With its mild sub-arctic climate, this Iceland trip is available from mid-May to the end of June, and again in September. We avoid April and July because of the tourist crowds.

Illuminated by the unending daylight of late spring and summer, Iceland is a popular alternative travel destination. Spring in Iceland is relatively bright, and May and June tend to be the driest months when temperatures peak at around 13°C.

June is the best time to see the spectacular midnight sun, while the best time to see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) is between September and April. Those travelling in September have a reasonable chance of seeing the Northern Lights, but prepare yourself for cooler and wetter weather (the average maximum temperature drops to between 7°C and 10°C).

Icelandic weather is highly unusual and can change very abruptly. As one biker put it, ‘Iceland doesn’t have a climate, it has samples of weather’, so be prepared for anything that Mother Nature might throw at you, including fog, dust storms and even the rare snow shower. Pack sunglasses and T-shirts, as well as raingear, warm clothing and windbreakers, as Iceland can get very windy.