Puffins in the Westman Islands
The Westman Islands, a short ferry hop off Iceland's south coast, host the largest puffin colony on Earth — around a million pairs from May to August.
- Best forFamily
- Approx. flying time~8h 50m from Los Angeles
- Nearest airportReykjavík (RKV)
Happens around Westman Islands, Iceland — nearest airport Reykjavík (RKV), about 113km away.
The experience
Walk the cliff paths at Stórhöfði for close-range views of the world's most cartoonish seabird. Time a visit for late August and children can join the local 'puffin patrol', rescuing disoriented fledglings from the town streets at night and releasing them to sea next morning. Unbeatable.
Featured in Ten wildlife holidays that beat any screen
When to go
Daytime highs run from about 2°C in December to 14°C in July. Wettest in May, with rain on about 19 days.
The year at a glance — pick a month for detail
August14° · rain 16 daysCool and often wet.
Monthly figures averaged from daily records for 2020–2024 at this location (ERA5 reanalysis). Live conditions from MET Norway, CC BY 4.0.
Where to base yourself
Pick a budget to open live availability in Westman Islands. Prices are per night for two people.
Flights
Los Angeles Westman Islands, Iceland
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Roughly 8h 50m in the air from Los Angeles (LAX), estimated from the distance — check for a direct route. Pick a month to see every available flight with live prices.
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Flight times are estimates; prices open on Google Flights.
