectacular northern lights this year but just remember that it is not guaranteed that you will see them.
Check out my episode about the Northern Lights to give yourself the best opportunity to see them while visiting.
Top Activities to Do in March
March is the last month for all the winter activities, such as exploring ice caves and seeing the Northern Lights. To be fair, you can potentially see them in April, but the chances are so much slimmer due to longer and brighter days.
- Northern Lights
- Ice Cave Tours
- Glacier Tours – hiking & climbing
- Snowmobile Tours
- Skiing & Snowboarding
- Bláafjöll mountain near Reykjavík
- Troll Peninsula
- Fun Winter Road Trips
- Bathing in Geothermal Pools
March Events in Iceland
- National Beer Day – March 1st
- Beer in Iceland was illegal for about 70 years and it became legal again on March 1st, 1989. That day has been dubbed Bjórdagur or Beer Day.
- Awesome chefs from different countries come to Iceland to cook up delicious meals in well-known restaurants in Reykjavík. It’s a fun way to try out new dishes.
Random Fact of the Episode
According to Icelandic meteorologist Trausti Jónsson, March of 2023 was by far the coldest it has been, on average, this century. We had many days of extremely frigid temperatures in the negatives.
These frigid temperatures and storms resulted in tourists traveling during this time needing help because they were weather clogged. Basically, they had trouble seeing on the road or pulled over because the wind was too much for them to drive. There was a yellow warning and people still decided to drive. The Icelandic Search & Rescue team had to help around 40-50 cars one night due to people not heeding the warning.
In much happier news, The Golden Plover, or Lóa as it is called in Icelandic, was spotted in late March. This bird is said to sing away the snow and mean that spring is on the way.
Icelandic Word of the Episode
Mars – march
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