Best Time to Visit the Faroe Islands

The Faroe Islands are hidden gems for those who love magnificent landscapes and hiking. They are a group of rocky, volcanic islands that will charm you with their views.

That being said, the Faroe Islands are famous for their violent and unpredictable weather. You can experience sunshine, heavy winds, and a thundering storm in one day.

The best months to visit the Faroe Islands are May to August. This is because, during the summer months, the weather is at its most stable, and the evenings are short. During these months, numerous tours take place, and the islands are filled with tourists. The temperatures are also lovely, with the mean around 50 F (10 C).

Even though the main attraction of the Faroe Islands is stunning views, they can offer you so much more. From hiking to celebrations in small villages, and even northern lights, we will show you the best things to do in this article.

Worst Time to Visit the Faroe Islands

The worst months to visit the Faroe Islands are December to February. This is when the temperature drops between 43 F (6 C) and 34 F (1 C). Also, skies start to darken during the winter months as soon as 2 PM!

In addition to that, the weather becomes extremely windy and covered with violent rainstorms. Moreover, the wildflowers and the beautiful natural landscape do not bloom until the end of March.

This creates a very moody climate that takes over the islands until the summer. Therefore, not a lot of tourists visit the Faroe Islands during the winter.

Although the weather is not ideal for a hiking adventure, it can be good for those looking for an authentic local experience. There is still a lot to do during the winter at a fraction of the typical summer price.

Cheapest Time to Visit the Faroe Islands

Visit the Faroe Islands from November through February for the lowest prices. But we recommend you to visit during early November to avoid the cold and short daylight hours.

Unfortunately, the Faroe Islands can get quite pricey. This means that the lowest a solo traveler can typically spend would be around $50 a night. You will also need to book in advance and cook your own meals.

One-star vacation rentals can be as cheap as $27 a night during these months. However, they are unlikely to be desirable to stay in.

For a family vacation, $120 should be the lowest budget for food and expenses, enough for four people. You will be able to book a vacation rental for $55 a night as well.

Therefore, it is possible to travel to the Faroe Islands on a budget, but it will be a challenge. You will need to manage your costs and what you spend.

Best Time to Visit the Faroe Islands (Monthly Breakdown)

January: New Year’s Celebration in Vagur

The average daily high temperature in January is around 42 F (6 C). In contrast, the average daily low is around 35 F (2 C). But due to the high humidity, it can feel much colder.

You can celebrate the New Year the Faroese way by throwing torches in wooden boats, carrying flags, and putting up the gates. You will also sing and dance all night.

Besides that, you can explore the harsh winter, giving you a local experience. But always be on the lookout for the northern lights.

• New Year’s Celebration in Vagur
• Stargazing
• Northern Lights
• Go on a Nighttime Adventure

February: Best Time for Underwater Diving on the Faroe Islands

The average daily high temperature in February is around 42 F (6 C). In contrast, the average daily low is around 34 F (1 C). But due to the high humidity, it can feel much colder.

The North Atlantic Ocean is considered to be the cleanest water on Earth. This makes it a perfect diving destination to explore the sea flora and fauna.

The clarity of the water around the Faroe Islands decreases as the weather gets warmer. This makes February the perfect month for diving as it is the coldest and gloomiest month.

• Underwater Diving
• Fishing
• Stargazing

March: Best Time for Birdwatching on the Faroe Islands

The average daily high temperature in March is around 43 F (6 C). While the average daily low is around 35 F (2 C). But due to the high humidity, it can feel much colder.

The Faroe Islands are a dream spot for birdwatchers as it is a stopover spot for a lot of migrating birds. As nature starts to bloom and awaken, birds are guaranteed to fill every corner.

One particular bird that is celebrated on Faroe Island is the Oystercatcher. The arrival of the national bird is celebrated on March 12 in the Grækarismessa.

• Grækarismessa
• Birdwatching
• Diving

April: Lake Sørvágsvatn

The average daily high temperature in April is around 45 F (7 C). In contrast, the average daily low is around 37 F (3 C).

If you are a fan of stunning landscapes, this lake is for you but with a twist. It forms an optical illusion that makes it look like the lake is hanging above the ocean.

When you look at the lake from a distance, it seems like it is hundreds of meters above the ocean. In reality, the lake is only 30 meters above the ocean.

