Iceland is the one destination everyone needs to visit in their lifetime. But what’s it like visiting and driving in Iceland in March?
You are in the right place!
I have rented cars all across Europe for the last 10 years including Iceland. And even though Iceland is amazing to visit all year round, my favourite time to visit is during March. I rented a car in March and drove the Ring Road so I know exactly what you should expect during your trip.
Don’t have time to read the whole article?
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For The Best Trip Book To See The Northern Lights With HIDDEN ICELAND– They have only 5 ⭐️ Reviews
There are some great ways to get around during your trip but honestly, I found renting a car the best way to get around.
Not only did it work out a lot cheaper, but I got to see so many more sites than I would have on a tour or using public transport!
To help you have the best trip to Iceland, let’s take a look at everything you need to know about navigating the roads and more. By the end of this article, you will be confident about driving and renting a car in Iceland – during March or any time of the year!
Planning A Trip To Iceland? Use The Resources Below!
► Accommodation– I Recommend Booking.Com
► Local Tours– I Recommend Viator.Com
► Car Rental– I Always Use DiscoverCars.Com
► Travel Insurance– Use TravelInsuranceMaster.Com
Driving in Iceland in March: Quick Guide
I know what it’s like to be in a hurry and not have time to read a whole article!
To help you skip to the good parts, let’s take a look at this quick overview of what you need to know about navigating the Icelandic roads:
Exploring Iceland by road is easy, even in March. However, if you visit at the start of the month then it can be more challenging because there will still be snow and ice on the roads.
However, whether you are a confident driver or not, sticking to the ring road is the best way to see all the sites and keep your driving route simple.
🚗 Discover Cars– My Top car rental option. I use them on every trip and they help you find the best car choice for the best price!
🤩 HIDDEN ICELAND – The best company to use to see the Northern Lights and other epic Icelandic sites
Top Driving Rules & Tips
➡️ To rent a car you need to be 20+ years old and had your license for at least 1 year. If you are under 25 you may be charged more.
➡️ Drive on the right-hand side of the road.
➡️ Speed Limits: 30-50 km/h (18-30 mph) in populated areas, 80 km/h (50 mph) on gravel roads in rural areas and 90 km/h (56 mph) on paved roads.
➡️ You will need to carry your driver’s license, insurance documents and car rental information at all times.
➡️ The Petrol station times in Iceland are usually 7.30 am to 8 pm.
What is Iceland like in March?
Is it a good time to go to Iceland in March? 100%!
March is a great time to plan a trip to Iceland. There are usually a lot fewer tourists, flights are cheaper and you get to see the winter turn into spring.
With a name like ICE-LAND, you automatically expect the cold. However, in March we didn’t find its finger numbingly cold. Even though it isn’t as brutal as the winter months, you will definitely need a coat and a jumper for a visit in March. It’s also a good idea to take a waterproof coat as the snow tends to turn to rain during this month.
Visiting Iceland in March can vary so much from the start to the end of the month. At the beginning of the month, you are most likely to experience Snow and other Winter Conditions. But for milder weather, book your trip at the end of March.
I visited during the last week of March and there was some snow on the ground but the roads were clear.
March is also a lot easier than driving in the Winter Months thanks to the Weather. With Lighter Days and less snow, driving is so much more safer and enjoyable.
If you want to take unforgettable pictures on your Iceland Trip, March is a great time to go. There are little to no crowds so you have a lot of attractions to yourself.
The Best Rental Cars In Iceland For March
Most travellers want to know about the best place to rent a car in Iceland so you are not alone!
When I rent a car in Iceland, I recommend and always use Discover Cars. You can find out exactly why I love them so much below!
👆Renting a car can be hard work. And trying to find the best car for my needs and budget can be impossible. But Discover Cars is fantastic for finding the best cars for the lowest rates from local companies and more well-known rental hire providers every single time!
They also provide up-to-date customer reviews so you can easily see if the car you hire is suitable for your Iceland itinerary.
The roads to many of Iceland’s top attractions are not in the best condition, so getting full coverage insurance is a must and this is where Discover Cars really shines- you can add this to your rental for very little!
✅ Check Out Discover Cars Iceland Reviews & Car Rental Options Here
If you want to pick up your hire car from Keflavik Airport (great idea btw!), here are some great options you should consider booking:
➡️ Budget
➡️ Enterprise
➡️ Europcar
Don’t forget to grab your Free Iceland Guide below ⬇️
➡️ Visiting Iceland in March is great for anyone on a budget as the flights are a lot cheaper. To find the Cheapest Flights for your Iceland Trip, use Skyscanner
Can you see Northern Lights in March in Iceland?
You are less likely to see the Northern Lights(especially towards the end of the month), but it’s not impossible!
The Northern Lights are more vivid and easier to see in the Winter Months but you may still get a chance in March. To improve your chances, book an Icelandic Northern Lights Tour!
The best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland during March is on a Clear Sky around Midnight. There are lots of Apps and websites around so you can see the solar activity for yourself.
