13-12-2023
With crisp, cold weather, an amazing chance to see the Northern Lights and a whole range of incredible winter sports activities you can enjoy, Iceland in February is a true winter wonderland! The winter season is the best time to explore this icy island covered in a beautiful blanket of snow.
Thinking of traveling to Iceland in February but want to learn more? Our complete guide to visiting Iceland in February will help you discover what weather to expect, the top things to do and our best travel tips for visiting Iceland in February.
If you’re wondering whether to visit Iceland in February, you might be curious about some of the pros and cons of choosing February as your month to visit the Land of Ice and Fire. Here are some of the most important pros and cons for traveling to Iceland in February:
Perhaps the best thing about visiting Iceland in February is that you’re almost guaranteed to see the amazing Northern Lights during this winter month. A Northern Lights Iceland February tour is a must-do activity during your vacation for sure, with visitors almost guaranteed to spot these amazing aurorae during their Iceland February trip.
February is also the perfect time to enjoy some fun winter activities in Iceland, such as snowboarding, skiing, snowshoeing or snowmobiling. You can also explore Iceland’s wonderful ice caves during February and even take a glacier hike if you fancy!
You can enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Iceland without the crowds when you visit Iceland in February, as this off-peak month is much quieter than the busy summer season.
As well as fewer tourists, you’ll also be able to enjoy the lower prices that go along with this off-peak season – yay!
Daylight hours in Iceland in February are quite limited, with days lasting for 7 hours at the start of the month. The good news is that daylight hours change rapidly throughout February, with days extending to almost 10 hours at the end of the month.
You’ll have to wrap up warm because the weather can definitely be chilly in Iceland during February. As long as you have some good-quality layers, you’ll survive the cold!
Some roads can be closed in Iceland during February due to harsh weather conditions, which means it can be difficult to see everything you want to see.
During February in Iceland, you won’t be able to see most of the Icelandic wildlife, including whales and puffins, as these migratory animals return to the island in the spring.
Iceland’s weather in February is changeable, as it is throughout the year on this subarctic island. You can expect anything from cold spells, rain showers, snowfall, strong winds and even sunny days during February in Iceland.
If you’re wondering about the temperature in Iceland in February, the average temperatures across the island remain between -3ºC and 3ºC (26ºF to 34ºF) throughout the month. You can expect an average temperature of around 0ºC.
So, what are the best things you can see and do during your time in Iceland during February? Take a look through this list for some travel inspiration!
Watch the incredible Northern Lights, either on a self-guided trip or a guided Iceland Northern Lights tour;
Enjoy the magical illuminations at the free Winter Lights Festival in Reykjavík;
Take a tour of the famous Golden Circle in Iceland;
Walk through Iceland’s incredible ice caves;
Go skiing or snowboarding;
Visit a volcano;
Explore Iceland’s beautiful National Parks, including Thingvellir National Park;
Warm up by bathing in Iceland’s natural hot springs;
Be awed by Iceland’s black sand beaches, such as those near Vik;
Take an epic snowmobile tour;
Visit some of Iceland’s traditional fishing villages and towns;
Soak in Icelandic history and culture by exploring churches across Iceland, including the epic Hallgrimskirkja in the capital;
Go horseback riding on the famous and unique Icelandic Horses;
Watch Iceland’s incredible cascading waterfalls, including Svartifoss and Gullfoss;
Hike a glacier or go ice climbing;
Learn about Icelandic history in the island’s museums, including the fascinating museums in Reykjavik, such as the Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft;
Take a culinary tour of Reykjavík, including heading to famous spots, such as Hlemmur Matholl Food Hall.
Renting a car in Iceland is by far the best way to explore the incredible landscapes, natural wonders and cultural highlights across the country. So, if you’re planning on driving in February in Iceland, let’s run through some of the most important points you need to know to enjoy a wonderful road trip across this beautiful island.
