The quick answer

•  June to August is best for long days, open roads and the Highlands. Choose a 4x4 if you plan F-roads (read: Top tips for renting a 4×4 in Iceland).
•  September to October is the sweet spot for fewer crowds, fall colors and the start of the northern lights (see our off-season Iceland road trip guide).
•  November to March is prime aurora season with snow and short days (plan with how to hunt the northern lights by rental car). Stick to the South Coast and Golden Circle unless you are comfortable with winter driving.
•  April to May brings shoulder-season pricing, puffins returning and often windy conditions on the South Coast.

Whatever month you choose, renting a car gives you the flexibility Iceland demands. With Zero Car Rental, the price you see already includes full insurance with zero excess for the Iceland-specific risks and roadside assistance with no deductible, plus unlimited mileage and no deposit hold. Pickup is via keybox at KEF Airport and Reykjavík, and there are staff at KEF to help if you have questions. See details in our Insurance Policy and FAQs.

Not to brag, but this is the most concise table you will ever read on how and when to travel to Iceland with a car rental:
 

Seasons at a glance

Summer · June to August

• Daylight: up to 24 hours in June.
• Roads: the Ring Road is generally clear and the Highlands (F-roads) open from late June to early September.
• Best for: full Ring Road itineraries (2-week Ring Road + Westfjords itinerary), Westfjords detours, hiking, whale watching, camping.
• Car advice: 2WD is perfect for the Ring Road and paved routes. Choose a 4×4 for gravel comfort or any F-road.
• Booking tip: this is peak demand. Book cars and rooms several months ahead.

Shoulder season · April to May and September to October

• Daylight: comfortable driving windows without the midnight sun.
• Roads: mostly good on the Ring Road, occasional snow in April and early May, early storms in October.
• Best for: waterfalls at peak flow, puffins from late April to August, fall colors in September.
• Car advice: 2WD is fine for the Ring Road. Consider 4x4 for extra stability and gravel roads, especially in April and October (see the off-season road trip guide).

Winter · November to March

• Daylight: 4 to 7 hours midwinter, increasing quickly by March.
• Roads: variable with snow and ice.
• Best for: northern lights, blue ice caves, snowy landscapes, lower hotel prices outside holidays.
• Car advice: choose a 4×4 with quality winter tyres. Drive shorter legs and check conditions daily.

Month-by-month planning

January

• What it is like: cold, dark, and quiet. Magical snow scenes and few visitors.
• Good plan: base in Reykjavík or Selfoss and do the Golden Circle and South Coast day trips (use our city hub: Reykjavík with a rental car: ultimate guide).
• Driving time: Reykjavík to Þingvellir 45 minutes, to Geysir another 1 hour, to Gullfoss 10 minutes more, loop back via Selfoss to Reykjavík 3.5 to 5 hours total depending on stops.
• Hotel ideas: Reykjavík city hotels near the harbour for easy pickup, or spa stays around Selfoss.
• Car: 4x4 recommended.

February

• Why go: northern lights, winter festivals and lower rates.
• Route idea: 4 to 5 days on the South Coast. Reykjavík to Vík is 186 km about 2.5 to 3 hours, then continue to Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón for glaciers and ice caves. Vík to Skaftafell is 141 km about 1 hour 40 minutes, Skaftafell to Jökulsárlón is 56 km about 45 minutes.
• Car: 4x4 with winter tyres.

March

• Why go: longer days and a decent chance of auroras.
• Tip: roads improve but can still be icy. Make conservative plans and avoid long night drives.

April

• Why go: shoulder-season prices and migrating birds. Puffins begin to arrive late month.
• Caution: spring winds are common on the South Coast. Park facing into the wind and hold doors firmly.
• Car: 2WD is fine for the Ring Road, 4x4 adds comfort in mixed conditions.

May

• Why go: green landscapes, stable conditions and nesting puffins.
• Great loop: Reykjavík to Snæfellsnes. Reykjavík to Búðir is about 180 km and 2.5 hours. Continue to Arnarstapi and Stykkishólmur before returning via Borgarnes, about 470 km total for a relaxed two days.
• Stay: Hotel Búðir for a classic view, or boutique stays in Stykkishólmur.

