Visiting Iceland in February: Everything to Know!
Are you considering a winter trip to Iceland and wondering if February is a good time to visit?
When my husband told me he wanted to start the New Year by chasing the Northern Lights, I immediately started researching and read that Iceland in February was a great time to hunt the Aurora!
However, we were very nervous about the cold temperatures, driving on icy roads, and the winter weather limiting our activities.
But I’m happy to report that visiting Iceland in February is totally magical and worth doing! Our 5 day trip consisted of frozen waterfalls, steamy hot springs, snow-covered landscapes, and Aurora-filled nights. If this sounds like an ideal vacation to you, keep reading!
In this post, I’ll share everything you need to know about visiting Iceland in February, including expectations on weather, activities, driving conditions, and more! I’ve also included my perfect 5 day Iceland winter itinerary you can steal for your own February trip!
Iceland Trip Planning at a Glance
Don’t have a lot of time? Here’s a quick mini guide to Iceland to help plan your epic adventure!
Where to Stay:
– Hotel Von (Budget/Moderate)
– Canopy by Hilton (Moderate)
– Tower Suites Reykjavik (Luxury)
– Igloo Hotel (ICONIC!!)
Places to Eat & Drink:
– Messinn for seafood
– Fjallkonan for cocktails
– Kol for a gourmet meal
– Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur for the famous Icelandic hot dogs!
Things to Do:
– Chase the Northern Lights
– Visit the South Coast waterfalls
– Drive the Golden Circle
– Hike to an ice cave
– Go on a food tour in Reykjavik
Weather in Iceland in February
Your main question for visiting Iceland in February is probably… what’s the weather like?
As Floridians, this was our top concern before our trip!! Would we freeze our butts off? Would we even be able to do the bucket list activities we wanted to do?
I read that Iceland’s weather can be harsh and unpredictable, and they weren’t wrong! Iceland in February is firmly in the grip of winter, which means cold temperatures and a high chance of snow.
Average Temperatures
As you can see in the table below, February is slightly warmer than January but colder than the spring and summer months, where averages range from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F).
In general, it’s never really “warm” in Iceland, especially by my Florida standards.
|
Month |
Average High |
Average Low |
|---|---|---|
|
January |
35.6°F (2°C) |
26.6°F (-3°C) |
|
February |
37.4°F (3°C) |
28.4°F (-2°C) |
|
March |
37.4°F (3°C) |
28.4°F (-2°C) |
|
April |
42.8°F (6°C) |
32.0°F (0°C) |
|
May |
48.2°F (9°C) |
37.4°F (3°C) |
|
June |
53.6°F (12°C) |
44.6°F (7°C) |
|
July |
57.2°F (14°C) |
48.2°F (9°C) |
|
August |
55.4°F (13°C) |
46.4°F (8°C) |
|
September |
50.0°F (10°C) |
41.0°F (5°C) |
|
October |
44.6°F (7°C) |
35.6°F (2°C) |
|
November |
39.2°F (4°C) |
30.2°F (-1°C) |
|
December |
35.6°F (2°C) |
26.6°F (-3°C) |
Average daily temperatures in February range from 30°F to 39°F. While this may not sound that intimidating, it’s the wind you need to worry about.
On our trip, the wind chill made it feel so much colder than it was! We’ve been in -5°F before in other places, but the 30°F in Iceland with 20 MPH winds felt way worse.
But while winter in Iceland might sound harsh, I promise the temps are manageable with the right gear (more on that later). And although snowstorms are possible, February often sees stretches of clear, crisp days perfect for sightseeing.
When we visited, we were fortunate to avoid any major snow storms (except one day) which made it easier to explore and enjoy the stunning scenery around the South Coast!
Daylight in February
Aside from the temperatures, another important weather-related consideration when visiting Iceland in February is the daylight hours.
Daylight hours in Iceland vary dramatically throughout the year, and February is no exception. At the beginning of the month, Iceland averages around 7 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 10 AM and sunset at 5 PM.
However, by the end of February, the total daylight stretches to about 10 hours, with sunrise closer to 8:30 AM and sunset near 6:30 PM. That’s a huge difference!