The first important thing to note is that some roads can be closed in Iceland during winter due to harsh weather conditions, meaning not every area of Iceland is accessible during February. In particular, the interior area of the Icelandic Highlands is impossible to access at this time of year.
You’ll also need snow tires for safe driving in February in Iceland, and certain roads also require 4x4 vehicles. We recommend chatting with your rental agent to make sure you have all the proper equipment and accessories you’ll need for a safe, comfortable and enjoyable February road trip in Iceland.
The winter season in Iceland is definitely too cold to go camping in the traditional sense of the word, i.e. pitching up your tent and braving the elements. However, if you’d like to go camping in February in Iceland, you can enjoy the camping experience in comfort by renting a campervan in Iceland.
This way, you can drive across the magical island that is Iceland, taking your home with you as you go. You’ll have the ultimate freedom to travel to wherever your heart desires and make as many stops as you like, following your own ideal Iceland itinerary.
Wondering what to pack to make sure you’re comfortable during your Iceland February vacation? Here’s our list of essential clothes for Iceland in February to help you out:
Waterproof and windproof winter parka – For sure, you’ll need a warm winter coat to protect you from the winter chill and famous Icelandic winds when visiting Iceland in February. We recommend bringing a padded waterproof and windproof winter parka for maximum comfort.
Waterproof hiking shoes – If you’re planning to go out and about exploring Iceland’s unique geological wonders during your vacation, you’ll definitely need some sturdy hiking shoes. It’s better if these are waterproof, as it’s likely you’ll experience at least one occurrence of rainfall during your visit to Iceland in February.
Hat, gloves and scarf – These are a must to protect your head, neck and hands from the cold. The best hats are those that also cover your ears.
Thermal layers – Layering is the best solution for dressing well in Iceland. By layering clothes, you’ll make sure to keep the heat in and also give yourself the option to add or remove layers depending on how you’re feeling and what the weather is doing. Thermals are the ideal base layer for keeping warm during winter in Iceland.
Sweaters – You’ll also need to remember to pack some sweaters to stay warm and cozy when out and about exploring the magical landscapes of Iceland in February.
Warm pajamas and fluffy socks – There’s no better feeling than coming home after a day out in the cold and getting all snuggly in your pajamas. During February in Iceland, you’ll definitely need warm pajamas to keep you toasty at night. We also recommend packing some fluffy socks to keep your feet warm during the chilly evenings.
Flip flops, bathing suit and a quick-dry towel – These might not seem like relevant items to pack for your Iceland February vacation, but hear us out! When you visit one of Iceland’s famous geothermal lagoons, you’ll be very thankful that you packed these items, so you can enjoy a luxurious soak in the mineral-rich waters of Iceland’s natural pools.
When going to Iceland in February, there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure your trip is the best possible experience! Here are our top travel tips for visiting Iceland in February:
Check the Northern Lights forecast – If you’re planning to take either a guided or self-guided Northern Lights Iceland February tour, we recommend checking the Iceland Northern Lights forecast to see what the likelihood is of spotting the amazing aurorae on that particular day.
Look up the road conditions before setting out – It’s a good idea to check your route before setting out to make sure that all the roads you need to take are clear and open. You can check out up-to-date road conditions in Iceland here.
Schedule your activities to make sure you can fit everything in – We recommend planning and scheduling your activities during your Iceland vacation to make sure you can fit all your must-see attractions into your vacation itinerary, especially with the limited daylight hours in February.
Book everything in advance – Although February is not peak travel season in Iceland, this incredible country is becoming increasingly popular with tourists from all around the world due to its unique and spectacular landscapes and fascinating cultural history. With this in mind, we recommend booking your accommodation, rental vehicle and any tours you’d like to join ahead of time to avoid disappointment.
With so many activities to choose from and incredible winter landscapes to explore, Iceland in February is truly an unbeatable cold-weather destination for your winter vacation. Let’s get started planning your ideal Iceland vacation, including booking your car in Iceland and finding a lovely place to stay, so you can look forward to the adventure of a lifetime!