Best Time to Drive the Ring Road in Iceland

But when is the best time to drive it?

The truth is: every season offers a different kind of journey. Here’s your guide to choosing the perfect month for your Ring Road adventure.

Looking for accommodation along the route? Explore stays all around Iceland here:
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Summer (June–August): The Best Time for Most Travelers

Summer is the most popular — and the easiest — time to drive the Ring Road.

Why summer is ideal:

• All roads open, including detours into remote areas
• Long daylight hours (up to 24 hours)
• Good weather and stable conditions
• Most attractions, museums, and cafes open
• Perfect for outdoor stops and long photography sessions

Roads are clear, river crossings minimal, and visibility great.

Book stays early, summer is Iceland’s busiest travel season:
Hotels Along the Ring Road

May & September: Peaceful Roads & Beautiful Light

If you want a calmer, more affordable, and still very accessible road trip, shoulder season is perfect.

Benefits of driving in May or September:

• Fewer cars on the Ring Road
• Better accommodation availability
• Lower prices
• Soft, golden light for photography
• Comfortable temperatures

Conditions:

• May: Some interior roads still closed, but the Ring Road is fully passable
• September: Early autumn colors + Northern Lights begin

These are favorite months for experienced travelers who want balance and beauty.

Explore hotels by region for smoother planning:
Explore Stays Across Iceland

Winter (October–April): Stunning, but for Experienced Drivers Only

Driving the Ring Road in winter can be extraordinary, snowy mountains, frozen waterfalls, Northern Lights, but it’s not for everyone.

Winter highlights:

• Magical landscapes
• Fewer crowds
• Aurora Borealis visible
• Lower prices on hotels and car rentals

But also:

• Snow and ice on roads
• Storms and wind can cause closures
• Short daylight hours (as little as 4 hours in December)

Winter Ring Road trips are best for confident drivers or those booking guided excursions.

Choose stays in reliable winter regions:
North Iceland
East Iceland

Spring (April–Early May): Quiet Roads & Returning Light

Spring brings easier travel and beautiful contrast in the landscape: snow-capped mountains above green valleys.

Why spring can be wonderful:

• Growing daylight
• Fewer tourists
• Good chances for wildlife sightings
• Comfortable temperatures for stopping at outdoor sites

Some mountain passes and side roads may still be closed, but the Ring Road itself is usually clear.

 How Long Does It Take to Drive the Ring Road?

• Fastest possible: ~14–17 hours (not recommended)
• Ideal minimum: 5–7 days
• Perfect pace: 8–12 days

To fully experience waterfalls, canyons, glaciers, villages, geothermal areas, and wildlife, plan for at least a week.

Search places to stay along your route:

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Where to Stay on the Ring Road

Key to Iceland partners with hotels all around the Ring Road, including:

• South Coast: waterfalls, black sands, glaciers
• Eastfjords: fjords, villages, wildlife
• North Iceland: geothermal landscapes, whale watching
• West Iceland: mountains, coastline, history

Find the perfect stay for each stop:
Hotels Across Iceland

Your Ring Road, Your Pace

Driving the Ring Road is more than a route, it’s a journey through Iceland’s changing seasons, stories, and landscapes.
Whether you come in the golden calm of September, the bright nights of June, or the snowy magic of winter, the experience is unforgettable.