We personally visited at the beginning of February, but we honestly didn’t mind the shorter days! We still had plenty of time for exploring and only had to drive in darkness one day.
However, this would not be the case if you were to visit Iceland in the heart of winter. For example, December and January only see around 4-6 hours of daylight.
Compared to the endless daylight of summer (May through July, when the sun barely sets), February offers a balanced experience of golden daylight hours and long nights perfect for Northern Lights hunting.
One of my favorite parts about visiting Iceland in February was how the sky was a dreamy hue of golden or soft blue all day that was beautiful for photography!
❄️ Now that you know what February in Iceland actually looks like, make sure the full trip is planned too. International flights, travel insurance for adventure activities, money abroad, phone plans — my Passport to Confidence guide is a $7 step-by-step planning roadmap covering every decision before you go. Download it instantly!
Top Activities to Enjoy in Iceland in February
Iceland is full of heart-pumping adventures and otherworldly landscapes around the island. Most people who visit Iceland in the summer drive the entire Ring Road around the island and have tons of activities to choose from!
While you technically can drive the Ring Road during winter, most tourists don’t thanks to the chances of road closures and extreme winter weather that can make driving dangerous (more on this later!).
However, there are plenty of activities to choose from when visiting Iceland in winter, which I will cover below!
Explore Reykjavik
Unfortunately, most people visiting Iceland don’t spend much time in the capital city of Reykjavik and jump right into exploring the rest of the country.
This is a huge mistake! Reykjavik is a vibrant city with plenty to offer, even in the chill of winter! For our trip to Iceland in February, we actually stayed in Reykjavik for most of the trip, so we had plenty of time to explore the city.
One of our favorite activities we did in town was the Reykjavik Food Walk. This tour is the #1 rated food tour in Iceland, and it did NOT disappoint!
While the walk itself was a bit cold, the majority of the tour takes place inside cozy restaurants, sampling delicious Icelandic dishes like warm stew and seafood, as well as some more unique items like fermented shark and hot dogs!
We loved learning more about Icelandic food and culture from the local guide leading the tour! It was one of the highlights of our trip, and I highly recommend adding it to your itinerary.
Important Note: The Reykjavik Food Walk often sells out. Make sure to book tickets in advance to secure your spot! 🎫
Soak in the Sky Lagoon
The Sky Lagoon is an absolute must-visit in Reykjavik, especially in winter! While most people visit the famous Blue Lagoon, we loved the vibes at the adults-only Sky Lagoon and its famous seven step ritual. Plus, it’s much closer to downtown Reykjavik!
Although the Sky Lagoon is located right on the water and the air outside was frigid in February, the lagoon water is heated to a toasty 38 to 40ºC (100 to 104ºF) and will keep you plenty warm enough!
The only really cold moments were when moving between the heated pool and the ice plunge or transitioning from the ice plunge to the saunas.
But trust me, it’s all part of the experience and totally worth it! When we visited, the rocks around the lagoon were covered in snow and steam was rising off the water, creating a mystical vibe that felt like stepping straight into an episode of Game of Thrones.
And lastly, visiting the Sky Lagoon in February means fewer crowds than the busy summer months, so you can enjoy this serene spot in peace!
Make sure to book your tickets for the Sky Lagoon in advance as you will need to select a specific time slot for entry! ❄️
Drive the Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is a classic day trip from Reykjavik, and luckily, it’s still accessible in the wintertime! The main three stops along the Golden Circle route are Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall.
The snow-covered landscapes added a magical element to these iconic sites, so they looked totally different than most of the photos we saw online before the trip!
You can conquer the Golden Circle on your own with a rental car or by joining one of the many guided Golden Circle tours leaving from Reykjavik!
Feel free to read more about which is the right choice for you in my Golden Circle Winter Guide here!
Either way, visiting the Golden Circle typically takes between 6-10 hours depending on how long you spend at each stop. So, when visiting in February, you may spend a portion of the driving in the dark.
This didn’t cause any issues for us, as the weather was clear and the roads were well-maintained.
