Here are the best times to visit Iceland for ideal weather, fewer crowds, and whale watching.

Iceland’s ethereal and highly photogenic landscape of ancient glaciers and rugged fjords draws in outdoorsy travelers.

But what you want to see and do on your trip will determine the best times to visit Iceland.

A large crowd on a ferry in Iceland

Irjaliina Paavonpera/Travel + Leisure

In December, many days see barely four hours of daylight.

These are also the months when you’ve got the option to see the northern lights in Iceland.

Even during this season, rain and intense wind are not uncommon.

Horses and lupine in Iceland

Courtesy of Visit Iceland

Keep an eye out for good deals on Icelandair and low-cost airlinePlay.

These are also the months when you’re free to best see the northern lights in Iceland.

The northern lights are often elusive and can easily be marred by transient clouds.

Iceland mountains

Courtesy of Visit Iceland

Blue whales pass through in the summer, too.

Northern lights in Iceland

Courtesy of Visit Iceland

GeoSea

Courtesy of Visit Iceland