Experiencing Iceland's Midnight Sun

During the summer months in the Northern Hemisphere - where Iceland is - the sun doesn't dip in the sky enough for the night sky to become dark, so this is where we get the term 'Midnight Sun' from. In June and July you can enjoy continuous daylight and see this Midnight Sun, which usually occurs on and around midsummer's day.

I landed in Iceland the day after the summer solstice - the longest day in the calendar year. We went whale-watching at 10.30pm one evening and saw two humpback whales! When we returned at 1am, the sky was still in twilight.

Getting around Iceland as a solo traveler can be difficult, so that's why booking a small group tour makes such a good option. We had a smaller group on this tour, allowing us to have a more intimate experience. Traveling in a small group meant we usually had more time to spend at sites, because we weren't waiting for larger numbers to return to the bus - logistically, it all ran a little quicker.

Our itinerary's range of activities really allowed us to engage with Iceland's unique wildlife and nature - it's certainly one of the benefits of a guided tour. My favorite experiences included:
 

- A boat trip in the Glacial Lagoon: We took an amphibious vehicle - a first for me - and got up close to the stunning blue icebergs. We watched seals play in the currents and learned that the dark layers in some icebergs were compacted ash from past volcanic eruptions.
- Puffin watching at the Black Beach: These little birds are easy to spot from a distance as they flap their wings furiously coming in from the sea. They settle on the cliffs, drying their wings, and it’s an incredible sight.
- Whale watching: Seeing two humpback whales swimming together was a majestic experience that I’ll never forget.

The best time to visit Iceland during the Midnight Sun is between May to September. In particular, in June and July you can enjoy continuous daylight, while late spring and early autumn offer long twilights. Meanwhile, the best time to see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) is between October to March.