Hike To An Ice Cave
One of our favorite things we did on our trip to Iceland was hiking to the Katla Ice Cave.
Located near the town of Vik (about 2.5 hours away from Reykjavik), this stunning natural wonder lies on top of the Katla volcano within the Mýrdalsjökull glacier.
On a Katla Ice Cave tour, you’ll depart from Vik in a “Super Jeep” and do some off-roading along the glacier to get closer to the ice cave. From there, it’s a quick 30-minute hike to the entrance to the cave.
When we visiting in February, it happened to be snowing pretty heavily, which made the experience even more surreal! After seeing videos from a friend on a sunny day, I’m actually glad it was snowing when we visited.
Hiking through the snow to an ice cave had us feeling like we were North of the Wall in Game of Thrones. In fact, portions of GoT were filmed in Iceland for this exact reason!!
The ice cave itself was one of the most beautiful things we’ve ever seen, with shimmering ice formations and layers of ash from past volcanic eruptions embedded in the walls. This combination of vibrant blue ice and black ash gives the Katla Ice Cave its unique, otherworldly appearance!
Read more about our tour experience in my complete guide on the Katla Ice Cave here! ☃️
The Katla Ice Cave can be visited year round, which is rare! Most other ice caves in Iceland can only be visited during the wintertime, typically from November through March, depending on the weather. So, if you’re visiting in February, you have some options!
The Crystal Ice Caves in Vatnajökull National Park are perhaps the most famous, with luminous blue ice chambers attracting photographers and adventurers alike. These caves form naturally each year, and their shapes and colors vary, making each visit a unique experience.
Whether you choose the Katla Ice Cave for its accessibility or explore other seasonal options, visiting an ice cave is one of the top things to do in Iceland during a February trip!
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Chasing the Northern Lights
Last but certainly not least, chasing the Northern Lights is the top activity you HAVE to experience on a trip to Iceland in February.
We specifically chose to visit Iceland in February due to the increased chances of seeing the Northern Lights!
The shorter February days mean longer nights, and longer nights mean more chances to see the Lights! In fact, our best viewing of the Lights was actually at 7am, when it was still completely dark outside!
Aside from long nights, you’ll also want clear skies with minimal cloud coverage. Visiting during a new moon instead of a full moon will also help your chances, when the sky is especially dark.
For the best viewing, head away from city lights to areas with minimal light pollution, such as Thingvellir National Park or remote spots on the South Coast.
We decided to go on a Northern Lights tour instead of trying to chase the Lights ourselves, which I highly recommend! The guides know exactly where to find the best conditions, and you won’t have to worry about driving in icy weather in the dark.
You can read more about the different Northern Lights tours here, where I compare different options and provide even more tips for seeing and capturing the Lights!
Or, check out my top-rated pick below!! This is the tour we personally went on that I highly recommend for the best experience!
Northern Lights Super Jeep Tour with Arctic Adventures
- Price: Starting at $195 per person
- Duration: 4 hours
- Rating: 4.2/5 stars ⭐
- Includes: Hot chocolate, blankets, photos, and more!
Driving in Iceland in February
One of our top decisions we made before visiting Iceland in February was whether or not we should rent a car. While there are pros and cons to renting a car in winter, at the end of the day, it is a personal choice you’ll have to make yourself!
We decided to rent a car during our trip to Iceland primarily because we wanted to have the flexibility to explore on our own (and we have winter driving experience, which really helped).
In addition, we got a great deal on our rental car through DiscoverCars.com, so it was cheaper for us to rent a car rather than pay for tours from Reykjavik for all the activities we wanted to do, like visiting the Katla Ice Cave, drive the Golden Circle, and see the South coast waterfalls.
Book your Iceland rental car in advance for the best pricing through DiscoverCars.com!!
In general, February roads can range from dry and clear to icy and snow-covered, often changing in a matter of minutes.
During our drive from Reykjavik to Vik, we encountered some bad weather, with high winds and snow blowing sideways. Luckily, we made it through, but we heard about a lot of accidents further north where the weather was even worse!