• Lake Sørvágsvatn
• Birdwatching
• Flag Day on April 25
• Fossá Water

Related Read: Best Time To Visit Norway

May: Boat Festivals

The average daily high temperature in May is around 49 F (9 C). In contrast, the average daily low is around 41 F (5 C).

As summer approaches, the Faroese fill the country with Festivals of the Sea and boat competitions. If you are not a fan of competitiveness, there will still be singing, dancing, and food.

Some of the most popular Festivals of the Sea are Vestmanna and Toftir. You can also experience the boat race of Klaksvík during the Norðoyastevna Festival.

• Festivals of the Sea
• Boat Racing
• Seafood Festival of Vágsbotnur
• Fishing

June: Best Time for New Nordic Cuisines on the Faroe Islands

The average daily high temperature in June is around 52 F (11 C). In contrast, the average daily low is around 45 F (7 C).

If you are looking for the freshest seafood, this is the perfect month. The Faroe Islands are popular for Nordic haute cuisine. Also, some restaurants are high-ranking on the world’s lists of top restaurants.

There, you can taste the biggest langoustine in the world, the Faroese langoustine. The langoustine and other traditional nordic food are prepared in a modern and delicious way.

• Culture Nights
• Voxbotn
• Torshavn Marathon
• Summartónar Festival

July: Ólavsøka

The average daily high temperature in July is around 56 F (13 C). In contrast, the average daily low is around 48 F (9 C).

Ólavsøka is the biggest summer festival on the Faroe Islands. In this 3-day festival, the Faroese celebrate patriotism, unity, and a sense of togetherness.

Credit: Dunkoman / Flickr

On the first day, Ólavsøka starts with a concert and then continues with festivities into the second, third, and even some of the fourth day. On the last night, the holiday ends with the traditional chain dance.

• G! Festival
• Tórsfest
• Ólavsøka
• Boat tour to Drangarnir Sea Stacks

August: Sjómannadagur (Seaman’s Day)

The average daily high temperature in August is around 56 F (13 C). In contrast, the average daily low is around 48 F (9 C).

Sjómannadagur occurs on the third weekend of August. It is an event to celebrate the main business on the Faroe Islands, fishing. If you are a fishing enthusiast, you can be sure that you will learn a thing or two here.

In Klaksvík, Sjómannadagur will be devoted to lectures, exhibitions, and workshops about fishermen and the fishing industry. Also, if you are lucky, you can experience the day swimming in open waters.

• Summer Festivals
• Admire the Puffins on Mykines
• Horseback Riding Outside Tórshavn
• Vestmanna Sea Cliffs

September: Best Month for Sightseeing on the Faroe Islands

The average daily high temperature in September is around 53 F (12 C). In contrast, the average daily low is about 46 F (8 C).

As the summer is over, the festivities come to an end with it. However, the weather remains relatively warm, and nature remains blooming. Therefore, September is perfect for exploration and sightseeing.

The Faroe Islands are filled with hiking spots, old villages, and natural landscapes that will stun you with their beauty. You can also enjoy camping on these sites if you are a fan of nature.

• Visiting the Serene Village Gásadalur
• Rappelling in Eysturoy
• Visit Torshavn
• Visit Vestmanna Bird Cliffs

October: Best Month for Hiking on the Faroe Islands

The average daily high temperature in October is around 49 F (9 C). In contrast, the average daily low is around 42 F (5 C).

If you are a fan of hiking adventures, this is the month for you. It does not matter if you like easy, moderate, or challenging hikes, the Faroe Islands have them all.

You can enjoy strolling aimlessly in nature or climbing mountains for a stunning view. You can also camp on the islands for an authentic outdoor experience.

• Go on a Kayak Tour
• Hike from Saksun to Tjørnuvik
• Visit Kallur Lighthouse
• Gjógv

November: Best Month for Waterfalls on the Faroe Islands

The average daily high temperature in November is around 45 F (7 C). In contrast, the average daily low is about 38 F (3 C). But due to the high humidity, it can feel much colder.

As November approaches, the temperature heavily drops, and the rainy days increase. Therefore, waterfalls on the Faroe Islands are ready to be explored.

One notable waterfall that is a must-see is Múlafossur Waterfall, the most famous attraction on the Faroe Islands. If you are lucky enough, you can see the water rising up in the air on windy days.

