The best time of year to soak

The wonderful thing about Icelandic hot springs is that they are a year round pleasure, the water is warm whatever the weather. The "best" time simply depends on what you want around the soak: long light, dancing aurora, or peaceful quiet. Here is how the seasons feel.

Summer (June to August): the midnight sun

Long, luminous days and easy access everywhere, including the highland springs that are closed the rest of the year. Soaking at midnight in soft golden light is a quintessential Icelandic memory. It is the busiest season, so book the famous lagoons ahead and lean on the quieter east and north for space.

Winter (November to March): aurora soaks

The magic season for bathers. There are few things finer than sitting in warm water on a frosty night watching the Northern Lights ripple overhead. Earth Lagoon, the Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon are all wonderful in winter. Days are short, so plan around daylight for driving and save the soaks for dusk.

Shoulder seasons (April to May, September to October): the quiet sweet spot

Our favourite for a wellness trip. Crowds thin, prices ease, and you get a bit of everything, enough daylight to explore, and a real chance of early or late aurora. The water feels especially good as the air turns crisp.

There is no wrong season to soak, only different kinds of beautiful.

A few seasonal tips

• Highland and hike in springs (Landmannalaugar, Laugarvellir) are summer/early autumn experiences.
• Aurora needs dark, clear skies, roughly September to April, away from city lights.
• Winter driving takes longer; keep days short and let the evening soak be the reward.
• Book early for summer and the Christmas to New Year window.

Whenever you come, you can plan the whole trip around the water. Start with our 12 best hot springs guide, or let us arrange it on a Ring Road Wellness loop.