Visiting Iceland

Practical Information

Climate

Iceland enjoys a much milder climate than its name and location adjacent to the Arctic Circle
would imply. A branch of the Gulf Stream flows along the southern and the western coast
greatly moderating the climate. However, this brings mild Atlantic air in contact with colder
Arctic air resulting in a climate that is marked by frequent changes in weather and storminess.
Furthermore this leads to more rainfall in the southern and western part than in the northern
part of the island.

The main summer tourist season is from late May to early September. During the first half of
this period the sun stays above the horizon for almost 24 hours and the interplay of light and
shadows on mountains, lava fields and glaciers yield an ever changing landscape. However, even
during the middle of summer the sky is frequently cloudy or overcast and the sunshine does not
warm the air much. Hence, during daytime, the air is usually cool (“refreshing” is the local
euphemism) and cold during night time.

Daylight Sunrise Sunset

May 3:55 am 10:12 pm
June 2:42 am 11:32 pm
July 3:23 am 11:00 pm
August 4:58 am 9:22 pm
September 6:29 am 7:33 pm
October 7:55 am 5:48 pm

Average temperature °C °F

May 7,2 44,9
June 13,1 55,6
July 15,2 59,4
August 13,3 55,9
September 13,0 55,4
October 6,1 43,0

Clothing

During summertime tourists should bring a windbreaker, rainwear, a thick pullover (wool or
fleece) and sturdy walking shoes. Travellers who are camping or heading into the interior will
need warm underwear and socks, rubber boots and a warm sleeping bag. Anglers should bring
chest waders & wading shoes.

Importation of used fishing equipment

Visitors are asked to adopt strict bio security measures! Infectious disease agents such as viruses
and the parasite, Gyrodactylus salaris, have never been detected in fresh water fish in Iceland.
Importation of used fishing equipment such as fishing rods, reels, hooks/lures/flies, waders and
nets is strictly prohibited unless it has been disinfected by approved methods.
Disinfection must be carried out by a veterinarian from the country of embarkation and a
certificate of disinfection presented when transporting the equipment to Iceland. If a certificate
cannot be obtained, the fishing equipment must be handed to customs officers upon entering
the country for immediate disinfection. The process is carried out by staff at the Keflavik International Airport at owner’s expense. Process usually doesn’t take long (usually around 20 minutes).

Documentation & Visas

Citizens from the European Economic Area (comprising the EU, Switzerland and Liechtenstein),
US and Canada need only a passport valid for at least three months after the planned date of
arrival to enter Iceland for up to three months.

Currency

Icelandic Krona. Visa and Mastercard credit cards and Maestro and Visa Electron are
accepted widely.

Language

Icelandic, but most Icelanders speak relatively fluent English as well.

Electricity

Most facilities operate on 220-wolt, 50-cycle system. A Converter will be necessary for any
electrical items that require a 110-volt, 60-cycle system.

In case of an emergency dial 112