Time your visit right

Word to the wise: If visiting during summer, bring an eye-mask. The sun doesn't completely set each day between Jun-Aug, and it can wreak havoc on your body clock.

Noteworthy for: Icelandic weather is notoriously unpredictable - always pack wet weather gear and warm clothing.

Thanks to the Gulf Stream, Iceland doesn't get nearly as cold as you'd expect for one of the world's most northernmost nations. When planning a trip, it all depends on what you want to see.

Though never guaranteed, the aurora borealis or northern lights can be viewed around the city from Sep-Mar. Winter is also a great time to soak in the city's numerous thermal baths, or even hit the slopes - there's three ski resorts close by. Just keep in mind that there's as little as four hours of daylight each day from Dec-Jan, and the thermometer hovers around freezing.

Come summer, it doesn't take much for locals to strip off and sunbathe in Reykjavik's parks - despite average temperatures of just 11°C. With oodles of daylight, you can set off hiking, biking and wildlife-watching without worrying about being caught out after dark, though summer is also Reykjavik's high season, and accommodation tends to be a little more expensive.