Iceland in Winter: All You Need to Know

The name might suggest bracing cold but Iceland has a relatively mild winter climate. This is especially the case along the south and west coasts, where the Gulf stream keeps the average temperature around zero degrees even in December and January. Even though you should always come prepared for changeable weather and the strong winds do have a bite, Iceland is a remarkable destination to visit in winter.

The Icelandic winter

Let’s start with what we mean by an Icelandic winter. Working to a strict meteorological definition, the winter months are December, January and February as with the rest of the northern hemisphere. These are the darkest and coldest months. But winter in Iceland sweeps up the adjoining months too with October, November, March and early April falling into the ‘winter’ classification. If you consider that it’s the law in Iceland that all cars must be fitted with winter tyres from the 1 November until 15 April, this elongated winter season makes sense.

But with such a long period to play with, deciding to visit during an Icelandic winter is nuanced.

Daylight hours and average temperature

Lying just south of the Arctic Circle, an Iceland winter is never completely dark. And it’s not so much a snow covered winter wonderland as a chilled natural playground. And how chilled depends on when you visit. Temperatures in the south in January hover around 0 degrees. By March, you can expect a balmy 6-7 degrees. Daylight ranges from 4-5 hours in December up to 10-11 hours in March.

Weather conditions can change fast in Iceland, so whether you travel in October or February, your packing list will be much the same. And top of that list – a waterproof and windproof jacket.

Icelanders love to talk about the weather, so you’ll always have a topic of conversation with the locals.

For a more detailed look at seasonal variations, read our guide on the Best Time to Visit Iceland.

Things to do in Iceland in winter

Iceland in winter is surprisingly accessible, ensuring there’s plenty to see and do amidst the surreal landscapes.

Snowmobiling, glacier hiking, ice climbing. The thing with Iceland is that these classic winter activities aren’t confined to the winter months. With it’s spectacular glaciers, you can get an ice fix in summer too. What you can’t get in summer though, is the electrifying prospect of seeing the northern lights to round off your day. This mystical light show is the season’s ace card.

Perfectly placed within the auroral oval, Iceland in winter offers visitors a very real chance of witnessing a northern lights display. Clear, cloudless skies away from artificial light sources give you the best prospects.

Therefore, staying in one of Iceland’s countryside hotels can dramatically boost your chances of success. You’ll have unencumbered access to the dark night sky, which means you only need step outside to witness a display should it happen. Given the unpredictable nature of the northern lights, plus inclement weather, this gives you the longest window of opportunity. Many hotels offer a wake-up service too, so you don’t have to try and stay awake all night in anticipation.

No one can guarantee that you’ll see the northern lights, but we will make sure you have an amazing time trying. Ranga, Husafell, Budir and Siglo are among our favourite hotels for an aurora break in Iceland, with the soon to open, Black Sands Hotel looking set to join them.

You might get an adrenaline rush just standing beside these pumped-up off-roaders boasting up to 48″ tyres. Superjeeps are an Icelandic obsession. They are also one of the best ways to discover Iceland’s wilder side particularly in winter, when interior roads are closed. With superjeeps, you don’t need roads! Let your experienced driver/guide demonstrate the capability of these go-anywhere vehicles as you explore Iceland’s captivating interior. Our recommended superjeep experiences include Thorsmork, a unique valley between three glaciers and the epic vistas and steaming geothermal streams of Landmannalaugar.

Another of Iceland’s year round experiences, whether you choose to go whale watching in winter or summer is black and white. That’s because between February and March, orcas prowl the western coast of Iceland hunting herring. The snow covered mountains of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula provide the striking backdrop to this marine spectacle, which forms one half of our hugely successful small-group holiday, Orcas and Aurora.

In the company of award-winning guides, Cathy Harlow and Alexa Kershaw, you’ll get to experience Iceland’s natural wonders both at sea and on land. This includes the striking conical peak of Kirkjufell. Located on the northern side of the peninsula just outside the town of Grundarfjordur, this eye-catching mountain is probably the most photographed in Iceland

As for other species, minke and humpback whales might also be seen off the coast of Reykjavik, but summer is the better season.

