When’s the Best Time of the Year to Visit the Faroe Islands?

Spend a few minutes looking at photos of the Faroe Islands and you’ll likely add this incredibly beautiful Nordic country to your list of must-see destinations. Comprised of 18 islands connected by a series of undersea tunnels, bridges and ferry rides, the Faroe Islands are unlike any other country on the planet.

Situated in the North Atlantic Ocean, this far-flung archipelago is part of the Kingdom of Denmark but exudes an independent spirit and it attracts visitors with that same spirit and sense of adventure. The best time of year to visit the Faroe Islands depends on your travel style and the experiences on your must-do list.

Year-Round Faroe Islands Experiences

Weather is always a question when it comes to deciding the best time of the year to visit any destination. While the Faroe Islands are sitting in the North Atlantic, the islands actually aren’t as cold as you’d think. The islands’ climate, described as subpolar oceanic, tends to be windy, wet, cool and cloudy.

But that doesn’t mean the sun never shines and the average temperature stays above freezing year-round due to the warming effects of the Gulf Stream. Of course, its northerly latitude means longer summer days and shorter days in the winter months.

No matter what season you visit, the most sought-after natural wonders provide awe-inspiring moments. For example, the stunning Múlafossur waterfall that drops from the edge of the Gásadalur village directly into the North Atlantic Ocean flows year-round. Hiking to Lake Sørvágsvatn also works as a year-round adventure. When you reach the Trælanípa cliff, an optical illusion expands before you as the lake looks as if it is hovering miles above the North Atlantic.

The charming villages on Streymoy Island sprinkle that charm all through the year. Take in the views of the turf roof houses and historic sites in Kirkjubøur on the western side of the island including the oldest church in the Faroe Islands dating back to the 13th century.

Capture photos of the tidal lagoon and steep mountainsides surrounding the village of Saksun. Head further north to marvel at the waterfall Fossá and then embrace the Viking history and peaceful vibe of the secluded village of Tjørnuvík. All of these amazing places can be reached year-round with ease.

Winter Season (December – February)

The northern islands including Borðoy, Kunoy and Viðoy are spectacular in winter with moody landscapes unlike any other time of year. Here towering mountains surround quaint villages while the rolling waters of the North Atlantic dramatically crash against cliffs and onto sandy beaches under the watchful eye of seaside chapels. The northernmost village in the Faroe Islands, Viðareiði is the best spot to chase the Northern Lights in winter.

When you’re ready to come in out of the cold, visit the Nordic House in Torshavn and get up to speed on the Viking history of the Faroe Islands.

When you choose to visit the Faroe Islands in the winter months, you feel as if you have all this incredible beauty to yourself.

Winter in the Faroe Islands is best for the following:

• Watching and photographing dramatic weather
• Quiet days with few tourists
• Seeing the Northern Lights
• Saving money on accommodations and car rentals
• You’ll experience the Faroe Islands like the locals
• Seeing the snow-clad version of the Faroe Islands
• Snowshoeing along hiking trails
• Exploring the cultural sites in the capital city of  Torshavn
• Enjoying a road trip on the well-maintained roads around the islands

Things to remember:

• Some of the smaller islands aren’t accessible in the winter months
• Some day tours and various boat tours are closed for the winter
• Hiking trails may be snowy or muddy so crampons are a good idea
• There are fewer flights in and out of the Faroe Islands in winter
• Days are short with about 5 hours of daylight

Summer in the Faroe Islands (June – August)

The summer months bring wildflowers, bird life, more sunshine, the islands’ warmest temperatures (typically in the mid-50s) and long days allowing plenty of time for exploration. Although June through August is the peak season for tourists, unlike Iceland in the summer, the Faroe Islands never seem overcrowded. For now, these spectacular islands are considered Europe’s best-kept secret.

Summer in the Faroe Islands is best for:

• Boat tours to Mykines Island to see the puffins
• Boat trips to the Vestmanna Bird Cliffs to see puffins, razorbills, guillemots and fulmars
• Fishing in Vestmanna – note there is a catch guarantee on tours made from April to October
• Day trips sailing from the harbor in Klaksvik around Kalsoy Island and into the Mimunarhola cave where James Bond sailed in the movie No Time to Die
• Hiking to the iconic Kallur Lighthouse on Kalsoy Island
• Ferry rides to the village of Nolsoy to enjoy live music at Maggie’s Cafe
• Day trips for kayaking around remote islands are not accessible in winter

Things to remember:

• Accommodations fill up quickly in the summer months. Book early for favorites including Hotel Føroyar in Torshavn
• Even though the days are warmer, the weather is reliably unpredictable so pack waterproof gear
• Popular boat tours like the ones to Mykines Island need to be reserved well in advance
• Accommodations and rental car rates are higher in the summer months

Shoulder Season in the Faroe Islands (March – May & September – November)

I’m a big fan of shoulder season for almost every destination. The Faroe Islands were no exception. We visited in mid-April and spent a full week exploring this magical place. We flew into Vagar Airport from Reykjavik, Iceland on a bright sunny day with mild temperatures. True to its unpredictable nature, the Faroe Islands’ weather provided a little bit of everything for our week-long visit. From sunshine to rain to snow and back to sunshine.

Northern lights are possible into late March and even sometimes in early April, so we just missed that. We were a tad bit ahead of the puffins but if we had chosen the first week of May, the boat tours to Mykines Island and the Vestmanna Bird Cliffs would have been open. I’ve noted that for future visits!

Even without these experiences, we had a week filled with discoveries on our road trip around the Faroe Islands spending our days hiking and taking thousands of photos of this captivating destination.

Shoulder season in the Faroe Islands is best for the following:

• Longer days (March – May)
• Fewer tourists
• Budget-friendly rates on car rentals and accommodations
• Road trips around the islands
• Hiking in snow one day and sunshine the next

Things to remember:

• Weather is always unpredictable so plan and pack accordingly
• Flexibility is key for shoulder season travel
• Check dates of day tours you really want to experience in advance and plan your travel dates to match

Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like the Faroe Islands. This land of folklore and legends, mountains, free-roaming sheep, cascading waterfalls and the always-changing tides of the North Atlantic Ocean deliver wonder in every season. In my opinion, any time you can visit the Faroe Islands is the best time to visit the Faroe Islands!