To see them like no other, I recommend booking an Iceland helicopter tour! 😍
Using the Iceland Met Office site also means you can plan to do your Northern Light adventure on your own. (The best option if you are on a budget)
There are a lot of tours that guarantee to take you out again and again until you see the Northern Lights. But make sure you check out the reviews as some count a small green light in the sky as this, so you may be disappointed.
🏆The best tour company to book with to avoid disappointment & to see the Northern Lights is HIDDEN ICELAND
It is full of sites you would never find on your own and all of its reviews are 5 stars!
▷CHECK OUT THE NORTHERN LIGHTS TOUR & REVIEWS HERE
Should I drive in Iceland in March?
I have driven in Iceland during March and even though I’m not the most confident behind the wheel at times, I had no problems.
So if you want a winter road trip but without the dangerous conditions the months of November- February can bring to Icelandic roads, March is the best time to go!
It’s worth keeping in mind that you may have some winter conditions lingering. So don’t be surprised if you have some rain, wind, sleet and occasionally snow during your trip. If you want to avoid conditions like these, book your trip towards the end of March like I did.
Is driving in Iceland easy?
Driving in Iceland is easy even if you aren’t the most confident driver.
The condition of the roads is very good and there is a main road that allows you to drive around the entire Country.
Only having to concentrate on this one-link road makes driving in Iceland so much easier. And if you want to ultimate driving experience, book yourself onto a local Snowmobile tour!
You will use the Ring Road throughout your Iceland Road Trip so I can’t recommend the Lonely Planet Iceland’s Ring Road Travel Guide Enough!
😍 It really helped me get prepared to drive confidently and safely around Iceland.
No Matter your driving ability, it is easy if you have good weather conditions.
The Start of March is a lot harder to drive in Iceland than the end as some of the Winter Conditions are still lingering. So make sure you have a good suitcase to fit in anything you may need for your Iceland road trip!
If you want to make driving around Iceland easier, book towards the end of the month and make sure you use a reliable rental company!
Having a safe, reliable and customer-friendly rental provider will be a lifesaver in Iceland. This is why I always recommend using Discover Cars!
✅ Check Out Discover Cars Iceland Reviews & Car Rental Options Here
But even if you are hit with some of the Winter Weather, just take your time and all will be fine. To make driving even easier, make sure you take some road trip essentials with you.
The spring months (especially at the end of March) are the best way to see the changing scenery. So make sure you take a camera!
➡️ But if you are worried about driving around Iceland, Check out these quick-fix driving tips for a stress-free journey.
Things you need to know about driving in Iceland in March
So you have booked your Iceland car rental and are ready to start planning your ultimate Iceland Road Trip.
Here are a few things you need to know about driving in March for your trip:
✅ Until the end of March, you will still see a lot of the Winter Conditions. You may come across Black Ice, Sleet and Snow but the longer daylight hours will make these easier to tackle.
If you are not confident driving in Winter Conditions, make sure you book your trip towards the end of March when you are less likely to hit the Ice.
(I also highly recommend a good travel pillow to make your drive even more comfortable!)
✅ When you are on your road trip you will notice a lot of the main attractions are on smaller roads off the ring road. These roads have a lot of loose stones and are uneven in places so drive carefully.
✅ After a day of exploring our rental car was covered in dust inside and out. Take a bottle of water with you just in case you need to clean your mirrors or windshield before driving to your next site.
You can also drink most water sources in Iceland, so having a bottle you can fill up is a good idea!
Do rental cars come with winter tyres in March?
General Rules for Driving in Iceland
Take a look at these road rules before hitting the Icelandic roads:
➡️ To rent a car you need to be at least 20 years old and had your license for at least 1 year. However, if you are under 25 you may be charged more.
➡️ Drive on the right-hand side of the road in Iceland.
➡️ Seat belts are mandatory.
➡️ Speed Limits: 30-50 km/h (18-30 mph) in populated areas, 80 km/h (50 mph) on gravel roads in rural areas and 90 km/h (56 mph) on paved roads.
➡️ You will need to carry your driver’s license, insurance documents and car rental information at all times.
➡️ The Petrol station times in Iceland are usually 7.30 am to 8 pm. You may be able to find a Petrol Station in the more major Cities open until 11 pm.
If you want to know more about driving in Iceland, ask when picking up your car rental. They will provide you with the best tips for your Iceland Road Trip. I did this and it made my trip so much better because they told me things I would never have known about!
How cold is Iceland in March?
The temperatures throughout Iceland in March are pretty cold, so you will need to be prepared!
Typically the temperatures are between -2.2°C (28°F) and 3.3°C (38°F).
However, I didn’t think it was uncomfortable to explore in these conditions once I put on a waterproof coat and winter hat. I also found having a good pair of winter boots really helped with walking around and making sure I didn’t slip!
If you are worried about the cold when visiting Iceland, these are the essentials you should consider getting before your trip:
✅ THESE WaterProof Thermals– the warm & water-resistant material will make exploring so much more comfortable!