June

• Why go: midnight sun and open mountain tracks later in the month.
• Roads: many F-roads begin to open. Never drive F-roads without a 4x4 and always check conditions that morning (read our F-road and self-drive FAQ).
• Itinerary: start a 10 to 14 day Ring Road. The full loop is about 1,332 km without detours — here is a ready-made 2-week plan.

July

• Why go: warmest weather, festivals, peak hiking.
• Add-on: the Westfjords are at their best. Ísafjörður roads are spectacular but slow. See how they fit into our Ring Road + Westfjords itinerary.
• Car: 2WD is fine for the Ring Road. Choose 4x4 if you want remote gravel.

August

• Why go: still-summer with slightly softer crowds late month. Berry season and lupines fade into autumn color.
• Aurora: nights grow dark again so the northern lights can make surprise returns from late August.
• Dial in your planning with our August road-trip guide.

September

• Why go: arguably the most balanced month. Fall colors, auroras, decent weather and attractive rates (see the off-season guide).
• Route: 7 to 9 days covering the South and East. Vík to Höfn is 271 km about 3.5 hours with stops at Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón.
• Stay: between Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón, Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon is well placed.

October

• Why go: quiet trails and strong auroras.
• Caution: first autumn storms can arrive. Watch wind warnings.
• Car: 4x4 preferred for flexibility.

November

• Why go: value season with holiday lights in Reykjavík.
• Plan: short driving days and cozy hotels. The Blue Lagoon or the new Sky Lagoon are ideal warm-up stops.

December

• Why go: Christmas markets and snow scenes.
• Tip: plan short legs and be flexible around weather. Reykjavík to the airport at KEF is about 50 km or 45 minutes in normal conditions.

How the choice of month affects your car rental

Availability and price

• Cars, especially automatics and 4x4s, sell out in summer and during holiday weeks. Book as early as your flights.
• Shoulder months give better value on both cars and hotels.
• Winter is cheapest but choose quality tyres and plan conservative itineraries.

Vehicle type by plan

• Ring Road only, paved roads: 2WD is enough from late spring through early autumn (see which car fits your trip).
• Ring Road plus gravel detours: 2WD works but a compact SUV is more comfortable and has extra clearance (more in Choosing the right rental car).
• Highlands or F-roads: a 4x4 is required by law and experience helps. Many F-roads include river crossings. Do not ford water unless you are trained, your vehicle is suitable and conditions are safe. Read the F-road & self-drive FAQ and our 4×4 tips.
• Families with luggage: favor a wagon or SUV for space.
• EVs: the fast-charging network along the Ring Road is growing. In winter, allow for reduced range and use preheating.

Insurance and peace of mind

Iceland has unique risks. Look for Gravel Protection and Sand and Ash Protection in addition to collision cover. With Zero, CDW, SCDW, GP and SAAP are already included with zero excess, and roadside assistance has no deductible. That means no add-on decision at the counter and no deposit hold. Check our Insurance Policy and Terms & Conditions for the exact wording.

Sample itineraries with drive times and hotel bases

Winter 6 to 7 days · Reykjavík and the South Coast

• Day 1. KEF to Reykjavík, 50 km, 45 minutes. Explore the old harbour and Hallgrímskirkja.
• Day 2. Golden Circle. Reykjavík to Þingvellir 45 minutes. Then Geysir 1 hour, Gullfoss 10 minutes more. Return via Selfoss to Reykjavík.
• Day 3. Reykjavík to Vík, 186 km, 2.5 to 3 hours. Stops at Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss.
• Day 4. Vík to Skaftafell, 141 km, 1 hour 40 minutes. Glacier views and easy walks.
• Day 5. Skaftafell to Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach, 56 km, 45 minutes. Optional Höfn for langoustine, 80 km, 1 hour from the lagoon.
• Day 6. Return toward Reykjavík with extra waterfall time.
• Day 7. Buffer day for weather or Blue Lagoon before your flight.
  