• Visit Tjørnuvík Village
• Visit the National Museum of Art in Listasvan Føroya
• Take a Public Ferry Run by Strandfaraskip Landsins
• Enter a Local Venue to Enjoy Live Music

December: Best Month for Enjoying Snow on the Faroe Islands

The average daily high temperature in November is around 43 F (6 C). In contrast, the average daily low is about 36 F (2 C). But due to the high humidity, it can feel much colder.

December has the least daylight hours all year on the Faroe Islands, with only an average of 8 hours. In December, the skies darken as soon as 2 PM!

Moreover, not many tourists visit the Faroe Islands in the winter. This makes for a perfect trip to see the northern lights for a fraction of the cost of other Nordic countries.

You can also go on an icy adventure in December as it is one of the snowiest months. You will see the mountains, cliffs, and turf-roofed houses covered in snow, a scene from a Christmas fairytale.

• Celebrate Christmas
• Northern Lights
• Experience Múlafossur Waterfall
• Stay in a Countryside Turf-Roofed House

Best Time to Visit the Faroe Islands for the Northern Lights

December to February tend to be the best months to see the northern lights on the Faroe Islands. This is because, during these months, daylight hours are short and can be as little as 8 hours a month.

Although the daylight hours are short on the Faroe Islands, it is not guaranteed. Unlike other Nordic countries, the weather here can be very unpredictable.

Therefore, if you are on the hunt for northern lights, you should know that it can be a challenge on the Faroe Islands. You will have to keep an eye on the weather forecast and be prepared to travel to different islands.

Even though viewing the northern lights on the Faroe Islands can be way more challenging, it can also be very rewarding. You are guaranteed great prices and many options as hotels are usually vacant.

If you want the best chance of viewing the northern lights, you will have to leave big towns and head to other remote areas. Some great spots are Sornfelli Plateau, Viðareiði Settlement, and Hvannasund Village.

Best Time to Visit the Faroe Islands to See Puffins

The best time to see puffins on the Faroe Islands is from May through August. It is believed that more than one million puffins migrate to the Faroe Islands in droves during the summer.

Most of the puffins that migrate to the Faroe Islands will take residence in Mykines. Therefore, many day tours are arranged to the westernmost island, with watching the puffins being the main focus of the tour.

July and August are the months were tourists flood the Faroe Islands. Therefore, it is recommended to plan your tour before these months for a less crowded and cheaper experience.

Puffins most reside in colonies, which are a joy to watch from afar. You will also be able to hear their grunting as you approach them, even before you see them!

Related Read: Best Time to Visit Sweden

Best Time to Visit the Faroe Islands for Whale Watching

The best months for whale watching on the Faroe Islands are June, July, and August. But you can also see them from April through October.

During the summer, if you join any day tour on the sea, you will have a decent chance to see various species of whales and dolphins. You can even see them from fishing boats or ferries!

The main species of whales that you will come across on the Faroe Islands are the Pilot Whales. Scientists estimate that there are about 100,000 of them around the Faroe Islands.

That being said, there are also other species of whales and dolphins. Some of the other species you might encounter are the small-toothed whale or the Atlantic white-sided dolphin.

It is also important to note that the Faroe Islands is one of the few countries that still practice whale hunting, Grindadráp. The practice is highly regulated, and hunters do not make a profit, though.

Best Time to Visit the Faroe Islands to Avoid the Crowds

If you are planning to avoid the crowds while visiting, then it is best to avoid the summer months. The best months are March through May and September through November.

Although you can also visit during the winter to avoid crowds, we do not recommend it. This is because there are not a lot of activities in the winter, and the climate can be very harsh and unpredictable.

You can enjoy many outdoor activities with fewer crowds and lower prices during the spring or fall months. You also will have a good chance to view the northern lights, unlike in the summer months.

It is important to note that you will miss out on the festivals as most of them occur in the summer. However, you can visit during late August for fewer crowds.

Best Time to Visit the Faroe Islands for Diving

December through February are the best months for underwater diving on the Faroe Islands. This is because the clarity of the water increases as the weather gets colder.

If you want to explore the sea flora and fauna, then you should be on the lookout for the coldest, gloomiest day. Usually, the coldest month is February.

But it is important to note that the weather on the Faroe Islands can be very harsh and unpredictable. Therefore, not a lot of tourists visit during that time, making accommodation very affordable.

We do not recommend heading to the Faroe Islands for diving during the summer. This is because the planktons can hinder your visibility.