Iceland’s bountiful naturally heated water comes into its own in winter. There’s few things quite as satisfying as immersing yourself in the soothing waters of hot tubs or geothermal pools in cold temperatures. The long evenings are the perfect excuse for a long soak, keeping one eye on the night sky in case the northern lights appear. Whether you visit one of the country’s iconic lagoons such as the Sky Lagoon or world-famous Blue Lagoon, or delight in your hotel’s hot tub, be sure to embrace Iceland’s geothermal hot spots.

From frozen waterfalls to ice caves, snow-covered volcanoes to sweeping glaciers, Iceland’s extraordinary landscapes are spectacular in winter. If you want to see waterfalls turn into intricate ice sculptures, or mountains get an artistic wintery makeover, plan your visit in mid-winter.

The south coast links a succession of natural wonders from waterfalls like Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss to Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, one of Iceland’s most magical sights. Countless calving icebergs are scattered across a large coastal lake, drifting towards the waiting ocean. In winter, the ice is locked in creating a vast iceberg parking lot.

The Golden Circle is Iceland’s best known one-day touring route, easily reached from Reykjavik. Take in the erupting plume of Strokkur at the geothermal hotspot, Geysir. Marvel at the powerful two-tiered waterfall, Gullfoss. And take in the geological and cultural significance of Thingvellir National Park, the site of Iceland’s original parliament, the Elthing. If you’re a fan of Game of Thrones, visit in winter so you can envision icicled White Walkers walking across the snowy land.

Discover more in our guide to Iceland’s Natural Wonders in Winter

One of Iceland’s more unique experiences sees visitors donning dry suits for an extraordinary swim in a flooded fissure. Silfra, located in Thingvellir, is a narrow gap between the earth’s Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. Snorkel in the crystal-clear water on a guided tour that takes you between the plates. At times the gap is so you narrow you can almost reach out the touch the two continents!

Winter is a wonderful time to saddle up on a pure bred Icelandic horse for a trek through volcanic landscapes. These stocky, yet hardy thoroughbreds make light work of Iceland’s rugged terrain. Their unique fifth gait, the tölt, is renowned as a superbly smooth ride.

Self drives

Winter road trips let you experience the raw beauty of Iceland’s remarkable natural features at your own pace. Well-planned routes might have you cruising the scenic south shore or following north Iceland’s Arctic Coast Way. Opt for a single centre in the south west and head out on day trips to explore waterfalls and the iconic trio of sites that form the Golden Circle. Staying in countryside locations, you’ll also have ample chances to spot the northern lights as well as relax in hot tubs and dine on fabulous food.

Winter driving in Iceland is safe but requires caution as roads can be icy or covered in snow. All vehicles have studded tyres at this time of year, but we’d also recommend opting for a 4WD to make your journey more comfortable. Highland roads are closed at this time of year, but there’s plenty of scope for exploring the coastal areas. Also, keep an eye on weather conditions through the Icelandic Met Office’s website as well as local monitoring services. We provide these as standard on all our Iceland self drives, plus you’ll have access to our 24/7 emergency support.

Should you prefer to leave the driving to professionals, expertly-led winter tours are a great option. Ranging from four to seven nights, you can extend your stay longer by bolting on a few nights in Iceland’s vibrant capital, Reykjavik.

A stand-alone city break is a good option for mid-winter too. Reykjavik’s cultural sights offer plenty to do even with short daylight hours.

Christmas is done slightly differently in Iceland. It’s a time to embrace the traditions of the Yule lads – mischievous folklore characters designed to cultivate good behaviour in children. Their somewhat sinister origins, as the 13 sons of the meanest ogres in Iceland, have softened over the years. Now they are more likely to leave small gifts in shoes placed on windowsills in the lead-up to Christmas.

For New year’s eve, Reykjavik is the place to be. The skies light up as residents unleash 500 tons of fireworks in a blaze of colour and sound. It’s not an official, carefully choreographed display. It’s simply a spontaneous citywide, joyful lightshow.

Feeling inspired?

If you’d like to visit Iceland in winter, browse our wide collection of itineraries or get in touch with our specialists for suggestions on when is best and put together a tailor made trip. Call on 01737 214 250 or send an enquiry.