  Hotel bases: Reykjavík city hotels, Hótel Kría in Vík, Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon near Skaftafell, Hótel Höfn in Höfn.

Summer 10 to 12 days · Full Ring Road with East and North highlights

• Day 1. KEF to Reykjavík, pick up supplies.
• Day 2. Reykjavík to Snæfellsnes, 180 km, 2.5 hours to Búðir. Stay around Arnarstapi or Stykkishólmur.
• Day 3. Snæfellsnes to Akureyri via Borgarnes, about 380 km, 5 to 6 hours with scenic stops.
• Day 4. Akureyri to Mývatn, 90 km, 1 hour 15 minutes. Hike Hverfjall or take the Mývatn Nature Baths.
• Day 5. Detour to Húsavík for whales or to Ásbyrgi in Vatnajökull National Park.
• Day 6. Mývatn to Egilsstaðir, 165 km, 2 to 2.5 hours. Side trip to Seyðisfjörður over the pass, 27 km, 30 minutes one way.
• Day 7. Egilsstaðir to Höfn, 250 km, 3.5 hours along the East Fjords.
• Day 8. Höfn to Skaftafell and Vík, 271 km, 3.5 hours with glacier and lagoon stops.
• Day 9. Vík to Reykjavík, 186 km, 2.5 to 3 hours.
• Day 10 to 12. Flex days for the Reykjanes Peninsula, Landmannalaugar by super jeep tour, or a Westman Islands day trip.

Hotel bases: Reykjavík; Hotel Egilsen in Stykkishólmur or Hotel Búðir on Snæfellsnes; Icelandair Hotel Akureyri; Fosshotel Mývatn or Hótel Laxá; Lake Hotel Egilsstaðir; Hótel Höfn; Hótel Kría.

Shoulder season 7 to 9 days · South and East loop

• Day 1. Reykjavík overnight.
• Day 2. Golden Circle with overnight in Selfoss or Hella, which shortens the next day.
• Day 3. Selfoss to Vík with cliffs and black beaches.
• Day 4. Vík to Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón.
• Day 5. Optional Höfn overnight.
• Day 6. Return west with time at Fjaðrárgljúfur and Dyrhólaey.
• Day 7 to 9. Reykjavík and a Snæfellsnes day trip or overnight in Borgarnes.

Distances: similar to the winter plan, but you enjoy more daylight and often drier roads.

All times above are in good conditions. In Iceland, always check the day’s forecast and road status before setting off. Use local alerts on SafeTravel, Vedur and Road.is.

Practical tips that save time and money

• Book early for June to August. Flights, cars and hotels align in peak season (why planning ahead matters).
• Keep days flexible in winter. Aim for fewer hotel changes and add buffer time (see aurora driving tips).
• Refuel often in the East and North where stations are spread out.
• Choose the right pickup. Zero has KEF Airport and Reykjavík pickup. Here is the breakdown: KEF vs Reykjavík pickup.
• Avoid fines and fees. Read our parking and tolls guide before you go.
• Simplify insurance now. With Zero you already have zero excess on CDW, GP and SAAP and no-deductible roadside assistance. Details: Insurance Policy · FAQs.

When to book your car

• Summer: reserve at the same time as flights, ideally 3 to 6 months ahead (planning ahead guide).
• Shoulder months: one to three months ahead is usually enough.
• Winter: selection is good but pick a 4x4 early for holidays and long weekends (4×4 tips).
• You can start here: Insurance Policy, FAQs and Terms & Conditions.

The bottom line

There is no single best month for everyone. If you want wide open Highlands and marathon daylight, go in July. If you want auroras and cozy nights, go from October to March. If you want good value with great weather, choose September or May. What does not change is that self drive is the most flexible way to see Iceland. Book a car with Zero for zero-excess insurance, no-deductible roadside assistance, no deposit and 24 hour pickup with staff on hand at KEF, then shape the dates around the experiences you want most.

Related reads

•  Top tips for renting a 4×4 in Iceland
•  Off-season Iceland road trip guide
•  Two-week Ring Road + Westfjords itinerary