Iceland in mid-April?
 

I may be headed off to Reykjavik mid-April for a few days. What kind of weather can I expect? And what are your top three recommendations for a traveler based in Reykjavik who knows she won't get to see nearly enough in such a short visit....

Thanks!!!

I've been to Iceland in early June and the whether was cold in the mid-40s. This was perfect for the many Icelanders who I saw enjoying the large, Olympic-sized thermal heated pools, but I was a bit cold. I can imagine the whether not being much warmer in mid-April.

"Layers" are always a good bet for Iceland, including a rain-proof one!

Among the top three for me in April would be the Golden Circle tour for scenery, a whale-watching/horseback riding day topped off with the Blue Lagoon, and a day in Reykjavik itself, walking, shopping, and sightseeing.

Have a great time; Iceland is marvelous!

I've been to Iceland in April - the weather is going to be highly variable and unpredictable. In one week, we wore clothing ranging from t-shirts and shorts to jackets, hats and gloves. You might get warmish (60 deg F) days, but it could get rainy and drop into the high 30s.

You should consider taking tours of:

- Reykjavik
- The Golden Circle Route (Kerið volcanic crater, Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir, & Þingvellir Natnl Park)
- The South Shore (Seljalandsfoss waterfall, Skógafoss waterfall, Mýrdalsjökull glacier,
Vik)
- Reykjanes Peninsula & Blue Lagoon (this trip can be taken on the last day, as it ends up at the airport)

If you plan carefully, you can do all of the above in 3-4 days.

There are several tour operators who do these trips. One of the biggest is Reykjavik Excursions (www.re.is).

Thanks for the great suggestions! Our flights are booked. There are two things that I'm wrestling with:

* We had thought we'd spend all four nights in Reykjavik, taking day trips out of the city, but friends tell us we should spend half or more of our time out of the city. (They're pushing two nights in Vik as a way to see more of the south coast.)

* What is actually open and accessible in April? So many of the excursions, ferries, visitor centers, ... don't open until June.

Thank you thank you thank you for helping out a poor confused (but VERY excited) traveler....

The answer depends on your own style as a traveler and what you are primarily there to see. If it was me, I would stay in Reykjavik because while I've done a number of trips to see "natural wonders" in various places, I'm more inclined to want the stimulation, amenities and activity of a city. Taking day trips provides both possibilities.