Winter is Iceland often has many potential visitors shaking in their boots. To be fair, the country is called Iceland, so I understand people being a bit worried about the weather conditions and wondering if winter is a good time for them to visit.
When this episode is published, we are in autumn and winter is fast approaching. While you might be tempted to shy away from exploring this island of fire and ice in the North Atlantic during the winter season, my aim is to share with you why Iceland is worth visit during the winter, despite some potential challenging conditions.
Winter in Iceland Topics
- What is winter like in Iceland?
- The dark and long winter days
- When are the winter months in Iceland?
- Average temperature & Weather
- Travel Tips for Driving Around Iceland during winter
- Traveling around Iceland during winter
- The Best activities to do during winter in Iceland
- Renting a Car
- The Northern Lights in Iceland during winter
- Iceland’s winter events worth attending
- What to pack for a winter adventure in Iceland?
- Resources for winter in Iceland
Imagine a world painted in shades of white, blue, and gold. Snow-capped mountains stand against a backdrop of golden-hued skies, with frosted landscapes spanning as far as the eye can see lining the roads.
Fully or half frozen waterfalls look like the works of a sculpture, and steam rises mysteriously from geothermal pools amidst the snowy expanse. This is Iceland in winter – a beautiful wonderland that offers otherworldly landscapes at every turn.
The Dark and Long Winter Days
One of the most distinct features of Icelandic winters is the prolonged darkness. With just a few hours of daylight during the peak of winter, you might wonder if it will hinder you from having a great time. While it does mean that you don’t have endless hours of daylight to explore like during summer, dark days have their charm too.
When the sun is up, the soft illumination casts the landscapes in gorgeous hues, making every moment feel like golden hour. During the night, the snowy and ice help to not make it seem so dark. Plus, long, dark nights mean you have more hours to potentially see the surreal northern lights.
When are the Winter Months in Iceland?
Winter in Iceland generally spans from November to March, with December and January being the darkest and coldest months. This is the ideal period to embrace the unique experiences Iceland offers during this season.
I have been doing individual episodes of what to expect during each month in Iceland. I started it in 2023. For winter, I have already have January, February, and March. Links to those and the ones I do for November and December soon will be linked here as well.
The Weather in Iceland During Winter
Average Temperature range in the capital area in Iceland during winter is around zero degrees Celsius or 32 degrees Fahrenheit. It is a bit chillier in the north, often going below zero. However, we do get cold spells from time to time and I talk about just how cold it has gotten here a little later. You can also expect snow storms and occasional wind storms too.
Travel Tips for Driving Around Iceland during Winter
- Stay Updated: Always check the Icelandic Meteorological Office website for weather updates and road conditions.
- Drive Slowly: Due to icy conditions, it’s imperative to drive at reduced speeds.
- Daylight Driving: As daylight is limited, plan your drives during those few precious hours.
- Emergency Kit: Ensure your vehicle has a winter emergency kit, including items like a flashlight, snacks, and a first-aid kit.
- Streetlights: There is a plethora of street lights in heavily populated areas. However, those diminish significantly when you are out in the countryside. Yes, there are some places with streetlights, but you will mainly have to rely on your
- Hire the Right Vehicle: Consider renting a 4×4 with winter tires if you plan to drive outside of the city.
Renting a Car for Winter in Iceland
Most rental car companies put studded tires on their vehicles. They come in handy whether you are driving in the city or in the countryside.
My go-to car rental company is Go Car Rental Iceland. I use them for all of my adventures throughout the seasons. They have a large variety of cars, competitive prices, and great customer service. When you can use my code Iceland10, you save 10% on your full car rental cost with them.
Also, if you are curious about which 4×4 I drive during the winter, it is the Mitsubishi Eclipse PHEV.
Traveling Around Iceland during Winter
Journeying around Iceland in winter can be a magical experience. Roads might take you past ice-laden waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss or through snowy landscapes in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Consider joining guided tours, especially for activities like glacier hiking or ice caving, as professionals will know the safest routes and times.
Often, it is expected that parts of the far North, Westfjords, and Eastfjords will have more intense winter conditions than in the south. For instance, it is uncommon for snow to pile up higher than the top of the front door in remote areas like the West fjords and East fjords.
I have traveled to North Iceland many times during the winter and thoroughly enjoyed it, so please don’t think the whole north is off limits. It mainly depends on the conditions when you are visiting and if there are any storm warnings.
The Most Popular Activities to Do during Winter in Iceland
- Ice Caving: Explore the mesmerizing blue caves in Vatnajokull Glacier.
- Glacier Hiking: Gear up and hike atop the icy expanse for unparalleled views.
- Snowmobiling: Zoom across Iceland’s snowy terrains for an adrenaline rush.
- Relaxing in Geothermal Pools: Whether it’s the Blue Lagoon or a hidden hot spring, nothing beats soaking in warm waters surrounded by snow.
- Hunting for the Northern Lights
The Northern Lights in Iceland during Winter
Ah, the pièce de résistance of winter in Iceland! The aurora borealis, dancing across the night sky in ribbons of green, pink, and purple, is a sight to behold. The long nights increase your chances of witnessing this natural wonder, especially in areas with minimal light pollution.
If you want to know more about the Northern Lights, I recommend checking out my episode titled “How & Where to See in the Northern Lights in Iceland“.
Iceland’s Winter Events Worth Attending
- Christmas markets
- Christmas buffets
- Ice skating at the Ingólfstorg square downtown
- New Years Eve party!
- Winter Lights Festival – It celebrates both the winter world and the growing sunlight after a long period of darkness. From art installations to light shows, it’s an experience that beautifully blends culture and nature.
What to Pack for a Winter Adventure in Iceland?
- Warm Layers: Think thermal undergarments, fleece layers, and waterproof and windproof jackets.
- Footwear: Waterproof, insulated boots with a good grip are essential.
- Micro spikes
- Accessories: Gloves, scarves, hats, and warm socks.
- Portable Charger: Your devices might drain faster in the cold.
- Swimwear: For those delightful dips in geothermal pools.
Resources for Winter in Iceland:
- Safetravel.is – for storm updates and possible road closures. You can also submit your travel plan there. So, in the off chance that you lose service or get injured and can’t call for help, they will have known where you were supposed to be in the country, which means they can find you faster.
- Vegagerðin (The Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration) – for real-time road conditions.
- A weather app you like. Personally, I have found that the Norwegian weather app called yr.no has been very good at predicting Icelandic weather. I use that more than the official meteorological Icelandic one because it can be glitchy.
Random Fact of the Episode
As I mentioned earlier in the episode, Iceland is not as cold as people might expect. BUT, we did have a very cold December last year.
According to Iceladnd Monitor,
“Last December was the coldest December in the country since 1973, or for almost half a century ago, with an average temperature in the country -4.0 degrees Celsius or 24.8 degrees Fahrenheit.
December has not been as cold in over 100 years in Reykjavík, but the last time it was this cold in the capital was in December 1916, according to the Met Office.”
Icelandic Word of the Episode
Vetur – winter
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