✅ Rechargeable Heated Gloves are a lifesaver in cold conditions and make doing any adventure activity or drive in Iceland a breeze.
Will there be snow in Iceland in March?
Even though the temperatures start to warm up during March, it is not uncommon for it to snow.
March does see a fair bit of rainfall but with the right temperatures, you can experience snow flurries. If you want a better chance of experiencing snow during your March trip to Iceland, try and book at the start of the month when the winter conditions are stronger.
Things to do in Iceland in March
Driving in Iceland during March is an adventure in itself! The views are just amazing and there is so much to do. Here are some of the best things you can do in Iceland in March.
Chase Waterfalls
With over 200 Waterfalls, Iceland is the best place for exploring the most amazing waterfalls. This is something you can not miss off your Iceland itinerary.
The best thing about lots of Iceland’s Waterfalls is that you can see them from the road. So if there is one you want to explore when you are driving along the road, you can just pull over.
Most of the Waterfalls have car parks which makes it even easier to just park up and explore.
Must-visit Waterfalls: Seljalandsfoss and Gullfoss are two Waterfalls you have to stop by when you are visiting Iceland any time of the year- But in March they are even better!
Take a dip in a Thermal Pool
The land of fire and Ice offers the best way to relax after a day of driving and sightseeing, Thermal Pools.
You cannot go to Iceland without relaxing in the Thermal waters and visiting the Blue Lagoon is my favourite thing I did during my trip so is well worth going!
🤿 The Blue Lagoon does sell out fast so I recommend GETTING YOUR TICKETS IN ADVANCE HERE
The Blue Lagoon is the most unreal way to spend a few hours, but it’s not the best if you are on a budget. So if you want to take advantage of your rental car, drive to Iceland’s other thermal pools!
You can drive and find your private thermal pool for free 🤩
However, many of these have no changing facilities, toilets or privacy as they are completely natural so you may be joined by other visitors!
Walk between two continents
Take a stroll through Pingvellir National Park and see the Mid-Atlantic ridge and two tectonic plates that sit above the ground.
This is such a rare sight to see and is well worth the drive. This was my favourite stop and I was surprised by how uncrowded it was!
But one of the ultimate Icelandic activities to do and on the top bucket list for many travellers is to Snorkle between the tectonic plates!
There are so many tours offering this but the very best one is Silfra: Snorkeling Between Tectonic Plates -With thousands of 5-star ratings, visitors rave about this tour being once in a lifetime experience! 😍
✅ Check Out The Reviews & Tour Availability Today!
There is great parking here and during March there are hardly any people here so a great time to get amazing shots of the plates.
What to pack for a trip to Iceland in March
With Iceland’s weather, it can be hard to know what to pack. Here are a few essentials you should take with you for a trip in March.
✔️ Waterproof Coat
✔️ Good Walking shoes/ Trainers
✔️ Swimwear
✔️ Sunglasses
✔️ Jumper
✔️ Thick Socks
Frequently asked questions about Iceland in March
I’m sure you have a few more questions about visiting Iceland during March and driving its roads.
To help you out, these are the most frequently asked questions travellers have:
Yes! March is a great time to visit Iceland.
With the days getting longer and warmer, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore the country’s stunning scenery and take in its unique culture.
You will also find fewer tourists there so is a great time to book any experiences like the Blue Lagoon!
Yes, driving in Iceland during March is generally safe.
Roads are usually well maintained and the weather conditions are mostly manageable – though be prepared for lingering snow and ice if you travel outside Reykjavik.
Be sure to check road closure information before setting off on any long journeys.
A 4×4 vehicle is not essential for driving in Iceland during March. if you’re going to be staying mainly on the roads, then it’s not necessary at all.
However, if you are planning a more remote, off-road adventure, a 4×4 may be your best option.
Yes, you can drive the Ring Road in Iceland in March.
Roads and highways are usually open during this time of year, but it’s important to check road conditions before heading out as weather can be unpredictable.
Make sure to bring a good map or GPS device and take extra precautions when driving on icy roads.
March is a great time to visit Iceland because winter turns into spring, so the days are becoming lighter.
The average day in March has around 10-13 hours of sunlight so it will give you plenty of time to explore the amazing sites!
Driving in Iceland in March final thoughts
Iceland is full of adventure and amazing things to see, you won’t be able to put your camera down.
If you are still looking for the best car to rent when visiting Iceland, use Discover Cars for a guaranteed stress-free rental experience!
And make sure you use this guide for visiting and driving in Iceland in March confidently so you can have the best trip imaginable!
I hope you found this article useful! To help you plan the best trip to Iceland & the rest of Europe, here are some more helpful posts:
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The Ultimate 3 week European Road Trip Itinerary
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Lowri Thomas is the founder of Many Other Roads. She lives and travels in Europe and has explored more than 40 countries. She is joined on her travels with her dog Scout and they explore Europe mostly by road. Born in Wales, she also shares the best things to do in Wales, UK and beyond. She helps over 50,000 people per month plan epic Europe adventures and road trips.
