Driving in Iceland in March

The weather and how it might affect your plans

In March, there’s still a chance of inclement weather but it shouldn’t put you off planning a road trip. Typically, there’s a difference in the type of conditions you get depending on where you are in the country. The north tends to be colder but also on average drier, while the south is more likely to experience rain but generally enjoys slightly warmer temperatures. At any time of year there are no guarantees, but packing the right kind of gear and being prepared to stay flexible with your plans will pay dividends. Keep a close eye on the forecast and allow a buffer between the end of your road trip and your flight home just in case.
If you're planning a road trip in Iceland after March, you might want to check out our guide to driving in Iceland in April, as conditions continue to improve with the arrival of spring.

Take day trips from Reykjavik

Taking day trips by car from Reykjavik helps to maximize your flexibility if unexpected weather impacts your plans at the last minute. Driving distances to areas such as the Golden Circle, Reykjanes or Snæfellsnes peninsula are short enough that you can make the decision to go or not over breakfast. If the weather rules out traveling in one direction, simply head the opposite way. Choosing a hotel on the outskirts of Reykjavik means you can head off in various directions at the drop of a hat. You’ll also find it much easier to find one that offers free parking as real estate isn’t at such a premium away from the city center.

Make the most of winter with a visit to an ice cave

Temperatures haven’t really started to rise in March which means that in terms of the activities you can do, you can consider it a part of winter. The country’s magnificent ice cave season is drawing to a close this month, so seize the opportunity to travel up onto one of the glaciers in a super jeep and hike to the entrance of a hidden ice cave. Step inside to take in the glorious sight of a glittering, translucent cavern of blue ice, one of nature’s most spectacular landforms. Choose a provider in Vik or at Jokulsarlon to incorporate this excursion into your road trip. Both places are easily accessible, sitting on Route 1, so road closures are far less likely than in less well-connected areas.

Go skiing on the Tröllaskagi peninsula

Iceland is mountainous in places though its peaks don’t compare to those of the Alps or the Rockies when it comes to height. Nevertheless, in March the snow is generally good making skiing in the north of Iceland a fun diversion. Dalvik makes an excellent base if you’re passing through North Iceland on your road trip. Meanwhile, backcountry skiers can hike up and ski down untouched snow with a view of the ocean. Iceland is also known, of course, for its hot tubs, which are the ideal place to unwind and soothe any aching muscles at the end of each day. 

Catch the Northern Lights 

The spring equinox falls in March and statistically, it’s a great time to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Hiring a car means that you can track the clouds and the solar activity forecasts to ensure that you head out into the right part of the countryside. As we are experiencing what’s known as the solar maximum, there have been some incredible displays, with extended periods of activity and colorful displays in shades of not only green but also red and purple. If conditions are expected to be favorable, head out on your first night to maximize the chances of a sighting, but be warned, it’s an addictive pastime so you’ll probably want more even if you do get lucky from the get-go. 

Park up at a port and go whale-watching

Iceland’s whale watching season extends year-round so there’s no reason why you shouldn’t head out in March if the sea is calm enough. In Húsavik, Iceland’s self-styled whale-watching capital, the season kicks off on March 1st. Tours set out from the attractive harbor for a three-hour jaunt around Skjálfandi Bay and beyond. There’s a good chance you’ll see humpbacks; these splendid cetaceans are known for their acrobatic displays and there’ll be a gasp of excitement from those onboard as they flick their tail flukes and dive. You might also see a pod of dolphins, or if you’re really lucky, a blue whale.

Drive along the south coast without peak season’s crowds 

The south coast of Iceland has some of the most spectacular scenery in the country and thanks to its easy accessibility from Reykjavik or from Keflavik Airport, it receives a significant share of the country’s visitors. In summer, this means that the main tourist spots can get very busy and there might sometimes be a wait to be able to find a parking space. If you’re road-tripping in March, make the most of a fine day with an out-and-back drive to Vik. You’ll be able to enjoy popular spots such as Seljalandsfoss Waterfall and Reynisfjara Beach without crowds of people encroaching on your view. Break your journey if you plan to drive all the way to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon as you probably won’t want to make the ten-hour round-trip drive in one hit at this time of year. 

Grab a table with ease at popular countryside restaurants

Iceland’s cuisine is reason in itself to make the trip. From hearty lamb stews to plates of tasty plokkfiskur, there are plenty of dishes you’ll want to try during your stay. Some restaurants have garnered a stellar reputation for great food. One such place is Fjöruborðið in the coastal village of Stokkseyri, a fifteen-minute detour from the ring road at Selfoss. The restaurant specializes in an Icelandic favorite, langoustines, served either as a soup or sautéed with potatoes and garlic. It can be hard to get a table for dinner in the summer, but in March you should have no trouble at all.

Laze around in a geothermal spa

By March, many of us have had enough of the northern hemisphere winter and crave warmth. That doesn’t have to rule out Iceland as a destination, far from it in fact. The geothermal baths that litter the country are a tempting prospect for those keen to stay outside but equally enthusiastic about staying warm. Take a tip from those who soak regularly: wear a bobble hat to keep your head cozy and sink down into the water so your shoulders are covered. At this time of year, we love watching the sun through the skeletal trees that screen Forest Lagoon on the edge of Akureyri.