Iceland’s unpredictable weather means you’ll need to stay flexible and check road conditions regularly (the Safe.Is website is a lifesaver for this).
Tips for Safe Winter Driving
If you’ve never driven in winter weather before, I personally recommend skipping the rental car and sticking to guided tours while in Iceland.
However, here are some driving tips to consider if you do decide to rent a car in Iceland during the winter!
- Rent a 4×4 Vehicle: Many rental cars in Iceland come equipped with winter tires, but a 4×4 is highly recommended for navigating icy or snow-covered roads.
- Check the Forecast Regularly: Iceland’s weather can change quickly, so keep an eye on both the weather forecast and road conditions.
- Stick to Daylight Hours: With limited daylight in February, plan your driving during daylight as much as possible to avoid icy roads and poor visibility at night.
- Be Mindful of the Wind: The Iceland wind is no joke. I’ve seen videos of car doors blowing off due to strong gusts!
- Take It Slow and Steady: The best thing you can do in winter weather is go slow (or even pull over if it gets too bad).
P.S. Read more about our experience renting a car in Iceland in my blog post: Should You Rent a Car in Iceland in Winter? 🚗
What to Pack for Iceland in February
As a Florida girl, packing for a trip to Iceland in February had me stressed. Luckily, there were a few winter essentials that kept me nice and warm throughout our whole trip!
First, the most important packing tip I can give is to dress in layers. You’ll want to start with thermal base layers, ideally made out of wool, but synthetic blends will work too!
On top of your base layer, you’ll want warm, insulating mid-layers that can vary depending on how cold it is. For me, I wore at least one long sleeve shirt or sweater on top of my base layer, plus a thicker fleece jacket like this one.
For bottoms, you may want a pair of fleece-lined leggings or sweatpants (or both) depending on how cold it is as a mid-layer. These fleece-lined leggings are so thick and warm!!
Lastly, you’ll need a waterproof and wind-proof outer layer on both top and bottom. This is crucial for the intense winds that can make cold weather feel unbearable. Most people opt for a ski jacket and ski pants!
Besides these clothing layers, the most important thing I packed was my warm winter accessories like beanies, neck gaiters, fleece-lined waterproof gloves, and thick, wool socks!
You’ll also want water and snow-proof boots that will keep your feet nice and warm. I am obsessed with my SOREL winter boots! They’re pricey but 1000% worth ut!
Don’t forget a swimsuit for geothermal lagoons like the Sky Lagoon!
Read more about what to pack and how to stay warm in my Iceland Winter Packing List Guide! 🧣
Iceland February Itinerary Example
As promised, here’s a quick overview of how I recommend spending your time during a trip to Iceland in February! This was our exact itinerary, and we had a blast!
- Day 1: Arrival, relax at the Sky Lagoon and enjoy a delicious food tour around Reykjavik
- Day 2: Spend the day exploring the city and chase the Northern Lights at night
- Day 3: Visit Þingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gullfoss waterfall along the Golden Circle
- Day 4: Explore the Katla Ice Cave, visit the famous black sand beach, Reynisfjara, and then stay overnight at an Igloo hotel
- Day 5: See the two famous South Coast waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, before flying home
I hope I’ve convinced you why you should visit Iceland in February! For more details on the above itinerary, make sure to check out my detailed 5 Day Iceland Winter Itinerary!
And if you’re looking for more bucket list activities to tackle, head over to my guide on 13 things to do in Iceland in winter!
Read More Iceland Blog Posts Below! ⬇️🇮🇸❄️
Visiting Iceland In February: Everything To Know!
13 Incredible Things to Do in Iceland in the Winter!
Ultimate 5 Day Iceland Winter Itinerary
Renting A Car In Iceland In Winter: Is It Worth It?
The Only Iceland Winter Packing List You Need!
How To Spend One Epic Day In Reykjavik
A Guide To Exploring Iceland’s Golden Circle In Winter
Is an Iceland Northern Lights Tour Worth It? Things to Know!
The Most Magical Stay at an Iceland Igloo Hotel!
An Epic Glacier Hike To The Katla Ice Cave In Iceland
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