What's the Weather Like in Reykjavik in March
March is a wonderful time to visit Iceland. The days are getting longer but it is still possible to see the Northen Lights. Although it's still winter in March you can feel the spring creeping around the corner.
Temperature
In March the daily average temperature sits around 0°C. Don't let this put you off visiting as the temperature is gradually increasing, although it isn't going to be warm of course, it's Iceland. The lowest temperature expected is -2°C and the highest is 2°C.
Rain
March is the second wettest month of the year in Iceland, with over 40mm of rainfall predicted and 18 days of rainfall.
Sunshine
There is on average 4 hours of sunshine per day in March making outside activities enjoyable. March is a good month for photographers to snap away as it's light and the sun will most likely come out.
Sea Temperature
In March the sea temperature remains at 5°C, the same as in January and February. However, there is no need to swim in the sea as the wonderful, warm Blue Lagoon (37-39°C) is the ideal place to relax.
Snow
Snow can come as early as September and linger till May in Iceland, so expect snow in March but not as much as previous months. The winter road closures can make access to some areas difficult so plan your journeys beforehand.
Daylight Hours
The approximate day length is 10 hours and 11 minutes in March.
Hotels for Reykjavik in March
Hotel Odinsve
4* Hótel ðinsvé is a charming boutique hotel, conveniently located in the heart of downtown Reykjavik. The hotel focuses on friendly, helpful customer service in a warm, welcoming environment. There are 50 boutique rooms and 10 stunning, luxury apartments; or for something a little different, book the country lodge to stay away from the hustle and bustle. Each room emphasizes comfort and coziness.
Award-winning Snaps is the in-house restaurant, regarded as one of the finest in Reykjavik. Eat luxurious French food for a surprisingly reasonable price at the bistro. If you're flying into Keflavík International Airport, this hotel is only 45km away.
Reykjavik Downtown Hostel
Finding it hard to book cheap accommodation in Iceland? Reykjavík Downtown Hostel could be the ideal place for your stay, it's just 200m from the Old Harbor and eco-friendly. The hostel offers a communal kitchen, TV lounge and free WiFi. They can also conveniently organise car and bike hire on site for you and book activities if you ask.
Facilities include cafe/bar, lockers, self-catering kitchen, laundry facilities, common rooms, family rooms and a tour bureau. Choose from shared or private bathrooms and indulge in the organic breakfast buffet provided. Bring your own towels.
City Park Hotel
City Park Hotel is located near Laugardalur Park, on the outskirts of Reykjavik city centre. The quality three star hotel offers comfortable well-maintained rooms, efficient staff, free parking and a delightful breakfast. Nearby is the cities largest swimming pool and whirlpool tub complex. Boasting 57 modern rooms with complimentary WiFi and LCD TV's, the hotel is great for just three star.
All rooms have bathrooms with showers and the upper floor rooms have amazing panoramic views of the city. Enjoy the little extras such as, slippers and bathrobes when booking a superior room or junior suite. It takes just 30 minutes to walk to the centre from this hotel. Perfect for families, there is a zoo in walking distance.
Restaurants and Bars for Reykjavik in March
DILL Restaurant
DILL Restaurant is the first restaurant in Iceland to be awarded a Michelin star in Reykjavik; it's open Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 6pm. Eating here becomes more of an experience than just a meal. The small, quirky, Nordic restaurant offers Scandinavian, European and vegetarian food.
The 7 course tasting menu is the most popular choice ordered in the evening and is especially tasty when accompanied with wine. The chefs like to create a unique experience, in terms of originality and quality. Book a table here for an unforgettable evening.
Gardurinn
Small, friendly Garðurinn cafe serves ever-changing vegetarian and vegan meals. The soups and dishes of the day are warming and affordable. Pop in for a slice of delicious homemade carrot cake or treat yourself to a healthy curry for lunch. Making the cafe favourable to tourists is the peaceful atmosphere and lovely staff.
Apotek Restaurant
Apotek Restaurant is within a the Apotek Hotel but can also be visited if you aren't staying over. Kick start a day of adventure in Iceland with a hearty breakfast, the buffet is from 7am-10am on weekdays and 7am-11am on weekends. For lunch you have the choice of a two or three course menu. For dinner there is a 7 course Iceland gourmet menu, 4 course Icelandic menu, a tasting menu and a range of meaty main courses to choose from.
The Apotek Lounge is open from 11.30am everyday and serves coffee, refreshing drinks and desserts. Happy Hour is from 3pm-6pm, artisan cocktails are on offer and the house wine and beer is conveniently half price. The lounge doesn't close till 1am on Friday and Saturday nights.
Things to Do in Reykjavik in March
Crystal Ice Cave Tour
The Crystal Ice Cave Tour at the Vatnajökull glacier is a fantastic winter experience in the Southern part of Iceland. Standing inside an ancient glacier and looking up to see all the shades of blue is fascinating and slightly surreal as it isn't something you see everyday. Photographers will absolutely love this tour. The stunning phenomenon is a must see for anyone visiting Iceland in the winter months.
Remember to bring a warm waterproof jacket and pants, hiking boots, headwear and gloves. Take into consideration the drive is 4.5 hours from Reykjavik, in best conditions. We recommend spending the night if the weather conditions are bad.
Northern Lights
The Northern Lights are a must see in Iceland and if you're visiting in March you're in with a chance of seeing them. They are formed from electrically charged particles from the sun colliding with gaseous particles in the Earth's atmosphere; this causes bright, colourful lights that practically dance in the sky. Seeing the lights is both magical and unique for all ages. Look out for white, green, pink and purple colours in the sky and don't forget your camera or phone to capture your special experience.
Harpa
Ultra modern Harpa is both a concert hall and a conference centre opened in 2011. The building features a distinctive coloured glass facade, influenced by the landscape of Iceland. There is always a lot of live performances going on here so have a look before your trip and book something in; or turn up on the day and see what's on.
